The Power of Participation (Bible Study)

Lesson 2: The Power of Participation in the Body of Christ

Main Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

1 Corinthians 12:12–27 ESV

12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Introduction:

The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. God has designed the church to function as a body, with each member having a unique role to play. Just as the parts of a physical body work together for one purpose, the church depends on the participation of every believer. In this lesson, we’ll explore the biblical foundation for participating in the life of the church and how it contributes to spiritual growth and unity.

I. The Body of Christ as One (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

Word Study:

Body (Greek: σῶμα – sōma) In the New Testament, the word "body" is often used metaphorically to describe the church.

1. 1. One Spirit, One Body:

Cross-Reference: Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV) – "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call."

Explanation: Paul emphasizes that regardless of our differences, we are unified in Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application: Reflect on how you view others in the church. Take time this week to build a bridge of fellowship.

2. 2. Many Members, One Purpose:

Cross-Reference: Romans 12:4-5 (ESV) – "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function."

Application: Each member of the body has a distinct role, but we all share the same purpose—to glorify God.

Practical Application: Consider your spiritual gifts and how you can use them to serve the church.

II. Every Part is Essential (1 Corinthians 12:14-20)

Word Study:

Member (Greek: μέλος – melos) This term emphasizes that every individual believer is a vital part of the whole.

3. 1. Diversity in the Body:

Cross-Reference: 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) – "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace."

Explanation: God has gifted each believer with different abilities, all of which are needed for the body to function.

Practical Application: Take inventory of your gifts and talents. How are you using them to build up the church?

4. 2. No Part is Insignificant:

Cross-Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:22-23 (ESV) – "On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable."

Application: In God’s eyes, every member of the body is indispensable.

Practical Application: Remember that God values every act of service, no matter how small.

III. The Church Grows Through Participation (1 Corinthians 12:24-27)

Word Study:

Honor (Greek: τιμή – timē) This word conveys the idea of value and worth. When we honor others in the body, we acknowledge their God-given role.

5. 1. Honoring Each Other:

Cross-Reference: Philippians 2:3 (ESV) – "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."