Introduction: In this passage of scripture we see how the local church functions in comparison to the Body of Christ and we can learn four basic things found in the scriptures.
- Each Member has a Different Function- Vs 14-20Vs 14- The church is made up of many members, not just one. Everyone is significant and important to God and has a gift to exercise. Proverbs 20:12 “The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them”. Vs 15-17- Each members has their proper function. The foot may not be as gifted as the hand but they’re both a part of the body. The local church is handicap when one member is missing. The local church is handicap when one member is not using his/her gift(s). The local church is handicap when one member doesn’t know what his gifts are and is trying to do something they’re not gifted in. Philippians 2:3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves”. Vs 18- God is the one that brings members into the Local Church as it pleases Him. What we are called and gifted to do is God’s Will. Don’t try to be something that you are not. Don’t force it. Thank God for your giftFigure out your gift and use your gift. I Corinthians 12:4-7 “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit”. I Corinthians 3:5 “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?” Vs 20- Many members yet it is still only one Body- the Body of Christ. The same is true about a local church- it’s many members yet only one local church. UNITY IS THE KEY- People will divide what God wants together. People will say of others- They’re unimportant, insignificant, inadequate, ungifted, less able, less gifted, less worthy, less capable. I Corinthians 3:1-4 “are ye not carnal”.
2. No one Member should tell Another He has No Need of Him- Vs 21 Every Believer is needed in the Body of Christ just like they’re needed in the Local Church. This is a sharp rebuke to those who try dominate or impose their will upon a church.Don’t take the Preeminence- 3 John 9-11 People today want to run a church, that’s not the way it works. Jesus Christ should have the preeminence- Colossians 1:14, 18 “and he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence”.
3. Each Member’s Contribution is Important- Vs 22-24 The Less honorable or feeble are needed in the Body just as much as those that appear to be more important- I Corinthians 1:27-29 “but God hath chosen the foolish, weak, base, despised, things which are not”. No I in Team- Two are Better than one- Ecclesiastes 4:9 “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour”. Honour Each Other- Romans 13:7 “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour”. (to esteem them).
4. Each Member Should Care for Each Other- Vs 25-27 No Schism- (division) Romans 12:3-5, 10- Different personalities, abilities, Capabilities, gifts. Don’t be so critical of others. The Same Care- Ephesians 4:3-4, 13, 16 “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.
Conclusion: There are many local churches but not many that are doing what God says to do. If we follow what the Bible says to do, God will be magnified, glorified, and please with us.
Anchor Baptist Church 