Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
In our text, Paul described the church as a body made up of different parts that all function together. Recognizing this should lead us to value our brethren. It should also lead us to recognize our own value in the church. So we are going to talk about what Paul said about the body and the members that make up the parts of it.
There Is One Entrance into the Body (v. 12-13)
- The body Paul was talking about is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23)
- We are baptized into this body (v. 13; Acts 2:41, 47)
- We all have access to the same blessings in this body (v. 13; cf. Galatians 3:26-29) – regardless of our background
You Are Essential to the Body (v. 14-19)
- We are sometimes tempted to think that WE are not important to the body – if we think we are not important, we might eventually think we are not needed at all, then drift away
- Every part of the body is different, but each one is essential – there are certain things that ALL of us are to do (assemble, encourage, study, teach others, etc.); there are also certain things that each of us are uniquely able to do
- Remember the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) – each servant was entrusted with a certain amount of money; we all have different abilities, resources, opportunities, etc.; we need to use these to help carry out the Lord’s work
Others Are Essential to the Body (v. 20-26)
- On the other hand, we are sometimes tempted to think that OTHERS are not important to the body – if we lead others to believe they are not important, they may eventually drift away
- Again, every part of the body is different; but each one is essential – we should not honor only those in public/prominent roles and ignore everyone else; this should also lead us to genuinely care for one another (v. 25-26; Romans 12:9-10, 13, 16)
- One person, or a small group, cannot do everything – Moses needed help so he wouldn’t burn out (Exodus 18:13-26); the apostles needed help so they wouldn’t neglect their work (Acts 6:1-4)
The Body Belongs to Christ (v. 27)
- Paul concluded this section with this point – we are one body, and this body belongs to Christ; He is the head of the body (Ephesians 1:22-23); we are to follow His direction (Ephesians 5:23-24)
- Everything we do must be in accordance with His will (Matthew 28:18-20; Colossians 3:17)
Conclusion
- As Christians, each one of us is an essential part of the body of Christ – don’t think that YOU are unimportant; instead, look for ways you can contribute to the Lord’s work; don’t think that OTHERS are unimportant; instead, encourage them to continue doing the Lord’s work
- Ultimately, all of this is for the purpose of pleasing the Lord – after all, it is HIS body
- Those who are not in His body have the same entrance available to them
