Studies in 1 Corinthians God Has Appointed These In The Church 1 Cor. 12:27-31

The Body of Christ, Members individually Having discussed the body being many members, he describes them as “the body of Christ”

The Body of Christ, Members individually The body of Christ is the church e)kklhsi/a ekklesia, “to call out” Universal – all who are saved Local – those who ought to be saved who join together at a locale to do the work of God

The Body of Christ, Members individually The body of Christ is the church Col. 1:18, 24 Eph. 1:22-23 Eph. 5:23

The Body of Christ, Members individually You cannot separate the body from the head (mind) We need the mind of Christ – Phil. 2:5, 1 Cor. 2:16 Let us seek to think like our Lord

The Body of Christ, Members individually Let Him dictate what we do! Keep His commandments – Eph. 5:24 1 John 2:3-6 walk as He walked John 14:15 ALSO applies individually!

The Body of Christ, Members individually WE demonstrate His mind with unity! When we ALL obey Him, there WILL be unity! John 13:35

Appointed in the Church An all inclusive list – some with influence beyond local church, others within local church and our works

Appointed in the Church Apostles – FIRST God’s ambassadors. Instrumental in foundation of the Lord’s church Cf. Matt. 16:18-19, Eph. 2:19-21

Appointed in the Church Prophets – SECOND, only to apostles Inspired messengers at the infancy of the church Cf. Ac. 8:18, 1 Cor. 14:3-5

Appointed in the Church Teachers – THIRD, dida/skalo$, didaskalos Not necessarily inspired. He is one who instructs or teaches. NOTE: This is before the various gifts cf. Heb. 4:12, Rom. 1:16, 1 Cor. 1:18

Appointed in the Church AFTER that – Miracles Gifts of healings Helps – any that assists (deacons?)

Appointed in the Church AFTER that – Administrations – “helmsman” – one in leadership role (elders?) cf. Acts 20:28, 1 Pet. 5:2 Varieties of tongues – NOTICE this is last in this list!

“Are all apostles?...” Rhetorical questions with obvious answer of “no”. Just as various parts necessary in the body, so it is within the church Not everyone can do every work, and no one can do every thing. Eph. 4:11-16

“A more excellent way…” Desire the best gifts Seek to excel with whatever your abilities are Col. 3:23-24 Desire – zealously pursue (Gal. 4:18, Rev. 3:19)

“A more excellent way…” The “more excellent way” The way of love (agape) For gifts to be effective, love was necessary to govern them Even if you did not possess a particular gift you CAN possess love and use it for the kingdom!

As members of the body, let us do whatever we can do with love!