Harmony & Care For Each Other As Christ’s Body
This message is so key for us, especially crucial as we build a Biblical culture here
God has placed each of us into a Body / Church
We are together to optimize the declaration of God’s Glory
The church is God’s plan A to bring about the redemption of all creation
So we learn to need how to be good stewards of that
1st Cor. 12:12-31
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
- Different part may be from very different backgrounds
- The ‘Whole’ is more than just the sum of the parts, they make a new thing
- What makes us an ‘Attached’ and ‘Connected’ part of Christ’s Body is The Spirit
- The Holy Spirit indwells all believers the same, we have been ‘immersed’!
Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body?
- You don’t have to be any part but the one God has made you to be
- All parts count, every member of the body is important and useful
- Being confused about the role you play is ok, as long as you don’t stay that way!
If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.
- Some roles get more attention, but every role is needed at some point and time
- Learning to trust God is part of maturing, letting God have His way with you
- We are created to operate in harmony, God has put us together in His wisdom
How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
- As Jesus’ church we embrace our differences, but lay them down to be united
- We must realize our need for each other; and give as well as receive blessings
- The reality is that we need each other to grow to bless as much as possible
In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care.
- God’s economy is opposite the rest of the world (first is last, last is first)
- When we look at each other through God’s eyes we see everyone’s value
- We are to live in consideration of those who need more care
- Everyone needs encouragement, some more than others
So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
- God’s formula for community is extra honor & care for those that need it
- It is harder to care for some people than others, but we do it for Christ’s sake!
- Harmony comes from everyone being interrelated and intertwined
- Real Deal ‘Doing Life’ together is hard and wonderful
All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles,second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.
- This goes for Midtown just like it does for the church at Corinth
- List of roles God gives to people (He has appointed them FOR the church)
- Apostles: Entrepreneurs for the Gospel / Moving the church forward
- Prophets: Speaking from a God given perspective into the church
- Teachers: Instruction in the Scriptures, the Gospel and Discipleship
Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.
- Obviously not everyone can play every role
- We should all ask: What does the church need and how can I serve?
- Spiritual Gifts are important but they are not the end all be all of following Christ
- A way of life is what drives you and is entwined throughout everything you do
Application Questions:
What does it mean to you to be ‘Baptized into One Body by One Spirit’?
What part of the body are you? Are you trying to be a part you are not?
How can you show that you are good with the way God has arraigned OUR body?
What does it look like for you to live a life of interdependence with this church body?
What can you do to promote harmony and care for others in this church body?
Spiritual Gifts Helpful Hint: Discover YOUR gifts by doing stuff & see how God blesses!