Co-Laboring with God: Embracing Our Divine Partnership
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of being "Laborers Together with God." This partnership with God is not just a spiritual duty but a divine privilege that comes with promises of reward and fulfillment. As co-laborers, we are called to witness, make disciples, and preach the gospel, not from our own perspectives but from the truth of Christ. This calling extends beyond traditional methods; it involves living out the gospel in our daily interactions, sowing seeds of faith wherever we go.
Our labor is not in vain, for God promises to reward those who diligently seek Him. This assurance should inspire us to engage in spiritual warfare, understanding that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. We are equipped with the armor of God, which includes prayer and the Word, to stand firm against these forces.
Moreover, our partnership with God involves financing the kingdom's work. Our giving should be generous and cheerful, reflecting our commitment to advancing God's kingdom. This act of giving is not just a financial transaction but a spiritual investment that God promises to multiply.
Finally, as we labor with God, we are reminded of the urgency to hasten the coming of Christ by spreading the gospel to all nations. Our efforts in witnessing, giving, and living out our faith contribute to this divine mission. As we do so, we are assured of God's provision, protection, and presence in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Partnership with God: Being a co-laborer with God means actively participating in His work on earth. This involves witnessing, making disciples, and preaching the gospel, not from our own opinions but from the truth of Christ. Our labor is not in vain, as God promises to reward those who diligently seek Him. [30:55]
- Spiritual Warfare: Engaging in spiritual warfare is essential as we face not just physical challenges but spiritual forces. We are equipped with the armor of God, which includes prayer and the Word, to stand firm against these forces. This spiritual battle requires vigilance and reliance on God's strength. [42:26]
- Generous Giving: Our financial contributions to God's work are a form of partnership with Him. Giving should be done cheerfully and generously, reflecting our commitment to advancing the kingdom. God promises to multiply our giving, providing for our needs and enabling us to support His work. [50:04]
- Urgency of the Gospel: There is an urgency to spread the gospel to all nations, as this is a key aspect of hastening the coming of Christ. Our efforts in witnessing, giving, and living out our faith contribute to this divine mission. We are called to be active participants in God's plan for salvation. [57:55]
- God's Provision and Protection: As we labor with God, we are assured of His provision and protection. He promises to take care of our needs, protect our families, and bless our efforts. This assurance should inspire us to continue working diligently for His kingdom, knowing that He is with us. [01:00:20]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [30:55] - Co-Laborers with God
- [31:45] - The Call to Discipleship
- [36:11] - The Power of Belief
- [41:10] - God Working with Us
- [42:26] - Engaging in Spiritual Warfare
- [43:25] - The Armor of God
- [44:33] - Standing Firm Against Evil
- [46:06] - The Role of Prayer
- [47:20] - Living for Christ
- [48:33] - Christ in Us
- [50:04] - Generosity in Giving
- [54:15] - Abundance for Good Work
- [55:18] - God's Provision
- [57:55] - Hasten the Coming of Christ
- [01:00:20] - God's Care for Our Families
- [01:01:17] - The Reward of Faithfulness
- [01:02:30] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 3:9 - "For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building."
2. Ephesians 6:10-13 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
3. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 - "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "co-laborers with God" according to the sermon? ([30:55])
2. How does the sermon describe the role of spiritual warfare in our lives? ([42:26])
3. What is the significance of generous giving in the context of partnering with God? ([50:04])
4. How does the sermon emphasize the urgency of spreading the gospel? ([57:55])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being "co-laborers with God" change the way one might view their daily activities and interactions? ([30:55])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that spiritual warfare is a part of everyday life, and how should believers prepare for it? ([42:26])
3. What are the implications of cheerful and generous giving as described in the sermon, and how does it reflect one's faith and commitment? ([50:04])
4. How does the sermon connect the urgency of spreading the gospel with the coming of Christ, and what does this mean for believers today? ([57:55])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily interactions. How can you be more intentional about being a "co-laborer with God" in your workplace or community? ([30:55])
2. What steps can you take to better equip yourself with the "armor of God" to face spiritual challenges in your life? ([42:26])
3. Consider your current approach to giving. How can you cultivate a more cheerful and generous heart in your financial contributions to God's work? ([50:04])
4. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. What practical steps can you take this week to share your faith with them? ([57:55])
5. How can you actively participate in hastening the coming of Christ through your actions and decisions? ([57:55])
6. Reflect on a recent challenge or struggle. How did you rely on God's provision and protection during that time, and how can you strengthen that reliance in the future? ([01:00:20])
7. What is one specific way you can support the advancement of God's kingdom this month, either through your time, resources, or talents? ([50:04])
Devotional
Day 1: Co-Laboring with God: A Divine Privilege
As believers, we are invited into a profound partnership with God, where we become co-laborers in His divine mission on earth. This partnership is not merely a duty but a privilege that allows us to witness, make disciples, and preach the gospel from the truth of Christ. Our role extends beyond traditional methods, calling us to live out the gospel in our daily interactions and sow seeds of faith wherever we go. This divine collaboration assures us that our labor is not in vain, as God promises to reward those who diligently seek Him. [30:55]
"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." (1 Corinthians 3:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in God's work today, beyond traditional methods, to sow seeds of faith in your daily interactions?
Day 2: Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare
Engaging in spiritual warfare is an essential aspect of our Christian journey, as we face not just physical challenges but spiritual forces. We are equipped with the armor of God, which includes prayer and the Word, to stand firm against these forces. This spiritual battle requires vigilance and reliance on God's strength, reminding us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. As we engage in this battle, we are called to be vigilant and rely on God's strength to overcome. [42:26]
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your life requires you to put on the armor of God today, and how can you rely on His strength to stand firm?
Day 3: Generosity as a Spiritual Investment
Our financial contributions to God's work are a form of partnership with Him, reflecting our commitment to advancing His kingdom. Giving should be done cheerfully and generously, as it is not just a financial transaction but a spiritual investment that God promises to multiply. This act of giving is a reflection of our faith and trust in God's provision, enabling us to support His work and further His kingdom. As we give, we are reminded of the joy and fulfillment that comes from being a part of God's divine mission. [50:04]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you practice cheerful and generous giving today, viewing it as a spiritual investment in God's kingdom?
Day 4: The Urgency of Spreading the Gospel
There is an urgency to spread the gospel to all nations, as this is a key aspect of hastening the coming of Christ. Our efforts in witnessing, giving, and living out our faith contribute to this divine mission. We are called to be active participants in God's plan for salvation, understanding the importance of sharing the gospel with those around us. This urgency should inspire us to live out our faith boldly and intentionally, knowing that our efforts are part of a greater divine mission. [57:55]
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel today, and how can you intentionally share it with them in a way that reflects the urgency of this mission?
Day 5: Assurance of God's Provision and Protection
As we labor with God, we are assured of His provision and protection. He promises to take care of our needs, protect our families, and bless our efforts. This assurance should inspire us to continue working diligently for His kingdom, knowing that He is with us. As we trust in God's provision and protection, we can confidently pursue His divine mission, knowing that He will provide for our needs and guide us every step of the way. [01:00:20]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust in God's provision and protection today, and how can this assurance inspire you to continue working diligently for His kingdom?
Quotes
1. "Our God will pay us. So we must know that we are not liberating vain. Every laborer that we are liberating in his vain year will be rewarded. Hallelujah. So I pray that your labor will be profiting to you in the name of Jesus." [30:55] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We must be committed to preaching the gospel amen not preaching our own opinion not our own view not what we think not how we feel but the gospel praise the lord because when it comes to opinion we all can have opinions if there is something that needs to be done each of us may have our own way of thinking and we need to be committed to preaching the gospel." [33:00] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He says he who believes and is baptized will be saved. But he who does not believe will be condemned. Tell somebody I thank God I am not condemned because I have believed. Praise the Lord. I believe God's word so I am not condemned. I am saved because I have believed the gospel." [36:11] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So God has not called us to do something and he's standing there just watching and supervising. But he's working with us. He's not a CEO who's just sitting somewhere and just expecting the work to be done. But himself is on the floor working with us. Praise the Lord." [41:10] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "As you labor for the Lord, you cannot labor being vulnerable. You must put on the whole armor of God. Because your enemy will not stand by just looking and watching and allowing you to just come and defeat. No, it's not going to work like that. And so, your protection is in the armor of God." [43:25] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So we are living for Christ. For me to live is Christ. And to die is gain. So you need to die to self and live Christ. If you die to self and live Christ, you know, you always find yourself at the place of winning against the enemy. The enemy will not prevail against you in the name of Jesus." [47:51] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Our giving is part of our partnering with God to advance his kingdom amen our giving is what part of our partnering with God because when it comes to even a secular job you can be part of a business without necessarily physically working but by investing in it and as you invest in it the business progress you also benefit from the profit that come from it." [50:04] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "May he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food. Amen. So if you are able to get anything, it is God's provision. No matter how it came to you, it is by God's provision. Amen. You may think that, oh, I went to work and I received my paycheck. It is God's provision." [55:18] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "So the gospel must reach every corner. So that is why we need to share the gospel. That is why we have to give to advance the kingdom. Amen. Through our tithes. Through our seed sowing. Through our offerings. Through even our time. Giving up our time. These are some of the ways we partner with God." [57:55] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Because you are liberating for the Lord, God will make sure that you are always strong and healthy. God will also make sure that you have the provision that you need. God will make sure that your children are taken care of. Because it's not everywhere your children go that you follow them." [01:00:20] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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