Apr 21, 2024
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
To illustrate the function of a local congregation, Paul uses the analogy of the human body. He wants to highlight both the unity of a church and the diversity of a church. "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ" (1 Cor 12:12).
In terms of unity, believers are all indwelt by the same Spirit of God (1 Cor 12:13) and are in the same group … here called "the body of Christ" (1 Cor 12:13,27). Common social, ethnic differences dissolve in an essential equality (1 Cor 12:13). There is a mutual dependence on one another (1 Cor 12:21). There is a mutual commitment to and care for one another (1 Cor 12:25,26). All believers hold to the same fundamental truths about God and the gospel (Eph 4:5; Jude 3). The reflection of the one, true God is seen in the unity and harmony of a local church (Eph 4:1-6).
But unity is not uniformity. Within Christ's church, however, there is a wonderful, God-designed diversity of giftedness. Each spiritual gift fulfills a function within the body of Christ and no gift is indispensable. "If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose" (1 Cor 12:17,18).
Every ministry within a church is important and necessary … both the obvious, visible activities, and the behind-the-scenes, little known activities. Let us be encouraged that God sees all and that a cup of cold water, given in the name of Christ will not go unrewarded (Mt 10:42).