“MEMBERS ONE OF ANOTHER” Listen to Audio

                              August 16, 2009

Intro: I Cor.12:4-27- a church struggling with rivalry, conflict

and jealousy.

I. Members of the same body necessarily share the

same life.  Vs.4-Spirit  vs.5-Lord   vs.6-God

1) There is only one life in a body (normally)-

2) Whatever sustains me, also sustains my brother and

sister in Christ.

  Vs.12- “all members of that one body.. are one body”

 

II. Therefore, members of the true church cannot

disclaim identification with the Body of Christ.

See 12:12-14- we share much in common

1) Many people only notice differences, missing the

essential unity

2) The local church is a gathering place of needy

people.

 Complete this sentence “The local church is…..”

3) If we are part of the body of Christ, we are part

of one another because we share in His life.

 

III. Members cannot disclaim dependency on

the Body.  See vs.15,16, 21

1) In reality, all of life is series of dependent

circumstances.

2) We often fear loss of independence/onset of dependency.

 

IV. Members of this same Body need to show care

for all members of this Body.  – 12:25

1) As I grow to value diversity in unity, I seek the welfare

of others.  Phil.2:4

2) Sharing life in Christ is not a posture of competition,

but of caring.