Joshua McGuire - Body Parts | Austin CFC | 2023-09-17
Summary
The message challenges the common understanding of one's 'part' in the church, arguing that membership is not defined by ministry role or position. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12, the speaker emphasizes that while the body has many diverse members, it functions as one unit in Christ. He stresses that every member, no matter how seemingly weak or less honorable, is intentionally placed by God and is necessary for the whole body to function correctly.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is between spiritual gifts?Paul writes about spiritual gifts at the start of 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, but places the teaching on the human body and love right in between them.
The diverse members of one body in ChristPaul uses the human body to show that all members are diverse yet completely necessary to one another, with Christ as the head.
God places each member as He desiresGod purposefully places every single person into the local body of a church just as He desires, rather than leaving us to view church as a mere building or event.
Are you an upper arm bone?Sometimes a believer's role in the body is simply to hold strong under heavy tension without breaking, trusting God for strength.
Are you a fingernail or a segment?Small or hidden parts of the body, like a fingernail or a finger segment, are easily taken for granted until an itch reveals how vital they are.
Are you a smelly, lowly foot?Feet are at the lowest and most neglected part of the body, yet even the head declares a need for them as the body runs the race together.
Are you the nose carrying the glasses?Like a nose that carries glasses all day long, some members bear daily burdens for the sake of the body's vision and unity.
Running a three-legged race togetherThe Christian life is not just an individual race for a prize, but a team event where we are bound together like a three-legged race to reach Christ.
Walking in humility, gentleness, and patiencePaul urges the church in Ephesus to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace with all humility, gentleness, and patience toward one another.
The hidden, necessary parts receiving greater honorScripture reminds us that the less presentable and hidden parts of the body are actually the most necessary and receive greater honor from God.
