2011-05-22
Sharing the Gospel, and Your Life as Well
Life Pattern of Gospel Sharing: Partnership
Steve Lane

A. Review
This is not Christian Living 101
God is on a mission. Whose mission are you on? "If you have faith, you will do..."
Phases of movement of spiritual growth
Life patterns of followers of Christ [gospel sharers and disciple makers]:
Taking small initiatives
Praying and responding as God leads
Serving others in resurrection power
Hospitality
Conversation
Partners and co-laborers

We will develop this thought:
The best way to develop real partnerships is for your to take on the mission and begin to reach out to the lost, all the while looking for and being alert for partners.

2 Corinthians 8: 16
A vehicle to relationship/friendship

B. Sixth Life Pattern: Having Partners and Co-laborers

None of these patterns stand alone.
Ephesians 4: 15 - 16
Romans 12: 4 - 5
1 Corinthians 12: 12

A quick peek at partnership - 2 Corinthians 8: 16
A relationship ("My dear Timothy")
1 Corinthians 4: 16 - 17
Philippians 2: 19 - 24
Philippians 2: 25 - 30
1 Thessalonians 3: 2 - 3
2 Timothy 1: 1 - 4

Relationships, Co-laborers, Fellow Soldiers
Proverbs 27: 17; Ecclesiastes 4: 9 - 12
The impact on the world of small bands of partners [3.. 12.. 70.. 120...]
It takes time and sacrifice to develop, but the focus is outward
Brothers... encourage and support, but do not become inwardly focused
Those who will lovingly fuel your dreams and puncture your illusions ~Andy Crouch

2 Corinthians 8: 16 — Those will join you in the concerns of Christ
2 Corinthians 2: 12 - 13
More examples:
Acts 16: 25
2 Timothy 4: 11 - 13
2 Timothy 4: 19 - 21
Romans 16

Further explanation of how partnerships develop
Our partnership grows out of being on mission, and reaching out—and being alert for partners and help.
We are out there on the front lines
"Who will join me" attitude

Warnings...

Hudson Taylor's spiritual secret [men's leadership training]
On the outside of Hudson Taylor's life, you see a mad pursuit of the Chinese people
Matthew 10: 27
Like Hudson Taylor, we must meet God in the dark before we...

C. Conclusion
Matthew 4: 19
Hebrews 3: 12 - 13 - Encourage (exhort) one another daily
Matthew 4: 19
Matthew 28: 19 - 20