My Commitment to You 1 Corinthians 12:20-26 My Commitment to You 1 Corinthians 12:20-26

There were those who believed that the level of one’s spirituality depended on the kind of spiritual gift he or she possessed. Many believed that speaking in tongues was the superior gift. The Corinthian Church was a problematic, divided church.

True Spirituality NOT based in the possession of this or that gift.

Any Similarities? Church at Corinth and Churches today

20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” 22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 1 Corinthians 12:20-26

23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 1 Corinthians 12:20-26

25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 1 Corinthians 12:20-26

Fellowship (Greek - koinonia) means communion by intimate participation. It includes the concepts of common, community, sharing, and joint participation. The Body of Christ is a fellowship Fellowship is a distinctive of the Body of Christ. The church is more than an organization or corporation.

Faith in Action easier in the context of community What’s your move?

A.“I need you” vv My Commitment to You 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” 22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.

20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 1.Recognize diversity in the Body of Christ. A.“I need you” vv My Commitment to You 2.Humility toward all is crucial to our growth and success.

3 John 9 I wrote to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, refuses to have anything to do with us. 10 When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church.

20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 1.Recognize diversity in the Body of Christ. A.“I need you” vv My Commitment to You 2.Humility toward all is crucial to our growth and success. 22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary

B.“I will protect you,” v And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen. 1.God intended the church to be a safe place. My Commitment to You

B.“I will protect you,” v God intended the church to be a safe place. 2.Parts of the Body of Christ My Commitment to You More honorable parts Less honorable parts

B.“I will protect you,” v God intended the church to be a safe place. 2.Parts of the Body of Christ My Commitment to You 3.Truth Tellers

Truth without love is brutality, and love without truth is hypocrisy. Warren Wiersbe

C.“I will honor you,” v while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. honored, all the parts are glad. My Commitment to You In the local church, Christians have different roles and functions. God’s Word reminds us that no members of the fellowship are more worthy of honor than the rest of us.

C.“I will honor you,” v while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. honored, all the parts are glad. My Commitment to You How can we honor one another?

D.“I will care for you,” vv My Commitment to You

D.“I will care for you,” vv while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. My Commitment to You

If Christians cannot find loving care from the fellowship, where else can they turn to?

E.“I will live in harmony with you,” vv This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. My Commitment to You

E.“I will live in harmony with you,” vv My Commitment to You 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. NLT 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. NIV Harmony and unity in the fellowship do not come automatically.

E.“I will live in harmony with you,” vv My Commitment to You What could be some sources of conflict that could potentially harm or divide the fellowship?

“I need you” Humility “I will protect you” Trust “I will honor you” Worth “I will care you” Love “I will live in harmony with you” Peace