Text: 1 Corinthians 12:27
In our text, Paul explained that Christians were individually part of a collective body. They each had a role to play and responsibilities as individuals. They were also to contribute to the function of the body as a whole. In this lesson and the previous one, we’re going to discuss these different responsibilities. In this lesson, we’re going to consider our responsibilities to one another.
Assemble Together (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- We come together to encourage one another – willful absence is discouraging to others
- There ought to be an expectation that we will be together (1 Corinthians 11:33)
Encourage One Another (Heb. 3:12-13)
- It is possible for Christians to fall away and be lost (cf. Galatians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 9:27)
- This encouragement is needed regularly and consistently – “day after day“
Correct One Another (James 5:19-20)
- When one sins/departs, we should work to correct them and bring them back to the Lord
- However, we can only do this from a position of spiritual maturity (Galatians 6:1)
Help One Another (Acts 4:32-35)
- An extraordinary need was met with extraordinary sacrifice – possible because they were “of one heart and soul“
- We need to put others first – make sacrifices for others (Galatians 4:15)
Tolerate One Another (Romans 14:1)
- Not everyone will think the same way or have the same background, opinions, or understanding
- Tolerate matters of opinion – not sin (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:1-2); [see earlier point on correcting one another]
Submit to One Another (Ephesians 5:21)
- This is not about “official” authority – it is about how we are to defer to others
- We are to regard others as more important than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4)
Work Together (Ephesians 4:16)
- Paul described the church as a self-edifying body – as we work together, the body grows
- Each of us has a role to play in this (1 Corinthians 12:14-27)
Conclusion
- While we will each stand before the Lord in judgment as individuals, we also have a responsibility as part of the body
- God designed the church for our mutual benefit – let us work together and encourage one another while each one of us strives to be faithful to the Lord