Co-Laboring with God: Our Divine Partnership

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Divine Partnership

We are called to be co-laborers with God, sharing in His mission on earth. This partnership is a privilege that requires us to focus on the tasks God has assigned us, trusting Him to bring growth and increase in our lives. This divine collaboration is not passive; it demands active participation and dedication to the mission of spreading the gospel and making disciples. As we engage in this partnership, we are reminded that our efforts, when aligned with God's purpose, are never in vain. We are encouraged to trust in God's ability to bring about growth and transformation in our lives and the lives of others. [22:15]

1 Corinthians 3:9-10 (ESV): "For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you actively participate in God's mission today, trusting Him to bring growth and increase?

Day 2: Trusting God for the Increase

While we plant and water, it is God who gives the increase. Our role is to share the gospel and make disciples, trusting that God will ensure the growth. This division of labor highlights the importance of aligning our efforts with God's purpose. We are reminded that our responsibility is to faithfully carry out the tasks God has given us, while He takes care of the results. This understanding frees us from the burden of trying to control outcomes and allows us to focus on being faithful stewards of the opportunities God provides. [26:07]

Mark 4:26-29 (ESV): "And he said, 'The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.'"

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to trust God for the increase, rather than trying to control the outcome yourself?

Day 3: Staying Connected to the Source

Jesus is the true vine, and we must stay connected to Him as our source of strength and sustenance. Without Him, we can do nothing, but with Him, we can bear much fruit. This connection is vital for spiritual growth and effectiveness. As we remain in Him, we draw the nourishment and strength needed to fulfill our calling and bear fruit that glorifies God. This abiding relationship with Jesus is the foundation of our spiritual life and the key to living a fruitful and impactful life. [35:40]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: How can you intentionally deepen your connection with Jesus today to ensure you are drawing strength and sustenance from Him?

Day 4: Chosen to Bear Lasting Fruit

God has chosen us to bear fruit, and our prayers are more likely to be answered when we prioritize His kingdom and righteousness. This is a call to evaluate how we are advancing God's kingdom and ensuring our lives reflect His glory. Being chosen by God comes with the responsibility to live in a way that produces lasting fruit, impacting the world around us for His glory. As we align our lives with His purposes, we find that our desires and prayers align with His will, leading to a more fruitful and fulfilling spiritual journey. [39:52]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that your life is bearing fruit that remains and reflects God's glory?

Day 5: Advancing God's Kingdom on Earth

We are tasked with being witnesses and making disciples, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Our lives should be a testament to God's work, drawing others into fellowship with Him and advancing His kingdom on earth. This mission requires intentionality and a commitment to living out our faith in a way that attracts others to Christ. As we engage in this mission, we are reminded of the importance of living lives that are consistent with the message we proclaim, serving as ambassadors of God's love and grace in a world that desperately needs it. [52:15]

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Reflection: How can your life today serve as a testament to God's work and draw others into fellowship with Him?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that we are in partnership with God, a concept that is both a privilege and a responsibility. This partnership is not just a passive association but an active collaboration in God's mission on earth. We are called to be co-laborers with God, tasked with sharing the gospel and making disciples. This divine partnership requires us to focus not on our challenges but on the tasks God has assigned us, trusting that He will bring growth and increase in our lives.

We delved into the scripture from 1 Corinthians 3:5-11, which emphasizes that while we plant and water, it is God who gives the increase. This highlights the division of labor in our spiritual journey: our role is to share the gospel and make disciples, while God ensures the growth. This partnership is a reminder that our efforts are not in vain when aligned with God's purpose. We are encouraged to stay connected to Jesus, the true vine, as our source of strength and sustenance. Without Him, we can do nothing, but with Him, we can bear much fruit.

Furthermore, we are reminded that God has chosen us, not the other way around. This choice comes with the expectation that we will bear fruit and that our fruit will remain. Our prayers and requests are more likely to be answered when we prioritize God's kingdom and His righteousness. This is a call to action for each of us to evaluate how we are advancing God's kingdom and to ensure that our lives reflect His glory.

Key Takeaways

1. Partnership with God: We are called to be co-laborers with God, sharing in His mission on earth. This partnership is a privilege that requires us to focus on the tasks God has assigned us, trusting Him to bring growth and increase in our lives. [22:15]
2. God Gives the Increase: While we plant and water, it is God who gives the increase. Our role is to share the gospel and make disciples, trusting that God will ensure the growth. This division of labor highlights the importance of aligning our efforts with God's purpose. [26:07]
3. Staying Connected to the Vine: Jesus is the true vine, and we must stay connected to Him as our source of strength and sustenance. Without Him, we can do nothing, but with Him, we can bear much fruit. This connection is vital for spiritual growth and effectiveness. [35:40]
4. Chosen to Bear Fruit: God has chosen us to bear fruit, and our prayers are more likely to be answered when we prioritize His kingdom and righteousness. This is a call to evaluate how we are advancing God's kingdom and ensuring our lives reflect His glory. [39:52]
5. Advancing God's Kingdom: We are tasked with being witnesses and making disciples, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Our lives should be a testament to God's work, drawing others into fellowship with Him and advancing His kingdom on earth. [52:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[17:13] - Worship and Prayer
[20:44] - Victory in Christ
[21:31] - Overcoming Challenges
[22:15] - Partnership with God
[23:14] - Called to Co-Labor
[24:18] - Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:5-11
[26:07] - God Gives the Increase
[30:51] - Reward for Labor
[32:42] - Building with Care
[33:40] - Foundation in Christ
[34:16] - Abiding in the Vine
[35:40] - Staying Connected
[39:52] - Chosen to Bear Fruit
[52:15] - Advancing God's Kingdom
[58:34] - Making Disciples
[60:29] - Prayer and Supplication
[74:17] - Closing and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to 1 Corinthians 3:5-11, what roles do Paul and Apollos play in the spiritual growth of believers, and who is ultimately responsible for the increase? [26:07]
In John 15:1-8, what is the significance of Jesus being referred to as the "true vine," and what happens to branches that do not bear fruit? [35:40]
How does the sermon describe our partnership with God, and what responsibilities come with this partnership? [22:15]
What does the sermon say about the importance of staying connected to Jesus, and how does this relate to bearing fruit? [35:40]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to be a "co-laborer" with God, and how does this concept affect the way believers approach their daily lives and spiritual responsibilities? [22:15]
How does the idea that "God gives the increase" influence a believer's perspective on their efforts in ministry and personal growth? [26:07]
In what ways does staying connected to Jesus as the true vine impact a believer's ability to bear fruit, and what might this look like in practical terms? [35:40]
How does the sermon explain the relationship between being chosen by God and the expectation to bear fruit? What implications does this have for a believer's prayer life and priorities? [39:52]

Application Questions

Reflect on your current partnership with God. Are there specific tasks or responsibilities you feel God has assigned to you? How are you actively engaging in these tasks? [22:15]
Consider the areas in your life where you are planting and watering. How can you trust God more to bring the increase in these areas? [26:07]
What practical steps can you take to ensure you remain connected to Jesus, the true vine, in your daily routine? Are there specific distractions you need to address? [35:40]
Evaluate your prayer life. Are your prayers aligned with advancing God's kingdom and His righteousness? How can you adjust your focus to ensure your prayers are more kingdom-centered? [39:52]
Identify one person in your life who is not yet a believer. How can you be a witness to them this week, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ? [52:15]
Think about the fruit you are currently bearing. Is there an area where you feel you need to bear more fruit? What steps can you take to cultivate this growth? [39:52]
How can you actively participate in making disciples within your community or church? What specific actions can you take to mentor or guide someone in their spiritual journey? [58:34]

Sermon Clips

1. "We are in partnership with God. Tell somebody we are in partnership with God. Hallelujah. We are in partnership with God. We shouldn't forget that. Amen. Praise the Lord. So today's message I've titled it, Liberate Together with God. Amen. Liberate Together with God. Or co-liberate with God. Amen. We are liberate together with God. God has called us to, called us into partnership. Amen. God has called us into a partnership with himself. And so we are not Christians and to be left alone, but we have been, we are part of God's family and he wants us also to partner him in his mission on earth." [22:15] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "There is an assigned task for you. Tell somebody there is an assigned task for you. Make sure you know it and make sure you do it. Amen. We all have an assigned task. Praise the Lord. so we are not just christians just to be just to add to the numbers but god has called us and assigned us a task everyone is a minister of god everyone is a servant of god praise god doing exactly the same thing apollos and paul were doing verse 6 i planted the seed apollos watered it but god has been making it to grow amen god has been making it grow god gives the increase amen which means that god is always waiting to bring increase either in your personal life in the church wherever you find yourself that god has given you a task he's waiting to bring an increase but he expects us to do what he has tasked us to do the duties he has entrusted to us ought to be done because god will bring the growth so growth is god's responsibility ours is to make others believe that's to share the gospel basically amen so every believer's job is to what share the gospel with others so that god can bring increase so the coming of increase depends on you and i god has given us not as a division of labor there is a role god plays and there is a role he has assigned to us to play in this partnership praise the lord so we are in partnership to do his work for him to bring the growth he says but only god who makes things grow he says but only god who makes things grow he says but only god who makes things grow amen so anything you want grows spiritually whatever it is god will make them grow if a farmer goes to his farm or his garden and plant a seed the farmer don't know how it grows you just go put it to the ground and you are waiting to see what will happen you go to sleep and the next day you come it is starting to shoot up how it happens biology will say all kinds of it is gone god makes it grow praise the lord the same thing applies to spiritual matters if you need growth in any area of your life you've got to contact god you've got to touch the hearts of god amen" [26:07] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "On Christ, the solid rock, what? We stand. All underground is sinking sand. So when we stand on him, we know that we are not going to sink. Our work will not be in vain. Your efforts will not be in vain. God will bless your efforts. In the name of Jesus. May the Lord bless your efforts. Whatever your hand is trying to do, may God bless it. In the mighty name of Jesus. He has called us and he's ready to reward us if we do what he has called us to do." [33:40] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So we cannot increase, we cannot be fruitful unless we continue to abide in the vine. Unless we stay connected to Jesus. Tell somebody stay connected. Stay connected to Jesus. Hallelujah. It is very important to stay connected. Hallelujah. Stay connected. When you are in church, you are staying connected. When you are reading your Bible, you are staying connected. Praise the Lord. When you are worshipping him, you are staying connected. So stay connected to the vine. He says, whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing." [35:40] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You did not choose me. That's somebody you did not choose yourself. And you did not choose God. He chose you. He chose me. Amen. He chose us. Hallelujah. You did not choose me. But I chose you. I am chosen. I am chosen. All each of us have been chosen. Whether the devil lies or not, I am chosen. He qualified me. He has chosen me and qualified me. There are some things that God brings your way or some blessings God give you. Others may be questioning. No, this person didn't deserve this. It doesn't matter what anybody else think. If God has chosen you and decided to bless you, so be it." [39:52] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "God does not want us to remain the same way we are. My tomorrow must be better than today. Praise the Lord. My next year must be better than my this year. My next week must be better than my this week. Praise the Lord. The path of the righteous shined brighter and brighter onto a perfect day. God is a God of increase. God is a God of growth. Amen. Amen. I have appointed you that you should go. And bear fruit. And that your fruit should abide. So that whatever you ask. So it's conditional. There are some things we are asking is not happening. Because we are not doing that which we are supposed to do. We are not bearing the fruit that we are supposed to do. He said that when you bear fruit and your fruit abides. He says so that whatever you ask the Father in my name. Whatever you ask. So there are some things you are asking. But it's not happening because of this. You are not bearing the fruit you are supposed to bear." [41:42] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We must wake up from our sleep and our slumber. So that our prayers will be answered. So that whatever we ask the Father in his name. It will be done. In the name of Jesus. So that whatever you ask. And whatever means whatever. Because. He will answer because you have made him first. You've made his task. A priority in your life. And so therefore he will make your need his priority also. But if you are just focusing on your need. And forgetting the task he has assigned to you. And you are just preoccupied with whatever you want. It may take long. May your request not take long in Jesus name. in the mighty name of jesus so that whatever you ask the father in my name in the name of jesus he may give it to you these things i command you this is a command say these things what i command you a command means that there is no you know there's no other option it's a command that is that requires obedience so this is i command you so that you will love one another praise the lord so that you love one another god has called us to the business of establishing and building his kingdom amen god has called us to build his kingdom to advance his kingdom i must ask myself what am i doing to advance his kingdom you must ask yourself what are you doing to advance his kingdom i want to believe that if you advance the kingdom of god you will advance your life if you are if you advance the you know the kingdom of god if your choices your actions and the things you do is you know promotes and advance the interest of god your life will advance some of us maybe our life is stagnant because we are not advancing his cause if we want to advance we must advance his course god give us the grace to advance your course in the mighty name of jesus give us the grace to advance your course in the mighty name of jesus" [42:58] (157 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We must be witnesses for him tell somebody you must be a witness for him that's a common business god has given all of us this one is not for apostles and pastors it's for every believer be witnesses of him so we must be witnesses of him as chapter one verse eight tells us but you have received power tell somebody you have received power question is have you received power because when you accept the christian representative the holy spirit came to make his president in you he made his abode in you you have the holy spirit living in you to empower you so we have received power not to sit but we have received power to do something praise the lord so it says but you shall receive power that was then but now we have it we have received power tell somebody you have power praise the lord don't let the devil tell you otherwise the spirit of god is in you it is powerful enough to enable you to do anything that you want to do for the lord amen you shall receive power when the holy spirit has come upon you and you shall be my witnesses you shall be my witnesses so we have been called to advance the kingdom through what witnessing" [43:50] (92 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "You are a chosen generation. 1 Peter 2, verse 9. You are a chosen generation. A royal priesthood. A holy nation. His own special people. I am a special person in the eyes of God. I don't care what others think of me, how they see me. I am a special person in the sight of God. If God sees me special, then I am special. If God says I am special, then I am special. Uncle Paul, you are special. Because God says so. It's not about how you feel. But it's the will of God. If God says you are special, believe it, claim it. You are special. You are special. Don't believe any that don't believe otherwise. We are God's special people. That you may proclaim the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. We used to be in darkness. Now He has brought us into His marvelous light. And He wants us to be witnesses so that others in darkness can be brought into this marvelous light." [53:14] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?