A United BodyIn order to teach the Corinthians that the Lord’s church is not to be composed of individuals in

competition and warfare with one another, Paul compared the church to a body.

He did so to illustrate how the vairous parts should work together for the common good. 1

Cor. 12:14

14 For the body is not one member, but many.

Let’s consider his response to these questions:

Are we functioning together as a unit to accomplish the Lord’s Work?

• Are we truly working, growing, and serving others as Christ commanded? Are we really functioning as a body?– Even thought there are many parts of the human body;

arms, legs, ears, fingers, toes, etc., they each have their own function. They must still work together for the common good of the body. Rom. 12:4-5

• 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

• 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.– Remembering that we need and depend upon each other

in the body, should control the way we treat each other.

Are we struggling with Pride?• Some in Corinth felt useless because they did not possess

some of the more highly respected spiritual gifts, while others had elevated themselves due to the gift they possessed and position they occupied. – Paul replies: 1 Cor. 12:4-7

• 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.• 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same

Lord.• 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same

God which worketh all in all.• 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to

profit withal.– These truths should keep God exalted and keep us humbled. We

must be aware that a spirit of rivalry will destroy the effectiveness and harmony o f any church. We have no right to elevate ourselves because of any gift we have any position we may occupy, or any service rendered. The glory belongs to God not man. 1 Cor. 1:26-31.

Are we struggling with Pride?• Some in Corinth felt useless because they did not possess some of the

more highly respected spiritual gifts, while others had elevated themselves due to the gift they possessed and position they occupied. – Paul replies: 1 Cor. 12:4-7– These truths should keep God exalted and keep us humbled. We

must be aware that a spirit of rivalry will destroy the effectiveness and harmony of any church. We have no right to elevate ourselves because of any gift we have any position we may occupy, or any service rendered. The glory belongs to God not man. 1 Cor. 1:26-31.

• 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

• 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

• 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

• 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.• 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us

wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:• 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the

Lord.

Are we struggling with Pride?• Some in Corinth felt useless because they did not possess some of the

more highly respected spiritual gifts, while others had elevated themselves due to the gift they possessed and position they occupied. – Paul replies: 1 Cor. 12:4-7– These truths should keep God exalted and keep us humbled. We

must be aware that a spirit of rivalry will destroy the effectiveness and harmony of any church. We have no right to elevate ourselves because of any gift we have any position we may occupy, or any service rendered. The glory belongs to God not man. 1 Cor. 1:26-31.

• We are servants of God and one another. • Pride is as much out of place as discontent.

Do we show the same care for one another?

• Are we concerned about both the physical condition as well as the spiritual condition of others? When one suffers, do we all suffer? When one member is injured are we all concerned? – The entire body ought to be concerned over the faltering faith of one

member. All may not be qualified to help, but all should show concern.

– Paul’s reply: 1 Cor. 11:17-22*– When we read this section, we may thnk that the major problem at

Corinth was the abuse of the Lord’s Supper, and that was a problem. But the root problem seems to be expressed in terms of their carnality, and Paul noted that. 1 Cor. 3:3

• 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?– They had become self-centered rather than Christ-centered. As a

result they turned the Lord’s Supper into a common meal. The rich felt superior to the poor, and the poor felt neglected and mistreated. This was a church that had forgotten what was involved in communing with Christ at His table, and sharing with one another in this memorial feast.

Conclusion• Surely we can see what can happen to a church

where selfish and self-righteous attitudes exist. • Surely we can see the dangers of bitterness,

resentment, and hurt feelings. • In the absence of love and mutual respect,

relationships are damaged and the body suffers. • BUT of greater concern…the Lord’s name is

blasphemed and His work left undone! – Paul wanted these brethren to appreciate the fact that the

very assembly designed by God in His wisdom to edify the church was, in fact, destroying the church. They were the problem.

• Let us continue to show our care for each other and dwell in unity. Let’s act as one body in motion doing the Lord’s work.