NO LONE RANGERS

Paul is writing to the church and he is giving much needed direction and correction for the church in Corinth and every other church since

He has just spoken about some specific gifts that we defined last week and for some it is a little strange or scary and calls us to be aware of application, but what the main point here is, is that the church has the calling, power, ability and responsibility to be a unique manifestation of God through the working of the Holy Spirit for the common good of the body

There should be a rich simpatico among the church.

#1 is the Body, the Body of Christ & Church,

verse 11 says He gives as He wills and then v12-that we are to be IN Christ, so we must use what He gives and governs as far as gifts go for our unity and fellowship IN Him

Baptized in and made to drink

ARE YOU A PICKLE? there is a difference between a cucmber and a pickle-permanent change

immersed and dipped-200BC Nicander quote

To be In Jesus you must be Like Jesus

1 John 1:7 MSG

But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purges all our sin.

“so it is with Christ, baptized by the Spirit into 1 body, drink of 1 Spirit

The Holy Spirit shows us Christ, Brings us to Christ, and puts us in Christ=the church

God has composed a beautiful symphony, sometimes we get out of tune or rhythm, where are you out of tune or rhythm?

TWO TYPES LISTED HERE

All the I statements are negative

THOSE WHO FEEL USELESS OR NOT NEEDED

sometimes this comes from inside and sometimes from the outside, comes from resentment alot of times....we get hurt or insulted ect...like from other people through cliques, bossiness, self righteousness, position

THOSE WHO FEEL SELF SUFFICIENT OR BETTER THAN/MORE IMPORTANT THAN

these folks have a self confidence sometimes legit and supported by accomplishments sometimes they just think other people are less important or not needed, they may even resent others for not doing....

These gifts were being used in the church of Corinth and because of this causing divisions.

CHRIST IS SUPERIOR ALONE-AND WE ARE IN HIM

this brings assurance to both kinds of people so that we can operate to our full potential in Jesus both individually and as a whole, Complete—v. 18. Every person has a talent, and God wants us to use it for His glory.

WE ARE DIFFERENT

this is so we can be complete like Jesus-He didn’t need anything but His relationship with the Trinity.....we need more…we need each other…we are THE BODY ONLY WHEN WE ARE TOGETHER!! individuality not individualism

IN OUR INDIVIDUALITY WE FIND

Diversity—vv. 19–24. Every part of the body is important. Every person is important to God

our need to belong met-WE BELONG!!! and from that identity we find purpose, I am here because He made me for this....I rejoice with you feel with you serve with you (next point)

WE ARE TO CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER

This requires grace and humility and

Dedication—vv. 25–26. All members cooperating. I rejoice with you feel with you serve with you

suffer with those who suffer=pauls words in

Philippians 3:10 MSG

I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself.

Zephaniah 3:17 LEB

Yahweh your God is in your midst; a mighty warrior who saves. He shall rejoice over you with joy; he renews you in his love; he will exult over you with singing.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with the lonely,

. Divine—vv. 27–31. Notice the various groups God has placed in the church. None is more important than the other. See the gift which you may use for the glory of God.