1 Corinthians 12:12-31
INTRODUCTION
One beautiful, sunny afternoon two baseball teams met to play a game. Although it was expected to be a good game, one team was assured of victory. The teams dressed in their respective uniforms, the White Sox in white and the Black Sox in black. Game time approached and the Black Sox were ready, all of the team was there and ready to play, not at all discouraged by the fact that the best player to ever play the game was on the opposing team. The White Sox, however, were having some problems. Chris, the greatest player to ever play the game was ready to play but some of the other players were not moved by his enthusiasm. The first basemen as well as the third baseman were missing in action. The catcher finally showed up, seconds before game time. All three outfielders were in attendance yet two to them had not bothered to show up for practice in a while. Chris took the mound yet had to pitch to the outfielder. He and the catcher were forced to switch positions because of the catchers tardiness. Finally the game started and the Black Sox showed that they came to play. Chris lived up to his billing. He covered first and third bases as well at the pitching duties. Outfield play was a disappointment with the tardy catcher and the two who hadn’t bothered to practice they were rusty and not at all able to withstand the barrage of hits that came their way. Chris was able to muster two outs on his own while the catcher turned outfielder and second baseman combined for the third. It was going to be a long game.
The church is much like a ball team. In order to achieve victory, all the players must be practiced and ready come game time. In 1 Corinthians, Paul describes the church as the body of Christ. Yes, our team is assured victory. Chris or Christ, the greatest to ever play the game, is on our side. But there are some factors we must consider.
To be victorious we all must play our part.
To be victorious we all must give our best effort.
To be victorious we all must be in the game.
MAIN BODY
I. To be victorious we all must play our part.
A. The body of Christ has many parts. (1 Corinthians 12:14)
B. Each part serves its God given function. (Romans 12:3—8)
II. To be victorious we all must give our best effort.
A. No one Christian is better than another.
1. Galatians 3:26—29
2. 1 Corinthians 12:22, 25b—26
B. God has given each of us a part.
1. Refer to Team illustration.
2. Without each member doing their part, the body of Christ suffers.
III. To be victorious we all must be in the game.
A. Christians must show up for practice.
1. Personal and organized study prepare us for the game.
2. 2 Tim. 2:15
3. 2 Tim. 3:14—17
4. Heb. 10:23—25
B. Christians must show up for the game. (Eph. 6:10—18)
C. Most important for victory is to be on the team.
1. Everyone is welcome to the team. (John 3:16—17)
2. Those "in Christ" are on the team.
3. Romans 6:1—10
Mitchell Skelton, Minister—Midway church of Christ
http://www.TheLordsWay.com/Midway
