Co-Laboring with God: Active Faith in Action

Summary

### Summary

In today's message, we explored the importance of actively participating in God's work rather than passively waiting for Him to act. We are called to "get on the wall" and co-labor with the Lord. This concept is illustrated through the announcement of Jesus' birth, where God chose to use an angel to deliver the message instead of doing it Himself. This shows that God prefers to work in partnership with us, even though He is fully capable of accomplishing His will alone. The call to action is clear: we must rise up and engage in prayer and service. Last night, when the news broke that former President Trump had been shot, many of us immediately took to prayer, both in the church and in our homes. This is a powerful example of being on the wall, ready to intercede and act in alignment with God's purposes.

### Key Takeaways

1. Active Participation in God's Work: We are not called to be passive observers in our faith journey. God invites us to actively participate in His work, to "get on the wall" and co-labor with Him. This means being vigilant and ready to act in prayer and service whenever the need arises. [00:44]

2. God's Choice to Co-labor with Us: The announcement of Jesus' birth through an angel rather than directly by God Himself illustrates His desire to work in partnership with us. This divine choice underscores the value and importance God places on our involvement in His plans. [00:44]

3. The Power of Collective Prayer: When we come together in prayer, especially in times of crisis, we align ourselves with God's will and become instruments of His peace and intervention. The immediate response to pray for former President Trump is a testament to the power of collective prayer. [00:44]

4. Being Prepared and Vigilant: Just as the people were ready to pray as soon as the news broke, we must always be prepared and vigilant. Our readiness to act in faith and prayer can make a significant difference in the spiritual and physical realms. [00:44]

5. Encouragement to Rise Up: The call to "get on the wall" is a call to rise up and take our place in God's plan. It is an encouragement to be proactive in our faith, to seek opportunities to serve, and to be a part of the divine narrative that God is writing through our lives. [00:44]

### Youtube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[00:44] - Get on the Wall: Co-laboring with God

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 4:6 - "So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart."
2. Luke 2:8-14 - The announcement of Jesus' birth by the angel to the shepherds.
3. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 - "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Nehemiah 4:6 reveal about the attitude and effort of the people in rebuilding the wall?
2. How did God choose to announce the birth of Jesus according to Luke 2:8-14, and what does this signify about His method of communication?
3. According to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, what types of prayers are we encouraged to offer, and for whom should we pray?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to use an angel to announce Jesus' birth instead of doing it Himself? How does this reflect His desire to co-labor with us? [00:44]
2. In what ways does the immediate response to pray for former President Trump illustrate the power of collective prayer? [00:44]
3. How does the concept of "getting on the wall" relate to being prepared and vigilant in our faith journey? [00:44]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to actively participate in God's work. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you be more proactive in the future?
2. How can you incorporate the practice of collective prayer in your daily life, especially in times of crisis? What steps can you take to gather others for prayer when urgent needs arise?
3. Think about a specific area in your life where you can "get on the wall" and co-labor with God. What practical actions can you take this week to engage in prayer and service in that area?
4. How can you stay vigilant and prepared to act in faith and prayer? Identify one habit or routine you can establish to ensure you are always ready to respond to God's call.
5. The sermon encourages us to rise up and take our place in God's plan. What is one specific way you can seek opportunities to serve in your community or church this month?
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to actively participate in God's work? Share one strategy or idea that has worked for you in the past.
7. Reflect on the importance of interceding for leaders and those in authority as mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:1-2. How can you make this a regular part of your prayer life, and what impact do you believe it can have?

Devotional

### Day 1: Active Participation in God's Work
We are not called to be passive observers in our faith journey. God invites us to actively participate in His work, to "get on the wall" and co-labor with Him. This means being vigilant and ready to act in prayer and service whenever the need arises. The call to action is clear: we must rise up and engage in prayer and service. This active participation is not just about doing good deeds but about aligning ourselves with God's purposes and being ready to respond to His call at any moment. When we actively participate, we become instruments of His will, bringing His love and grace into the world.

[00:44]

Bible Passage:
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a specific area in your life where you can actively participate in God's work. How can you take a step today to be more engaged in prayer or service?

### Day 2: God's Choice to Co-labor with Us
The announcement of Jesus' birth through an angel rather than directly by God Himself illustrates His desire to work in partnership with us. This divine choice underscores the value and importance God places on our involvement in His plans. God could accomplish His will alone, but He chooses to include us, giving us the privilege and responsibility to be part of His divine narrative. This partnership is a testament to His love and trust in us, and it calls us to rise to the occasion, knowing that our contributions are significant in His eyes.

[00:44]

Bible Passage:
"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." (1 Corinthians 3:9, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on a time when you felt God was inviting you to co-labor with Him. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to apply today?

### Day 3: The Power of Collective Prayer
When we come together in prayer, especially in times of crisis, we align ourselves with God's will and become instruments of His peace and intervention. The immediate response to pray for former President Trump is a testament to the power of collective prayer. This unity in prayer not only brings us closer to God but also to each other, creating a strong community of faith that can stand firm in the face of challenges. Collective prayer is a powerful tool that God uses to bring about His purposes on earth, and it reminds us that we are never alone in our spiritual journey.

[00:44]

Bible Passage:
"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a current situation or crisis that needs prayer. How can you join with others in your community to pray collectively for God's intervention?

### Day 4: Being Prepared and Vigilant
Just as the people were ready to pray as soon as the news broke, we must always be prepared and vigilant. Our readiness to act in faith and prayer can make a significant difference in the spiritual and physical realms. Being prepared means having a heart and mind attuned to God's voice, ready to respond at a moment's notice. It involves a daily commitment to spiritual disciplines that keep us alert and sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. Vigilance in our faith journey ensures that we are always in a position to be used by God for His purposes.

[00:44]

Bible Passage:
"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13, ESV)

Reflection:
Consider your current spiritual practices. Are there areas where you need to be more vigilant and prepared? What steps can you take today to enhance your readiness to act in faith?

### Day 5: Encouragement to Rise Up
The call to "get on the wall" is a call to rise up and take our place in God's plan. It is an encouragement to be proactive in our faith, to seek opportunities to serve, and to be a part of the divine narrative that God is writing through our lives. Rising up means stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the roles God has for us, no matter how challenging they may seem. It is a call to trust in His strength and guidance, knowing that He equips those He calls. By rising up, we become active participants in the unfolding of God's kingdom on earth.

[00:44]

Bible Passage:
"And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, 'Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.'" (Nehemiah 4:14, ESV)

Reflection:
Identify a specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to rise up. What steps can you take today to respond to this call and actively participate in His plan?

Quotes

### Quotes for outreach

1. "See, we cannot sit idly by and just say, oh, Jesus has got this. No, saints, it's time to rise up and get on the wall. Get on the wall and to co-labor with the Lord. Amen." [00:44] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When the announcement of the birth of Jesus came about, God could have made that announcement about his son himself. But what did he do? He engaged an angel to tell the story. He's engaging the body of truth to tell the story. See, he doesn't work alone. He chooses to co-labor and cooperate with us. He doesn't have to, but he does." [00:44] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1. "Last night, thank God, there were people here gathered for prayer. And as soon as the text messages came across our phone that former President Trump had been shot, there were people on the wall in this building. There were people on the wall in their homes. They were praying. And we were able to raise up some prayer last night. Amen." [00:44] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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