An Incomplete Body

1 Corinthians 12:1-26

INTRODUCTION: We have much to learn about our interconnectivity and codependence as a local body of believers. The only way we are going to learn these truths is through the help of the holy scriptures and the Holy Ghost.

I. ONE GOD USING MANY PARTS (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)

A. One God

1. Same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4)
2. Same Lord (1 Corinthians 12:5)
3. Same God (1 Corinthians 12:6)
4. One and selfsame Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:11)

B. Implementing Diversity

1. Diversities of gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4)
2. Differences of administrations (1 Corinthians 12:5)
3. Diversities of operations (1 Corinthians 12:6)
4. Dividing severally as He will (1 Corinthians 12:11)

II. ONE BODY WITH MANY MEMBERS (1 Corinthians 12:12-24)

A. The Explanation of the Body (1 Corinthians 12:12-14)

1. Its math (1 Corinthians 12:12)
a. One body = many members
b. Many members = one body
2. Its mix (1 Corinthians 12:13)
3. Its members (1 Corinthians 12:14)

B. The Temptations of the Body (1 Corinthians 12:15-21)

1. The minimization of self-importance (1 Corinthians 12:15-17)
2. The minimization of the need of others (1 Corinthians 12:21)
3. The minimization of the pleasure of God (1 Corinthians 12:18-20)

C. The Ignorance of the Body (1 Corinthians 12:22-24)

1. The way it seems (1 Corinthians 12:22)
2. What we think (1 Corinthians 12:23)
3. The tempering of God (1 Corinthians 12:24)

III. MANY CIRCUMSTANCES ONE BURDEN (1 Corinthians 12:25-26)

A. The Absence of a Schism (1 Corinthians 12:25)

B. The Presence of Sharing (1 Corinthians 12:26)

CONCLUSION: None of this is possible apart from the head—a part of the body unassigned to any member of the body. Just as the body is identified by its head so it is with the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18; Colossians 2:19).