Co-Laboring with God: Embracing Our Divine Partnership
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that God invites us into His divine workshop, not as mere spectators but as active participants in His grand masterpiece. Reflecting on my childhood experiences working alongside my father, I realized that God similarly calls us to be His partners, not just His children. This partnership is beautifully illustrated in Romans 8, where we are described as co-heirs with Christ, co-laborers in His mission, and co-sufferers in His redemptive work. This is not a passive relationship where we sit back and watch God work; rather, it is an active engagement where we are called to participate in His purposes.
Romans 8:28 is often quoted to suggest that God works all things for our good, but a deeper understanding reveals that God co-works with us for the good. This means that we are not passive recipients of His blessings but active participants in His plans. Our lives are not random sequences of events but are part of a divine masterpiece crafted by the ultimate artist. Each day is an opportunity to step into God's workshop, to learn, to grow, and to contribute to His cosmic renewal.
We are reminded that our identity as God's children should shape how we approach life. We are called to be like Jesus, who only did what He saw the Father doing. This apprenticeship is about aligning our actions and words with God's purposes. It's about being open to the wonder of what God is doing in and through us, even in the mundane tasks of life. Every act of faithfulness, no matter how small, contributes to God's eternal purposes.
As we embrace this calling, we are encouraged to use the tools God has given us—our spiritual gifts, acts of service, and prayers—to participate in His work. We are invited to celebrate the small masterpieces we create in partnership with Him, knowing that they have eternal significance. This is not just about personal salvation but about being part of God's family, co-laboring with Him to bring about His kingdom on earth.
Key Takeaways:
- Active Participation in God's Work: We are not passive recipients of God's blessings but active participants in His divine plans. God co-works with us, inviting us to engage in His purposes and contribute to His cosmic renewal. This partnership transforms our lives from a series of random events into a divine masterpiece. [06:45]
- Identity as God's Children: Our identity as God's children should shape how we approach life. Like Jesus, we are called to align our actions and words with God's purposes, seeking to do what we see the Father doing. This apprenticeship invites us to be co-heirs, co-sufferers, and co-glorified with Christ. [11:00]
- Embracing the Wonder of God's Workshop: Each day is an opportunity to step into God's workshop and participate in His work. We are encouraged to embrace the wonder of what God is doing in and through us, even in the mundane tasks of life. Every act of faithfulness contributes to God's eternal purposes. [17:03]
- Using Our Spiritual Gifts: God has given us spiritual gifts to use in His service. We are encouraged to use these gifts, along with acts of service and prayer, to participate in His work. By doing so, we contribute to His kingdom and experience the joy of being part of His masterpiece. [23:58]
- Celebrating Small Masterpieces: Every small act of faithfulness is a part of God's divine masterpiece. We are invited to celebrate these small masterpieces, knowing that they have eternal significance. Our lives are not as dull as we think; they are filled with opportunities to participate in God's work. [32:52]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [06:45] - Active Participation in God's Work
- [11:00] - Identity as God's Children
- [17:03] - Embracing the Wonder of God's Workshop
- [20:37] - Building on the Foundation of Christ
- [23:58] - Using Our Spiritual Gifts
- [27:06] - Bring Your Kid to Work Day
- [32:52] - Celebrating Small Masterpieces
- [35:48] - Tools and Training in God's Workshop
- [38:29] - Invitation to Cosmic Renewal
- [40:40] - Acts of Faithfulness as Worship
- [42:12] - Co-Workers in God's Mission
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:16-30
- Ephesians 2:10
- Galatians 4:4-7
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Observation Questions:
1. In Romans 8:28, what does the passage suggest about our role in God's work? How does this differ from a passive understanding of God's actions? [06:45]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between being God's children and being co-heirs with Christ? What implications does this have for our daily lives? [11:00]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept of "co-working" with God? How does this idea challenge traditional views of God's work in the world? [17:03]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of using our spiritual gifts in God's workshop? How does this relate to the idea of creating "small masterpieces"? [23:58]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "co-heirs" and "co-laborers" with Christ reshape our understanding of Christian identity and mission? [11:00]
2. What does it mean to "step into God's workshop" each day, and how can this perspective change our approach to daily tasks and challenges? [17:03]
3. How does the sermon interpret Romans 8:28 in terms of active participation rather than passive reception? What are the implications of this interpretation for our faith journey? [06:45]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our spiritual gifts are tools for participating in God's work? How can recognizing and using these gifts impact our community and personal growth? [23:58]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt like a passive observer in your faith journey. How can you actively engage in God's work in similar situations in the future? [06:45]
2. Consider your identity as a child of God and a co-heir with Christ. How does this identity influence your decisions and actions in your daily life? [11:00]
3. Identify a mundane task you perform regularly. How can you approach this task with a sense of wonder and purpose, as if stepping into God's workshop? [17:03]
4. What spiritual gifts do you believe God has given you? How can you use these gifts more effectively to contribute to God's kingdom and create "small masterpieces"? [23:58]
5. Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How can the idea of being a co-worker with God provide comfort and motivation in such times? [32:52]
6. How can you celebrate the small acts of faithfulness in your life, recognizing their eternal significance? What practical steps can you take to acknowledge and appreciate these moments? [32:52]
7. Reflect on a specific area in your life where you feel God is inviting you to participate more actively. What steps can you take this week to respond to this invitation? [38:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Co-Workers in God's Grand Design
God invites us to be active participants in His divine plans, transforming our lives from a series of random events into a divine masterpiece. This partnership is not passive; it requires us to engage with God's purposes and contribute to His cosmic renewal. As co-workers with God, we are called to step into His workshop each day, learning, growing, and contributing to His grand design. This active participation is a reminder that our lives are intricately woven into God's eternal purposes, and every moment is an opportunity to collaborate with Him. [06:45]
"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." (1 Corinthians 3:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can actively participate in God's work today, rather than being a passive observer?
Day 2: Living as God's Children
Our identity as God's children should shape how we approach life. Like Jesus, who only did what He saw the Father doing, we are called to align our actions and words with God's purposes. This apprenticeship invites us to be co-heirs, co-sufferers, and co-glorified with Christ. By embracing our identity, we can live with intentionality, seeking to reflect God's love and grace in all we do. This identity is not just a title but a calling to live in a way that honors our Father and fulfills His purposes. [11:00]
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (1 John 3:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can you align your actions and words with God's purposes today, reflecting your identity as His child?
Day 3: Embracing the Wonder of God's Workshop
Each day is an opportunity to step into God's workshop and participate in His work. We are encouraged to embrace the wonder of what God is doing in and through us, even in the mundane tasks of life. Every act of faithfulness, no matter how small, contributes to God's eternal purposes. By recognizing the significance of our daily actions, we can find joy and purpose in the ordinary, knowing that God is at work in every aspect of our lives. [17:03]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: What mundane task can you approach with a sense of wonder and purpose today, knowing it contributes to God's eternal work?
Day 4: Utilizing Our Spiritual Gifts
God has given us spiritual gifts to use in His service. We are encouraged to use these gifts, along with acts of service and prayer, to participate in His work. By doing so, we contribute to His kingdom and experience the joy of being part of His masterpiece. Our spiritual gifts are not just for personal edification but are tools to build up the body of Christ and advance His kingdom on earth. [23:58]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What spiritual gift can you use today to serve others and contribute to God's work?
Day 5: Celebrating Small Masterpieces
Every small act of faithfulness is a part of God's divine masterpiece. We are invited to celebrate these small masterpieces, knowing that they have eternal significance. Our lives are not as dull as we think; they are filled with opportunities to participate in God's work. By recognizing and celebrating these moments, we can find joy and fulfillment in our daily walk with God, knowing that each act of faithfulness contributes to His grand design. [32:52]
"Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is dishonest in very little is also dishonest in much." (Luke 16:10, ESV)
Reflection: What small act of faithfulness can you celebrate today, recognizing its eternal significance in God's masterpiece?
Quotes
"And I want to ruin a verse for you. And I, and I struggle with this because it's, it's, it's your favorite verse. And I know it is your favorite verse. I'm going to ruin it a little bit for you. Um, because I just don't, I don't think it's means what you think it means. Um, and so our verse is Romans 8, 28. Does anybody know it? Just say it out loud. Romans 8, 28, not the reference, but like, okay, what is it? Uh, we know that all things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to his purpose, right? Well, we think about what is his purpose." [00:04:14] (35 seconds)
"They'll expand this a little bit more, but there's so many things. He's like, and these words only show up in Romans 8. It's like he's getting to something, like the sons of God are going to be revealed, and they're going to be partners with me, and we're going to do this thing, and the world has been waiting for this. The cosmos has been waiting for the people of God to co-work with God in such a way that it brings about his wise stewardship of the world. They've been waiting. Everybody's waiting. Everybody's waiting. But we can't be the ones who sit back and wait for God to do it. He's waiting for us. You know, there's a book Philip Yancey wrote, Where's God When It Hurts? And I think God is writing a book right now saying, where's the church when it hurts? Didn't I put you there for a reason?" [00:07:47] (42 seconds)
"God sent forth his son, born of a woman under the law, to redeem those who are under the law so that we might receive adoption as sons and daughters. And because you are sons, and we've talked about this, sons elevates you women. Don't worry about, it's not like saying daughters are out of this. It's saying you get treated as heirs, right? You're sons. This is amazing. God has sent the spirit of his son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Father. Oh, amen. You're no longer a slave, but a son. And if a son, then an heir through God. So we share this Christ relationship with the Father in some way. We're being brought close, people." [00:10:25] (35 seconds)
"And this is the story of Scripture. I'm not just pulling verses out. We are God's workmanship. We're created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Like there's something that He's got for you this afternoon that He's set up and He's prepared. Like a workshop where it's like, oh, I've got one that I think you're going to love. And it's with tools that you know how to use. You know, any of you made a birdhouse out of scrap lumber with somebody, you know, and nails and hammers? That's all you were qualified to do is nails and hammers, right? And you didn't do a very good job, if I'm being really honest, you know?" [00:13:36] (42 seconds)
"That fire, that Mount Sinai, that picture, you know, the trumpets and the lightning and the smoke and the earthquakes, and like, yeah, they were all supposed to approach the mountain. They were all supposed to go, and they're like, and now you go, right? Which is just like an everyday, normal Christian church or Christian ministry. I invite you. Do you guys want to draw close to him? And some of you are like, no, you go ahead. You're the pastor. Take one for the team, would you? Well, you want to draw along, and we'll show you. It's not a big thing. I'm getting pasado." [00:17:29] (37 seconds)
"well, I'm encouraging you that you can draw close, you can trust him, and that the work that he has cut out for you is shaped for you, and it will shape you, and it's going to be okay. Because he wants to work with you to do these things. We're co-workers with God. That word synergy, the work together, he's like he wants to work with us through his spirit to do things that are valuable, things that will last. And I don't know, it's just kind of a curiosity, but you ever hear someone say, I don't know, this whole God thing doesn't work for me? And then I want you to slow that down a little bit and just say like, God doesn't work for me. And you're like, correct. This is right. God does not work for you. And if you think God works for you, you don't have the God we know from Mount Sinai. You don't have that God. You kind of created him in your own image, and you're trying to get him to do things for you, and that's just not the way it works. But you're in his workshop." [00:18:05] (61 seconds)
"And he wants to work with us. And we're learning that, I mean, we should have learned this in 2,000 years, but we're learning together that all the work that's done as unto the Lord, all that work is going to last. The stuff that you do for yourself, you do for your own glory, for my own reputation, you know, all that kind of stuff, it won't. But we are God's fellow workers. We're his co-workers. In case you wanted to see it again in Scripture, because you really didn't like me after I ruined your verse. We are God's fellow workers. You know, another way to think about it, we're his field. Actually, let's mix metaphors. We are his building. So which is it? Yes, it's all the things." [00:19:11] (50 seconds)
"Jesus, I think we're realizing together that everything we do really does matter, that there's nothing inconsequential about the work that we're being invited into. Some of us have had many, many, many years behind us of service and work, and maybe we're finding ourselves with serious limitations, and yet you're still inviting us to use the gifts that you've called us to do. We hear that you'll empower us, that it'll be as if you were working in us and through us. And so we offer ourselves to you. We trust that you know what you're doing, and we trust you that you're good. So continue to invite us into your work. Don't let up on us. Don't stop changing us into the image of Christ. If we stop now, we'll just be a funky little birdhouse. We want to be part of the real masterpiece that you're building." [00:43:25] (66 seconds)
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