The Living Body of Christ

I am passionate about several subjects… Secondary - Sports, coffee, music, grilling/smoking meats, and the great state of Texas! Primary - The Church = Marriage, Parenthood, and Discipleship

When the church abides in Christ, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished for God’s kingdom.

Paul wrote 2 letters to the church in Corinth...

1 of 4 prominent centers in the New Testament account of the early church.

Paul ministered during his 1st visit for 18th months.

Import city in the Roman Empire.

Maritime city. Received large cargos.

In Paul’s day, important metropolitan area.

City was under Roman control, but many people worshipped Greek gods. Pagan cult of Aphrodite.

Wealthy city. A place to have fun.

Sailors would come and spend their $ on the pleasures of Corinth.

Even in an age of sexual immorality, Corinth was widely known for its lifestyle.

Problems had arisen in the church.

Attacks on Paul’s ministry, immorality, improper fellowship, questions about disorder, and other problems.

Paul wrote to bring correction.

READ (1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-3)

There was an egocentric attitude toward public worship.

The mature Christian is characterized by giving, not getting.

1. The Church is Gifted to Serve God’s Kingdom.

The church at Corinth had lost sight of God’s purpose.

They were fixated on certain gifts. “Tongues”

Paul had left them in order. Now they were falling apart.

Paul still saw the people as his brothers and sisters. This could be redeemed. Confusion over communion could be resolved.

“Spiritual” pneumatikas - From the Spirit

“Gifts” Comes from same word - Not physical, supernatural

God supplied various gifts to the church so that the people would be equipped with everything they needed to increase the kingdom of God.

My son is mowing grass now. I’ve given him the necessary tools to make this happen.

Gifts are amazing until we forget where they come from.

Lack gratitude, Unaware of how things work/run, Lose our purpose.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in the Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

God has gifted the church with spiritual gifts for his purpose.

2. The Church Must Distinguish Spirit Gifts From What is Man-Made.

“pagans” ethos - Nation of Gentiles (Many of the members were not Jews.)

People in the city were deeply moved emotionally by mystery religions.

Dumb idols excite followers but cannot proclaim or offer revelations.

Being led away as if they are people who don’t know bettr.

Two meanings for verse 3:

Some people in the church have difficulty controlling their emotions and blurt out things in an effort to control.

Some of the Corinthians possessed characteristics of Gnosticism.

2nd century Gnostics were indifferent to the humanity of Jesus.

Gnosticism - Human beings contain a piece of God within themselves. Jesus had a short burst of enlightenment and it was removed after his death on the cross.

The eradication of ignorance.

Paul claimed that this attitude was not of God.

Christianity focuses on the eradication of sin.

The Holy Spiriit prompts man to proclaim Jesus as Lord.

Perfect pork chops… (Salt, Pepper) (Fridge) (Oil) (Pan Sear) (Roast in the oven) Then someone drowns it in ketchup!!!!

The Word of God has provided the recipe for a healthy church.

Churches before us have muddied up God’s purpose with man-made plans and agendas.

Our responsibility as Christians

Proclaim the gospel - Reach the lost

Make Disciples - Build up believers

Find our Role in God’s Kingdom - Spiritual Gifts

We are the Living Body of Christ!