Divine Design (1 Corinthians 12:21-13:3)

Picture big, high-tech machine, each part critical, moving in harmony, yet distinct in function. This is a vivid portrayal of the church, Christ's body, as depicted in Romans 6:13. Each of us, chosen by God, uniquely designed for a purpose we often overlook.

1 Corinthians 12:18–20 (ESV) — 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

That’s what we saw last week. Now, in a world obsessed with the spectacular, it's easy to undervalue the ordinary. We chase after roles that sparkle, forgetting that it's often the hidden gears that keep the machine running. Today, we delve into a profound yet simple truth: God did not choose the spectacular. He chose the ordinary. He chose you. That might be offensive to you, but it’s true. Not many noble or wise receive God’s grace. Those who think they have it all don’t accept it. We are the broken and the needy. God chose us, not as an afterthought, not as a spare part, but as a vital component of His divine plan. There is something beautiful about God choosing us and making us glorious.

As we journey through this sermon, we're going to ask ourselves a crucial question, one that may reshape how we view our place in God's kingdom: "What overlooked gifts do we possess that are essential for the growth and health of Christ's body?"

We'll explore the importance of every role, however modest it may seem. We'll challenge the notion that significance is measured by visibility. And we'll learn to appreciate the beauty of diversity within the body of Christ, understanding that our unique contributions are not just welcomed, but essential.

We Need You (1 Corinthians 12:21-26)

1 Corinthians 12:21–26 (ESV) — 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 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.

In God's creation, every person has a purpose, every role its place. As we turn to 1 Corinthians 12:21-26, Paul reminds us that in the body of Christ, every member, every soul, every heartbeat is needed. This isn't just a comforting thought; it's a divine imperative.

The Interdependence of the Body

Paul paints a picture of interdependence - the eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" nor can the head say to the feet, "I don't need you!" This imagery strikes at the heart of our modern, individualistic mindset. We live in a world that glorifies self-sufficiency, yet here we are, called to embrace our need for one another. The hand can feel it’s way around, but seeing makes it a thousand times more effective.

The Strength in Our Diversity

Remember the machine we envisioned in the introduction? How each part, though different, was crucial? Here, Paul elaborates on this metaphor. Our diversity is not a barrier; it's a strength. The variety of gifts, talents, and personalities within our congregation is not a cause for division but a source of collective strength. We need the quiet prayers of the intercessor as much as the bold words of the preacher. We need the diligent hands of the caretaker as much as the strategic mind of the planner.

Honoring the "Lesser" Parts

In a profound reversal of worldly values, Paul urges us to give special honor to the parts that seem weaker, those that are less honorable. This isn't about pity or token gestures. It's a recognition that often, the most crucial roles are the ones that go unseen. The supportive listener, the faithful giver, the tireless volunteer behind the scenes - these roles are the glue that holds the body together.

Suffering and Rejoicing Together

Paul doesn't stop at recognizing diversity; he calls us to a deep solidarity. When one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices. The parts that are less visible should be allowed to join in with the more visible parts in rejoicing. They should be celebrated and given honor just like everyone else. If they suffer, they shouldn’t have to suffer alone. This is the heartbeat of a healthy church, where empathy and joy are shared experiences, where no one is left to carry their burdens alone.

As we reflect on this passage, let's ask ourselves: Are we acknowledging the value of every member in our church? Are we nurturing an environment where the 'unseen' gifts are celebrated and utilized? Are we ready to lean into the discomfort of dependency, to admit that we need each other?

In our journey to find and use God's gifts, let's embrace this truth: We need you. Every one of you. Not as placeholders or spare parts, but as indispensable, divinely-appointed contributors to the work of God.

Let this understanding bind us together, fueling our commitment to one another, and propelling us forward in our collective mission to be the hands and feet of Christ in our world.

Addressing the Misconception: "We Don't Need You"

In our journey through 1 Corinthians 12, we've celebrated the beauty of diversity and the necessity of each member in the body of Christ. However, there's a prevalent mindset, often lurking in the shadows of our churches, that whispers, "We don't need you." This mindset, though perhaps unspoken, can be as damaging as it is subtle, especially when it leads us to undervalue the less visible gifts among us.

The Root of the Misconception

Why do we fall into this trap of thinking some members aren’t that important? Much of it stems from our human inclination to measure worth by visibility and impact. We live in a society that glorifies the spectacular and overlooks the mundane. It’s not that we are actively trying to leave out people. But the spotlight naturally gravitates towards the charismatic speaker, the talented musician, or the dynamic leader leaving others in the shadow. Unintentionally, we begin to equate the visibility of a gift with its value in the Kingdom of God.

The Impact of Neglecting 'Lesser' Gifts

This mindset is not just erroneous; it's harmful. When we ignore or belittle certain gifts, we create a hierarchy within the body of Christ that God never intended. We discourage those with 'quieter' gifts from stepping forward, leading to a loss of rich diversity in ministry. We risk creating a church culture where people feel valued only if they can contribute in ways that are publicly celebrated. That means our leaders won’t come with humility.

The Biblical Rebuttal

Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 12 is clear: every part of the body is needed. The body doesn't consist of one part but of many. Those parts that seem weaker are indispensable, and those parts we think less honorable, we treat with special honor. This isn't a suggestion; it's a blueprint for how the body of Christ is meant to function. If we don’t pay respect to and honor every member, we are failing to be who God saved us to be. Jesus said, “They will know them by their love.” He also gave a new commandment saying, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

The Damage of Division

Not only are we practicing something false, but, we are also damaging the group. When we embrace the "We don't need you" mindset, we fracture the body of Christ. We create an environment where comparison and competition thrive over cooperation and compassion. The unity and effectiveness of the church are compromised when its members feel undervalued or unnecessary.

Embracing Every Gift

As a church, we need to consciously counter this mindset. We must cultivate an atmosphere where every gift, no matter how modest it may appear, is recognized and appreciated. This means actively seeking out and encouraging those with less visible gifts to contribute. It's about creating opportunities for all gifts to be used and celebrated.

Let's challenge ourselves to look beyond the surface, to see the value in every contribution, and to remember that in God's eyes, no gift is insignificant. In doing so, we not only uphold the biblical model of the church but also foster a community where every member can say with confidence, "I am needed. I am valued. I am an essential part of this body." This is how we build a church that truly reflects the heart of Christ, where every member is empowered to play their God-given role in the grand story of redemption.

Know Who You Are

1 Corinthians 12:27–31 (ESV) — 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.

As we delve into the second point of our sermon, drawn from 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, we encounter Paul's exhortation to earnestly desire the higher gifts. At first glance, this may seem contradictory to our earlier discussions about the importance of every role in the body of Christ. However, Paul is not contradicting himself; he is setting the stage for a deeper understanding of spiritual gifts and our identity in Christ.

The Context of 'Higher Gifts'

When Paul speaks of 'higher gifts,' it's essential to understand the context. He's not advocating for a hierarchy of gifts, nor is he diminishing the value of the 'lesser' gifts. Instead, Paul is urging the Corinthians to desire gifts that edify and build up the church. This is not about personal glory or status; it's about the collective growth and strengthening of the body of Christ.

The True Measure of Impact

The impact of a gift is not measured by its visibility or the applause it garners. Instead, it's measured by how it contributes to the growth and health of the church community. In this light, every gift, when used in love and service, becomes a 'higher gift.' It's not about the nature of the gift itself but about the love and intention behind its use.

The Example of Tabitha

Consider Tabitha (Dorcas), as mentioned in Acts 9. She was not a prominent leader or a renowned teacher. Yet, she left an indelible mark on her community through her acts of kindness and charity. Her life exemplified the kind of impact Paul is referring to – a life marked by love and service, profoundly affecting those around her.

Identity in Christ: More Than Our Gifts

Our true identity in Christ goes beyond the gifts we possess. It's rooted in our relationship with Him and our commitment to live out His love and grace in every aspect of our lives. When we understand this, we realize that our value and identity are not tied to the 'type' of gift we have but to the way we use our gifts in service to others.

A More Excellent Way

Paul's mention of 'a more excellent way' is a powerful segue into the profound discourse on love in 1 Corinthians 13. He's preparing us to understand that the effectiveness of our gifts is intrinsically linked to the love with which we exercise them. It's a reminder that without love, the most spectacular gifts lose their value.

As we reflect on our identity in Christ and the nature of our gifts, let us earnestly desire to use whatever gifts we have in a way that builds up the church, fosters unity, and spreads love. Our goal is not to seek certain gifts for personal acclaim but to use our unique abilities, guided by love, to make a tangible, positive impact on the body of Christ. In this way, we truly embody our identity as members of Christ's body, each playing our part in His divine narrative.

Know What's Important: The Indispensable Role of Love

1 Corinthians 13:1–3 (ESV) — 1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

As we venture into the third and pivotal point of our sermon, drawn from 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, we confront an essential truth: the primacy of love in our service to Christ and His body. Here, Paul drives home the message that even our greatest efforts are rendered meaningless without the underpinning of love.

The Futility of Loveless Service

Paul uses striking imagery to convey this point: speaking in the tongues of men and of angels without love is like a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. It's noise without substance. Similarly, the possession of prophetic powers, understanding all mysteries and knowledge, or having faith that can move mountains, all amount to nothing without love. Even sacrificial acts, like giving away all we possess or surrendering our body to hardship, lose their value if they are not rooted in love.

The Danger of Serving Without Love

It's a sobering thought: we can be actively involved in ministry, using our gifts to their fullest, yet miss the mark entirely if our actions are not fueled by love. This isn't about the outward appearance of service or the accolades it brings; it's about the heart from which these actions spring. Serving without love leads to burnout, bitterness, and a hollow sense of accomplishment. It can create a facade of spiritual maturity while the heart remains untouched by the transformative power of Christ's love.

The Trap of Loveless Labor

How easy it is to fall into the trap of loveless labor! In our zeal to serve, to make a difference, or to fulfill our perceived role in the church, we can inadvertently sideline love. We can get caught up in the mechanics of ministry, in the doing and the striving, and forget the very essence that gives our efforts meaning – love.

Rekindling Love in Our Service

So, how do we avoid this trap? How do we ensure that love remains the cornerstone of our service? It starts with a heart aligned with Christ's heart. It involves regular self-examination and reflection on our motives. Are we serving to glorify ourselves or to glorify God? Are we seeking to demonstrate Christ's love to others, or are we driven by a desire for recognition and validation?

Cultivating a Love-Centered Ministry

As a church, we need to cultivate an environment where love is the measure of all we do. This means valuing relationships over results, people over programs, and grace over achievement. It means creating spaces where individuals are encouraged to serve out of love and gratitude, not obligation or guilt.

In closing, let us remember that our greatest efforts, our most eloquent words, and our most sacrificial deeds amount to nothing without love. As members of Christ's body, our call is to serve with love, to let love be the driving force behind our actions, and to reflect Christ's love in every aspect of our ministry. In doing so, we not only fulfill our role in the body of Christ, but we also bear witness to the transformative power of His love in a world desperately in need of it.

Living Out Love in the Body of Christ

As we draw our sermon on 1 Corinthians 12:18-13:3 to a close, let's turn our focus towards practical application. How do we embody the truths we've explored about our roles in the body of Christ and the indispensable nature of love?

Embracing Our God-Given Role

First, let's commit to embracing our unique role in the body of Christ. This means:

1. Your Gift: Take time to prayerfully consider what your gifts might be. They may not be front and center on the stage, but they are crucial. Remember, the seemingly lesser parts are indispensable.
2. into Service: Don't wait for a grand calling. Look around your church and community. Where is there a need that resonates with your heart? Step into that space, trusting that God will use your willingness for His glory.
3. Others' Contributions: Actively acknowledge and appreciate the diverse gifts around you. Encourage others in their service, especially those who might feel overlooked.

Practicing Love in All We Do

Love should be the lens through which we view and use our gifts. This means:

1. Our Motives: Regularly ask yourself, “Am I doing this out of love for God and others, or for my own gain?”
2. to Edify: In every act of service, ask, “How does this build up the church?” Focus on actions that foster unity, growth, and encouragement.
3. Compassion and Empathy: Be intentional about understanding and sharing in the joys and struggles of others in your church community.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Loveless Service

Stay vigilant against the dangers of serving without love. This requires:

1. Heart Checks: Regularly spend time in prayer and reflection, asking God to reveal and realign your heart's intentions.
2. Accountability: Build relationships with fellow believers who can lovingly hold you accountable and encourage you in your walk.
3. and Reflection: Avoid burnout by finding a balance between service and rest. Reflect on the joy and privilege of serving in Christ’s body.

Conclusion: A Body United in Love

As we conclude, remember that our service in the body of Christ, no matter how small or grand, is a reflection of our love for God and for one another. Our gifts, used in love, become powerful instruments in God’s hands. Let us move forward as a church, not just as a collection of individuals with different abilities, but as a unified body, each part working in harmony, driven by love, and focused on glorifying God.

In doing so, we will not only grow in our faith and in our roles within the church but also shine as a beacon of Christ’s love to the world. May our service be a testament to the love that has been so graciously bestowed upon us, and may our church be a living example of 1 Corinthians 13: a community where love is the highest aim and the most excellent way.