QT 4/9/2025 1 Cor 12:22-31, Our involvement in the body is a reflection of our true new faith

1 Corinthians 12:22–31 (ESV) —

22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts.

And I will show you a still more excellent way.

 

NOTE: The idea of the church body is in contrast to American culture. We are a nation of rebels that left countries and risked it all in a new barbaric place. We value freedom and individuality highly. But the church is different and we need to ask God to change us. We are not independent but interdependent in the church. We don't suffer alone, but we need others. We are free but not if our freedom causes hurt to another. We are members of a group, the church, which requires our attendance, our effort, and our lives. If we have been born again through the blood of Jesus Christ, this will not surprise us and should not bother us. But, if we are playing church games, we will be bugged by the idea that the church owns us as part of its body. We need to realize that there is a huge difference between religion and a relationship with Jesus. Some people have fooled themselves into thinking they are Christians and there is not a spot of difference in their lives. Jesus changes people, they become new creatures, the old passes away and a new person emerges.

 

PONDER:

1. Do you really know Jesus or are you just playing the game of religion?
2. Has Jesus changed you from the inside out?

 

PRAYER: Father, I fear that there are many who think they are Christians but have not experienced the life changing effect of the gospel. They have fooled themselves. Deep down, their faith is in their works and not in the blood of Christ. Open our eyes to seriously examine ourselves. Show us how far we fall short of good. Let us see how evil each one of us are in our core. Brings us to repentance, and a right relationship with you built upon what you did on the cross, and not what we have done on this earth.