Sermon Tone Analysis

Scripture Reading

Pray

Review

Be Discerning

Embrace Diversity

Pursue Edification

Acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s Work

Paul reiterates this principle in as he transitions into emphasizing the value of the diversity of the body of Christ, the church.

1 Cor

“Jews, Greeks, Slaves, Free” - Dividing Lines - differences that would ordinarily separate people

At conversion the Holy Spirit unites the individual regardless of ethnicity, social class, etc - to Christ and to his body, the church!

Key theme of is Unity within Diversity - unity within diversity of ethnicities, social class, spiritual giftedness.

Side Point: So why is 11:00 on Sunday morning still the most segregated hour of the week?

Why when the Holy Spirit has united us to Christ and to each other do we choose to not reflect that “one spirit” across all dividing lines?

Why do we choose to remain separate, gravitate toward division instead of gravitating toward unity within diversity?

The one thing we have in common that actually matters is our union with Christ through the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit!!!

We’re off to a good start by having racial diversity in our leadership.

Most churches even those who look more diverse then us won’t allow that!

Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone to engage people of all backgrounds in order to see the power of the gospel transcend all dividing lines!?

This morning I trust the that Spirit of God will challenge you to “Treasure Diversity within the body”.

Nose & Hand Parable “What is a Healthy Church”

The Contemporary Dilemma

We don’t treasure spiritual gifts that God gives others

The Dilemma - We’re...

Proud or Insecure

Competitive & defensive

Insecure - feeling like you don’t fit in

Judgmental

Cliquish

The Contemporary Trends

Imbalance

Imbalance

Abandoning the church altogether

Church hopping

Division

Imbalance

I’ve been in a lot of lopsided churches

Imbalance

All heady theologians and no servants

Imbalance

Imalance

All holy and no love

1 Cor 12:1

1 Cor 12:14

All grace and love but no holiness

“Foot & Ear” - Non-public/forefront,

All service and no knowledge & discernment

Quick take-away: Don’t by the lie, and don’t let anyone convince you that what you have to offer (your spiritual gift) is not needed in the church!

Closing Reflections

3 Essentials to Treasuring Diversity

We must find balance

“Foot & Ear” - Non-public/forefront, less honored.

Easy to feel insignificant.

I’ve been in a lot of lopsided churches

All heady theologians and no servants

All holy and no love

All grace and love but no holiness

All service and no knowledge & discernment

Quick take-away: Don’t by the lie, and don’t let anyone convince you that what you have to offer (your spiritual gift) is not needed in the church!

Quick take-away: Don’t by the lie, and don’t let anyone convince you that what you have to offer (your spiritual gift) is not needed in the church!

*Don’t be so quick to assume you don’t fit it in, get out get involved, try out several different opportunities to serve (inside/outside your comfort zone) and see what spiritual gift God has given you!*

We must stay humble

1 Cor 12:17-26

Remember God chose to give you your gift according to his will.

You wouldn’t be able to exercise your gift effectively if it weren’t for those whom God equipped with some of those supporting gifts!

If God has given you a more public or prominent gift, don’t get on your high horse!

You weren’t special, and you aren’t special, but God made you special according to his will!

If God has given you a more public or prominent gift, don’t get on your high horse!

You weren’t special, and you aren’t special, but God made you special according to his will!

Remember God chose to give you your gift according to his will.

You wouldn’t be able to exercise your gift effectively if it weren’t for those whom God equipped with some of those supporting gifts!

Remember everyone is indispensible.

Vs 22 “the parts that seem to be weaker are indispensable” - Every single genuinely born-again believer at Highland Community Church is invaluable!

Not one of you is dispensable!

Remember are in everything together.

Vs 26 “if one member suffers, all suffer together (e.g.

sin, tribulation, persecution, etc.); if one member is honored, all rejoice together (e.g.

deliverance, growth)”

We must use our gifts

All of the attention tends to go toward the public, visible gifts but you must remember every spiritual gift is (including yours) is God appointed!

He does not intend for you to simply be a sit in the pew as a spectator or recipient of the blessings of the body of Christ, but to be an active, contributing participant!

If you know the church is dwindling and not thriving that way it should, and you’ve been disengaged, content to just attend a service on Sunday or show up for an event here or there- you’re part of reason the church is not thriving.

The church doesn’t simply need your money, or your body to sit in a pew to make up attendance numbers.

The church needs to be strengthened/edified by your spiritual gift and you need to be strengthened/edified by the spiritual gifts of others!

Summary

Find balance

Stay humble

Use your gift

Where the rubber meets the Road

Pray

Share your spiritual passions with God

Ask for his guidance

Seek Affirmation

share your desires with trustworthy believer’s who have seen your walk and will honestly affirm or deny how they’ve seen or foresee God using you!

They should be able to affirm your passion & the fruitfulness of your ministry.

Connect

with your elders (fill-out information card, call, or approach in person).

make a formal commitment to the church family

agreement with statement of faith

Why?