Unity in Diversity: Building the Body of Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Diversity

The church is one body with many parts, each uniquely gifted and essential. Just as Nehemiah led diverse groups to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, we must recognize and value the different gifts within our church. Every member's contribution is vital for the church's growth and mission. [24:31]

Nehemiah 3 provides a detailed account of how different groups of people worked on specific sections of Jerusalem's wall. This chapter, though seemingly mundane, highlights the power of collective effort and the importance of every individual's contribution. Each group, whether they were goldsmiths, perfumers, or merchants, had a unique role to play in the rebuilding process. This diversity in skills and roles was crucial for the successful completion of the wall.

Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul uses the analogy of the human body to illustrate how each member of the church, regardless of their role, is vital. He stresses that no one should feel insignificant or superior, as every part is indispensable for the body to function effectively. This unity in diversity is essential for the church's growth and mission. We must recognize and value the different gifts within our church, understanding that every member's contribution is vital.

1 Corinthians 12:14-18 (ESV): "For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose."

Reflection: Think about the unique gifts and talents you possess. How can you use them to contribute to the growth and mission of your church community today?

Day 2: Mutual Respect and Humility

Paul emphasizes that no one should feel insignificant or superior in the church. We must be humble and grateful for each other's contributions, understanding that we need each other to function effectively as the body of Christ. [33:24]

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul addresses the issue of division within the Corinthian church. He reminds the believers that they are all baptized by one Spirit into one body, and that each member is essential for the body to function effectively. No one should feel insignificant or superior, as every part is indispensable. This mutual respect and humility are crucial for maintaining unity within the church.

Paul's message is a call for unity and mutual respect. He emphasizes that we must be humble and grateful for each other's contributions, understanding that we need each other to function effectively as the body of Christ. This humility and gratitude help to foster a sense of belonging and purpose within the church, allowing it to thrive and fulfill its mission.

Romans 12:3-5 (ESV): "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 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: Reflect on a time when you felt either insignificant or superior in your church community. How can you practice humility and gratitude towards others in your church today?

Day 3: Active Participation

The church thrives when every member actively participates. Whether through teaching, serving, or simply offering a smile, each act of service builds up the church. We are called to get involved, support one another, and encourage others to serve. [41:46]

Active participation is essential for the health and growth of the church. In Nehemiah 3, we see how different groups of people worked together to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. Each group had a specific task, and their collective effort was crucial for the successful completion of the project. This chapter highlights the importance of every individual's contribution and the power of collective effort.

Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul emphasizes that the church is one body with many parts, each uniquely gifted and essential. The church thrives when every member actively participates, bringing their unique gifts to the table. Whether through teaching, serving, or simply offering a smile, each act of service builds up the church. We are called to get involved, support one another, and encourage others to serve.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

Reflection: Identify one specific way you can actively participate in your church community this week. How can you use your unique gifts to serve and build up the church?

Day 4: Shared Suffering and Rejoicing

As a church family, we are called to share in each other's joys and sorrows. When one member suffers, we all suffer; when one is honored, we all rejoice. This mutual care and concern strengthen our unity and reflect the love of Christ. [35:46]

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul emphasizes the interconnectedness of the church body. He explains that when one member suffers, all suffer together; when one member is honored, all rejoice together. This mutual care and concern are essential for maintaining unity within the church and reflecting the love of Christ to the world.

As a church family, we are called to share in each other's joys and sorrows. This means being present for one another in times of need, offering support and encouragement, and celebrating each other's successes. By doing so, we strengthen our unity and demonstrate the love of Christ to those around us. This shared suffering and rejoicing help to create a sense of belonging and community within the church.

Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: Think of someone in your church community who is currently going through a difficult time or experiencing a significant joy. How can you reach out to them today to offer support or celebrate with them?

Day 5: Empowerment for Ministry

The role of church leaders is to equip and empower the congregation for ministry. The real work of the church is done by its members, who interact with the world daily. By equipping and supporting each other, we can effectively advance the gospel and build up the church. [41:19]

In Ephesians 4, Paul explains that Christ gave various leaders to the church to equip the saints for the work of ministry. The role of church leaders is not to do all the work themselves but to empower and equip the congregation to carry out the ministry. The real work of the church is done by its members, who interact with the world daily and have the opportunity to share the gospel and demonstrate Christ's love in their everyday lives.

By equipping and supporting each other, we can effectively advance the gospel and build up the church. This means providing training, resources, and encouragement to help each member grow in their faith and use their gifts for ministry. When every member is empowered and actively participating in the church's mission, the church can thrive and make a significant impact in the world.

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."

Reflection: Consider how you can support and equip others in your church community for ministry. What specific steps can you take to encourage and empower someone to use their gifts for the advancement of the gospel?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. It's a joy to gather together at Friesland Community Church. Today, we focused on the importance of unity and diversity within the body of Christ, drawing lessons from Nehemiah's leadership and Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians 12. Nehemiah, an ordinary man with a willing heart, led the Israelites in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, demonstrating how different people with various skills can come together to achieve a common goal. Similarly, Paul emphasizes that the church is one body with many parts, each uniquely gifted and essential for the church's growth and mission.

We explored Nehemiah 3, where different groups of people worked on specific sections of Jerusalem's wall. This chapter, though seemingly mundane, highlights the power of collective effort and the importance of every individual's contribution. We then turned to 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul uses the analogy of the human body to illustrate how each member of the church, regardless of their role, is vital. He stresses that no one should feel insignificant or superior, as every part is indispensable for the body to function effectively.

Paul's message to the Corinthian church, which was struggling with division, is a call for unity and mutual respect. He reminds us that we are all baptized by one Spirit into one body, and we must work together, valuing each other's gifts and contributions. This unity is not just for the sake of harmony but for the effective building up of the church and the advancement of the gospel.

In practical terms, we are encouraged to get involved in the church's ministry, support one another, pray for the church's work, and encourage others to serve. The church thrives when every member actively participates, bringing their unique gifts to the table. As we serve together, we reflect the beauty and diversity of the body of Christ, working towards a common mission.

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Key Takeaways

1. Unity in Diversity: The church is one body with many parts, each uniquely gifted and essential. Just as Nehemiah led diverse groups to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, we must recognize and value the different gifts within our church. Every member's contribution is vital for the church's growth and mission. [24:31]
2. Mutual Respect and Humility: Paul emphasizes that no one should feel insignificant or superior in the church. We must be humble and grateful for each other's contributions, understanding that we need each other to function effectively as the body of Christ. [33:24]
3. Active Participation: The church thrives when every member actively participates. Whether through teaching, serving, or simply offering a smile, each act of service builds up the church. We are called to get involved, support one another, and encourage others to serve. [41:46]
4. Shared Suffering and Rejoicing: As a church family, we are called to share in each other's joys and sorrows. When one member suffers, we all suffer; when one is honored, we all rejoice. This mutual care and concern strengthen our unity and reflect the love of Christ. [35:46]
5. Empowerment for Ministry: The role of church leaders is to equip and empower the congregation for ministry. The real work of the church is done by its members, who interact with the world daily. By equipping and supporting each other, we can effectively advance the gospel and build up the church. [41:19]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[10:17] - Announcements and Prayer Requests
[11:46] - Opening Prayer
[13:55] - Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy
[17:59] - Introduction to Nehemiah Series
[19:11] - Nehemiah's Leadership and Vision
[21:37] - Different People, Different Tasks
[23:23] - The Importance of Collective Effort
[24:31] - 1 Corinthians 12: Unity in Diversity
[27:06] - Paul's Message to the Corinthian Church
[30:02] - Valuing Every Member's Contribution
[33:24] - Mutual Respect and Humility
[35:46] - Shared Suffering and Rejoicing
[38:09] - Empowerment for Ministry
[41:46] - Practical Steps to Get Involved
[45:06] - Closing Prayer and Hymn: The Solid Rock
[49:44] - Benediction and Doxology

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In Nehemiah 3, what types of people and professions were involved in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem? How does this reflect the diversity within the community? [22:16]
According to 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, what analogy does Paul use to describe the church, and what is the significance of this analogy? [24:31]
What does Paul emphasize about the importance of each member's role in the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:21-26? [25:30]
How does Nehemiah's leadership in organizing the rebuilding efforts demonstrate the power of collective effort? [19:51]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important for the church to recognize and value the different gifts and contributions of its members, as illustrated in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31? [24:31]
How does the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls serve as a model for unity and collaboration within the church today? [19:51]
What does Paul mean when he says that "if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it" in 1 Corinthians 12:26? How does this apply to our church community? [33:48]
How can the church ensure that no member feels insignificant or superior, as Paul advises in 1 Corinthians 12:21-26? [25:30]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own unique gifts and talents. How can you use them to contribute to the growth and mission of our church? [41:46]
Think of a time when you felt either insignificant or superior in your role within the church. How can you cultivate a mindset of mutual respect and humility moving forward? [33:24]
How can you actively participate in the church's ministry this week, whether through teaching, serving, or simply offering a smile? What specific steps will you take? [41:46]
When was the last time you shared in someone else's suffering or rejoicing within our church community? How can you be more intentional about supporting others in their joys and sorrows? [35:46]
Identify one person in our church who you think might feel undervalued or overlooked. What can you do this week to encourage and support them? [25:30]
How can you help equip and empower others in our church for ministry? What resources or support can you offer to help them succeed? [41:19]
Reflect on the idea of being a family within the church. How can you foster deeper relationships and a sense of belonging among our church members? [36:16]

Sermon Clips

1. "We need the diversity of gifts in the church. We need different people to serve in many different ways in order for the church to grow and build. And so that means we need you. That even means we need Ron Hart. And that's a high task. I will pause and I was practicing and my fiance said, I don't know if that's the right part to say Ron. So I will pause and say Ron is very important to this church. I think we can all agree to that. If you come downstairs, he's always there to greet you with a smile and a very vicious hug. And he is a very important part of our church and I'm thankful that he serves in any way that he can. He's had many health challenges and he's still faithful. He comes to church and he still serves." [32:01] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The church of Jesus Christ was made for people like you. The church of Jesus Christ is built up of people like you and me to accomplish something greater than just ourselves. And if you're here this morning and you are saved, the body of Christ needs you. Paul is hitting on two major points. Nobody in the church should ever feel like they are not as important as someone else. Or the opposite, think that they can give and serve way more than the person three puse, sections over." [30:57] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We need every person in the church. That means young and old, man or woman, we need them all in order to accomplish what the Lord has called us to do. And Paul says in verse 25, if its parts should have equal concern for each other, if one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. And so here's the deal. If you're new with us this morning, we're family here. And I don't say that in a weird cult sense, but we are a family here. And we do life together." [35:18] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The church of Christ is the only place, listen to me, the church of Jesus Christ is the only place that takes a bunch of random people and mush them up to be a part of the church. To become something beautiful, which is the body of Christ. It's the only place that can do it. Paul says in Romans 12, 15 and part of 16, rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with each other." [37:14] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "There may be some of you, some of you here this morning that feel you can't give to the church as much as others. And I'm not saying financially, I'm saying serving. There may be some of you who are thinking, I just don't have a gift like other people do. Maybe you're here this morning thinking, man, I just don't have the Bible knowledge or the church knowledge like others do. Maybe I shouldn't even come anymore." [30:27] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "We need to be grateful for the things that we assume should be in place. Paul could sum it up in these verses in really two words. Be humble. Or he could say, he could sum it up in two different words. Be grateful. We should never say we don't need anyone in the church. We could easily look at our human body and say, well, I guess I don't need my hand, but I really need my heart to live. Well, that is true. In order for the body to work at its full potential the way God designed it, the body needs every part to function. And the church is much the same." [34:19] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We need every person in the church. That means young and old, man or woman, we need them all in order to accomplish what the Lord has called us to do. And Paul says in verse 25, if its parts should have equal concern for each other, if one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. And so here's the deal. If you're new with us this morning, we're family here. And I don't say that in a weird cult sense, but we are a family here. And we do life together." [35:18] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Some of you here this week, this morning, love caring for people. You love caring for those who maybe are shut in or are college age kids or are widows. On the contrary, some of the best caregivers in our church are the widows. It's amazing. Some of you can make food. Some of you can teach. Some of you can walk and talk to people really well. Some of you have a great smile that welcomes guests to our church. Some of you are handy men or women. Some of you are simply good at checking in. Some of you are taking in on other people before and after church or even during the week. And here's the point. There are so many ways that each one of you serve that God has designed you to be." [40:00] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The building up of the church, the advancement of the gospel is not just for pastors and preachers. Each Wednesday morning, I get together at 7.15 with a group of men and we talk about how to serve and lead the church better. And this last week, we talked about how we're sitting there and we're like, let's not kid ourselves. The real work of ministry is done by people like you. Not us. We need people like you. You're the ones bumping shoulders with people in the world. You're the ones who are talking with people outside of the church." [40:23] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "We have to come with open hands with different gifts to work together to build up the church. So if there's three things that you leave this morning, it's just three B's. First, be humble. Always be thankful for those around you. Always be thankful for how others are serving. And be humble enough to say, maybe I need to serve as well. Second, be united. In Christ, we have all things in common. And we can press forward together. And third, be involved. We would love to talk to you about how you can get plugged in better here at Friesland Community Church and how you can serve in different ways." [44:01] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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