Unity and Love: The Body of Christ
Summary
In our gathering today, we explored the profound truth that we are all integral parts of the body of Christ, each with unique gifts and roles. Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 remind us that while we are many members, we form one body in Christ. This unity is not just a structural necessity but a spiritual mandate, as the health and function of the body depend on each member being connected and active. The gifts we possess—whether prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, or mercy—are to be used in proportion to our faith and for the edification of the body.
The essence of our unity is love. Without love, the body cannot function properly. Love is the blood that flows through the body, bringing life and healing. When we partake in communion, we symbolically affirm our connection to the body and the blood of Christ, emphasizing the importance of unity and love. The enemy seeks to sever us from this body, to isolate us and make us feel unloved and unwanted. But the truth is, we are deeply loved by God, and He has paid the ultimate price for us to be part of His body.
We must guard against the enemy's lies that aim to make us feel alone or rejected. Instead, we should embrace the body, love one another, and support each other. When one member suffers, we all suffer; when one rejoices, we all rejoice. This interconnectedness is vital for our spiritual health and growth. We are called to outdo one another in showing honor and to build each other up in love. As we do this, we reflect the love of Christ to the world and fulfill our purpose as His body.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unity in Diversity: Each member of the body of Christ has unique gifts and roles, and our diversity is essential for the body to function effectively. We must use our gifts in proportion to our faith, contributing to the edification of the whole body. [38:17]
2. The Centrality of Love: Love is the lifeblood of the body of Christ. Without love, the body cannot grow or heal. Our actions and gifts must flow from genuine love for one another, as this is the foundation of our unity and strength. [46:24]
3. The Enemy's Deception: The enemy seeks to isolate us from the body by making us feel unloved or unwanted. We must recognize these lies and remain connected to the body, where true love and healing are found. [50:41]
4. Interdependence and Support: When one member of the body suffers, we all suffer. We are called to support and care for each other, recognizing that our well-being is interconnected. This mutual care is a testament to the love of Christ. [54:24]
5. Purpose and Mission: Our gathering is not just for personal edification but to glorify God and lift up the name of Jesus. We are here to support the head, Christ, and to fulfill our mission as His body in the world. [01:11:27]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[38:17] - Introduction to Romans 12
[39:57] - Gifts and Their Purpose
[44:48] - Unity in the Body
[46:24] - The Power of Love
[48:14] - The Enemy's Lies
[49:11] - The Value of the Church
[50:41] - Staying in the Blood Flow
[54:24] - Gratitude for Truth
[55:33] - The Preciousness of the Church
[57:46] - The Foundation of the Church
[59:32] - The Enemy's Deception
[01:11:27] - Our Purpose in the Body
[01:14:17] - Lifting Up Jesus
[01:16:42] - Edifying the Body in Love
[01:18:57] - The Role of Each Member
[01:21:23] - Receiving God's Love
[01:22:33] - The Strength of Unity
[01:33:18] - Victory in the Holy Ghost
[01:37:27] - Appreciation for the Body
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:3-10
2. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 12, what is the significance of each member having different gifts, and how should these gifts be used? [38:17]
2. In 1 Corinthians 12, how does Paul describe the relationship between the members of the body of Christ? [39:57]
3. What does the sermon suggest is the role of love in the functioning of the body of Christ? [46:24]
4. How does the sermon describe the enemy's tactics in trying to separate individuals from the body? [50:41]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "unity in diversity" in the body of Christ challenge or affirm your understanding of community within the church? [38:17]
2. What does it mean for love to be the "lifeblood" of the body of Christ, and how does this affect the way we use our gifts? [46:24]
3. In what ways can the enemy's lies about isolation and rejection impact a believer's connection to the church community? [50:41]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of interdependence among church members, and what are the implications for personal spiritual growth? [54:24]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the unique gifts you believe God has given you. How can you use these gifts to contribute to the unity and edification of your church community? [38:17]
2. Think of a time when you felt isolated or unloved within the church. How can you actively combat these feelings and reconnect with the body of Christ? [50:41]
3. How can you intentionally show love to a member of your church who may feel disconnected or undervalued? What practical steps can you take this week? [46:24]
4. When was the last time you supported a fellow church member in their time of need? How can you be more proactive in offering support and encouragement? [54:24]
5. Consider the ways in which you might have unintentionally contributed to division within the church. What steps can you take to promote unity and love instead? [01:11:27]
6. How can you ensure that your actions and words within the church reflect the love of Christ to those outside the church community? [01:14:17]
7. Identify one person in your church who you can encourage this week. What specific words or actions can you use to affirm their value in the body of Christ? [01:18:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Diversity
In the body of Christ, each member is uniquely gifted and plays a vital role in the overall function and health of the community. This diversity is not just a structural necessity but a spiritual mandate, as highlighted in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12. Each person's gifts—whether prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, or mercy—are to be used in proportion to their faith, contributing to the edification of the whole body. This interconnectedness ensures that the body functions effectively, with each member supporting and enhancing the others. The beauty of this diversity is that it reflects the multifaceted nature of God's creation, where every part is essential and valued. [38:17]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Identify a gift or talent you possess. How can you use it today to serve and edify someone in your community?
Day 2: The Centrality of Love
Love is the lifeblood of the body of Christ, essential for its growth and healing. Without love, the body cannot function properly. Love is the foundation of our unity and strength, and it must be the driving force behind our actions and the use of our gifts. When we partake in communion, we affirm our connection to the body and the blood of Christ, emphasizing the importance of unity and love. This love is not just a feeling but an active commitment to care for and support one another, reflecting the love of Christ to the world. [46:24]
Colossians 3:14-15 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show genuine love to someone in your life today. How can this act of love strengthen your relationship and reflect Christ's love?
Day 3: The Enemy's Deception
The enemy seeks to isolate us from the body of Christ by making us feel unloved or unwanted. These lies aim to sever our connection to the community, leaving us vulnerable and alone. However, the truth is that we are deeply loved by God, who has paid the ultimate price for us to be part of His body. Recognizing these lies and remaining connected to the body is crucial for finding true love and healing. By staying in the flow of love and support within the community, we can resist the enemy's attempts to isolate us. [50:41]
Ephesians 6:11-12 (ESV): "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt isolated or unloved. How can you actively seek connection and support within your community to combat these feelings?
Day 4: Interdependence and Support
In the body of Christ, when one member suffers, we all suffer; when one rejoices, we all rejoice. This interconnectedness is vital for our spiritual health and growth. We are called to support and care for each other, recognizing that our well-being is intertwined. This mutual care is a testament to the love of Christ and a reflection of His compassion and grace. By outdoing one another in showing honor and building each other up in love, we fulfill our purpose as His body and demonstrate His love to the world. [54:24]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Consider someone in your community who is going through a difficult time. What practical steps can you take today to support and encourage them?
Day 5: Purpose and Mission
Our gathering as the body of Christ is not just for personal edification but to glorify God and lift up the name of Jesus. We are here to support the head, Christ, and to fulfill our mission as His body in the world. This mission involves using our gifts and talents to serve others, spread the gospel, and reflect the love of Christ to those around us. By doing so, we not only grow spiritually but also contribute to the growth and health of the entire body, fulfilling our purpose and calling as followers of Christ. [01:11:27]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Reflect on your personal mission as part of the body of Christ. How can you actively participate in fulfilling this mission today, both within your community and in the wider world?
Quotes
"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 having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. Let us use them." [00:39:58] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Let love be genuine abhor what is evil hold fast to what is good love verse 10 one another with brotherly affection outdo one another in showing honor." [00:41:37] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"So there is a unity. And what's amazing is unity in the body is essential for the health of the body. When the body turns on itself, we call it cancer." [00:46:11] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God knows how to build a church. God knows how to keep a church. God knows how to establish a church. And God knows how to heal a church. Because it's God's church. It's not man's church. And God is the head of the church." [00:47:28] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Come on, the body edifies itself in love. The body builds itself up in love. It cannot be built without love. It's got to have love to build itself." [01:06:44] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"It's the love of God. It's the body of Christ. It's the essential ingredient to unity. Without love, we will never survive." [01:10:02] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"There's no greater love than the love of Jesus Christ. And it is in this house today." [01:18:11] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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