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The Body of Christ- Unity & Diversity - Eph.4:11-16 ; 1Cor.12:12,13. 1. Our calling :- a, To love God with all our being b. To love our neighbour as ourselves 2. Doing it – loving God & others a. As we pray b. As we use our spiritual gifts.
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The Body of Christ- Unity & Diversity - Eph.4:11-16; 1Cor.12:12,13 1. Our calling:- a, To love God with all our being b. To love our neighbour as ourselves 2. Doing it – loving God & others a. As we pray b. As we use our spiritual gifts
1. Christians are united in Christ – 1Cor.12:12,13 When someone repents & trusts Christ:- a. They are united to Jesus b. They are united to other christians to form one body 2. Diversity not uniformity a. Spiritual gifts vary - beauty in variety – Rainbow Church - Effectiveness in variety
Diversity not uniformity b. There are many gifts – 1Cor.12:8-10,28; Rom.12:6-8; Eph.4:11; 1Pet.4:9,10; Ex.31:3; 1Tim.2:1,2; Ps.150:3-5; 1Cor.13:3; 7:7 Wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing spirits, tongues & interpretation, apostles, prophets, teachers, helps, administration, service, encouraging, giving, leadership, showing mercy, evangelists, pastors, hospitality, craftsmanship, intercessor, musician, voluntary poverty, martyrdom, celibacy ……..
There are many gifts As we look at the long list:- • It is not exhaustive, but illustrative • Many are a deepening of what should be seen with all christians – faith , mercy etc • No place for superiority or inferiority - “I don’t need others” – 1Cor.12:21-26 - “I am not really needed” – 1Cor.12:14-20
3. The growth of the Body – Eph.4:15,16 The purpose of the gifts is transformation:- a. The Church is built up b. The Church becomes God’s agent for change The focus must be on building up the Church – 1Cor.14:3-5,12,17,26,31
5 defences against the selfish use of gifts • Unity – 1Cor.12:12-27 • Mutuality – 1Cor.12:29,30 • Love – 1Cor.13; Rom.12:9-13; Eph.4:1-3,15,16; 1Pet.4:8,9 • Desire to build up • Order – 1Cor.14:33,40
4. Using your gift • Desire to serve God • Be eager to build up the Church • Long to see the Church as a transforming agent – working with God • Love God & others – knowing that the source of that love is God’s love for you