## Principle of Togetherness

## Eccl. 4:9-12

1. Mutual Effort v 9

2. Mutual Support v 10

3. Mutual Encouragement v 11

4. Mutual Strength v 12

One couple in Scripture seem to epitomize this principle. Six times they are mentioned - always mentioned together never apart.

I. They Made Their Living Together Ac.

A. Not every man could have his wife working with him at his job - or would want to.

B. That takes a mature relationship in order to get along with each other.

1. They were not only mates and lovers - they were good friends and companions.

2. They enjoyed being together and working together.

3. They evidently were willing to give to each other rather than to take from each other.

C. Perhaps this is not possible for you today - but there needs to be a mutual consideration for each other's labors.

1. Some husbands whose wives do not have a job outside the home, have a serious misconception about whether their wives work or not.

2. For those whose wives do have employ- ment outside the home to consider it less important than their own job.

3. Both attitudes are self-centered and do not contribute to a healthy spirit of togetherness.

II. They Grew in the Word Together

A. Paul came in contact with them and abode with them. Ac. 18:3

1. We don't know for sure whether Aquila and Priscilla were Christians prior to meeting Paul -- if not they soon would be. cf v4-11

2. Paul preached and taught in the synagogue every Sabbath.

3. After being opposed there he continued to preach next door and saw many come to Christ.

4. Note: Acts 18:11, "And he continued there a year and six months teaching the Word of God among them."

B. Priscilla and Aquila received 18 months of intensive Bible training under the greatest Bible teacher in the early church.

C. Remember their intimate relationship with the Apostle - How they must have grown!

D. Their growth together spiritually drew them closer as husband and wife.

III. They Ministered Together.

A. Paul brought them to Ephesus - Acts 18:18

1. After a while, Paul left to return to Jerusalem.

2. Aquila and Priscilla stayed in Ephesus.

B. Apollos arrives in Ephesus. (Acts 18:24-26)

1. He was eloquent.

2. He was mighty in the Scriptures.

3. He was fervent in the Spirit.

4. But His message was deficient "knowing only the baptism of John."

C. Aquila and Priscilla ministered to this young man. v26

1. "They took him unto them."

2. "They expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly."

3. They shared with him what the had received from the Apostle Paul.

4. They became a part of this powerful preacher's life and ministry.

D. Aquila and Priscilla opened their home to the believers at Ephesus. cf. 1 Cor. 16:19

E. Later they leave Ephesus and return to Rome.

F. Paul writes the epistle to the Romans and mentions them and their ministry to him. cf. Ro. 16:3-5a

1. They had risked their lives for Paul - how, when and where he doesn't say.

2. However their ministry was we known to all churches.

3. Now in Rome they have opened their home to be used for believers to meet.

4. Their home was always open for people who wanted to learn more about Jesus Christ and for Christians who wanted to grow in the Word of God.

G. Aquila wasn't a Preacher! but he and Priscilla used their home to minister together and serve their Lord.

They made their living together, they grew in the Word together, and they ministered together.

Togetherness is a principle of God's Word. Ge. 2 18, "And the Lord God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help - meet for him'."

Togetherness is God's design for husband and wife. The greatest blessing and joy and love and harmony in marriage comes when two people know Jesus Christ and surrender their lives to him so that His love can operate through them. Can your marriage be described by the word "togetherness"? Why not purpose in your hearts, to each other, and to God that you are going to work together -study God's Word in order to grow together and begin to minister together from this point forward?