Workers Together

Scripture Reading:  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

Memory Verse: "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come" (Luke 10:1).

INTRODUCTION: The classical writer, John Dunne, wrote, "No man is an island; no man stands alone . . ." There is an enormous amount of truth in that statement. Too often in the Church of God we have a "Lone Ranger" mentality about our service to God. We rely solely on our own talents, resources or own prayers, forgetting that God has set us in the "body" for a reason.
  God's principle is that we minister to each other. We provide support, resources, encouragement, prayer support to one another. Jesus sent the disciples out by twos (Luke 10:1). Wise King Solomon exhorted that two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9). We can accomplish more and are much more effective when we realize the vast treasures God has given us through our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
  Do you have unsaved loved ones? Unsaved friends? Unsaved co-workers? Ask another believer to agree with you in prayer for the unsaved one who is dear to your heart. Your prayer partner can become a valuable asset in your ministry to the lost.
  Do you feel the Lord is calling you to work among prostitutes or the homeless? Share your vision with the body of Christ. Have them agree with you in prayer and assist you in your endeavors. Their support will help keep you from being dismayed or quickly burned out. And when you include others in the task, the victories you encounter become their victories, too, and joy is multiplied!

LESSON QUESTIONS:

1. What assumptions do we make in leading someone to Christ? Exodus 18:13-16.

2. What is God's plan for His workers? Exodus 18:17-23.

3. Who is another example of someone who looked to others for help in ministry? Mark 3:13,14.

4. It is important to discern the needs of unsaved loved ones and determine if someone else can help meet the needs. How did Paul do this in Acts 18:18-20? How did Moses do this in Exodus 4:10-16?

5. How did Paul explain that multiple witnesses are needed in different situations? 1 Corinthians 3:5-9.

6. List the people who helped Paul in his ministry and describe the ways they helped him. Acts 18:1-8.

7. What is a reason it is important to enlist the aid of others in witnessing? Matthew 18:19,20.

8. How did Solomon explain the value of working together in ministry? Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

9. Describe characteristics for persons you should not enlist for assistance in witnessing. Romans 12:3; James 1:8, 22-25.

10. Describe characteristics for persons you should enlist for assistance in witnessing. I John 1:8-10; II Timothy 1:8,9; 4:17,18; Ephesians 4:11,12.

11. Are you a person others could call on for help in sharing the gospel message? I Corinthians 15:10.

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