2 is company, 3 is a small group!

We need other people in our lives to accomplish God’s work.

Great Workout partners of the bible:

1.       Moses and Aaron

2.       Joshua and Caleb

3.       Daniel Shadrack Meshack and Abednego

4.       Ruth and Naomi

5.       David and Jonathan

6.       Paul and Barnabas

7.       Jesus Peter James and John

8.       Aquila and Priscilla

…all partners together in God's work.

                                                                                                                                       

Jesus sent the disciples out 2 by 2 ... never alone.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-4:12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

When I went on my mission trip to Muskegon, Michigan, I was grouped with 3 outstanding brothers in Christ. We were a team; instructed NOT to leave each other’s side;  instructed to bring the word of God to the masses of Muskegon and to live a year totally dependent on God.

That year I learned five major keys of needing and being a Spiritual WORKOUT partner. Keys that should be used every day of our lives.

Key #1 Accountability: One of the great keys to escaping disabling sin is to become accountable to someone you trust.  Living with 3 other guys, in the same house….it was hard not to be accountable. “…Make me truly happy by agreeing whole heartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.” (Philippians 2:2)

Key #2 Routine: Forming of good habits. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) what kind of good habits do we need to develop? In developing the Spiritual Disciplines in our lives we need to establish routines that demonstrate our commitment. Doing that together defends us against excuses and slacking off. Philippians 1:27-28 “I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.”

In order to be our best, we must stand as one, contend as one. Again, on the mission, we couldn’t help but forma good routine…we had to!

Key #3 Challenge: When I tried to be alone in Muskegon, I still accomplished things. When I worked with my brothers (most of them were stronger than I was) we pushed each other to do and become more. “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Eccl 4:10) Small groups are a place where you can practice being a Christ follower. If you are not connecting with someone of faith who will challenge you - then what happens when you feel weak? What happens when you want to quit? What happens when you are tempted? What happens when you feel like just cruising along the surface? Is there someone in your life to challenge you on specifics?

Key #4 Partnerships: There are things in life you can do on your own but many things you need to have a partner.  Matthew 18:19-20 “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Some things in the Christian life demand that others are involved! One of my Muskegon brothers, Bruce, and I were inseparable. We worked at the same “Wendy’s”; knocked on doors together, etc. What we really accomplished though was the following:

1.       Praying together

2.       Giving together

3.       Celebrating together

4.       Communion

5.       Encouraging each other

Key #5 Community: “… if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? (Eccl 4:11). And again, as brothers we were a community.

Community is important because it helps us to:

1.       Overcome pride

2.       Overcome loneliness

3.       Overcome fear

4.       Grow spiritually, emotionally and intellectually, socially as we model our lives on the example set by others.

5.       Practice commitment

6.       Exercise respect for others

7.       Understand others and learn patience

“Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love…”(Ephesians 4:2)

In choosing a small group, partner or community, choose someone or something you genuinely enjoy. You’ll find that praying, sharing and working together can be challenging and rewarding.

(The idea for this blog came from my accountability brother in Christ!  Wor