One Body in Christ

Introduction

Review

Questions raised the the Corinthians

Marriage and Divorce, those betrothed and those who are widows

Food offered to idols

Topics Causing Division

Prideful following of favorite Christian Preachers

Incest and Arrogance

Taking a fellow believer to court

sexual immorality

Head Coverings

Improper observance of the Lord’s Supper

The use and proper place of spiritual gifts

Scripture/Prayer

What is God’s Message to us today?

Could have been on the importance of Church Membership

Universal Church

Local Church

John MacArthur

Hebrews 13:17 ESV

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Could have been on Unity in the Church

There is a need for each member of the Church to properly appreciate each others spiritual gifts

There is another problem! Pride in certain spiritual gifts are causing division in the Church!

The type of pride that promotes self and is self centered, and self glorifying

Purpose of the gifts are the opposite

to build up the body of Christ

To be a picture to others of what Christ is like

for the common good, not for bringing attention to oneself.

VS 12-13

Paul gives us a picture to help us understand each persons role in the Church. Our physical body represents Christ and his Church.

The Spirit baptizes us into one body

We as born again believers are indwelt with the Holy Spirit

Therefor we are to be united by spiritual gifts not divided.

VS 14-20

Problem: Some who have less visible gifts feel that they are not important to the body of Christ

helping, serving,

Each member and their gift is necessary (vs 15-16)

Some who have more visible gifts, or those who seem to be more important feel they are more important to the Church

Each member has an essential function (vs 17)

Each member and their gifts are placed in the body as God wills it. (vs 18)

Each member is part of a great whole (vs 19-20)

Problem: Some who have more visible gifts, or those gifts who seem to be more important feel they are more important to the Church.

More visible gifts.

Teaching, preaching, Apostles, Evangelists, miracles, speaking in tongues

One member because of their gifting cannot say to another, “you are not needed”

The parts of the body that seem weaker are indispensable.

Paul’s recommendation

Paul gives us a picture to understand. Our physical body represents Christ and his Church

The Spirit baptizes us into one body

We as born again believers are indwelt with the Holy Spirit

We as born again believers are indwelt with the Holy Spirit

Therefor we are to be united by spiritual gifts not divided.

Therefor we are to be united by spiritual gifts not divided.

Much like we have heard in the covenant of marriage, the same is true in the body of Christ, members are equal, but have different equally important roles

a team - with chemistry

a family

a team - with chemistry

Both presentable and unpresentable member and their gifts are put into one body by God.

that there would be no division

so that we would have the same care for each other, build each other up

Each member has his/her own indispensable place in the Church.

Conclusion

You have a gift or gifts from God

Spiritual gifts are given to build up and not to tear down or divide

Is my gift divisive in the body of Christ?

Whatever your gift or gifts, you are an indispensable part of this Church. We can’t do without you! We need you!

Is my gift divisive in the body of Christ

The Spirit baptizes us into one body

We as born again believers are indwelt with the Holy Spirit

Therefor we are to be united by spiritual gifts not divided.