1 Corinthians 12:4-11

iServe16 January 3 – Connect- “The What of Sacrificial Service” – Corporate Teaching- “The Why of Sacrificial Service” January 10 – Connect- “The Result of Sacrificial Service” – Corporate Teaching- The Attitude of Sacrificial Service: Humility January 17 – Connect- “The Necessity of Sacrificial Service – Corporate Teaching- “The Divine Design” of Sacrificial Service

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Churchianity “Churchianity: practicing our church and religious beliefs according to human standards rather than biblical guidelines.”

Sacrificial Service The Divine Pattern: Diversity – Vs.4-5 Varieties of giftsSame Spirit Varieties of ministriesSame Lord Varieties of effectsSame God Romans 12:4-6 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members [do not] have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly:

Sacrificial Service The Divine Pattern: Diversity V.7- But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit – Vs.8-10 V.8- To one the word of wisdom [through the Spirit ] V.8-10 To another (8) [according to the same Spirit] – V.11- But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as [He wills]

Sacrificial Service The Divine Pattern: Diversity – V.18- But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as [He desired] But now- Contrasting vs – V.15- Foot and hand – V.16- Ear and eye – V.17- If _______ then_________ Placed- assign someone to a particular task or function

Sacrificial Service The Divine Purpose: Unity – V.7- for the common good (sumpheron)- “to bring together” – Confer a benefit – Mutually advantageous

Sacrificial Service The Divine Purpose: Unity V.24- But God has so composed the body – Compose- to cause parts to fit together in an overall arrangement V.25- So that – No division » Schisma- One group is made into two (opposing) groups. » Cliques – Same Care for one another » V.26- if one member suffers, all the members suffer » V.26- if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it

Sacrificial Service “We who are church members are all supposed to function in the church. The concept of an inactive church member is an oxymoron. Biblically, no such church member really exists. Such is the reason we are exhorted to know our gifts and abilities, so we can use them best to serve the church for the glory of God. The fact that there is so much diversity in our church is our strength. Everyone has a function. Everyone should be functioning. Everyone should have a role... One of the ongoing questions you should ask yourself and God in prayer is: ‘How can I best serve my church?’ If you are a member, you must be a functioning member. It’s just that simple.” Thom Rainer, I Am A Church Member

1 Corinthians 12:4-11