The lesson text draws the analogy that the Church functions in much the same way as a physical body. This follows immediately on the heels of a passage detailing some of the gifts of the Sprit. Paul reminds the reader that the gifts come from one source and the gifts are a “manifestation of the Holy Spirit given for the common good” (I Cor. 12:7). Verses 12-24 illustrate Paul’s point that we all work together pursuing a common goal in obedience to the body’s head- Jesus Christ. Like the human body, the body of Christ is amazingly complex. When all the parts work together it is an awesome sight, but when the body becomes ill and at times works against itself the results can be tragic. The Corinthian church required much of Paul’s attention. His letter addresses some of their troubles, one of which was their misunderstanding and misuse of spiritual gifts.
We see the word “one” repeated often in verses 12-13. The society of the time was heavily segmented based upon nationality, religion, and social standing. As is often the case people bring personal preconceived biases and ideas into the church with them. Those biases and ideas are virtually impossible to leave behind without a surrender of our will to the Holy Spirit. In other places in scripture, we read of the necessity to “die to self.” Paul proceeds to build his case that they are one body. We’ve already addressed through analogy the function of the body, but now he wants to be certain the Corinthians know what unifies them as one body. They are one in the Spirit and one in Christ. Unity in the Spirit is greater and stronger than any other factor that would cause them to separate. The world and the flesh may tell them their differences are too great, but those differences are overcome by the love they are commanded to have for one another.
To make his point clearly, Paul uses a literary device called synonymous parallelism. He repeats the theme of oneness several times using slightly different wording. In our day he might have turned up the volume or typed in all CAPS to make this an emphasis.
A thought to ponder: Do we assign worth or status to members based on their giftedness or resources? What do you think Paul would write to MGBC about being one body?
In verses 12-13 Paul definitively establishes that the church is one body. Now in verses 14-18 he turns his discussion that this unified body is made up of many individual parts. He begins (vv. 14-15) by addressing attitudes of jealously that lead to discord in the church. One part cannot say to others that they have no need for the rest, or that they are more important. Each part has a purpose that contributes to the health of the body in its entirety. The church, like the human body, is made up of many members that serve different roles and responsibilities. When members are utilizing their Holy Spirit given gifts, that undergirds the overall proper working of the church. In verse 18 Paul in just a few words gives us an important principle to remember. Who arranges (designs) the body of believers? God arranges the body as He sees fit! Paul also wrote to the Ephesians about gifts and unity. He wrote these words: “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work” (Eph 4:16, NKJV). The whole body is strengthened as each one fulfills their God-given role.
Reflection: Thinking of the saying “Bloom where you are planted” how is our attitude toward our service/ministry changed when we see our roles as being from God rather than something we ourselves have achieved? “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23, NIV 1984).
In verse 20 Paul again reiterates his two main points - there is one body, and the body is made up of many unique parts. The Corinthian church was marred by conflict and classism, so Paul restates his point, just a little bit differently. He emphasizes that even parts that are weaker or less honorable are still to be treated with respect.
We’ve heard some form of the quote credited to Aristotle that the “whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” March Madness is right around the corner. Almost every year there are teams in the tourney that have great individual talents who are defeated by teams with lesser athletes. This is because basketball is a team sport. Running plays and assisting your teammates to help them score is essential to winning. The starting five and the bench players all have a role in contributing to a winning game plan. Most often those teams who play selfishly or as individuals won’t win the championship. In the same we as the body of Christ must respect and honor the contributions of all our members.
The church body will most effectively achieve her God-given purpose when all her members unite around a common purpose and forgo seeking individual recognition. Revisiting the lesson’s central truth: “Spiritual growth calls for regular interaction with and ministry to other believers.” I have focused on the bigger picture of the health of a united church. However, I need to mention that a healthy church is made up of spiritually healthy maturing individuals. We each then must not overlook our personal responsibility to achieve spiritual health. When one part, even me, is unhealthy the health of the entire body is diminished. This entire unit of study beginning January 28th has been instructive in that the practice of spiritual disciplines is the avenue to maintain health via prayer, fasting, confession, worship, serving, giving, etc.
Reflection: Let’s be thankful for the many people who serve seen and unseen week after week in our church body. How may we show love and appreciation for everyone in the body no matter their role?
Hope to see you this Sunday.
