Winning the World

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That We May Be One, continued

G. Our bond of partnership precludes unity with those not united to Christ , 2 Cor. 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 agree ment 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 , Gal. 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, Rom. 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 , Deut. 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 , Matt. 10.10 (ESV) – No bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.