I Corinthians 12:12-12:31

Finding Our Purpose

Continuing our study of chapter 12 in First Corinthians, we turn to the parts of the body which Paul uses as a metaphor for the church with Christ as the head. Pastor Lloyd tells how absolutely amazing the human body is, with all its parts working together in perfect unity. Likewise, God has strategically placed each of us within the church body to make it work and function to his glory. This is where we find our purpose.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. For the body is not one member, but many.
  4. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
  5. 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?
  6. If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
  7. But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
  8. And if they were all one member, where were the body?
  9. But now are they many members, yet but one body.
  10. 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.
  11. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
  12. And 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.
  13. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.
  14. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
  15. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
  16. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
  17. And 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.
  18. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
  19. Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
  20. But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.