REPEATING HISTORY: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BODY

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

1 Corinthians 12 notes a shift in Paul’s writing to the church at Corinth. While the first 11 chapters of the book are focusing on the dangers of worldliness within the church, he knows moves on to the importance of spirituality within the church. He is giving clear statements as to what the church at Corinth should be doing.

1. He is the giver of gifts 

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

• “dumb” refers to the idols and “gods” who could not inspire nor speak
• Paul begins this section with a clear statement on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit power within all believers
• He further explains how the Holy Spirit moves us to action through gifts
• The important takeaway from the first 11 verses is that all receive gifts, just not necessarily the same gifts (Romans 12:3-8)
• Paul lists 9 specific gifts here (others found in Romans 12) which are: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues.
• In Romans 12 we find: mercy, prophecy, teaching, giving, serving, leadership, administration.

1. Focus on unity

1 Cor. 12:12-27 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would bethe hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

• Paul clearly states the importance of EVERYONE within the body of Christ
• While gifts differ, the value of each doing their part is what makes the body work properly
• When the body is not functioning correctly, every part suffers
• Richard Pratt states, “Without exception every person who has trusted Christ receives a place in the body of Christ.”[1]
• While the body of Christ might display its differences, we must embrace our dependence on one another

1. Let’s work together

1 Cor. 12:28-31 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. 29 Areall apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

• Paul once again encourages the church at Corinth to do their part

Action Points:

1. Get acquainted with the Spirit 
   • This begins with our salvation experience
   • However, it is cultivated through our spiritual growth
   • It can be thwarted through choosing sin, through disobedience and through neglect 

1. Find and develop your spiritual gift
   • Seek out your spiritual gift (i.e. tests, friends, mentors)
   • The best way to find and develop your spiritual gift is to start doing something

1. Get to work!

[1] Richard L. Pratt Jr, I & II Corinthians, vol. 7, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 220.