1. We Are One Body
1 Corinthians 12:12-27

2. There Is One Body of Christ
Remember the divisions of chapter 1
Following men—Paul, Apollos, Cephas
There is only one Lord
1 Corinthians 12:12a The Lord has but one body
Ephesians 4:4
Ephesians 1:22-23
1 Corinthians 12:27
1 Corinthians 12:13 Terms of entry

3. Not One Member, But Many Comprising one body—1 Corinthians 12:12b
No self depreciation.
Even the lowest member has a role to play.
Yet, not everyone should play every part (James 3:1).

4. Any Member Would Be Missed
1 Corinthians 12:18-19
If all members were the same part, even the most important, there would not be a body.
No body is complete if it lacks even 1 member.
Any member of the human body is missed and must be compensated for if it does not work.

5. Many Members, But One Body
1 Corinthians 12:20
1 Corinthians 12:21-24 Members of the body are mutually dependant. No depreciation of others.
1 Corinthians 12:25 Imagine a hand trying to cut off a hand or foot.
1 Corinthians 12:26
“When each can feel his brother’s sigh” (“How Sweet, How Heavenly”)
Romans 12:15

6. Each Member Should Find His Place in the Body
1 Corinthians 12:27
Where do I fit in?
Will I be a useless appendage which does nothing?
Will I try to do something I cannot do?
Will I find my role and fill it?

7. Playing My Role in the Body
Romans 12:4-5 Each member has its function
Romans 12:6-8 Gifts given by God
Prophecy–speaking God’s revealed word
Ministry–like deacons attending to the saints’ needs
Teaching
Exhorting others to do the will of God
Giving liberally without fanfare
Leading by being ever watchful (Acts 20:28)
Cheerfully showing mercy (Luke 10:25-27)

8. Putting My Christianity to Work
Romans 12:9 Practicing sincere love without hypocrisy
1 Peter 1:22
Hebrews 5:14
Romans 12:10-13
Kindly affectioned–tender family love
Preferring to give honor to others
Giving my all because I serve the Lord
Rejoicing in hope for which I patiently wait in constant prayer
Taking care of needy saints and hospitable

9. Putting My Christianity to Work
Romans 12:14-18 Responding well to those without
By blessing those who persecute us – Matthew 5:10-12
By sharing in joy and sorrow
By showing the love of Christian family in all you do
By repaying evil with good
Romans 12:19-21 Leaving vengeance to the Lord

10. Growth Through Involvement
Volunteers are declining, and social, civic and religious groups are all feeling the crunch.
John Ellas found growing churches had 41% and declining churches 39% member involvement.
Carl George said the level should be 50% if churches are to grow, with 10% involved in outreach.

11. Results of a Lack of Involvement
Jobs do not get done
A few simply cannot do the work of many.
Ephesians 4:16
Members are lost
When people do not feel wanted, needed and involved, they often drift away.
1 Peter 4:10

12. Involvement Through Groups
Groups must meet on a regular basis to provide fellowship and a sense of belonging.
Win Arn says a church should have 7 such groups per 100 members.
John Ellas found growing churches had 6 such groups and declining churches had 4 such groups per 100 members.

13. Considerations Regarding Groups
Purpose – Fellowship? Learning? Out-reach? Fun?
Size – Must allow people to go beyond surface relationships
Age – Must not be allowed to become static, i.e., new groups must be formed
Facilities – Crowded space creates excitement but prevents growth

14. Determining Where a Person Fits In
Passion – What interests, excites, concerns you?
Ability – What gifts, talents do you have?
Personality – What are you suited for?
Need – What needs to be done? (Galatians 6:10)