1. The Body of Christ- Unity & Diversity - Eph.4:11-16; 1Cor.12:12,13 1. Our calling:- a, To love God with all our being a, To love God with all our being b. To love our neighbour as ourselves b. To love our neighbour as ourselves 2. Doing it – loving God & others a. As we pray a. As we pray b. As we use our spiritual gifts b. As we use our spiritual gifts

2. 1. Christians are united in Christ – 1Cor.12:12,13 When someone repents & trusts Christ:- a. They are united to Jesus b. They are united to other christians to form one body 2. Diversity not uniformity a. Spiritual gifts vary a. Spiritual gifts vary - beauty in variety – Rainbow Church - beauty in variety – Rainbow Church - Effectiveness in variety - Effectiveness in variety

3. Diversity not uniformity b. There are many gifts – 1Cor.12:8-10,28; Rom.12:6-8; Eph.4:11; 1Pet.4:9,10; Ex.31:3; 1Tim.2:1,2; Ps.150:3-5; 1Cor.13:3; 7:7 Wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing spirits, tongues & interpretation, apostles, prophets, teachers, helps, administration, service, encouraging, giving, leadership, showing mercy, evangelists, pastors, hospitality, craftsmanship, intercessor, musician, voluntary poverty, martyrdom, celibacy ……..

4. There are many gifts As we look at the long list:- 1. It is not exhaustive, but illustrative 2. Many are a deepening of what should be seen with all christians – faith, mercy etc 3. No place for superiority or inferiority - “I don’t need others” – 1Cor.12:21-26 - “I don’t need others” – 1Cor.12:21-26 - “I am not really needed” – 1Cor.12:14-20 - “I am not really needed” – 1Cor.12:14-20

5. 3. The growth of the Body – Eph.4:15,16 The purpose of the gifts is transformation:- a. The Church is built up b. The Church becomes God’s agent for change The focus must be on building up the Church – 1Cor.14:3-5,12,17,26,31

6. 5 defences against the selfish use of gifts 1. Unity – 1Cor.12:12-27 2. Mutuality – 1Cor.12:29,30 3. Love – 1Cor.13; Rom.12:9-13; Eph.4:1- 3,15,16; 1Pet.4:8,9 4. Desire to build up 5. Order – 1Cor.14:33,40

7. 4. Using your gift a. Desire to serve God b. Be eager to build up the Church c. Long to see the Church as a transforming agent – working with God d. Love God & others – knowing that the source of that love is God’s love for you