Sermons - 2007 Week 41
The Interdependence of the Body
1 Corinthians 12:20-31
The emphasis, like in the previous week’s sermon, was on the unity of the members in the church. The human anatomy analogy was used again. This time, the emphasis shifted to the importance of each and every part of the body. No group of members is more important than another. There cannot be an independent sub-body existing. There is no such thing as a free lance Christian. To be a Christian is to be a member in the body of Christ.
Individualism is often hailed as a mark of independence, of self achievement and of self motivation. Does the church need such individualistic flair to achieve things? The answer lies in whose achievement is it?
All parts exist to meet the needs of the body not the other way round. Thus, the body of Christ exists not for the needs of the parts, but the parts exist for the body of Christ.
Question: Some Christians would say that he or she does not need “them” (the church) or “they” don’t need me. Is this a fallacious perception on both counts?
While verses 15 to 17 discuss the lack of “gifts” to serve the church with, verse 21 takes on a different view of total independence and pride of having special gifts. Such members view themselves above others. Little do they realize that their gifts come from God. In fact, Paul emphasized the importance of all the lesser parts in the church.
The truth is: to whom does one minister in the church?
We minister to each other once we are in the body of Christ.
God gave various and different gifts. God gave the Apostles who ministered with Jesus. It must be noted that Jesus was never alone and always with the Apostles. It is used as an illustration of our need to rely on the support of each other as Christians.
God gave prophets who were the forerunners of our present day pastors. God gave teachers and gifts of miracles, healing, tongues, help and administration. The list could go on, but the main issue is reemphasized in the rhetorical questions put forth by Paul. While the Corinthians coverted these gifts, especially the prominent ones, Paul was trying to emphasise the importance of every gift.
The concluding statement of this chapter is an introduction to the “love” chapter which is to follow. It is not to be taken as the excellent way to desire the best gifts as listed in the preceding verses. In the final analysis, Paul was trying to tell the Corinthians not to be proud of their gifts, especially the seemingly important ones. Every gift is as important. Every member of the body in Christ is important. But, these gifts must be used, not hidden or treasured in its mint state. They should be used in the Holy Spirit to exalt Christ and glorify God.
Dr and Mrs ET Chua
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