Introduction

Introduction

• Throughout this letter Paul is dealing with problems that rose out of factious division.
• There was animosity by those who thought others were favored by God by receiving what was perceived as a better, more impressive gift.
• Then this animosity caused some of the Corinthians to accuse the Lord of injustice. (1 Cor 12:3)
• Paul shows that everything is for the good of the church and the glory of God.

Preliminary Thoughts

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Preliminary Thoughts-1

• Today there are those who are teaching that this chapter supports religious denominational division.
• They justify teaching different and contrary doctrines and that Jesus accepts this as “all are working what is good for all men.”

Preliminary Thoughts-2

• However they are wrong and teaching doctrinal error.
• There is only one Lord, one faith and one baptism. (Eph 4:4-5)
• We are all to speak the same thing. (1 Cor. 1:10)
• Christ is not divided into sects. (1 Cor. 1:13)

Eph. 4:4-5

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

Preliminary Thoughts-3

• However they are wrong and teaching doctrinal error.
• There is only one Lord, one faith and one baptism. (Eph 4:4-5)
• We are all to speak the same thing. (1 Cor. 1:10)
• Christ is not divided into sects. (1 Cor. 1:13)

1 Cor. 1:10

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Preliminary Thoughts-3

• However they are wrong and teaching doctrinal error.
• There is only one Lord, one faith and one baptism. (Eph 4:4-5)
• We are all to speak the same thing. (1 Cor. 1:10)
• Christ is not divided into sects. (1 Cor. 1:13)

1 Cor. 1:13

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Chapter Section Synopsis

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 - Synopsis

• 12:12-14 – Paul describes church unity as one body with many members.
• 12:15-19 – God’s design is to have different, important parts that function together.
• 12:20-26 – God composed the body for one part to care for the other.
• 12:27-31 – The church, like the body is designed by God – Pursue what is best for it.

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1 Corinthians 12:12-14

Diversity And Unity In One Body

Diversity And Unity In One Body-1 �1 Cor. 12:12-14

• Paul’s simple use of the human body to show how the saints are to be unified
• The human body and the body of Christ compared.
• The influence of the Holy Spirit in our baptism.
• The gospel calls all people of every nation and every position in life.
• Paul concludes by saying the body is comprised of many members.

John. 3:5

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Diversity And Unity In One Body-2 �1 Cor. 12:12-14

• Paul’s simple use of the human body to show how the saints are to be unified
• The human body and the body of Christ compared.
• The influence of the Holy Spirit in our baptism.
• The gospel calls all people of every nation and every position in life.
• Paul concludes by saying the body is comprised of many members.

Tit. 3:5

not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Diversity And Unity In One Body-3 �1 Cor. 12:12-14

• Paul’s simple use of the human body to show how the saints are to be unified
• The human body and the body of Christ compared.
• The influence of the Holy Spirit in our baptism.
• The gospel calls all people of every nation and every position in life.
• Paul concludes by saying the body is comprised of many members.

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Diversity And Unity In One Body-4 �1 Cor. 12:12-14

• Paul’s simple use of the human body to show how the saints are to be unified
• The human body and the body of Christ compared.
• The influence of the Holy Spirit in our baptism.
• The gospel calls all people of every nation and every position in life.
• Paul concludes by saying the body is comprised of many members.

Matt. 16:17

Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

Diversity And Unity In One Body-4 �1 Cor. 12:12-14

• Paul’s simple use of the human body to show how the saints are to be unified
• The human body and the body of Christ compared.
• The influence of the Holy Spirit in our baptism.
• The gospel calls all people of every nation and every position in life.
• Paul concludes by saying the body is comprised of many members.

Eph. 3:5

which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:

Diversity And Unity In One Body-4 �1 Cor. 12:12-14

• Paul’s simple use of the human body to show how the saints are to be unified
• The human body and the body of Christ compared.
• The influence of the Holy Spirit in our baptism.
• The gospel calls all people of every nation and every position in life.
• Paul concludes by saying the body is comprised of many members.

Col. 1:18

And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

1 Corinthians 12:15-19

Complaints of Non Importance

Complaints of Non Importance

1 Cor. 12:15-19

• The Corinthians quarreling over Spiritual gifts is like an unnatural body that cannot function properly.
• Some said that since they did not get a better gift, they were not considered important enough for the body of Christ.
• Apparently some of the Corinthians felt they were useless because they did not posses some of the more “highly respected” spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:20-26

God composed the body for one part to care for the other

One Part To Care For The Other�1 Cor. 12:20-26

• Because there are many members of the body, we cannot say those that appear to be feeble are not necessary.
• “Less honorable” and “unpresentable” of our bodies is compared to those of God’s family who are the same.
• Brethren should care for each other, making each child of God more presentable as the body of Christ.
• If we all take the effort to ensure all parts of the body are cared for, there will be nothing left unkept.
• If one member suffers pain, the whole body suffers with it. If joy, then all will be joyful.

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1 Corinthians 12:27-31

The church, like the body, is designed by God – Pursue what is best for it!

The Church And Body Are Designed By God�1 Cor. 12:27-31

• Paul now applies that all in the body of Christ is composed of separate individual members.
• Paul sums it all up that not all have the same abilities or responsibilities
• In conclusion he is about to show them a more excellent way.

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A More Excellent Way

• In conclusion he is about to show them a more excellent way.
• This is not a way to attain the greater gifts.
• It is a way that is superior to the way of gifts.
• It is a way that make the individual a better Christian then any of the gifts could.
• This way is superior to spiritual gifts and it dictates how to use the spiritual gifts.

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Conclusion

Conclusion

1. The church is united in faith and doctrine under the headship of Christ.
2. Each individual of the church serves differently but is essential to the church.
3. We should not neglect each other, especially those who need our attention.
4. Desire always to excel in the service of God.
5. Strive to exemplify the love of Christ toward each other and for the church as a whole.

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