Everybody is Somebody in His Body

Part 1: The Grace of God

Pastor E. Keith Hassell

Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Romans 12:3-8

Everybody Is Somebody In His Body

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. They all attended the same church. They all said they loved the Lord and were glad to be a part of His Body. One day Jesus issued an important assignment for His Body. Everybody was asked to do it. Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. Jesus was grieved because Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done for His Body.

I. Everybody is somebody in His Body!

A. Ephesians 4:7 “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”

B. “Each one” speaks of the individual

C. “Us” speaks of the company

II. Everybody has been given grace in His Body

A. “Grace” speaks of the divine influence upon the heart with its resulting reflection in life for the sake of His eternal purpose.

1. Grace comes from the same root as “chara” (joy) and “chaira” (to rejoice).

2. “Charis” causes rejoicing. God’s grace in our lives is evidenced by joy and rejoicing rather than a legalistic burden or duty.

B. God has a work for you that will bring you great joy

C. We need to encourage an atmosphere of grace where joy will be released

III. Everybody is different in His Body

A. God’s grace is given to us according to the “measure” of Christ’s gift.

B. “Measure”

1. The Greek word for “measure” is metron (Strong’s #3358) which means “measure” or “portion.”

2. In other words, the measure given to each one is not unlimited. It is limited according to the sole determination of the Lord in each individual’s life.

3. Example: Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) Each one was given a different measure of responsibility according to their individual ability. There is much evidence in Scripture that as we are faithful with the portion assigned to us that our ability increases and we are rewarded with more (Luke 16:10-12).

C. We are not to measure ourselves by one another

1. 2 Corinthians 10:13 “We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you.”

2. Imagine a football team where everyone wants to be the quarterback or nothing

3. Imagine a church where everyone wants to be the pastor!

IV. Everybody is gifted in His body

A. “Gift”

1. The Greek word for “gift” is dorea (Strong’s #1431) that means, “gift” or “present.”

2. Each one’s grace is determined by the measure of Christ’s “gift.” In other words, the gift assigned to each one has the grace of God to use it effectively.

B. Not only has God gifted you, but you are His gift to the Body!

V. Everybody is important in His Body

A. Every member of the Body is important to the whole

B. We need each other

C. No one is any better than anyone else (Romans 12:3-5)

VI. Everyone is called to serve in His Body

A. Ephesians 4:1 Walk worthy of your calling

B. Romans 12:6 Having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them

C. God shows His love to us by showering us with His gifts. We show our love for Him by using those gifts to serve Him.

VII. Its time for Everybody to become Somebody in His Body

A. Do you feel insignificant? Let God affirm you as a Somebody today.

B. Do you feel powerless? Let God release fresh grace in your life

C. Do you feel that you don’t measure up to others? Stop evaluating yourself by others and embrace the measure God has given you

D. Do you feel worthless? Embrace the gifts He has given you and see yourself as a gift to His Body

E. Do you feel unwanted? Let God reveal your importance in this body

F. Are you unwilling to serve? Deny self-centeredness and be a blessing to His Body by serving others