DIGGING DEEP NO. 1066 January 14, 2025 UNDERSTANDING YOUR ROLE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST.  1COR. 12: 1- 31.

 

The concept of the body of Christ is one of the most profound and unifying metaphors in Scripture. It illustrates how believers, though diverse in gifts, backgrounds, and functions, are intricately connected through their faith in Jesus Christ. This metaphor emphasizes unity, interdependence, and the centrality of Christ as the head, guiding and sustaining the body. By examining the biblical passages that explore this idea, we gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of this spiritual community and the responsibilities it entails. Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.  The body of Christ is a model of divine harmony, where each member plays a crucial role in glorifying God and building the body of Christ through the use of their gift

Unity in Diversity of Gifts

We see the strength in the diversity in this country as the main reason for its greatness. Every diverse section has a gift and because all the gifts are use for the Country’s benefit, it has become second to none in the world, it is the envy of the world. Every nationality in the world is found in this nation and they each bring their unique gifts making a complete and wholesome Nation. The same is true with the body of Christ were we each bring to the body our different gifts to make the body strong. 1 Cor. 12 enumerates these gifts.

Apostleship

The gift of apostleship is the divine strength or ability to pioneer new churches and ministries through planting, overseeing, and training.

Acts 15:22-35; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Galatians 2:7-10; Ephesians 4:11-14

Discernment

The gift of discernment is the divine strength or ability to spiritually identify falsehood, to distinguish between right and wrong motives and the spiritual forces at work in situations.

Matthew 16:21-23; Acts 5:1-11, 16:16-18; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 John 4:1-6

Evangelism

The gift of evangelism is the divine strength or ability to help non-Christians take the necessary steps to becoming a born-again Christian.

Acts 8:5-6, 8:26-40, 14:21, 21:8; Ephesians 4:11-14

Exhortation

The gift of exhortation is the divine strength or ability to strengthen, comfort or urge others to action through the written or spoken word and Biblical truth.

Acts 14:22; Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:24-25

Faith

The gift of faith is the divine strength or ability to believe in God for unseen supernatural results in every arena of life.

Acts 11:22-24; Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 11

Giving

The gift of giving is the divine strength or ability to produce wealth and to give by tithes and offerings for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom of God on earth.

Mark 12:41-44; Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 9:2-7

Healing

The gift of healing is the divine strength or ability to act as an intermediary in faith, prayer, and by the laying-on of hands for the healing of physical, mental and spiritual sickness.

Acts 3:1-10, 9:32-35, 28:7-10; 1 Corinthians 12:9, 28

Helps

The gift of helps is the divine strength or ability to work in a supportive role for the accomplishment of tasks in Christian ministry with the ability to often see the need before others do.

Mark 15:40-41; Acts 9:36; Romans 16:1-2; 1 Corinthians 12:28

Hospitality

The gift of hospitality is the divine strength or ability to create warm, welcoming environments for others in places such as your home, office, or church.

Acts 16:14-15; Romans 12:13, 16:23; Hebrews 13:1-2; 1 Peter 4:9

Intercession

The gift of intercession is the divine strength or ability to stand in the gap in prayer for someone, something, or someplace, believing for profound results.

Hebrews 7:25; Colossians 1:9-12, 4:12-13; James 5:14-16

Word of Knowledge

The gift of knowledge is the divine strength or ability to bring truth to a situation by supernatural revelation. This is often accompanied by a word from God.

Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:8; Colossians 2:2-3

Leadership

The gift of leadership is the divine strength or ability to influence people at their level while directing and focusing them on the big picture, vision, or idea.

Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 3:1-13, 5:17; Hebrews 13:17

Mercy

The gift of mercy is the divine strength or ability to feel empathy and care for those who are hurting in any way.

Matthew 9:35-36; Mark 9:41; Romans 12:8; 1 Thess. 5:14

Pastor/Shepherd

The gift of pastor/shepherd is the divine strength or ability to care for the personal needs of others by nurturing and mending life issues.

John 10:1-18; Ephesians 4:11-14; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-3

Prophecy

The gift of prophecy is the divine strength or ability to communicate God’s truth and heart in a way that calls people to a right relationship with God.

Acts 2:37-40, 7:51-53, 26:24-29; 1 Corinthians 14:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:5

Service

The gift of serving is the divine strength or ability to do small or great tasks in working for the overall good of the body of Christ.

Acts 6:1-7; Romans 12:7; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 1:16-18; Titus 3:14

Teaching

The gift of teaching is the divine strength or ability to study and learn from the Scriptures to bring understanding and depth to other Christians.

Acts 18:24-28, 20:20-21; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-14

Tongues (and Interpretation)

The gift of tongues is the divine strength or ability to pray in a heavenly language to encourage your spirit and commune with God. It is often accompanied by interpretation and should be used appropriately.

Acts 2:1-13; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:1-14

Word of Wisdom

The gift of wisdom is the divine strength or ability to understand and to bring clarity to situations and circumstances, often through practical application of the truths of Scripture.

Acts 6:3,10; 1 Corinthians 2:6-13, 12:8