Honoring Christ Through Unity in the Body

Summary

In the family of God, each person carries a unique expression of Christ, a gift that the body needs. No one is self-sufficient; we are designed to both give and receive from one another. This union is not a selective membership, but a mysterious oneness that God Himself weaves together. The Lord’s Table—communion—reminds us not only of our union with Christ, but also of our union with each other. As we partake, we are called to discern the Lord’s body, which means more than just recognizing the bread and the cup; it means honoring and preferring one another, seeing Christ in each member.

Paul’s words to the Corinthians challenge us to examine how we treat each other. The early church struggled with division, selfishness, and a lack of consideration for others. Paul’s correction was not just about ritual, but about the heart: are we truly seeing and honoring Christ in one another? When we fail to do this, we miss the fullness of what God intends for His body, and even open ourselves to weakness and division.

The way we treat each other is inseparable from the way we treat Christ Himself. Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 make it clear: when we serve, honor, or neglect the least among us, we do so to Him. Our love for God is expressed in tangible love for people, especially within the body. This is not always easy—differences, opinions, and even hurts are inevitable. Yet, the call is to remain, to work through conflict, to extend grace, and to honor the long faithfulness of those who have persevered in community.

There is a difference between being a visitor, an immigrant, and a citizen in the body. True citizenship in the church means commitment, covenant, and a willingness to both give and receive. It means not just bringing what we have, but also humbly receiving what others carry. In a culture of transience and division, the church is called to model a different way: sticking together, honoring one another, and discerning Christ in each person. As we come to the table, we reset our hearts, lay down old baggage, and recommit to loving Christ by loving His body.

Key Takeaways

- Discerning the Lord’s Body Means Honoring Each Other
To discern the Lord’s body is to recognize, prefer, and honor Christ in every member of the community. This goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it is an active yielding to one another in love, seeing each person as a vital part of the whole. When we fail to do this, we not only dishonor each other but also miss the presence of Christ among us. [08:59]

- Unity Is Not Uniformity, but a Spirit-Knit Oneness
The body of Christ is made up of many members, each with different gifts, backgrounds, and opinions. True unity is not about erasing differences, but about allowing the Holy Spirit to knit our hearts together in love, even when we disagree or are hurt. This mysterious union requires humility, grace, and a commitment to remain connected through both joy and difficulty. [15:44]

- The Way We Treat Each Other Is the Way We Treat Christ
Jesus identifies Himself with His people so closely that our actions toward one another are actions toward Him. When we serve, honor, or neglect the least among us, we do so to Christ Himself. This truth calls us to a radical reorientation of our relationships, seeing every interaction as an opportunity to love and honor Jesus. [23:46]

- Commitment Transforms Us from Immigrants to Citizens
It is possible to remain a perpetual visitor or immigrant in the church, never fully committing or receiving the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. True belonging comes through covenant—choosing to stay, to work through differences, and to invest in the life of the body. This commitment is both a gift to others and a means of our own transformation. [37:32]

- Honoring the Body Means Working Through Conflict with Grace
Conflict and disagreement are inevitable in any family, including the church. What matters is how we handle them: not by sowing division or gossip, but by going directly to one another in love, seeking understanding and reconciliation. This is how we honor Christ, protect unity, and create a culture where grace abounds and every member is valued. [47:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:04] - The Mystery of Union and Communion
[03:23] - Membership in the Body of Christ
[04:40] - Navigating Differences and Avoiding Division
[05:53] - Context of 1 Corinthians and the One Loaf
[07:02] - Paul’s Teaching on the Lord’s Supper
[08:13] - Discerning the Lord’s Body
[10:30] - Many Members, One Body
[13:44] - Lessons from Nature: The Elephant Circle
[15:44] - The Challenge and Beauty of Church Life
[20:51] - Jesus’ Words: Serving the Least Is Serving Him
[25:00] - Handling Opinions and Being Right
[29:07] - Discernment and Seeing Christ in Others
[31:24] - Navigating Disruption and Honoring Choices
[34:33] - Immigrants, Citizens, and Commitment
[38:54] - The Cost and Value of Remaining
[43:10] - Honoring Long Faithfulness
[45:34] - Bringing and Receiving Gifts in the Body
[47:32] - Handling Conflict and Resetting at the Table
[54:38] - Communion: Discerning Christ in One Another
[57:20] - Practicing Oneness Together

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Discerning the Lord’s Body and Living as One

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### Bible Reading

- 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
(Paul’s teaching on the Lord’s Supper and discerning the Lord’s body)

- 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
(Many members, one body)

- Matthew 25:31-40
(Jesus: “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me”)

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### Observation Questions

1. In 1 Corinthians 11, what specific problems was Paul addressing in the Corinthian church regarding the Lord’s Supper?
[[07:02]]

2. According to 1 Corinthians 12, what does Paul say about the diversity of gifts and backgrounds in the body of Christ?
[[10:30]]

3. In Matthew 25, how does Jesus describe the connection between serving others and serving Him?
[[20:51]]

4. The sermon mentions that “to discern the Lord’s body” means more than just recognizing the bread and cup. What else does it mean, according to the teaching?
[[08:59]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul warn that failing to “discern the Lord’s body” can lead to weakness, sickness, or even death among believers? What does this say about the seriousness of our relationships in the church?
[[08:59]]

2. The sermon draws a distinction between being a visitor, an immigrant, and a citizen in the church. What does true “citizenship” in the body of Christ look like, and why is it important?
[[37:32]]

3. Jesus says that whatever we do for “the least of these,” we do for Him. How does this truth challenge the way we view and treat other members of the church, especially those who are overlooked or different from us?
[[23:46]]

4. The sermon talks about unity not being the same as uniformity. How can a church remain united even when there are differences, disagreements, or hurts?
[[15:44]]

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### Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you felt like an “immigrant” or a “visitor” in a church community. What helped you move toward true belonging, or what kept you from it? How can you help others make that transition?
[[35:45]]

2. The sermon says, “Discerning the Lord’s body means honoring each other.” Is there someone in your church family you struggle to honor or prefer? What is one practical step you could take this week to see Christ in them and show them honor?
[[08:59]]

3. When conflict or disagreement arises in the church, do you tend to avoid it, gossip about it, or address it directly? What would it look like for you to “go directly to one another in love, seeking understanding and reconciliation”?
[[47:32]]

4. The message highlights the importance of both giving and receiving in the body. Are you more comfortable giving or receiving? What is one way you could stretch yourself in the opposite direction this month?
[[46:23]]

5. The sermon honors those who have remained faithful in the church for many years. Who is someone in your church whose long faithfulness you can thank or encourage this week? How might you do that?
[[43:10]]

6. Jesus says that serving the “least” is serving Him. Who in your church or community might be overlooked or in need? What is one tangible way you can serve or include them this week?
[[20:51]]

7. As you come to the Lord’s Table (communion), what “old baggage” or unresolved issues do you need to lay down? Is there a relationship you need to reset or a commitment you need to renew in the body of Christ?
[[51:18]]

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Closing:
Before you finish, take a moment to silently look around your group and ask God to help you see Christ in each person. If you feel led, share a word of encouragement or affirmation with someone in the group. Then pray together, asking God to knit your hearts in unity and love.

Devotional

Day 1: Discerning the Lord’s Body—Honoring Christ in One Another
To discern the Lord’s body is to recognize, honor, and value Christ in each member of the body of believers. This means not only remembering Jesus’ sacrifice during communion, but also seeing His image in those around us, preferring one another in honor, and yielding to the Spirit’s work of unity. When we fail to do this, we risk division, weakness, and even spiritual sickness, but when we honor each other, we proclaim Christ’s life and love to the world. [08:59]

1 Corinthians 11:23-29 (ESV)
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

Reflection: Who is one person in your church family you find difficult to honor or value? How can you intentionally recognize and affirm the image of Christ in them this week?



Day 2: Many Members, One Body—Embracing Unity in Diversity
The body of Christ is made up of many members, each with unique gifts, backgrounds, and experiences, yet all are joined together by the Spirit into one body. This unity is not about uniformity, but about embracing our differences and allowing the Holy Spirit to knit our hearts together, so that we can serve, support, and protect one another, especially in times of challenge or disagreement. [10:30]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV)
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. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many.

Reflection: What is one unique gift or perspective you bring to the body of Christ, and how can you use it to serve others this week?



Day 3: Loving Christ by Loving Others—Serving the Least as Serving Jesus
Jesus teaches that the way we treat the “least of these” is the way we treat Him; acts of kindness, hospitality, and care for others are received by Christ Himself. This challenges us to see every act of service, compassion, and generosity toward others—especially those in need—as a direct expression of our love for Jesus, and a vital part of living out our faith in community. [22:27]

Matthew 25:34-40 (ESV)
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Reflection: Who is someone in your life or community who may feel overlooked or in need? What is one tangible way you can serve or encourage them today as if you were serving Jesus Himself?



Day 4: Extending Grace—Choosing Relationship Over Being Right
It is possible to be right in our opinions or convictions, yet wrong in our attitude or spirit. True unity in the body of Christ means extending the same grace to others that we have received from Jesus, choosing to value relationship and honor above winning arguments or holding grudges. When we keep Christ at the center, we can navigate disagreements with humility, forgiveness, and a commitment to love one another as family. [25:38]

Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV)
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Reflection: Is there a disagreement or hurt you are holding onto in the church? What would it look like to extend grace and pursue reconciliation, even if you feel you are “right”?



Day 5: Committing to the Body—From Visitor to Citizen in Christ’s Family
Being part of the body of Christ is more than attending events or seeking personal benefit; it is about making a covenant commitment to belong, serve, and remain through both good times and challenges. Like citizens who take an oath of allegiance, we are called to knit our hearts together, honor those who have persevered, and invest ourselves in the life and health of the church, knowing that each of us carries something the family needs. [37:32]

Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Reflection: In what ways can you move from being a “visitor” to a “citizen” in your church family? What is one step you can take this week to deepen your commitment and connection to the body of Christ?

Quotes

We are members of each other. It's not selective membership, right? You don't get to choose the other members necessarily, right? It's not like we have, it's like, oh, I didn't like that arm, so I'm going to take that one off and try a different one. I mean, it would be nice, don't get me wrong. But it just doesn't work that way. [00:03:27] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip

That the body of Christ is one loaf, different grains, but those grains are crushed and they make one loaf. Right? 1 Corinthians 11, he talks about one communion. 1 Corinthians 12, he talks about one body, but there are different gifts. 1 Corinthians 13, he talks about this one love. Right? So he's addressing the body of Christ in this. [00:06:26] (00:00:30 seconds) Edit Clip

He says that many are weak and sick and dying if we don't discern the Lord's body. That word discern means to understand, to recognize, to see. And I would say that's kind of in our language, that's what it means. And I would say it means more than that in the Greek. It means to prefer, to yield to, and to prefer in honor. [00:09:02] (00:00:25 seconds) Edit Clip

It's this idea that we are many members, but one body. It's the oneness. It's the union. And I think there's a mystery in that, like how do you do that, Lord? I don't know, but he does. There's something about being part of the, a member of the body Christ. When you accept that, you receive it, that the Holy Spirit does a work that knits our hearts together. [00:11:05] (00:00:27 seconds) Edit Clip

The way that we treat one another, it's as if it's the way that we're actually treating him. There's something like when Paul is going through this passage and he's talking about when you are partaking, some of you are sick and dying because you're not discerning the Lord's body. And in the context of you're not treating each other with honor and respect and value. [00:23:46] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip

Your love for God is expressed in people and in community. And the challenge of the church, the greatest aspect and asset of the church, I think, is the people, and the greatest challenge is the people. And you are one of those. I am one of those. I get it. I create issues for people all the time. I do. It's just part of the territory. [00:26:41] (00:00:32 seconds) Edit Clip

You carry an image of Jesus and an aspect of the body of Christ that the body needs, right? But it's prideful to say that I have what you need and then not to turn around and say, but I also need what you have. And it doesn't matter who you are in the body of Christ. [00:46:31] (00:00:19 seconds) Edit Clip