Kingdom Fellowship: Partnership
Fellowship exists between the Godhead since eternity. The Son speaks only the Word of the Father. The Holy Spirit also speaks to the glory of the Son. The triune God has been in a beautiful communion for all ages.
The Son submits and respects the Father. The Father reveals and shares authority and power with the Son. The Son in turn shares with the Holy Spirit. They are in perfect fellowship with one another. Adam and Eve were created to share this same principle with God and one another, and to extend same working principle over the earthly realm.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all things that He Himself does, and He will show Him greater works………” John 5:19-20.
“If anyone loves Me he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.” John 14:23-24.
“In this the love of God was manifested towards us, that God has sent His only begotten son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9.
The hope of bringing man to God’s original glory, can only be accomplished through a shared life of partnership with Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God!!!
“He said to them, ‘ But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘ You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matt. 16:15-16.
“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matt. 16:17-19.
In every partnership, it will be wisdom to know the identity of your prospective partner, and the resources he or she will bring to the union.
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, Partnership can be defined as a legal association in which the:
- Parties are contractually bound together.
- Needs and interests of the parties are put into consideration.
- Rights of the different parties are respected.
- Responsibilities are required from each party.
- Rewards or benefits for fulfillment of responsibilities.
- Liabilities or negative consequences for failure in responsibilities. The effectiveness of the partnership will cost you something.
In the Kingdom of God, partnership is akin to Covenant relationship between God and His covenant people.
The Almighty God needed to have a make-over in His relationship with the pinnacle of His creation, mankind. He initiated a way to usher in trust and faithfulness or commitment to His relationship with man. The Most High and everlasting God needed the cooperation of the inferior and weak mortals to extend His Sovereign rule over the physical earth.
Whereas Nimrod, a descendant of Noah, initiated a counterfeit partnership with his contemporaries against the command of God, Abraham (formerly Abram before his call to divine partnership with Almighty God) in reverence abandoned his pagan origin; a lifestyle marked by pride and sheer human effort to answer the call of God.
“And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves; lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” Gen. 11:4.
“So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.” Gen. 12:4.
The word partnership reached it’s fullest meaning in the concept of covenant. The Hebrew word is “berit.” One is said to ‘cut a covenant.’ The Lord is a God of covenant relationship. The Almighty God initiated a covenant with Abraham for the mutual benefit of God and mankind. This was a sacred and enduring commitment by God to bless Abraham and his descendants, as they relate with Him in trust, reverence and obedience to His righteous ways. Abraham in turn is expected to live selflessly as he models godliness to other nations and teaches his children God’s just and righteous ways.
“I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless (integrity). And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Gen. 17:1-2.
“And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Gen. 12:3
“Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as of many, but as of one, ‘And to your Seed,’ who is Christ.” Gal. 3:16.
“Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.” Gen. 6:9.
“Can two walk people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” Amos 3:3 (NLT)
When you walk together in partnership with Christ, in one accord to the will of the father, then you will be in the wind of His abundant grace!!!
“God will do this, for He is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinth. 1:9.(NLT)
“For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are (all answered) ‘Yes.’ So through Him we say our ‘Amen’ to the glory of God.” 2 Corinth. 1:20. (AMP)
“…separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Romans 1:1-4.
Fellowship with Christ is a partnership that restores the glory of spiritual vitality and human dignity!!!
“And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life-giving Spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.
The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.
As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly.
And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.” 1 Corinth. 15:45-49.
Partnership of Faith in the promises of God in Christ blesses you with certain privileges:
- Imputed righteousness. You are positioned right with God and granted the power to live righteously.
- Eternal Life. Life of the Son is granted to you. Though you die, you live because He lives.
- The grace of humility, patience and gentleness is developed in you as you learn of Him and submit to the pruning of the Father. You mature in the love of Christ.
- Understanding of the mysteries of God. Christ shares with you the things of God as you have become joint-heirs with Him of the things of God.
- Privilege of answered prayers. In this esteemed partnership, you come to know the will of God and so pray effectively to see release of abundant grace. You learn to call forth things by faith and watch them come alive.
- Authority over demonic forces. The Lord gives you power over all the forces of darkness and no weapon fashioned against you can prosper. You are also strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being to overcome temptations and the challenges of life.
Effective Partnership is based on certain principles:
- Power of agreement. Both parties are legally bound to the dictates, statutes and precepts of the partnership. A violation of the stipulations attracts certain defined penalties. Both parties have agreed to a shared vision that defines the ideas, concepts, objectives and mission of the union. There is also a common purpose that defines the motivation, interest and priorities of the union. God irrevocably bound Himself to an everlasting covenant with Abraham (Gen. 15), while Abraham indicated his commitment with the sign of cutting off of the foreskin. (Gen. 17). This was later ratified in Christ through His death on the Cross, while children of Abraham by faith indicated commitment through spiritual circumcision of the heart. Heb. 9:15; Romans 2:28-29; Habakkuk 2:2.
In the partnership between man and Christ, it is now the heavenly vision and purpose of God that prevails. Man is redeemed to live according to God’s purpose which is ultimately to bring Him glory. Queen Esther learned to submit to the wise counsel of Mordecai regarding God’s purpose for her. (Esther 4:13-16). “Many are the plans in a man’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Prov. 19:21 (NIV)
- Inalienable characteristics:
- Mutual respect. Every authentic and legitimate partnership is notable for the mutual respect that exists between the parties involved. The Fall of man brought insecurity and the extremes of inferiority and superiority complexes to man. But spiritual partnership with Jesus ushered in wholesomeness and worth back to man. We are recreated to be like God, through Christ, in true righteousness and holiness: esteemed with dignity again. We also grow to live a life that honors and glorifies God in all things through Christ. Hallelujah!!! Psalms 32:1; Isaiah 1:18; 43:25-26; Gen. 1:25-26; Malachi 1:6.
- Right to be heard. Your opinion counts, even if not accepted. In constructive criticism needful information is shared. There is power in empathic listening whereby one makes conscientious effort to understand the speaker’s point of view without bias or prejudice or condescending attitude. Reflective listening, on the other hand, is motivated by the listener’s desire to manage or manipulate the speaker’s behavior to his or her own advantage. Empathic listening prevents defensiveness and resistance to dialogue, and resolution is quickly attained because everyone feels respected and understood. Daniel 2:19-23.
- Diversity becomes a valuable asset. The different parties complement each other in the areas of strength and resources for the growth and success of the partnership. Resources of past experiences(good or bad), skills, gifts, and others will provide the necessary tools for the joint venture. Strengths are garnered while areas of weaknesses are developed. In true partnership, no one looks down on the weaker vessel due to their weaknesses or past failures. Romans 12:3-5.
- Power Sharing. In legitimate partnership, the weaker party is lifted up and empowered to go extra mile. The goal is that each party in the union will grow and effectively represent the interests and aspirations of both parties. Matt. 16:19.
- Transparency and Openness. Vulnerability in terms of transparency and openness build trust and strengthen the confidence each party has towards the other. 1 John 1:5-7.
- Responsibility and Liability. The binding agreement spells out the responsibilities and possible penalty for failure to abide by the dictates of the contractual agreement. This is an aspect of accountability that challenges both parties to stay focused and conscientious all the time. It is a 2-way street. God watches over His word to fulfill it and has exalted His word over His name. Matt. 28:18-20; Jeremiah 1:12; Psalms 138:2(ASV)
- It is a process. Since this is a relationship, especially divine in nature, time is very important. Rome was not built in a day, they say. Similarly, spending time together with each other is critical to grow in intimacy and oneness. Friendship is ultimately developed as both parties feel comfortable with each other and share resources that will elevate and empower both to the success of the partnership. Proverbs 17:17; 18:24; Eccles. 4:9-12; John 15:15-16.
Prayer: Precious Lord, we thank you for your faithfulness. We bless your awesome name. Thank you for inviting us into partnership with your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to learn not only to boast of our weaknesses, but to rejoice in the surpassing strength in the person of the glorious Lord. You have made us to be more than conquerors through Christ who strengthens us. Receive all the praise and adoration, in Jesus mighty name, we pray. Amen.