Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

Picturing Theology, Revised Edition | 305

G. Our bond of partnership precludes unity with those not united to Christ , 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (ESV) – Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? [15] What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? [16] What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. II. Partnership 2 involves the sharing of monies, persons, and resources to fund a common cause: We share a common source, table, and pot. A. The partnership between those who share the Word and receive it involves concrete blessing and giving. 1. The taught share with the teacher , Galatians 6:6 (ESV) – One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. 2. Illustrated in the relationship of the Jew to the Gentile in the body , Romans 15:27 (ESV) – They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. B. The power of unity extends to those who are appointed by God to serve his people , Deuteronomy 12:19 (ESV) – Take care that you do not neglect the Levite as long as you live in your land. C. Those who labor deserve the generous supply of those who benefit from that labor. 1. Christ’s exhortation to the disciples , Matthew 10:10 (ESV) – No bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 2. Illustrated from Old Testament Scripture and analogy , 1 Corinthians 9:9-14 (ESV) – For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? [10] Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. [11] If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? [12] If others share this rightful claim on