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One Another Commands Sunday School WHEELERSBURG BAPTIST CHURCH Life Application Sunday School Class One Another - Session 3 November 30, 2003 D. READ I Cor 12:14-27 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot says, "Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, "Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; or again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.This is probably the most extensive passage in the NT concerning this principle. What are some learnings we can gain from this analogy concerning our relationships in the body of Christ?
This is speaking of the local church. Though we are many different people, from different backgrounds, different likes and dislikes, look different, and in this context, have different gifts and abilities given to us, God has made us one. Regardless of what part we are in the body, or what gifts we have, or what function we perform, we are as much a part of the body and as necessary as any other part. Each members role and ministry is just as necessary as anothers. We are what we are by God’s grace. We need to be content with the gifts and calling God has given us. We should accept each other as a valuable member of the body, essential to the completeness of the body. We can’t all be the same part. We should not expect everyone to have the same gifts and abilities. Not all are gifted to speak or have a "visible" role in ministry. The quieter gifts and functions are just as needful and valuable for the functioning of the church. In fact, to try to make a part do what God has not gifted it, is to cripple the body. Because we view a part as "weaker " does not mean it is not needed. In fact, the body needs to give more attention and care to the "weaker" parts. God has designed the local church this way so that He receives the attention and glory. No one part is to receive the glory, but the glory is the Lords. I Cor 13 teaches that the way for our gifts to function the way God intended is to walk in love. So in conclusion, what affect should this principle of being members one of another have in our day-to-day lives? Apply this principle in a practical way: 1. How should we respond to the continued absence of fellow church member from services? 2. How much time should we spend with other members of the local church? 3. What are you going to do this week to implement this principle?
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