Sermon Central
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Binding The Hands Of Jesus
Contributed by Ray Searan on Nov 28, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: In Mark 15:1, we read of how the enemies of Jesus bound Him in preparation for the sending of Him to Pilate, When you read those words it is easy for your heart to be filled with sadness, and even with a touch of “righteous indignation” for that crowd tha
C. Are We Doing This?
1. If so, what a travesty this is!
2. For here is Jesus…………
a. Who “lives” to intercede for us.
b. But Who can’t, because we prevent Him from doing so by our failure to pray!
IV. BY REFUSING TO DO OUR PART IN THE CHURCH
1st Corinthians 12:12-27 (AMP) 22But instead, there is [absolute] necessity for the parts of the body that are considered the more weak. 23And those [parts] of the body which we consider rather ignoble are [the very parts] which we invest with additional honor, and our unseemly parts and those unsuitable for exposure are treated with seemliness (modesty and decorum), 24Which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so adjusted (mingled, harmonized, and subtly proportioned the parts of) the whole body, giving the greater honor and richer endowment to the inferior parts which lack [apparent importance], 25So that there should be no division or discord or lack of adaptation [of the parts of the body to each other], but the members all alike should have a mutual interest in and care for one another. 26And if one member suffers, all the parts [share] the suffering; if one member is honored, all the members [share in] the enjoyment of it. 27Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function].
A. The Church is described as the “Body of Christ”.
1. As His Body, we are individually members of one another.
a. There should be no division in the body, since we all share the same life through the Spirit.
2. As members of one another, we are to care for one another.
a. Ephesians 4:15, 16 (AMP) 15Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 16For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.
3. It is through mutual edification that Christ provides much of His help for the members of His body!
B. But when we fail to do our share, again Jesus is bound!
1. Just as our physical head can do little if our bodily members fail to follow its leading, so it is with Jesus and His Church! Using the analogy of the body, Paul emphasizes the importance of each Church member in 1st Corninthians12:14-22. Each member must use the gifts given them and encourage
others to use theirs. If we do not do our part, we bind Jesus!
2. Jesus could do so much more for the Church and through the Church, if only each member did their part!
C. Have you ever considered it this way?
1. That by failing to do our part, we “handicap” the body of Christ? That fact should motivate us to be the strongest member we can be. Every part of the body contributes toward the growth of the Church.
