Promoting Healthy Ecclesias Workshop December 2011 Many parts –one body Study 4 - The Ecclesia: Many Parts, One Body

Christ is the head there is an order and status ordained of God from creation 1 Cor 11:3 Christ is the head of the body which is the ecclesia Eph 4:15 5:23 this principle governs all ecclesial order and the role of brethren and sisters in ecclesial life and in marriage Eph 5:23-33, 1 Tim 2:11-15 problems arise when individuals or ecclesia are disconnected from the head (Christ) Col 2:19

The ecclesia – one body, many members 1 Cor 12-14 gives guidance for harmonious ecclesial conduct. Ch 12 - the ecclesia is like the human body, controlled by the head, with many parts, all interdependent and useful. Ch 13 – without love one toward another all is of no value to God and the Lord Ch 14 – order and functioning in the ecclesia.

Though the background to 1 Cor 12-14 is the use and abuse of the spirit gifts the lessons apply to the ecclesia in all ages For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12) That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. (1 Corinthians 12:25)

Promoting Healthy Ecclesias Workshop December 2011 1 Cor 12-14 is about the use and abuse of the spirit gifts but the lessons apply to the ecclesia in all ages And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2) Let all things be done unto edifying. (1 Corinthians 14:26) But let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40) Study 4 - The Ecclesia: Many Parts, One Body

Obstacles to true unity pride, personal ego, self-importance, self-centredness 2 Tim 3:1-2 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,…. God hates discord These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

Things to avoid use of the tongue to gossip, slander or to speak evil of any sort James 3:1-10 following men to cause divisions 1 Cor 1:10 through to end of Ch 3 respect of persons, James 2:1-9 being a cause of offence or stumbling in the ecclesia Matt 18:7 worldly behaviour 1 John 2:15 Philippians 4:8 the golden standard