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| Finding Our Place in the Body of Christ |
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| | 12:1 Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 12:3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 12:6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 12:11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ. 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many. 12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 12:17 If the whole body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [were] the smelling? 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 12:19 And if they were all one member, where [were] the body? 12:20 But now [are they] many members, yet but one body. 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 12:23And those [members] of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely [parts] have more abundant comeliness. 12:24 For our comely [parts] have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that [part] which lacked: 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for another. 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 12:28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 12:29 [Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all workers of miracles? 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
"But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased." I Corinthians 12:18 In the New Testament, Paul outlines three different analogies of the church. The Building (Eph 2:21-22), The Bride (Eph 5:22-33), (Eph 5:30-33 among other places) and the "Body." The "Body" is used in three ways in the New Testament. A. A local group/assembly of believers B. A geographical region group of believers C. The universal collection of all believers The illustration of the body fits perfectly for all concerned. We however, are looking at this through the first usage, the local church. *An important premise of the local church is the fact, that God has called each one of us to a particular church. Which means, God placed you where you are, under this pastoral authority, with this vision, these people, these facilities, this budget, etc...all of it’s strengths and weaknesses. * Since God called each of us to this particular body. We are not whole without one another, and if we do not function accordingly, we retard the body or make it sick. I Corinthians 12:4-7 "There are diversities of gifts (allotments or various kinds), but the same Spirit. There are diversities of ministries, (service, or administrations), but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, (operations, workings, effects), but the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:" In this passage of Scripture there is a theme: There is one Spirit (Holy Spirit) There is one LORD (Jesus/Son) There is one God (Father) There is one Body (Church) There is one Purpose (Edification) According to the Scriptures: I. Every Believer is gifted Spiritually. I Corinthians 12:11 The Holy Spirit "distributes to each one as He wills" Everyone is gifted Spiritually, by the Holy Spirit this is what we call "spiritual gifts" They are not a talent they are supernaturally given abilities. 2 lists in Scripture: I Cor 12:4-30 & Rom 12:6-8. No one can say, I don’t have at least one. In fact all most likely possess them all. For He has given us everything we need pertaining to life and godliness. However, we are strong, and capable in particular ones. II. Every Believer has a Divine Place and Purpose in the Body of Christ vs 7 "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all." (THAT’S YOUR PURPOSE), vs 18 " God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased." (THAT’S YOUR PLACE). To be a benefit to each and every person. When you are absent, or when you choose not to fill your spot you weaken the body. III. Each Believer Must serve God in the place that He put them. How should we serve? Boldly, because we know Jesus said He would build His church. Patiently, because know God works all things together in His time. Faithfully, because we know we have the victory through Christ. Our job as belivers is to: Find out what God has gifted us with. Find out where He wants us to use it. Stir up the gift within you and excercise and practice it. Remain Faithful in the Place and Purpose He has called us to. Every member of the body is important! Every member of the body has a function! Every member of the body is needed for the body to function at an optimum level. "For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, that God has before ordained that we should walk in them." Eph 2:10 You are important, you are gifted, you are empowered! Find your place and do your thing! |
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| To add a comment to "Finding Our Place in the Body of Christ " |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| Brother Todd, thank You for this Sermon. I needed to hear this. I'm spending this weekend in much prayer as I can. Struggling a little bit but I know HE got this too. His Will Be Done. |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| Well said! And oh how it is so needed in the body of Christ! There wouldn't be any gaps to fill would there? No rushing around & saying that someone didn't stand by there post! Thanks!! |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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The disabled have a place in the body of Christ. Fruits of the Spirit! |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| Amen Brother Todd...everybody indeed needs to find their place in the Body of Christ and DO their thing..as they have been instructed by the Lord ;o) |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| Great sermon brother. |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| Thanks, I agree with Pastor Dave Great sermon! I'm slowly but surly finding my place! |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| Excellent message, Bro Todd! Just excellent!!!!!! |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| I pray that all believers are able to allow Jesus to lead them to their rightful place. I spent years frustated b/c I didn't know my place. Praise God, my calling is sure and my place is certain. Good read Pastor Todd--your shepherd's staff is becoming more and more apparent with each blog (smile). I am grateful that you are in your rightful place in the body, my friend! |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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Dan: Thank you, brother for the thoughtful comment. I so very much enjoy a dialouge about Scripture. You will find that I am not a very dogmatic person except when it comes to the essentials. I totally understand what you are saying as Paul does not assume that we all are operating in all of the gifts. By the same token though by personal experience would you say that you posess more than one gift? I know that I do, I posess many. For a fact I have the gift of teaching, the gift of mercy, and wisdom. I have operated in the gift of healing, and the discerning of spirits, and helps and giving among others. Now I am going to give you my exact quote from the blog:
In fact all most likely possess them all. For He has given us everything we need pertaining to life and godliness. However, we are strong, and capable in particular ones.
The scripture I use to back this up besides experience is: II Peter 1:3 "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." Admidtedly, this verse is not specifically talking about spiritual gifts, but spiritual living which gifts are a part of in my mind. The other verse I can see this is I Cor 12:31 "Earnestly desire the greater gifts." I Cor 14:12 "Since you are eagar to have spirutal gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church." So allow me to make two points here: If I can not have a gift that I don't already posess why would I be exhorted to earnest desire them? Point #2 I am supposed to try to excel in gifts that build up the church He is talking "gifts" plural, indicating that I could control what gifts I excercised.
I suppose this is what I feel though I can not be dogmatic about it. God has given me every spiritual gift since the great distributor of gifts lives within me. He can give it to me as I need it to minister to the body of Christ. It could be that the gift comes upon me for a moment and then departs once it is used for it's intended purpose. Who is to say that these gifts are not permanent or temporary? I will share a brief testimony, and really that's all I got Dan. One time I was witnessing to a spanish speaking person who could not speak english and God gave me a few words in Spanish to help convey the gospel. Whether I was speaking Spanish or he was understanding me I am not sure, but God broke down the languange barrier for a brief moment so the gospel could be communicated to him. To me that was the "glossia" in Acts 2 where each man heard in his own tongue happened right there to me and him for about 1 minute. It was awesome! I haven't been able to do that since. I have several opportunities to preach in hispanic churches and have never had that happen again, and how I wish it would. So, I do agree that the Holy Spirit distributes to each one as He wills. I am ok with that. I will also agree that is the whole point of Paul's analogy of the body that each one of us is different and has a different funciton and purpose. I am not 100% operating in all funcitions at one time, if that were the case then what would I need you for right? What I am saying is that they are 100% available to me and if the Holy Spirit will choose to impart the gift to me to fulfill a specific purpose then so be it! Right??
Dan I so appreciate you humble approach to discuss this. I hope this helps, God bless you too.
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| Terry: Thanks and you will have my prayers too. |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| Rhonda: I have yet to see a local church body operate in total harmony and efficency..where everyone has their place and everyone does thier function. However, I am holding o ut for it! I believe it can and will happen. I witnessed a near completion of that principle at our dear friend's funeral. I was so impressed at how everyone stepped in and did their part..what a blessing each one was to the Heavenly Father |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| Joey: :) everyone has their place! |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| Marjay: It pleases the Lord when we all will find our place and serve and glorify the Lord. |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| Pastor Dave: I have a way to go to catch up to you. |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| Angela: Well in this body on the web at MYCHURCH you have found your niche. You are a teacher, worshipper, counselor, and an encourager. Pretty good place I would say. |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| Cindy: Flesh and blood has not revealed that to you for sure! Praise God for the Holy Spirit who teaches us and guides us in all truth. I am glad to just give away what has been given to me. |
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| October 24, 2008 |
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| Starr: Thank you,, and I am glad you found yours. I can attest that it is totally frustrating when you are not in your place doing what you are meant and called to do. |
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| October 25, 2008 |
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| Bro Todd: Amen! We had a preacher who took us through a study of gifts, even gave us tests or questionaires to help us see our gifts. It was awesome, and I've found through the years, some of mine have changed, without that preacher walking us through it, heheheh Gifts 101, would I recognize the changes? Probably not. One gift I have has never left :) I think this post is excellent because God has spoken through you to help us with our gifts :) |
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| October 25, 2008 |
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| Thanks for the sermon, I needed it! |
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| October 25, 2008 |
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My Dear Brother Todd
I certainly enjoyed your message and particularly your response to Dan. You have the explained the gifts of the Spirit very well. Please say you are dogmatic regarding your faith in Christ (LOL). Just a joke. I know you will defend your faith in Christ with your life. You are absolutely correct.
Shalom to you my Friend |
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| October 26, 2008 |
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| Man, Dan! |
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| October 27, 2008 |
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Pastor Todd,
No need to say such a thing brother; you do well teaching the Word though I understand being humble about it.
Dan, I wanted to comment on the great interaction you've had with Todd. I appreciate how you phrased things and were specific in your engagement with him on this topic. I wanted to highlight this to commend you on your growth in this area. I say this not to "speak down to you" but rather to encourage you. God bless you brother.
I want to preface what I'm about to say by saying when I said, "Great Sermon Brother Todd" what I meant specifically was Todd was right on his in engagement of the topic of gifts of the Spirit in operation among the local church and the universal church. The way I see Todd's message essentially revolves around how everyone has a spiritiual gift. I don't agree that everyone has every gift because Paul makes it clear in 1st Corinthians 12:12-26 that we need each other. This suggests that no one is "superior" to other.
There is no "spiritiual" elite in Christianity. There is no top down mentality. We are all called as believers to be Priests and are a priesthood (1st Peter 2:8-10). As a member of the Priesthood God gives each one of us gifts to serve one another. Our service to God must be done in His power not in our own otherwise we become as Paul says in 1st Corinthians 13 (a clanging gong). So while I agree that every does get gifts, I do not believe we get every gift.
In saying this I believe that along with our natural abilities and talents, God gives each person to varying degrees of strengths within the gifts. As an example and more of a summation of Paul's ministry; he was strong in the areas of planting churches, teaching, leadership among other areas. What we must understand is that even in giving us strong gifts we must also rely upon His strength not our own. 1st Peter 4:10-11, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
This verse for me informs me that I should not use my gifts in a way that points towards myself. The point of using a God given gift is to point towards the Lord Jesus who gave us the gift. In ministering in His power (which can only be done as we yield to Him) we glorify God through our service and serve under His anointing (not our own power). Only in ministering this way we can glorify God.
Ephesians 2:11-3:6; 1st Cor 10:31, Ephesians 3:1-6, 5:31, 1st timothy 5:17-22, Works of Service 1st Cor 15:58, Ephesians 4:12, Revelation 22:12. Gift for ministry Ephesians 4:7-12, Unique and Special spiritual abilities Romans 12:5-8, 1st cor 12:3-31, 1st Peter 4:10-11.
I didn't intend to write this much but rather wanted to clarify where I'm coming from on this issue "briefly". |
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| October 27, 2008 |
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| IHS: THank you for such kind uplifiting words. I am dogmatic about my faith, but I am tired of arguing with some one who really doesn't want to be taught, that is why If I don't take the posture of fighting then chances are I am not going to get a fight. A soft answer turns away wrath. Anyway, thanks again for the support and blessings! God bless you! |
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| October 27, 2008 |
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| Pastor Dave: Let us consider how to stir one another up to love and good works. We realize God has given gifts to men and we are those that have received them. Let us use them to edify the church and build up the body. Whether we have all the gifts or not is not all that important, what is important is that we are using the gifts we have to bless others. I too agree that there is not the "clergy are special" mentality in the Bible...the eye can not say to the foot I do not need you. We all need one another and when we all function according to the gifts and calling of God in our lives then there is peace harmony and growth. |
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| October 27, 2008 |
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| Dan: I think we are on the same page. What a blessed conversation we had. I love the exchange of ideas keep them coming! |
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| October 27, 2008 |
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| I agree brother with your response. |
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| October 27, 2008 |
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Behold how good and how pleasant it is For brethrent to dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1
Awesome exchange everyone! r |
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| October 27, 2008 |
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| Todd, and Dan,
My intention was not to contradict necessarily to contradict or go against what Todd or Dan taught. If I gave the appearance of that I humbly apologize. My intention was to clarify what I meant by, "Great Sermon" and also to elaborate more on how I saw this particular issue. Again, I do agree with what both of you said but also just wanted to elaborate on other points of considerations for those who would read this thread. I also wanted to encourage you Dan and commend you on your growth. My intention was not intended to offend but to encourage and edify. I apologize for my lack of clearly communicating what I was trying to say. God bless you both. |
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| October 27, 2008 |
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| Pastor Dave: I'll take a compliment anytime! You are fine with me and no worries here. I am glad to have an exchange of comments on the topic. It's all good. |
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| October 27, 2008 |
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| Thank you brothers :) |
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| October 28, 2008 |
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| That's quite a discussion you're having, gentlemen! Oh, how I love a good debate about theology! Thanks so much for sharing. :-) |
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| October 31, 2008 |
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Hi Brother Todd! Fingers, toes, arms, legs, and hands...all in the same body, all containers of the same spirit and the same life; all differ in function, form, and purpose but all are the container of the One. Last verse of 1 Corinthians 11, first verse of 1 Corinthians 14. I'm so blessed that I was unchurched when the Lord found me...there wasn't time for anyone to sow doubt into me. :-) Other big rabbit trail. Just like to say that really liked your comments on 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. Most of what we hear fails to distinguish between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...melding them all into one so that you can't even tell who is being talked about, prayed to, etc. 8:5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords" -- 8:6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 8:7 However, not all possess this knowledge... Jesus is Lord, and he is God the Son...but God [the Father] is the God of Jesus Christ [the Son]. I don't think its something that we can wrap our mind around; its just something that is. 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 4:6 one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. Here is something that I have never heard a teaching on (except from Him <smile>): 15:27 "For God has put all things in subjection under his feet." But when it says, "All things are put in subjection under him," it is plain that he is excepted who put all things under him. 15:28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things under him, that God may be everything to every one. In all his letters Paul made a clear distinction between the Lord Jesus and God the Father. I often ask myself that if I was writing that letter would I have express myself like that. When the answer is no then I know that I'm not yet seeing it as Paul, Peter, or John were. 1 Corinthians 14:37-40 "a command of the Lord"...not an opinion of Paul. Humm... Best regards,
Craig |
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| October 31, 2008 |
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Fine Blog Sir !
I will Have to Read the Comments Now...haha
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| October 31, 2008 |
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Unlike you I had so much to unlearn. Thank God for the crisis that brought me to Him in the fullness of the Spirit. Don't get me wrong I am thankful for the foundation of critical thinking, but I am glad to have traded my systematic theology in for biblical theology.
The Trinity is so misunderstood and if we are honest, it is a hard concept to grasp. However, if we think of the Trinity as roles I find it easier to understand. Many have tripped and fallen into error but the Holy Spirit is our teacher and guides us in all truth. Great comments and thanks for chipping in. I always learn so much from other's revelations. |
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| October 31, 2008 |
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| Thanks Michael, I appreciate your imput! I know you love the Lord and are sensitive to His Spirit. |
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| October 31, 2008 |
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When You Join ...Christianity it is The Call of God that called You All....It was One Call !
The Same Thing Contained in That Call to ALL & We that are Saved All Responded to the Call.
Some More so than others in their Obedience to The Entirety of what is Exactly & All Contained in
That Call.
In That Call was essentially a Call to Join This Priesthood to Be a PRIEST [A Bridge] between,
God & Men.
The Gift [one gift] ..is the.. [Call] ..To [Join] ..He God Invited Us...We were not Left Out.
All The Many Gifts, what We would call Gifts are the Pieces of the Whole Pie.
Let's say God called TEN Men To Dinner would He have cut into ONE Pie to make available One Piece [a very small piece] to each of the BIG Ten Men?
Or Have Supply of TWENTY PIES so as IF YOU are Hungry ENOUGH for Pie or God There Is More Than
Enough Pie ALL the Pie You could Eat to Be STUFFED with.
GOD Supplies Abundantly !! & BEYOND.
He Does not want any Under fed....rather FILLED & over Flowing.
So.......What Exactly Kind of Priest are You ?? A [BRIDGE] a weak & rickety thing that if somebody
was trying to cross you to acquire GOD access they would easily FALL off because the Bridge
is unsafe & dangerous?
Or are You a Golden Gate Bridge for God....That is able to hold & support Great Weights, & massive
Volumes...That at a High number of People are coming to God Frequently crossing Your Bridge.
We are all to become Great Priests...[Bridges]........so if You are not a Great Priest or That Great Bridge,
that is........OK......You Learn & should Be part of a Great Bridge [ find a Great Bridge] which is
a Great Church to Support & Help to Maintain & Keep That Bridge STRONG.
The weaker with Their small amount of their strengths add to the Larger Body.
& Every other Member of the Priesthood [The Entire Body] carries each others Loads.
This is the Law of Nature...that if Two Men Pull a Load they have Ten Times the Strength of a Single
Man.
Church is... & should Teach... Bridge Building Design & to Copy a Proven Design, which Jesus Left
His Trained Men with...The Plan...The Great...Co-Mission.....To Bridge the Gap.
So again the Church is a Corporate Body made up of Many Members which should be the Whole Pie.
The Corporate Body is To Replicate, & Duplicate Making more & more Bridges...They will always be a Corporate Body.
Yet...When We in Our Daily Lives... outside of the Church BUILDING...Monday - Saturday, WE are to be
STRONG Smaller Bridges [Priests] that can Witness with Power & be Effectively Doing God's
Work 24/7 when there are no others around .....that have all The OTHER Gifts.
Kinda of like Driving across The Country in You Car...without a Spare Tire in the Trunk,
No Tool Box, No Map, No Flash Light, No Jack.....OOPS ?
The Gifts.....are the TOOLS in the Trunk....Well I guess They should be There??
But You do Make a List to not Forget [ANYTHING] You EACH check it Twice before hitting the Road.
A Christian should be Prepared for This Much more important Journey than that Road Trip.
Serious Preparation because You are Going to Run into all kinds of People Daily & You should be
MUCH More Committed to Fix THEM......[THEY] are much more of Value to the Lord than
You Preparing for Your Vacation & making Sure that You can Fix a Flat Tire.
That is Why The individual member by Himself should be Strong & as Best Equipped during the
rest of the week ...that is where The People That Need a Bridge the Most They Are.. OUTSIDE of The Church Body ...Un-Saved....They Need a Priest to Seek for Them The Lost Sheep.
I have Given Endless Scripture References to to Support both camps
The Paradox is....that if:
Each Member on any Team is Strong You have a Strong Team for Sure.
Compared to A Greater in Number Army Made up of Members without Solid Training [they can not Fight well] & You would be at Risk & in Danger if You were in that Army.
Results in Battles would be SAD, & POOR, & Impotent.
I would rather be with the Small Trained Man Army.....That can Fight Well.
& WIN !! Battles.
12:31 But [covet] [earnestly the best gifts]: !!!!!!!!!
and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
1Cr 14:12 So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual {gifts,} seek to abound for the edification of the church.
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