1. To download a copy of today’s lesson go to TheGoodTeacher
To download a copy of today’s lesson go to TheGoodTeacher.com and click on “Gospel Meetings”

2. Deeply Connected to the Body
Prepared by Chris Reeves * Twin Oaks church of Christ Gospel Meeting * June 17, 2015

3. The Body of Christ
The Lord’s church, both local and universal, is described as a body: life, direction (head), deeply connected members, etc.
Are you superficially attached (like a shoe) or are you deeply connected (like a foot)?
Let us consider three “body” passages in the NT: Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 12; and Eph. 4

4. Some Practices & Problems
All activity done at the building (like a monastery) – just show up
Do my limit; bare minimum – just keep to myself
The spirit of independence (spiritual gifts was the cause of this in NT times; selfishness is the cause today)

5. Some Practices & Problems
Don’t know the members – names, where they live, their life issues, etc.
Don’t do anything for the members
Factions, divisions & quarreling within a local church
Personality clashes

6. Some Practices & Problems
Not able to promote constructive discipline because no ties are had between members to start with
No emotional / physical ties to the brethren – more attached to worldly relationships than to the local church

7. Deeply Connected to the Body
Each member must be deeply connected with HUMILITY (Rom. 12:3-8)
Examination (v.3) – keeps us from feeling more important than others
Diversification (vv.4-5) – keeps us from feeling unnecessary
Utilization (vv.6-8) – keeps us busy

8. Deeply Connected to the Body
Each member must be deeply connected with DEPENDABILITY (1 Cor. 12:12-27)
Mutual obligation – you are unique and important; find your place (1 Cor.12:12-20)
Mutual dependence – you accept another’s place (1 Cor.12:21-24)
Mutual feeling – you share your emotions together (1 Cor.12:25-27)

9. Deeply Connected to the Body
Each member must be deeply connected with MATURITY (Eph. 4:12-16)
Leadership – designed to “build up” the body (v. 12)
Knowledge – designed to “grow up” (vv )
Participation – designed to “increase” the body (v. 16)

10. - Humility – - Dependability - - Maturity - Are You A Shoe or A Foot?

11. The Local Church A Place to Be Not A Place to Go