How can we discern godly partnerships in our personal and professional lives? Lesson Foundation: Jehoshaphat’s Costly Alliance “Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, who was guilty of wickedness.” (2 Chronicles 20:35) • Jehoshaphat had just experienced God’s dramatic deliverance (2 Chronicles 20:20-30). • Immediately afterward, he yoked himself to a ruler whose life defied God. • The ships they built together were wrecked before they ever sailed (vv. 36-37). • God’s message is unmistakable: partnerships that ignore righteousness invite collapse. Core Principle: Alignment with Righteousness Scripture never treats partnerships as neutral; they either sharpen or blunt our walk with God. • 2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers…” • Amos 3:3 – “Can two walk together without agreeing where to go?” • Psalm 1:1 – Blessing is tied to distancing ourselves from wicked counsel. • 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Bad company corrupts good character.” Four Tests for Discerning Godly Partnerships 1. Belief Test • Do we share a common, saving faith in Christ (John 3:16; Jude 3)? • Agreement on the gospel is non-negotiable for any enduring alliance. 2. Behavior Test • “He who walks with the wise will become wise” (Proverbs 13:20). • Examine consistent fruit, not occasional words (Matthew 7:16-20). 3. Purpose Test • Are we pulling in the same direction for God’s glory (Philippians 2:2)? • Shared vision protects against drift into compromise. 4. Witness Test • Will this partnership strengthen our testimony to outsiders (Matthew 5:16)? • If joining forces clouds the light, step back. Practical Steps for Personal and Professional Decisions • Pray and search Scripture first; let God’s Word shape every filter. • Seek counsel from mature believers who know both parties well. • Observe patterns over time; one righteous act cannot outweigh a lifestyle of rebellion. • When in doubt, wait. God never forces us into hurried alliances. • If already entangled in an ungodly partnership, acknowledge it, repent, and pursue a gracious exit (Proverbs 28:13). The Fruit of God-Honoring Partnerships • Mutual sharpening – “As iron sharpens iron…” (Proverbs 27:17). • Increased effectiveness – “Two are better than one… a cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). • Divine favor and lasting success – unlike Jehoshaphat’s ruined fleet, ventures birthed in righteousness invite God’s blessing. Choose partners who walk the same narrow road. When belief, behavior, purpose, and witness align with God’s Word, our alliances become channels of His strength rather than obstacles to His will. |
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