Title: Relevant To One Another
Memorize: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:5 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:18-25 (Nkjv)
[18] But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
[19] And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
[20] But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.
[21] And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
[22] No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
[23] And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty,
[24] but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it,
[25] that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
Message:
The human body is a perfect example of how a cordial relationship among members of a unit can lead to productivity. Imagine if your head tells your legs to stop moving, but they insist on walking, or when you wake up in the morning and try opening your eyes, your mouth opens instead. Imagine the confusion that would bring.
The church is called the body of Christ to show the connectivity of its members (believers) and their reliance on one another’s abilities and gifts. Christ is our Head, and He wants every part of His body to function optimally. For this reason, a Christian should not look down on his or her fellow Christians by thinking they are not playing important roles in the church.
There is a story of a pastor who thanked God for the miracles that were always happening in his ministry, the beautiful choir coordination, and how his workers helped conduct the service weekly. However, God revealed to him that the miracles were majorly because of the intercession of an old woman who always asks Him for a special miracle for anyone who sits on the chairs she cleans. She was only a member of the sanitation team, but her prayers moved God to bless others who came to church.
Key Point:
No one in the church is superior or inferior; everyone’s role is relevant.
HYMN 12: Onward Christian Soldiers
1 Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to War,
With the cross of Jesus going on before!
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle, see his banner go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of JesUs going on before!
2 At the name of Jesus Satan’s host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise!
3 Like a mighty army moves the church of God:
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
We are not divided; all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
4 Crowns and thrones may perish,
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the church Jesus constant will remain:
Gates of hell can never ‘gainst that church prevail
We have Christ’s own promise and that cannot fail
5 0nward, then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices, in the triumph song;
Glory, praise and honour, unto Christ the King;
This through countless ages, men and angels sing.
Bible In One Year: Ezra 3:1-4:23 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye