Yesterday we started to discuss the Power of Partnership. I know when a lot of people here that term, the first thing they think of is “He’s going to ask for money!”  I know it. I thought that way too for many years. But that is not what true partnership is about.

We know the “Book of Philippians” was Paul’s direct communication with this church. We also know they were so appreciative of his ministry, they sent more than one offering to him. We studied that a few days back in chapter 4:14-19.

But true partnership in ministry involves a lot more than financial offerings. Finances are important. Very important. Every ministry I know of needs money to keep going. If you don’t believe that, ask your pastor how long the church would remain open if every person stopped giving tithes and offerings.

They may have some money saved in the bank, but it will not be an endless supply. 

In 2020, this nation faced the COVID pandemic and churches were shut down. Many, many churches that were struggling to get by closed their doors for good. Many others reopened, but the folks that used to attend church never came back and they closed, too. I’m not saying that is alright – it’s not – but it’s a fact.

Unfortunately, the idea of partnership has devolved to the point that it only revolves around money.  But that is not how TRUE Partnership should operate.

In 1 Corinthians 1:9, we read, “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

So we see here that we are called into fellowship – which is another word for partnership, with Jesus for the work of the Gospel… right?

In 2 Corinthians 8:23, we read, “As for Titus, he is my PARTNER – and a fellow worker among you; as for our brethren, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ.” 

We see Titus is Paul’s partner in ministry…and Titus is “fellow worker” or a PARTNER among the Corinthian churches – all for the work of Christ.

Let’s look at the letter Paul wrote to Philemon in chapter 1 verse 6: “…and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.” 

Paul also told Philemon to receive Onesimus as if he was receiving Paul himself!  That was an escaped slave, returning to his master.  And Paul, because of his partnership with Philemon – and Philemon’s partnership relationship with Paul, received Onesimus as if he was receiving Paul in person. 

Folks, it is the RELATIONSHIP ASPECT that creates partnership. TRUE PARTNERSHIP is a RELATIONSHIP.

And that’s where we will take this up tomorrow.

I’m working on something here…so you have to come back and here the rest tomorrow. Amen!

Let’s Pray!

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