I Corinthians 12:15-27 V. 15. “if the foot shall say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? V. 16. And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? V. 17. “If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

V. 18. “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him. V. 19. “And if they were all one member, where were the body. V. 20. “but now are they many members, yet but one body. V. 21. “And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. V. 22. “Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary.

V. 23. “And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness (modesty,NKJV). V. 24. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: V. 25. “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. V. 26. “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. V. 27. “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular (individually, NKJV).

Background Information: Paul was writing to “the church of God at Corinth,” I Cor. 1:1-2. – “The church” (ekklesea), the called out. – They had been “called unto the fellowship of Jesus Christ,” I Cor. 1:9. – “Called” by the gospel, 2 Thessalonians 2:14. – The saints at Corinth had been “saved” by the gospel, I Corinthians 15:1-2.

Background -- continued “By one Spirit” they had been “baptized into one body,” I Corinthians 12:13. Water and Spirit Joined together! – John 3:5, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” – Acts 2:38, “..repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” – Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

Background – they had received spiritual gifts, I Cor. 1:6-7! Imparted thru laying on of Apostles’ hands, Acts 8:18. cf. John 16:12,13; I Cor. 13:8-10. Gifts not synonymous with spirituality, 3:1-3! Some believed they were superior to others who did not possess the same gifts, But these gifts were given for the “profit” of all, I Cor. 12:7, not just the recipients! Point of Emphasis: they needed one another!

Examine the Text, 12:15-27: “The body is not one member, but many,” 14. In the physical body each member is important to the whole body, vs He cited the physical body to illustrate the spiritual body, 12:27. The Application: – “Should be no schism in the body,” v. 25. – “The members should have the same care…” v. 26. – If “one members suffers, all suffer with it,” v. 26. – If one member be honored, “all the members rejoice with it,” v. 26.

What Lessons Can we Glean? Each member of this congregation is important! Note v. 21. Each member of this congregation has God-given work to do! Each member of this congregation is worthy of honor, vs The members of this congregation are inter- connected and inter-related. 12:14; Romans 14:7. It is imperative that you carry your end of the work load!

Survey Sheet – Check off what You are willing and /or able to do? ( ) Knock on doors in the community with tracts or printed material…and to invite people. ( ) Knock on doors in community in an effort to discuss the Bible with the residents. ( ) Regularly contact visitors by making phone calls, writing letters, cards, etc. ( ) Invite people to your home or to a restaurant, hand them a tract, invite them to our services. ( ) Talk to others about setting up home studies.

Survey Sheet -- continued ( ) Talk to others about receiving our free eight-lesson Bible Correspondence Course. ( ) Offer rides to those who need transportation to our assemblies. Visit the sick, taking food when needed, provide assistance as needed. Phone members to inform them of sickness, deaths, etc.,

Survey Sheet -- continued ( ) Conduct (or assist in conducting) home Bible studies with either saint or sinner. ( ) Distribute CD’s of sermons on “first principles” to family members, friends, etc. ( ) Provide your “input” on additional items, in keeping with the Scriptures, whereby we may do a more effective job of reaching precious souls. Note: We are not just seeking information; we are seeking your commitment!

Conclusion: In this study we have appealed to the saints here to commit themselves to the work of the church. We conclude by emphasizing the value of the church. – Whatever causes one to be saved results in his becoming a member of the church, Mark 16:16; Romans 10:17; Acts 2:38, 47; I Cor. 12:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:14.