The Care of the Body.
Notes
Transcript
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
The Bible is a book of parallels that assist us in understanding.
This is the whole reason why Jesus taught in parables…
Parallels of the Bible:
Passover lamb and Jesus, the sacrificial lamb
Moses delivers Israel from Egyptian bondage, Jesus delivers people from the bondage of sin
Serpent on the pole, Jesus on the cross
Adam and Jesus
Jonah and Jesus
Joseph and Jesus
Issac and Jesus
Physical temple, Jesus
Israel and the church
Red Sea and baptism
Cloud and Holy Ghost
Parallels for the church
Bride of Christ
New temple
Flock of God
Household of God
Holy Priesthood
Vine and branches
City on a hill
Field of God
Kingdom of priests
Body of Christ
We are given parallels to know more about something we don’t naturally understand!
I want to focus on the parallel of the church as the Body of Christ.
Title: The Care of the Body.
When you look at the body, the parallels apply.
We are a product of what we eat, the exercise we do, the rest we get, and our genetics.
The church is the same way…
We are a product of what we eat spiritually, our spiritual exercise (prayer, fasting, study, church attendance), our spiritual rest (sabbath), spiritual genetics.
Just like our physical bodies, we should regularly evaluate our spiritual body.
Annual checkups. Go to your doctor and let him poke on you, listen to you, analyze your blood…
And then make decision based on what the doctor says!
Cut your sugar, fat, salt…
Sometimes you have health scares.
Have to have specific tests done.
Surgery may be necessary…
All of a sudden, you really focus in on what the doctor is saying.
Sometimes you get a mixed report.
Your BP is good but your cholesterol seems to be climbing a little.
I come tonight with a mixed report…
I want to prepare you for what I am seeing happening.
Hear me… I am talking right now to the healthy members of the body!
I need your help! I need you to know what is going on so that you can respond properly!
Exercise, diet change, surgery is alway hard on the body but is always what is best for the body.
You healthy cells, healthy members understand that you cannot ignore the pain and just hope it will go away.
You healthy members of the body, if you ignore an infection it will kill you!
You will not stay healthy if sickness is ignored.
Here’s the prognosis: We have a cancer that is growing called division.
We’ve seen the symptoms for the last 6-8 months… got stronger and stronger.
Division: to separate
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Four things to know about a divider
Mark and avoid him or her
Mark means to be aware of - like watching a snake sun it’s self on a log!
Dividers serve their own agenda
There will be a demand or an ask
You win through diligent obedience
God of peace will bruise Satan under MY feet soon!
Characteristics of a divider:
The divider is convienced of their own righteousness.
Will alway want to correct you but will never themselves be corrected
Conclusion:
What do you do with a divider?
Mark them.
Don’t listen to them.
Someone tell you I know pastor said but _____________________! MARK THEM!
Correct them.
DO RIGHT!
You are the white blood cells in the body fighting the cancer that is trying to destroy unity!
The energy of the last few weeks is not happenstance… it’s spiritual warfare! White blood cells fighting cancer cells!
The joy and peace in service is you dealing with division in the church!
THE MOST IMPORTANT SPIRITUAL WARFARE YOU WILL EVER DO IS DOING RIGHT EVERY DAY!
One of two things will happen…
Repentance, confession and restoration
Spiritual surgery.
EITHER WAY THE REST OF THE HEALTHY BODY WILL PROSPER AND GROW!
Beware:
People speaking against church leaders saying things like you don’t have to go to church… Those people are not holy…
Protect yourself with the opposite sex. I will not allow adultery and fornication to break out in this church!
