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1 Corinthians 12:18
Verse
Context
The Body of Christ
17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?18But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design.19If they were all one part, where would the body be?
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
now--as the case really is. every one--each severally.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But now hath God set the members,.... The members of a natural body, as they are all made and fashioned by God in the form they be, so they are each of them set by him in the place they are: everyone of them in the body as it hath pleased him; according to his sovereign will, without consulting any; and each stands in the best situation and position they could be put, and for the greatest service and usefulness to the whole: so God, and not man, hath set every member in the mystical body, the church, in such a place and part of it, as he himself thought fit; some in a higher, others in a lower station, but all for the good of the body; and therefore each member ought to be content with his place, gift, and usefulness, be they what they will; since it is the wise counsel and sovereign pleasure of God, who works all things after the counsel of his own will, that so it should be.
1 Corinthians 12:18
The Body of Christ
17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?18But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design.19If they were all one part, where would the body be?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Salute to Those Who Stayed With It
By David Wilkerson8.0K36:541SA 30:24PSA 51:10ISA 6:8ACT 1:81CO 12:181CO 13:1EPH 4:3PHP 4:7JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing the diverse callings within the body of Christ. Using the story of David and his army in 1 Samuel 30, it highlights the significance of both those who go to battle and those who stay behind 'with the stuff.' The message encourages individuals to be faithful in their unique callings, whether it be in missions, prayer, giving, or other roles, and to trust that God will reward each according to their faithfulness.
The Sin of Going to Church Unprepared
By David Wilkerson5.2K1:10:33EXO 25:8PSA 24:3PRO 4:23MAT 6:33LUK 6:451CO 12:18JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a supportive church community in order to overcome sin and achieve victory in life. He encourages individuals to seek help from God's people and to recognize that they are all connected as one body. The preacher also addresses the need for self-reflection and asks the congregation to pray for God to reveal their blind spots and areas of anger. He warns against being deceived by false teachings and emphasizes the importance of preparing one's heart and creating a habitation for God's presence.
(True Faith and False) the Rest of Faith
By Zac Poonen1.5K50:30MAT 11:28ROM 12:31CO 12:18COL 3:15HEB 4:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being content with a small audience in a weekly cottage meeting. He emphasizes the importance of being free from the desire for a larger ministry and being satisfied with what God has given. The speaker warns against breaking through the boundaries that God has set for us, using the analogy of a serpent biting those who try to break through a wall. He also highlights the need to recognize and accept our financial boundaries, trusting that God will provide for our needs. The sermon encourages listeners to be content within their own circles and rejoice in the larger body of Christ.
Greetings From Caesar's House!
By Carter Conlon57939:58PSA 139:23MAT 5:14JHN 8:12ROM 8:281CO 1:261CO 12:18EPH 1:18PHP 1:121PE 4:12This sermon from Philippians chapter one titled 'Greetings from Caesar's House' emphasizes the importance of finding divine purpose and being a light in the world where God has placed us. It highlights how even in challenging circumstances, God's purpose can be fulfilled, and our lives can be a testimony to those around us. The message encourages embracing God's plan, being a visible expression of His love, and standing firm in faith, knowing that His power within us cannot be conquered.
Be Content: God Designed You With These Spiritual Gifts
By Tim Conway57202:29PRO 19:21ROM 12:61CO 12:18PHP 4:11COL 3:23This sermon emphasizes the importance of contentment in the unique gifts that God has given to each individual within the church. It highlights the need for men to be satisfied with the specific roles and abilities God has bestowed upon them, whether it be in speaking, serving, showing mercy, having compassion, or giving. The message stresses that God's sovereignty is at work in distributing these gifts, and individuals should find fulfillment and success by operating within the design God has ordained for them.
(Knowing God's Way) 2. Some Important Truths That I Have Learnt
By Zac Poonen0ISA 2:22DAN 11:32LUK 16:15JHN 17:231CO 12:182CO 9:7EPH 2:10EPH 5:18PHP 4:192TI 2:112TI 3:12HEB 8:6HEB 12:1JAS 3:91PE 3:131JN 1:9Zac Poonen shares important truths he has learned in his 40 years as a born-again Christian, emphasizing God's immense love for us, the importance of honesty, cheerful giving, looking unto Jesus for holiness, being continually filled with the Holy Spirit, embracing the way of the cross, disregarding man's opinions, detesting worldly greatness, being prepared for rejection and persecution, receiving all whom God has received, treating every human being with dignity, revealing financial needs only to God, and understanding the superiority of the new covenant. He concludes by urging believers to apply these truths seriously in their daily lives for encouragement and liberation.
No Active Mission
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 37:7ECC 3:1MAT 26:36ROM 12:41CO 12:18Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of embracing our role in the Christian life, even if it means being in the background during times of crisis. He emphasizes that everyone has a special place in God's garden, whether actively serving, watching, or simply waiting. Just like there are active and passive roles in Christ's verb 'to live,' there are also neuter souls who are called to be still and wait in the garden, bringing joy to Jesus through their mere presence.
The Olivet Discourse Part 2c – Christendom: the Talents
By C.H. Mackintosh0MAT 25:14LUK 19:12ACT 1:24ACT 6:1ACT 14:23ROM 12:31CO 12:18EPH 4:71TI 1:122TI 4:1C.H. Mackintosh preaches on the importance of divine appointment and ability in ministry, emphasizing that only Christ can call and equip individuals for His work. He highlights the need for ministry to be carried out with the awareness of the Lord's return, as seen in the parables of the talents and the ten servants. Mackintosh stresses that ministry, whether inside the house of God or in the world, must be rooted in divine appointment and divine ability, as shown throughout the Scriptures.
Mental Infirmities
By Harmon A. Baldwin01SA 16:7ROM 12:41CO 12:18GAL 5:22JAS 4:12Harmon A. Baldwin delves into the uniqueness of individuals in terms of personality, individuality, oddities, and temperamental differences, emphasizing that God has created each person distinctively. He explores how holiness does not eradicate natural dispositions but sanctifies them for God's use, highlighting the importance of embracing one's individuality for effective service. Baldwin also addresses the impact of education, environment, and judgment on holiness, urging believers to shine wherever they are placed and to refrain from passing harsh judgment on others.
We Should Be thankful...
By Walter Wilson0GEN 1:29PSA 139:14MAT 6:261CO 12:18PHP 4:6In a sermon by Walter Wilson, he emphasizes the intricate design of the human body, pointing out how God's thoughtful creation includes joints with 'stoppers' to prevent overextension, teeth perfectly arranged for different foods, and organs like the nose and tongue that serve specific purposes. Wilson highlights God's provision in nature, such as seeds knowing which way to grow and the body's efficient 'one shot system' for lubrication. He challenges listeners to be thankful for God's care in protecting vital organs and providing for both physical and spiritual needs.
Some Important Truths That I Have Learnt
By Zac Poonen0ISA 2:22DAN 11:32LUK 16:15JHN 17:231CO 12:182CO 9:7EPH 2:10EPH 5:18PHP 4:192TI 2:112TI 3:12HEB 8:6HEB 12:1JAS 3:91PE 3:131JN 1:9Zac Poonen shares important truths he has learned in his 40 years as a born-again Christian, emphasizing God's immense love for us, the importance of honesty, cheerful giving, looking unto Jesus for holiness, being continually filled with the Holy Spirit, embracing the way of the cross, disregarding man's opinions, detesting worldly values, enduring persecution, receiving all whom God accepts, treating every human with dignity, revealing financial needs only to God, and following the new covenant. He stresses the need to know God personally, expect rejection, and trust in God's perfect plan for our lives.
The Soul in the Body
By A.W. Tozer0The Body of ChristSpiritual GiftsROM 12:41CO 12:18EPH 4:16A.W. Tozer emphasizes the vital relationship between the church and its members, illustrating that the church is the body of Christ with Jesus as its head. He explains that just as the soul animates the physical body, the Holy Spirit empowers the church, enabling it to function as intended. Each member of the church has a unique role and spiritual gifts that contribute to the overall health and mission of the body. Tozer calls for awareness of God's presence and the faithful exercise of these gifts to ensure the church thrives in a challenging world. He concludes with a prayer for the church to be a healthy body that pleases God.
Placed for a Purpose
By Charles E. Cowman0MAT 6:4MRK 2:11CO 12:18COL 3:231PE 5:6Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of embracing one's hidden and secluded place in God's ranks, drawing parallels to the unseen work of polyps in building coral reefs. He emphasizes the significance of being willing to serve as 'spiritual polyps,' working in obscurity but sustained by the Holy Spirit, for God's greater purpose. Cowman encourages believers to trust that Jesus will reward their faithful service, even if it goes unnoticed by others, and to remain steadfast in their assigned roles, knowing that God's way is always best.
Homily 19 on Ephesians
By St. John Chrysostom0PRO 31:6ISA 49:15MAT 7:9MAT 10:16ROM 13:71CO 12:18EPH 5:15PHP 4:6John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of walking wisely in a world filled with evil, emphasizing the need to understand the will of the Lord and to redeem the time. He highlights the dangers of anger, the significance of being filled with the Spirit, and the necessity of giving thanks in all circumstances. Chrysostom urges believers to subject themselves to one another in the fear of Christ, promoting humility and mutual service as the path to true freedom and love.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
now--as the case really is. every one--each severally.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But now hath God set the members,.... The members of a natural body, as they are all made and fashioned by God in the form they be, so they are each of them set by him in the place they are: everyone of them in the body as it hath pleased him; according to his sovereign will, without consulting any; and each stands in the best situation and position they could be put, and for the greatest service and usefulness to the whole: so God, and not man, hath set every member in the mystical body, the church, in such a place and part of it, as he himself thought fit; some in a higher, others in a lower station, but all for the good of the body; and therefore each member ought to be content with his place, gift, and usefulness, be they what they will; since it is the wise counsel and sovereign pleasure of God, who works all things after the counsel of his own will, that so it should be.