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NO SCHISM IN THE BODY

Text: 1 Corinthians 12
30 January 2011

(I) THE CAUSES OF SCHISM IN THE BODY

1. The problem of spiritual immaturity

“If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body?” 1 Corinthians 12:15

2. The problem of wrong focus

“If the whole body was an eye, where would be the hearing?” 1 Corinthians 12:17

3. The problem of a lack of appreciation of each other

“And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’…” 1 Corinthians 12:21

(II) THE COMPREHENSION OF GOD’S PLAN OF THE BODY PREVENTS SCHISM

1. God’s plan of unity and diversity in the body

a) Conceptual understanding

“For as the body is one and has many members,…” 1 Corinthians 12:12

b) Confirmed fact

“For in fact the body is not one member but many…” 1 Corinthians 12:14

c) Conviction

“But now indeed there are many members, yet one body…” 1 Corinthians 12:20

2. God’s prerogative in setting of members in the body

“But now God has set the members each one of them, in the body, just as He pleased.” 1 Corinthians 12:18

3. God’s compose the body to have no schism

“But God composed the body…that there should be no schism in the body.” 1 Corinthians 12:24

a) The necessity of each part

“No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.” 1 Corinthians 12:22

b) The honouring of lesser parts

“Having given greater honor to that part which lacks it…” 1 Corinthians 12:24

c) The same care for each member

“But that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honoured, all members rejoice with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-26

(III) THE PRACTICE OF ONENESS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

1. Commitment to be one in diversity

“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” 1 Corinthians 12:27

2. Seeing the spiritually gifted as God’s loving gift to the church

“And God has appointed these in the Church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:27

a) The apostle and prophets had a part to play in the Church

b) They played out their roles well.

c) The focus is not on the gift but the person.

3. Having a proper practice of spiritual gifts

“Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?” 1 Corinthians 12:29-30

a) Not all would hold positions in Church

b) Not all would have the same gifts

4. Practising love in the body of Christ

“And yet I show you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31 “Love never fails…” 1 Corinthians 13:8