Body Life & Spiritual Gifts, Pt.1

1 Corinthians 12:4-31

1.        INTRO:  

A.        Picking teams, no team wants you?  Tough to feel useless.  Life can do the same to you.  No glory, hum-drum, no cosmic purpose.

B.        We need you, baby, and God has a purpose for you that you could tap into with us.

2.        Scripture 1 Co. 12:?

3.        WE ARE ALL THE BODY

Ø   The body is a unit made up of many parts.

Ø   This is so because the Holy Spirit baptized us in, and unites the body.

Ø   YOU ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST, EACH OF YOU!! (Vs.28)

Ø   Just because we don’t see it, doesn’t mean He doesn’t.  Find it!

4.        GOD IS THE HEAD (leading/planning)

A.        He is the boss and makes the decisions

Ø   Same Spirit, Lord and God in differing gifts, service and workings.  (This is Trinitarian!)

Ø    WHAT TO DO WITH BAD GIFTS Source: USA Today 1999
What adults say they do with that not-quite-right holiday gift:
Survey Says...
31%: Keep it
30%: Hide it
13%: Toss it
12%: Give it away
6%: Return it

Ø   There are so many different ways the Spirit gifts us, but it is just ONE who gives them just as HE determines, vs.11.

B.        He plans well and is on top of things

Ø   In the chaos of what we are as a church, God’s headship and His body-plan are affirmed and real!

Ø   LOTR IDEAS: “so do all who live to see such times, but that is not for us to decide, all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us,”

5.        EQUAL PARTS WITH EQUAL CONCERN,

Ø   LOTR IDEAS: the fellowship was made up of those with very different backgrounds and abilities, even the little hobbits had crucial parts to play

Ø   The gifts are given for the common good, vs.7

Ø   We must have equal concern and love.

6.        Invite: Back to Picking Teams

A.        God has picked you, will you play?

B.        Are you being placed on this squad?  We want you and need you.