Better Together – Part One

Theme Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NKJV – Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Big Idea:

We live our best lives when we prioritize godly community.

Godly community = Fellowship with other pursuers of Jesus who are collectively committed to discipleship, accountability, spiritual disciplines (word/worship/prayer), generosity and outreach.  

We Are Better Together…

1. We fulfill God’s will better.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 NKJV – Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

2. We recover better.

Ecclesiastes 4:10 NKJV – For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 

3. We are at rest better.

Ecclesiastes 4:11 NKJV – Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone?

4. We withstand better.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 NKJV – Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

2 Timothy 2:22 NIV – Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

What To Expect Together

1 Samuel 14:1-2, 6-7 NLT – One day Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come on, let’s go over to where the Philistines have their outpost.” But Jonathan did not tell his father what he was doing. 2 Meanwhile, Saul and his 600 men were camped on the outskirts of Gibeah, around the pomegranate tree at Migron. 6 “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” 7 “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.”

1. Expect to have the status quo challenged.

1 Samuel 14:6 NLT – “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”

You rise to the level of the relationships in your life.  

2. Expect to have your faith stretched.

1 Samuel 14:2 NLT – Meanwhile, Saul and his 600 men were camped on the outskirts of Gibeah, around the pomegranate tree at Migron. 

3. Expect to have someone believe in you wholeheartedly.

1 Samuel 14:7 NLT – “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.”

Ephesians 2:19 LB – You are members of God’s very own family… and with you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.