1 Corinthians 12:18-27
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. 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. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
As diverse, and sometimes as fragmented as the Church can be, there is a unifying statement I believe we all can agree upon. This world is in trouble! I don’t care what your level of theological understand may be, or proficiency in doctrinal interpretation, every Christian with at least an ounce of discernment can easily see that sin is running rampant, and the earth is in need of a savior…The Savior, Jesus the Christ. But thank God He has made a plan of salvation for fallen humanity; and that plan involves you and me. Yes, your skills and my skills are directly, and intricately woven into the fabric of the redemption strategy of the Lord. Truly denoting the fact, the world at its worst needs the Church at its best.
I would ask that as we review our scripture this morning, we pay special attention to the very last sentence which declares, Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. A more modern interpretation renders that stanza to read, “Now here is what I am trying to say: All of you together are the one body of Christ, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.” I really love that translation.
A large part of the mission of Christ is to bring all humanity closer to him, not just the religious few. This mystery was hidden from many of the Old Testament prophets and priest. It was not initially understood by the disciples and early followers of Christ. But you and I know for certain of his saving grace and bountiful blessings toward us. Our calling, election, selection and commission are evidence of the fulfillment of the promise of God to bring salvation, redemption and sanctification to every one that believes. But that message is hollow and weak when we are not actively functioning in our particular areas of expertise. And I say ‘expertise’ because irrespective of what particular calling you may have, the Christ in you supercharges it to make it a tool for eternal change to those that are lost.
So may I canvas my audience this morning to see exactly who is with us today? Do we have any prayer warriors? Do we have any folk that identify themselves as intercessors, kneeologist, or prayer band members? If so, know that the world needs you this morning.
How about fasting? Are there any folk out there that understand the purpose and power of fasting. Remember Jesus declared, “this kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting?” (Mark 9:29) Is there anyone called to that ministry? If so, please step forth, we desperately need you.
What about our worshippers? Does not the Bible admonish God’s people to worship Him in Spirit and Truth?
And note if you will some of the later verses in the same chapter we’re reading today where the writer purposely doesn’t make the office of Apostle, prophet or teacher any higher than helpers, those that handle governance or pray with faith for the sick to be healed. Each of these gifts are not only significant, but very much needed right now in our present time.
Saints, the Church needs us all to unite under one banner, one calling and one Lord. As the imperfection of the world is demonstrated in the weakness of flesh and abandonment of the Spirit of God, the perfection of God is confirmed in us individually and revealed through us in collective unity and obedience to the dictates of Christ.
One of his last request on this earth can be found in his prayer at Gethsemane. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. (John 17:20-23)
God Bless
