We are running a fortnightly bible study following our community dinner looking at the exegesis (interpretation) of the bible passages that underpin each of our community values. You can read the list of Values here so you know what’s coming up next.
These values can be relevant whatever context you live and work in just make the Word you own.
Value 1: Partnering with God
We value the opportunity of participating in the Missio Dei (mission of God). Through persistence in prayer, we seek to recognise where God is at work in Footscray, and become co-workers with Christ.
Biblical basis: Psalm 127:1, Luke 18:7, 1 Cor 3:9
Let’s read the value together. What words stand out? Any you don’t know?
What does being a partner mean? What are some different examples of partners?
business partner, relationships, sport teams, partner in crime, duet…
What sorts of things do partners do for each other?
work together, help out, trust, backup in tough times, share responsibility…
Read the bible. What words/ideas stand out?
Psalm 127:1-2
Unless you’ve commissioned the building project, LORD,
……..attempting construction would be futile.
Unless you’re in charge of security, LORD,
……..our gates and guards are a waste of effort.
We could work ourselves to the bone for nothing;
……..first on the job in the morning, last home at night,
…………….and what would we have to show for it?
……..Nothing but heartaches and ulcers.
You, LORD, long for us to slow down.
……..We can relax and trust in your loving care.
©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net
Luke 18: 1-8
Jesus told this story to encourage people to be persistent in prayer and never lose heart:
Once upon a time there was a town magistrate who took no notice of God and had no respect for anyone. There was a widowed woman in the town who had very little in the way of resources or influence, but who kept contacting the magistrate and demanding that he take action to protect her rights in a dispute with a powerful opponent. For a while he just kept brushing her off, but eventually he said to himself, “I couldn’t care less what happens to this woman, and all her talk of God’s justice means nothing to me; but I’m going to give her what she wants because I’m sick to death of her nagging and I just want to get her off my back.”
And the Lord commented on his story, saying:
“Do you hear the point in what the callous magistrate is saying? If he can be pressured into acting for justice, can’t you see how much more certain it is that God will bring about justice for those who have dedicated themselves to God and cry out for help night and day. Will God brush them off and ignore their pleas. You can take it from me: God will waste no time in bringing about justice for them. And yet, will the New Human find much of that sort of persistent faith on earth when he makes his entrance?
©2001 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net
1 Cor 3:5-9
Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God’s field in which we are working.
The Message
Reflection time
What can we learn from the bible about living the value of “Partnering with God”?
- Building bricks… Some of these things that we said partners do for each other – how are we doing them for God now? Or how could we start? Share a story…
- Postcards… Persistence in prayer… what is God telling us is worthy of attention in Footscray? What should we focus on?
- Stones… is there anything that should be left out of what we are building together here? What are the things that stop us choosing the right bricks?
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