Meeting for Turnhout Congregation, Belgium
Sunday, 26 March 2006

Introduction:

 Christ relationship to the Church and the congregation.

+ He built the church.

Matthew 16.18
Romans 16.16
John 18.36
1.Corinthians 15.24-26

+ He is the Head of the Church.

Ephesians 1.21-23
Colossians 1.18
Ephesians 5.25

Acts 2.47

1.Corinthians 12.21-27

In our study today I would like for us to look closer at "our" (my and your) relationship to the Church and what responsibility we personally have. Do you understand how important YOU are for the Lord and His Church? Do you understand how important YOU are to this local congregation?

Lesson:

I AN ACTIVE AND FUNCTIONING BODY. 1. Corinthians 12.21-27

It is important that we have a correct and proper understanding for the Church, the local congregation. How does God describe the Church?

The congregation is described in the New Testament as a joint functioning body in which each part is helping the others towards carrying out what God wants and helping each member get closer to heaven and eternal life.

The body of Christ.

Romans 12.4-5
1.Corinthians 12.27
Ephesians 5.30
Ephesians 1.22-23

Head-Body Relationship.

Ephesians 1.21-23
Colossians 1.18-20

Inter-body relationship.

The relationship in the body between the members or parts.

1.Corinthians 12.21-27

We are ALL members of the ONE body.
We all have contact with the head.
We all have a connection with each other.
We are connected.

Every part is important.

1.Corinthians 12.14-18 "because I am not….."
1.Corinthians 12.21 "I have no need of you….."
1.Corinthians 12.22-23 "the weakest are necessary…."

Remember: God has put each part on the body as HE wants. (1.Cor. 12.18)

What qualities and characteristics are mentioned or indication in the text?

inter action
supporting each other
dependent upon each other
concerned for each other
compassion and empathy for each other

 

What happens when the "member" or "parts" do not function as they should?

becomes a burden on the whole body
it drags the whole body down
it reduces its effectiveness
an emptiness

II. EVERYONE HAS SOMETHING TO DO.

No one is free from responsibility.

Now some my refuse to do anything, or do their part but in Gods eyes EVERYONE has an important part to play and serve.

Ephesians 4.11-16

Each part is essential!
Different ways to serve, different responsibilities.
Help each other find the "tools" so they may work further and work more
When all are working, working hard… then this causes the body to be held tightly together.

Closeness is the result.
Strength is the result.
Progress is the result

1.Peter 4.8-11

Relationship to each other…… a closer gentile and genuine love.
Each has been granted its gift or talent.
Use this gift or talent NOT in helping self but in serving OTHERS!

How do you serve? How are you helping? What are you doing?

III. SERVANTS OF GOD NO MATTER WHAT. 2.Corinthians 6.4-10

As a member I am to serve, I am to be active.
But what about my excuses for serving, my excuses from being active?
They are good ones!

Maybe we truly think and believe our good excuses will excuse us from serving, from helping?
Is that correct? How does God look upon this?
I think with reading through 1.Corinthians 6 you will conclude something completely different.

2.Corinthians 6.4

"But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God!!!"
Ministers = servants!

Servants of God… we are ALL servants of God if we are Christians.
It is written that "in all things" were are servants!

Read more!!!

Maybe there are certain situations or conditions where I am excused from service or serving God? And others?

v. 4 patience, tribulations, needs, distresses
v.5 stripes, imprisionments, tumults, labours, sleeplessness, fastings
v.6 purity, knowledge, longsuffering, kindness, sincere love
v.7 word of truth, power of God, armour of righteousness,
v.8 honour and dishonour, evil report, deceivers yet true
v.9 unknown or wellknown, dying, chastened yet not killed
v.10 sorrowful, poor, having nothing

Do we not use such things as "good" excuses for why we can not serve?
I do not have the ability to do, do not have the money to help, do not have the health to help, do not have the time……etc.

God accepts NO excuses!

Are you a part of this congregation? You are a part of the body of Christ! As a part you have a function, you have a way to serve, the whole body needs you to function properly and efficiently.

You must understand YOU are important and essential to the group.

You may not be able to see your great value, but God does.

Let him use you! Be available for him!

Vorige