ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE BODY?


INTRODUCTION-- 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

 

Though Paul is speaking in this context about "spiritual gifts," in that time when gifts were valid, his teaching regarding the relationships between "strong" and "feeble" Christians is applicable to the present time.

  • There are profound, yet simplistic, principles to ponder....

  • "The body is not one member, but many." ("If they were all one member, where were the body?")
    1. The ear cannot say, "Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body."
    2. "And the eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of thee.'"

     

    1. In view of the "end of all things," fervent love and the ministry of gifts among ourselves is commanded. 1 Peter 4:7-11
    2. Our relationships with other Christians are to be intimate, so as to "bless" (or bring happiness to) one another. 1 Peter 3:8-9
    3. We are to serve one another. 1 Peter 5:5 (Compare Galatians 5:13-15.)
    4. The basis of all Christian mutual ministry and service is love. 1 John 3:13-24

       

    APPLICATION--

     

    There is generally a readiness to relieve our brethren in their needs that are physical (although there is always a need for improvement in this).

  • But, we have brethren in greater need among us. As members of the body......

    1. They need moral support in trials. (Would we abandon them, as Paul was forsaken by his friends? 2 Timothy 4:16)
    2. They need sympathetic understanding, when their knowledge is imperfect. (Would we be insensitive to their need? Romans 14:13-21)
    3. They need spiritual encouragement. See Philippians 2:1-5
    4. They need concerned discipline at times. See 1 Corinthians 5:1-5
    5. Some need gentle correction. See 2 Timothy 2:24-26
    6. Some need our forgiveness. See 2 Corinthians 2:5-11