- BUILDING UP ONE ANOTHER -
Members of One Another
Romans 12:4-5
Introduction
Daniel Richard wrote, “We are living in a self-serving, self-centered, and self-obsessed modern day rush-rush society filled with negativity and constant tearing down of others…." Between social media bullying and political shouting down, our culture is easily offended and willing to demolish anyone who disagrees. Sadly this can find its way into Christian dialogue. “If you want to really differentiate yourself in this world, be people-oriented; start to focus on building others up" (Richard). Christians should always be in the habit of building up!
In this series we are going to look at what the Bible says about our life together and how we can build up one another! We are using Gene Getz’ book BUILDING UP ONE ANOTHER as a resource for sermons and classes. We will look at the many ‘one another’ passages for guidance and strength. The Bible teaches that the church is a united family of believers - we need each other - we can depend on one another - because we are members of one another.
Romans 12:4-5 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the
same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Paul uses this metaphor of the church as a body in his letters- a visual reminder of the way we belong together and how we relate to one another!
1. Seven Truths About the Body of Believers (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
We Form One Body (12) . There is a sense of interdependence here. No Christian can function effectively in isolation.
We Are Made into One Body By the Spirit (13-14)
There is diversity of purpose and ability in the body (15-20). This teaches us the value of Humility. No member of Christ’s body should feel more important than any other member of Christ’s body. No member should feel less important!
Romans 12:3 …Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
Every part of the body needs every other part! (21-23)
This understanding leads to unity (25). Every Christian should work hard at creating unity in the Body of Christ. Instead of division, each part should have equal concern for each other.
This teaching leads to compassion (26)
No one is left out! (27) No member of Christ’s body can say, “I don’t need you.” We all need each other!
2. How to Build Up The Body of Christ
Build Up With Words (Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.)
Build Up With Encouragement. (Romans 12:6-8 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is … to encourage, then give encouragement…)
Build Up With Grace. When others make a mistake, be quick to forgive and forget. This releases them from guilt and shame and fulfills a teaching from Jesus about forgiving as you have been forgiven.
Build Up With Service. Serving others is walking in the Jesus way. Serving together builds relationships.
Build Up With Love. People do not care how much we know until they know how much we care. - Larry West. Are you demonstrating love to your brothers and sisters? How can we grow in this!
Conclusion
Romans 12:4-5 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the
same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
The church is the body of Christ and we are members.
We build up the body of Christ with words, encouragement, grace, service, and love.
Two things are needed for us to move forward in this area:
- We need to be a part of the Body of Christ! Faith, Repentance, Baptism.
- We need to reach out to each other and to those around us to bring the love of Christ into their world.
While it’s true that “We are living in a self-serving, self-centered, and self-obsessed modern day rush-rush society filled with negativity and constant tearing down of others…."it is also true that Christians have the opportunity to offer the shining light of the gospel to make a difference!
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Discussion Questions
1. Daniel Richard wrote, “We are living in a self-serving, self-centered, and self-obsessed modern day rush-rush society filled with negativity and constant tearing down of others…." In what ways is that an accurate description of our times? In what ways is it not quite so?
2. Read our main text for today Romans 12:4-5 . If there are various translations present in the group, listen to the
wording of them. Members of the Body of Christ have different functions. What are some of the functions of the members of the church? Do you think Christians have one main function, or many functions, and why? What does Paul mean by “each member belongs to all the others”?
3. In the Seven Truths about the Body of Believers section of today’s sermon, which one of the seven really stood out to you as something important?
4. In 1 Corinthians 12:15-20 there seems to be an issue with parts of the body comparing themselves to other parts! Why is comparing ourselves with others a dangerous practice?
5. What are some practical ways we can ‘build up the Body with encouragement’? Who do you know that has the ‘gift of encouragement’?
6. In the lesson today Larry West was quoted as saying, “People do not care how much we know until they now how much we care.” Why do you think this is true? How can our church demonstrate to the community that we care?
7. What else do you want to talk about from today’s lesson?
Video of this sermon can be seen by searching for it on the YouTube Channel of Forsythe Church of Christ.
Resources
Getz, Gene. Building Up One Another. Victor Books, 1997
Richard, Daniel. https://www.becomingminimalist.com/ten-simple-ways-to-build-each-other-up/
Sligh, Chuck. Sermon located at
https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/one-anothers-1-members-of-one-another-chuck-sligh-sermon-on-unity-241696
