Scripture
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Open your mind and heart as you read the passage of Scripture aloud and then again quietly to yourself. Listen for God’s word to you.
Observation
Paul used the idea of a human body to illustrate how believers are united into a single unit, each with their own purpose, brought about by their connection with the Holy Spirit that following Jesus Christ produces. This illustration depicts the different appearances, purposes, and workings of each individual member, linked with the common root and goal of following Christ. No matter their history, background, or circumstances, the Holy Spirit unites them as one. Paul takes time to explain this to the Corinthian Christians as he wants to make sure they understand what he is saying.
As a result, believers were given different gifts to grow the Kingdom. Just because a believer does not have the same gifts as others in their community, does not exclude them from being part of the Body. Whatever gifts a believer has, they are an essential part of the Body of Christ. No believer can be excluded, for diversity within the Church is essential for it to work successfully for God. God made each person exactly as He wished, and gave them the gifts that are necessary for His purpose to be accomplished.
So, no believer is greater (or less) than any other because of the gifts they have received. Each one is inter-linked with all the others, and they can only achieve God’s purpose when they work together. Often, those parts of the Body which are not visible are essential to the life of the Body and are honoured by God for their hidden roles. The fact that believers have different gifts should not be the cause of any division within the Church, but should mean that each member cares for other members, united as they are in Christ. Each one exists to serve the others, so all benefit.
Paul continues to expand on his point. He says one believer may be an eye in the Body of Christ because of their perception and understanding into what is going on around them. Another may be called a hand because of the way they physically work for the benefit of Jesus. Yet another may be a foot, for they spend much time and effort travelling from place to place spreading the Gospel.
He lists various roles that believers may have:
Apostles – special ambassadors working on God’s behalf
Prophets – those who are raised up to speak to the Church and the world on God’s behalf
Workers of miracles – those who do miracles under the guidance of the Holy Spirit
Helps – those who support others in their work for the Lord or in their need in any way required.
Paul raises the question of the gift of speaking in tongues. Many believe this is a necessary requirement as proof that a believer is filled with the Holy Spirit. Whilst he does not dismiss this gift as unimportant, he states it is one of many, and not every believer will receive it, just as not every believer is an apostle or a prophet.
God gives each one the gifts He, in His wisdom, desires according to His plan. Paul then invites his readers to read on. For the gifts he has been speaking about, whilst necessary, are not the best. They are mere containers of what is the ‘more excellent way’. They enable believers to express the love God gives us for Himself, for others and for ourselves.
Icebreaker:
Some of you will know already what your gifts are. How do you feel when you use those gifts to bless others? What holds you back? What encourages you? For those who do not, ask how you can discover your gifting (contact the Church office if need be). What gifts would you like to have? Do the align with your natural passions and skills?
Application
The Spirit of God is creative: Do you enjoy traditional worship, or services when the unexpected happens? Why? Can you see God working in both? What would you like to see in Gracepoint’s worship (not just the music) that you feel could benefit the body as a whole? How could you be involved in instituting changes to keep the church relevant to today’s world?
Spend some time brainstorming ideas. Pass any on that strike you as being beneficial for the worship of God to the Church office.
Freedom of the Spirit connects you with people: Which group of people do you find it difficult to connect with? Why do you think you are reluctant to connect with them?
Freedom of the Spirit gives you access to these people? How does Gracepoint offer a way for such a connection to be made? What is God saying to you, right at this moment, about making such a connection? How can you connect with such people if there is no opportunity through Gracepoint’s ministries at the moment? Will you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you where Jesus wants you to go for Him? What steps can you take this week to enable this to happen?
How can the group help you with the struggles you have mentioned during this session?
Prayer
Pray for one another in regard to the issues that have been raised during your discussion time. Pray for the Church that she may be united in Christ; for those in need that you may be guided as to how to use your gifting to encourage, love and support them; Pray that you may be able to stretch out your hand in love to all those who are broken. You are the Church. Ask God to show you how, and to accompany you to those places you need to go.
Pray also for any other needs of the group.
Service
Look for opportunities to stretch out a hand in love this week to those who are hurting, in Jesus’ Name.
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