The Full Impact of the Body1 Corinthians 12:11
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
Thoughts for Today:There are three places in the Bible that spiritual gifts are prominently discussed: 1 Corinthians 12:14-31 (our current chapter), Romans 12:4-8, and Ephesians 4:11-16. As these passages are studied, I think it is critically important to note -- the unity of the body of Christ is emphasized. In every case, Paul makes his point by comparing the gifts of the Spirit to different parts of the physical body. It is necessary for the human body to have all of its parts working in order to function properly. In the same way, the body of Christ (the church) must have all of its parts working in harmony, to truly demonstrate the fullness of Christ to an unsaved world.
This is especially true when discussing spiritual gifts. Some of these gifts seem quite spectacular. On the surface they appear to be a lot more necessary, than other, less obvious or grandiose gifts. But nothing could be farther from the truth. We need all the gifts (working in the proper order and relationship), to make a full impact in ministry. Jesus was an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher -- all wrapped up in One. It takes all these gifts (and others), functioning together in unity, to reproduce Jesus and His impact upon the world.
Questions to Ponder:In what ways does your gift contribute to the fullness of the body of Christ? How can it? How can you adjust your thinking to conform to the image of Christ? What is your God-given role?
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
Thoughts for Today:There are three places in the Bible that spiritual gifts are prominently discussed: 1 Corinthians 12:14-31 (our current chapter), Romans 12:4-8, and Ephesians 4:11-16. As these passages are studied, I think it is critically important to note -- the unity of the body of Christ is emphasized. In every case, Paul makes his point by comparing the gifts of the Spirit to different parts of the physical body. It is necessary for the human body to have all of its parts working in order to function properly. In the same way, the body of Christ (the church) must have all of its parts working in harmony, to truly demonstrate the fullness of Christ to an unsaved world.
This is especially true when discussing spiritual gifts. Some of these gifts seem quite spectacular. On the surface they appear to be a lot more necessary, than other, less obvious or grandiose gifts. But nothing could be farther from the truth. We need all the gifts (working in the proper order and relationship), to make a full impact in ministry. Jesus was an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher -- all wrapped up in One. It takes all these gifts (and others), functioning together in unity, to reproduce Jesus and His impact upon the world.
Questions to Ponder:In what ways does your gift contribute to the fullness of the body of Christ? How can it? How can you adjust your thinking to conform to the image of Christ? What is your God-given role?
RSS Feed
