THE BODY OF CHRIST
I CORINTHIANS 12
INTRODUCTION: There are different figures of speech used to describe the nature and function of the church. One is “the body of Christ.”
The church is not a building, place or street address. It is not just an organization. The church is an “organism”. That word means “any individual, animal or plant having diverse organs and parts that function together as a whole to maintain life and its activities.”
Concerning the church, Jesus is her source (Matt. 16:18), sustainer and sovereign. Think about these.
I. As Her Source Look at His Relationship
A. Look at His Head (Eph. 5:23): The head houses the brain. The brain thinks. The body follows the leadership of the head. It doesn’t act on its own. The true church will never become “brain dead”! He is the head – boss/authority.
B. Look at His Heart (Eph. 5:25): He loves her with all His heart. He is the heartbeat of the church. Granted, some churches seem to be on life support – only one heartbeat away from death. They need a “Jesus jolt”, a “Saviour shock”.
C. Look at His Hands (Eph. 5:26): He washes and cleanses. Look at Eph. 5:29. He feeds (nourishes) because He cherishes.
The head without the body is incomplete. The body must function properly if the head is to proceed according to the divine plan.
II. As Her Sustainer Look at His Requirements
She is His. He has every right to request, order and demand. What does He require?
A. Unity (I Cor. 12:12): The church at Corinth was divided. Paul calls for unity, not uniformity. He is not saying than Christ’s body is an exact counterpart of the human body. He simply uses the human body as an illustration. Our body is one, yet it has many members. Every member is important. We are “His” body. Every member is important. Don’t get divided over issues and programs. Be concerned for the welfare of the whole.
B. Diversity (I Cor. 12:15-20): Go back and check out v.4-11. “Different” = varieties/allotments/distributions. “Working” = energy. “Common good” = to glorify God and profit the church as a whole.
C. Harmony (I Cor. 12:15-20): All members complement one another and are necessary to a properly functioning body. The words “superior” and “inferior” should be cast aside.
D. Solidarity (I Cor. 12:22-26): If one suffers, all should suffer. If one rejoices, all should rejoice.
It is through his body that He accomplishes His purpose and performs His tasks.
III. As Her Sovereign Look at His Room
“Is there room for a person like me in a church like yours?” There’s room at the cross for you. There should be room in His church (local) as well. We say “Our doors are open” but in reality, oftentimes our hearts are closed! The church should prove there is room by her:
A. Evangelistic Efforts
B. Missionary Movements
C. Discipleship Desires
The church should be a place for lordship, discipleship, fellowship, stewardship, worship and leadership. If not, we need to either “shape up” or “ship out”.
CONCLUSION: God, help us to be, act and do as the body of Christ!
