Partnering with God: Embracing Our Mission Together

Jun 02, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: God Gives the Growth—Our Partnership with Him

Just as a gardener prepares the soil, plants the seed, and waters the ground, yet cannot force the seed to grow, so too are we called to faithfully do our part in God’s mission while trusting Him for the results. We are co-workers with God, each with unique roles and responsibilities, but it is God alone who brings spiritual growth and transformation. Our efforts matter, but the outcome is always in His hands, reminding us to rely on Him and give Him all the glory for every good thing that happens in our lives and in the church. [12:46]

1 Corinthians 3:6-9 (ESV)
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.

Reflection: Where in your life are you trying to control the outcome instead of trusting God to bring the growth? How can you surrender that area to Him today?

Day 2: You Are Uniquely Gifted and Vital to God’s Mission

Every believer is given unique gifts and abilities by God, designed for a purpose within the body of Christ. Whether your strengths are in teaching, serving, encouraging, organizing, or something else, you are an essential part of God’s plan to bring people to Jesus. When you surrender your natural abilities to God, He empowers and multiplies them through His Spirit, sometimes even surprising you with new gifts you never expected. You are not just another face in the crowd—you are vital to the mission of God’s church, and He wants to use you in ways that only you can fulfill. [24:48]

Romans 12:4-8 (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Reflection: What is one gift or ability God has given you that you haven’t fully offered to Him? How might you begin using it to serve others this week?

Day 3: Ambassadors of Reconciliation—Our Calling in Christ

God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and now entrusts us with the ministry of reconciliation, making us His ambassadors in the world. As representatives of the Kingdom of God, we are called to share His message of forgiveness, transformation, and hope with those around us. This is not just a title but a daily calling to reflect Christ’s love, to invite others into relationship with Him, and to participate in His mission of restoring lives. You are sent into your neighborhood, workplace, and community as a living example of God’s grace and truth. [29:49]

2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 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: Who in your life needs to experience God’s reconciliation? How can you intentionally represent Christ to them this week?

Day 4: Salvation Is God’s Gift—Our Role Is Invitation

Salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn or achieve by our own efforts. Our role is to invite others to Jesus, trusting that God alone draws hearts and does the transforming work. The call of salvation is universal—offered to everyone who believes in Jesus—and it is God’s grace that enables us to respond. We are simply called to share, to invite, and to trust God with the rest, knowing that He is the one who saves, redeems, and makes all things new. [37:47]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Reflection: Who is someone you can invite to experience Jesus’ love and grace this week? What simple step can you take to extend that invitation?

Day 5: Living an Invitational Lifestyle—Letting God Shine Through You

We are called to live lives that naturally point others to Jesus, not through pressure or intensity, but by being real, loving God, loving others, and walking in the Spirit. This means praying for opportunities, being watchful for those God is drawing, being ready to speak when prompted, and including your faith in everyday conversations. Sometimes, the only Jesus people will see is you—so let your actions and words reflect His love, trusting that God will use your authenticity to draw others to Himself. [52:05]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Reflection: In what everyday situation can you let your faith shine naturally this week? How can you be more intentional about loving God, loving others, and being real?

Sermon Summary

Summer is a season when many of us are tempted to take a break from spiritual engagement, but God is doing something new and exciting right now, and we are invited to be part of it. The central mission of the church is to bring people to Jesus. While there are many good things we can do—serving, giving, building relationships—the heart of our calling is to help others encounter Christ. This work is a partnership: just as a gardener prepares the soil, plants the seed, and waters, but cannot make the plant grow, so we do our part in sharing, inviting, and loving, but only God can bring about spiritual growth.

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians reminds us that the church is not about personalities or preferences, but about unity in Christ. Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God made it grow. Each of us has unique gifts and roles, and none is superior to another. Our diversity is by God’s design, and every person is vital to the mission. The gifts and abilities we have—whether natural or spiritual—are given by God, and He often surprises us by empowering us in ways we never expected. Our responsibility is to use these gifts, not for our own glory, but as co-workers with God, participating in His mission of reconciliation.

God’s mission is to reconcile the world to Himself, and He invites us to be ambassadors—representatives of His kingdom in our neighborhoods and communities. Our denomination’s mission is to make Christlike disciples in the nations, but each local church expresses this uniquely, shaped by its context and history. Here, we are called to be welcoming to every neighbor, sharing God’s love, and serving with open hearts and hands.

Salvation itself is God’s exclusive work. Our part is to invite, to share, to love, and to pray, but it is God who draws people and transforms hearts. The call to salvation is universal—God desires everyone to come to repentance—and it is only by His grace that anyone can respond. As we experience God’s grace in our own lives, we are compelled to share it with others, living authentically and inviting others into the journey.

Practical steps help us live an invitational lifestyle: praying for opportunities, being watchful, ready to speak, including faith in conversation, being natural, and walking in the Spirit. Sometimes, the only Jesus people will see is you. Let’s live in such a way that we point others to Him, trusting God to do His part as we faithfully do ours.

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Key Takeaways

1. Partnership with God Is Essential: Just as a gardener cannot force a seed to grow, we cannot manufacture spiritual transformation in others. Our role is to prepare, plant, and water, but we must trust God to bring the growth. This partnership requires humility, faith, and a willingness to let go of control, recognizing that the results belong to God alone. [05:35]
2. Unity Over Preference: The church in Corinth struggled with division over leadership preferences, but Paul redirected their focus to Christ as the true foundation. Our unity is not found in personalities or styles, but in our shared purpose and identity in Jesus. Embracing diversity of gifts and backgrounds enriches the body and keeps us centered on God’s mission, not our own agendas. [11:45]
3. Every Gift and Person Matters: God has uniquely designed each of us with abilities—some natural, some spiritual—that are vital to the church’s mission. No one is insignificant. Even if you feel your gifts are small or undeveloped, God can “explode” them by His Spirit when you surrender them to Him. Your contribution is irreplaceable in God’s plan. [24:08]
4. Salvation Is God’s Work, Invitation Is Ours: We cannot save anyone; only God can draw and transform hearts. Our responsibility is to invite, to share, and to love authentically, trusting that God’s prevenient grace is already at work in people’s lives. This frees us from pressure and allows us to focus on being faithful witnesses rather than trying to “close the deal.” [35:47]
5. Live an Invitational, Authentic Life: Bringing people to Jesus is not about intensity or perfection, but about living real, Spirit-led lives. Pray for opportunities, be watchful, speak when prompted, and include your faith in everyday conversation. Sometimes, the only Jesus someone will see is you—so let your life reflect His love and grace in practical, relational ways. [50:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Summer Patterns and Church Engagement
[01:56] - The Church’s Core Mission
[02:47] - Lessons from Gardening and Growth
[05:35] - Our Part and God’s Part in Spiritual Growth
[08:25] - Partnership with God: Synergism
[10:25] - Paul, Apollos, and Church Division
[12:46] - God Gives the Growth
[17:02] - The Value of Different Gifts
[19:23] - Synergizing with God’s Mission
[22:01] - God-Given Abilities and Spiritual Gifts
[24:08] - God Surprises Us with New Gifts
[28:04] - Ambassadors of Reconciliation
[32:52] - Our Unique Mission and Vision
[34:51] - God’s Exclusive Work in Salvation
[41:32] - The Necessity of Grace
[43:21] - Sanctifying Grace and Lifelong Growth
[47:32] - Practical Guidelines for an Invitational Life
[50:28] - Living Authentically as Jesus’ Representative
[52:47] - Closing Prayer and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Our Part and God’s Part: Living an Invitational Life”

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 3:6-9

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

2 Corinthians 5:17-20

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

John 6:40, 44

“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day... No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

Observation Questions

According to 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, what are the different roles that Paul and Apollos played in the church, and who is ultimately responsible for spiritual growth?
In 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, what does it mean to be an “ambassador” for Christ?
The sermon compared spiritual growth to gardening. What are some things the gardener can control, and what must be left to God? [[05:35]]
In John 6:44, what does Jesus say about how people come to Him?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul emphasizes that “neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow”? How does this shape our attitude toward ministry and serving? [[12:46]]
The sermon talked about unity over preference in the church. Why is it so easy for churches to become divided over personalities or styles, and how does Paul’s teaching challenge that? [[11:45]]
What does it look like in real life to be a “co-worker” or “ambassador” with God? How might this change the way we see our daily interactions? [[29:49]]
The sermon said, “Salvation is God’s exclusive work. Our part is to invite, to share, to love, and to pray, but it is God who draws people and transforms hearts.” How does this truth affect the way we approach sharing our faith? [[35:47]]

Application Questions

The sermon gave practical steps for living an invitational life, like praying for opportunities and being watchful. Which of these steps feels most natural to you, and which one is most challenging? Why? [[47:32]]
Think about your own gifts and abilities. Are there ways you might be underestimating what God can do through you? How could you surrender your gifts to God and let Him “explode” them for His purposes? [[24:08]]
The pastor said, “Sometimes the only Jesus people will see is you.” Who in your life might never come to church, but could see Jesus through your actions or words? What is one thing you could do this week to reflect Jesus to them? [[51:27]]
When you think about being an “ambassador” for Christ in your neighborhood or workplace, what is one practical way you can represent Jesus this month? [[29:49]]
The sermon emphasized unity over preference. Is there a place in your church life where you’ve let personal preferences get in the way of unity? What would it look like to put unity in Christ first? [[11:45]]
The message said, “We are called to be welcoming to every neighbor, sharing God’s love, and serving with open hearts and hands.” What is one way you can be more welcoming or serve someone in your community this week? [[33:55]]
The pastor encouraged us not to be too intense or “try to be the Holy Spirit” when sharing our faith. Have you ever felt pressure to “close the deal” with someone spiritually? How can you trust God with the results and focus on being faithful instead? [[50:00]]

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Pray together, asking God to help each person in the group see where He is already at work, to give courage to invite and love others, and to trust Him with the results. Invite the Holy Spirit to empower your gifts and make you effective ambassadors for Christ in your daily lives.

Sermon Clips

“This is really the church's mission. Yes, we do other good things. But the number one mission we have is to bring people to Jesus. That's why the church exists.”

“But you have a decent amount of faith, because you're planting that seed, and putting all that work in, expecting something to happen that you have zero control over. You ever think about it that way? You don't have control whether that seed's going to sprout or not.”

“If the farmer doesn't till the soil and plant the seed, the plants aren't going to appear. On the other hand, if God doesn't send the rain or the sunshine, neither will the crops grow. It's a relationship.”

“We're actually not just in relationship. It goes deeper. We're in partnership with God. That goes a little bit deeper. First, we have our part, and then God has his part.”

“Paul talked a lot about this truth, and he used illustrations of growing plants to talk about the roles and responsibilities that we have as ministers in the church, and he says a well -functioning church is this beautiful reminder of our partnership with God and his work and the importance of giving all the credit not to man but to God, because without him, we're nothing.”

“Paul condemned this factionalism, this breaking apart over leadership and he urged the believers not to unite under their new leader, but to unite together under Christ. Because that's who our ultimate leader is, right?”

“Paul's corrective was to show the value of difference, the value of differing roles, the value of differing gifts. Neither was superior. One was not better than the other, but they had different abilities and responsibilities. And then Paul appointed, Paul pointed them back to God and said, that's the one who gets the ultimate credit for everything.”

“Each of us has our own abilities and responsibilities too. We're made to need each other. The church was designed to work together with each unique gift for the glory of God.”

“You are important and vital to the mission of God's church. You are. You just might not have sprouted yet and started to use your gifts in a way that would build up. That's okay. We want to help you do that.”

“Synergism is when God requires that we take certain actions and then he promises to respond with his actions. Both work together. Synergism is seen in 1 Corinthians 3, verse 9, when Paul writes, we are co -workers in God's service.”

“You and I are God's co -workers. Did you hear that? We are a part of his team. We are with him. He gives us abilities and gifts so that we can work with him, help others, and bring people to Jesus.”

“Since these gifts come from God, we don't take credit for our gifts. Remember Paul? It's not about me. It's not about Apollos. It's all about God.”

“Each one of you has abilities. And these abilities are God -given. You might say, well, but pastor, I've gone to school and I've done training and I've developed these gifts. Yeah, you probably helped hone them a little bit, but first they came from God.”

“You're not just another name or face who walks in the doors of this building. You are vital to the kingdom right here and helping grow and bring people to Jesus. You are vital.”

“Sometimes, God surprises us out of left field. He can sometimes even give spiritual gifts in areas where we had no natural ability at all. And I believe that really helps us understand and see the gift of grace that he offers.”

“God has a plan to use our spiritual gifts and abilities to engage with him as co -workers in his mission. That's God's plan, and his plan is for you.”

“To be a co -worker with the designer and creator of everything. That's pretty profound. To be a co -worker with God. In the mission of God. And this mission is to reconcile people to himself by forgiving their sins and by transforming hearts and by offering himself to all of us.”

“You are a representative for God from the kingdom of heaven to his world. You ever think about it that way? You're all ambassadors. You are. You're an ambassador from the kingdom of God to this world.”

“We're called to make Christ -like disciples in the nations. Any Nazarene church you walk into. I believe that to be true. That's what we're called.”

“God's salvation gift is exclusive. He's the one who does it. We have no part in that. We just invite people. God does the work. Yes. Yes. We make the invitation.”

“The call of salvation is universal. Verse 40, for my father's will is that everyone who looks to the son believes in him. It's universal. It's for everyone. This is one of our Wesleyan -Armenian theological truths. We believe it's for everyone.”

“Sometimes the only Jesus that they will see is you. Sometimes the only Jesus that they will ever see is you. There are folks that you will encounter that will never walk into a church building, but they will have coffee with you.”

“Let's live our lives in such a way that point others, that bring others to Jesus. We have our part and God has his part. Let's let God do his part. And you and I follow through and do our part. Can we do that?”

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