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Living Sacrifices
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function,5so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For as we have many members - As the human body consists of many parts, each having its respective office, and all contributing to the perfection and support of the whole; each being indispensably necessary in the place which it occupies, and each equally useful though performing a different function;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For as we have many members, &c.--The same diversity and yet unity obtains in the body of Christ, whereof all believers are the several members, as in the natural body.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For as we have many members in one body,.... The apostle illustrates what he said last concerning God's dealing to every man the measure of faith, by comparing the church of Christ to an human body, which is but one, and has many members in union with it, and one another; and which are placed in an exact symmetry and proportion, and in proper subserviency to each other, and for the good of the whole: and all members have not the same office, or "action"; they do not exercise the same function, and perform the same operation, but each that which is peculiar to itself: the eye only sees, but does not hear, nor taste, nor smell; the ear only hears, but neither sees, or does any of the aforesaid things; the palate tastes, the nose smells, the hand handles, the foot walks, and the same may be observed of the other members of the body, which have not the same, but their particular offices, and all and each of them their usefulness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:4-5 so it is with Christ’s body: The parallel between the human body and the church—the body of Christ—is also found in 1 Cor 12. This metaphor provides an effective picture of unity and diversity in the church (cp. Livy, History 2.32; Epictetus, Discourses 2.10.4–5).
Living Sacrifices
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function,5so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Gifts of the Holy Spirit - Part 2
By J. Vernon McGee4.6K44:47ROM 12:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of using our spiritual gifts for the benefit of the body of Christ. He refers to the teachings of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chapters 12, 13, and 14. The speaker highlights the principle that although we are all different members of the body, we are united in Christ and should use our unique gifts to serve one another. He also mentions the significance of love as the greatest gift and encourages the audience to pursue spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of prophecy. The sermon concludes with the speaker sharing letters from listeners who have been impacted by the Word of God through radio broadcasts.
One Body Many Members - Many Members One Body
By J. Vernon McGee3.0K44:54ROM 12:41CO 12:14EPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of believers. He highlights that in the early church, every sermon preached was centered around the resurrection, not just on Easter. The preacher also discusses the concept of spiritual gifts, using the term "charismatone" to refer to these gifts. He emphasizes that each person has a unique gift and should use it for the glory of God. The sermon concludes with a call to understand and appreciate the gifts of the Spirit, as there is a lack of knowledge and understanding in this area within the church.
Preparation in Building
By Stephen Kaung9291:19:51EXO 25:11CH 29:2MAT 6:33MAT 16:18ROM 12:1ROM 12:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the process of building and presenting vessels for God's purpose. The sermon begins by emphasizing that God had a purpose in mind even before the creation of the world, and that purpose was to satisfy the heart of His beloved Son, Jesus. The speaker then highlights the importance of offering ourselves and everything we have to God for the building of His church, but also acknowledges how the enemy often tempts us to waste what God has given us. The sermon concludes with a call to be transformed by renewing our minds and to recognize that we are all members of one body in Christ.
(Church Life) the Value of Church Membership - Part 1
By Mose Stoltzfus6901:00:28ACT 2:3ROM 12:4In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a young boy and a horse to illustrate the importance of teamwork and unity. He emphasizes the need to be taught by the Lord and led by the Holy Spirit in order to achieve accord. The speaker encourages the audience to leave behind old traditions and follow the word of God through the spirit of God. He also highlights the significance of maintaining a teachable spirit and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The sermon references Matthew chapter 16 and the boldness of Peter in proclaiming the gospel despite opposition and persecution.
I Don’t Need You
By Basilea Schlink58404:35Radio ShowMAT 6:33ROM 12:41CO 12:21In this meditation by Basilia Shlink, the apostle Paul's teachings on the unity of the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12 are explored. The concept of unity is emphasized as Paul describes how Jesus is the head of the body and believers are the different members. The importance of not saying or thinking "I don't need you" about others is highlighted, as it hinders the unity of the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit is presented as the one who can unite believers with those who are difficult to get along with, if they ask for His love and guidance.
Justice for the Nations
By Robert B. Thompson1GEN 22:182CH 7:14ISA 42:1ISA 42:3ROM 6:23ROM 12:4GAL 3:29EPH 4:13HEB 4:10JAS 1:221PE 2:92PE 3:13Robert B. Thompson preaches about the importance of Christ, the Servant of the Lord, who will bring justice to the nations at His return. The sermon emphasizes that all members of the Body of Christ are called to participate in bringing justice to the world. It highlights the urgency for Christians to discover and utilize their spiritual gifts to build up the Body of Christ and prepare for the coming of Jesus. The sermon also stresses the need for believers to focus on unity of faith, deepening knowledge of Christ, developing His moral image, and finding rest in God.
Functional Union
By T. Austin-Sparks0Functionality of BelieversUnity in the Body of ChristROM 12:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the concept of 'Functional Union' within the Body of Christ, illustrating how each member plays a vital role in expressing the personality of Christ. He explains that the Church exists not for self-expression but to manifest Christ's presence and personality, highlighting the importance of interrelatedness, interdependence, and mutual support among believers. Sparks warns against both the exaggeration and neglect of the Body, urging Christians to recognize their responsibility in functioning as part of this living organism. He concludes that Christ's headship is essential for the Body to operate effectively, and that spiritual growth is contingent upon maintaining a strong connection with one another and with Christ. The sermon calls for believers to actively engage in their roles within the Body to fully express Christ's life and purpose.
The Christian Religion and the Human Race
By Olin Alfred Curtis0ECC 4:9JHN 13:34ROM 12:41CO 12:12GAL 6:2Olin Alfred Curtis preaches about the social nature of man, emphasizing the natural principle of attraction that leads to relationships and the importance of fraternity as a Christian idea. He highlights the individuality emphasized by company, where each person contributes to the racial brotherhood of moral persons, and the significance of personal loneliness and the need for social fellowship. Curtis discusses the Christian method of social life, the racial nexus through the human body, and the Christian aim to save individuals in a way that leads to a racial brotherhood of moral persons.
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.
The Eternal End
By Mary Wilder Tileston0ROM 12:41CO 12:27EPH 2:10EPH 4:14COL 2:19Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of believers growing in unity and maturity in Christ, becoming living instruments for God's greater purpose. Our personal salvation is not just for our own benefit but to equip us for service in God's eternal plan to redeem the world. Instead of focusing solely on our own experiences, we are called to participate in expanding the Kingdom of God, allowing the Spirit of Christ to work through us to advance His ministry and bring about growth and love in the body of believers.
1 Corinthians 12:1-2
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 15:4PSA 49:16ECC 12:13ISA 40:7ROM 12:41CO 12:3John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of understanding spiritual gifts and the manifestation of the Spirit, emphasizing the diversity of gifts given by the same Spirit for the benefit of all believers. He addresses the Corinthians' struggles with envy and division due to the varying gifts, highlighting the need for humility and gratitude in receiving God's gifts. Chrysostom explains the difference between soothsaying and prophecy, urging believers to discern the spirits and seek the true manifestation of the Spirit. He encourages contentment with the gifts received, reminding them that all gifts come from the same source and are given according to God's will for the profit of all.
Perfect Oneness
By Thomas Bradbury0JHN 17:21ROM 12:41CO 12:12GAL 3:27EPH 1:2EPH 2:18EPH 4:1EPH 4:6COL 1:24Thomas Bradbury preaches on the perfect oneness of the Church with Jehovah, emphasizing the deep sense of identity and humility in apostolic injunctions. He highlights the need for believers to walk worthy of their calling, showing lowliness, meekness, and forbearance in love. The sermon delves into the 'Family Epistle' of Ephesians, revealing the eternal union of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with the elect children. It explores the unique revelation of a present Christ throughout the epistle, emphasizing the continuous communion and union between Christ and His Church.
The Body of Christ.
By Gareth Evans0JHN 17:21ACT 1:4ROM 12:41CO 12:4EPH 4:7Gareth Evans preaches on the church as 'the BODY of Christ', emphasizing the importance of unity, interdependence, and diversity within the body. He highlights how the church, as a living organism indwelt by the same Spirit, should function together to fulfill Christ's will and grow in love. Evans stresses the priority of unity in Jesus' high priestly prayer and its significance for evangelism and the church's witness, despite Satan's attempts to disrupt it. He also delves into the charismata, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to embrace and operate in these gifts for the common good and the edification of the body of Christ.
True Spiritual Liberty
By William Penn0JHN 8:36ROM 12:41CO 1:101CO 12:12GAL 5:1EPH 4:31PE 2:161JN 1:7William Penn emphasizes the importance of true spiritual liberty, which is often misunderstood and misused. He stresses that Christ's liberty is obtained through His cross, leading to freedom from sin and unity with God and one another. Penn addresses questions about individual freedom in spiritual matters, highlighting the need to align personal convictions with the truth and unity of the spirit. He warns against false spiritual liberty that deviates from the perfect law of liberty and promotes disunity within the church.
I Don't Have to Go to Church
By Anton Bosch0ACT 2:47ROM 12:4EPH 4:16HEB 10:25Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of actively participating in a local church as a fundamental aspect of being a true born-again believer. He challenges the common notion that attending church is optional for Christians, highlighting that being part of the 'Universal Church' or sporadically attending services does not fulfill the biblical mandate of being part of a local body of believers. Bosch underscores the significance of believers functioning within the context of a church body to reach their full potential and receive spiritual nourishment, drawing parallels to the interconnectedness of body parts in the human anatomy.
One Body in Christ
By Watchman Nee0Christian ExperienceUnity in the Body of ChristROM 12:4Watchman Nee emphasizes the concept of unity in the Body of Christ, explaining that while individual experiences of faith are important, they must be understood within the context of the collective body of believers. He warns against oversimplifying salvation and stresses the necessity of recognizing the various phases of Christian experience, including revelation, crisis, and continuous process. Nee highlights that the work of Christ on the Cross encompasses both remedial and positive aspects, ultimately leading to the creation of a glorious Church that reflects God's eternal purpose. He calls for believers to present themselves as one living sacrifice, acknowledging their interdependence within the Body of Christ, which is essential for fulfilling God's purpose. The sermon concludes with the assurance that through Christ, the Church is empowered to overcome the challenges posed by sin and the enemy.
Copying but a Fragment
By J.R. Miller0Diversity in the Body of ChristImitating ChristROM 12:41JN 2:6J.R. Miller emphasizes the diversity of character among Christians, noting that while all strive to imitate Christ, each individual reflects different aspects of His likeness. He explains that this variety arises from God's design, as He endows each person with unique gifts and traits, allowing for a multitude of expressions of faith. Miller illustrates that just as artists capture different views of the same landscape, Christians each highlight different features of Christ's character in their lives. He encourages believers to appreciate the unique paths and services of others, recognizing that all are valuable in their own right. Ultimately, he calls for unity in diversity, urging Christians to honor one another's distinct contributions to the body of Christ.
Sanctification, Fellowship and Unity in Diversity
By Zac Poonen0PRO 27:17ECC 4:9JHN 17:21ACT 2:42ROM 12:41CO 12:12GAL 6:2PHP 2:1HEB 10:241JN 1:7Zac Poonen preaches on the significance of fellowship in the new covenant, emphasizing that it mirrors the intimate fellowship between Jesus and the Father. He highlights that under the old covenant, despite great holiness, people could not experience true fellowship. The new covenant brings believers into inward sanctification, leading to genuine fellowship with one another, as seen in the unity and partnership among the apostles in the early church.
There Is a God-Ordained Variety in the Body of Christ
By Zac Poonen0PRO 27:17ROM 12:41CO 12:12EPH 4:16PHP 2:2Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of different temperaments and gifts within the Body of Christ, highlighting how each person's unique ministry and emphasis can contribute to presenting a balanced and accurate picture of Christ to the world. He stresses the need for mutual complementarity among believers with varying viewpoints, temperaments, and intellectual capacities, as they work together to advance the gospel. Poonen encourages acceptance of diversity and individuality within the Body, focusing instead on how strengths can support weaknesses and lead to deeper fellowship and spiritual growth.
Mind the Light
By George Fox0PRO 11:30ROM 12:41CO 12:41CO 14:33GAL 6:4EPH 4:3George Fox emphasizes the importance of following the Light of God in our consciences, which leads to unity in the Spirit. He highlights the need to discern the Power and Life of Truth in one another and to avoid discouraging anyone in the work of God. Fox urges believers to be mindful of their spirits, to recognize and nurture their individual gifts and callings, and to work together harmoniously for the gathering of those with simple hearts, knowing that those who turn many to righteousness will shine forever.
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.
Ebenezer
By Paris Reidhead01SA 4:1PSA 78:4PRO 27:17ACT 2:41ROM 12:4EPH 4:11COL 3:161TH 5:11HEB 10:24Paris Reidhead preaches on the story of Ebenezer from 1 Samuel 4, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's help in both defeat and victory. He emphasizes the need for true brokenness, purification, and meeting God's conditions for triumph. Reidhead shares the inspiring story of Dr. A.B. Simpson's radical obedience to God's vision, leaving a prestigious church to establish a mission ministry in New York, focusing on being a blessing to the community and the entire body of Christ. He challenges the congregation to rededicate themselves to the original genius of the Christian Alliance, emphasizing the significance of small group meetings for study, prayer, and fellowship as a means of blessing and nurturing believers.
When Was the Revelation of the Mystery of the One Body Given?
By Harry Ironside0The Mystery of the One BodyUnity in ChristROM 12:4Harry Ironside addresses the misconception that the Apostle Paul received the revelation of the mystery of the one Body only during his imprisonment in Rome. He argues that Paul had been preaching this mystery since his conversion, as evidenced by his earlier letters, particularly Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians, which affirm the unity of believers in Christ. Ironside emphasizes that the mystery was not exclusive to Paul but was revealed to other apostles and prophets, including Peter and John, and that it signifies the abolishment of distinctions between Jews and Gentiles in Christ. He asserts that the Body of Christ was formed through the Holy Spirit's baptism, and this truth was consistently taught throughout Paul's ministry. Ultimately, Ironside defends the integrity of Scripture against those who distort its message to fit their theological frameworks.
Build Thou the Walls of Jerusalem
By Richard E. Bieber0PSA 51:17MAT 5:3LUK 17:10ROM 3:23ROM 12:41CO 12:12EPH 4:15EPH 4:29COL 2:19Richard E. Bieber preaches on the importance of believers functioning in harmony and unity as a body ministry under the direction of God, emphasizing the need for a broken spirit as the sacrifice that God requires to build a unified and loving community. He contrasts the false way of the cult, which promotes uniformity and self-made structures, with the true way of the Spirit, where God forms believers into a living, working body. A broken spirit involves humility, mercy, acknowledging God's righteousness, and being slow to speak while listening much, ultimately leading to a deep reliance on God's mercy and a transformation of the heart.
Ecclesiology: The Church
By Greg Herrick0MAT 28:19ACT 2:4ACT 10:45ROM 12:41CO 1:71CO 11:241CO 12:121CO 14:1EPH 4:4HEB 2:3Greg Herrick preaches on the essential nature of the church, emphasizing the importance of understanding the church based on what Scripture teaches rather than societal roles. The term 'ekkle„sia' is predominantly used in the New Testament to refer to the church, drawing from its usage in Classical Greek and the Septuagint. The church is depicted as a universal body of believers in Christ, united by the Spirit, with various geographical expressions. The sermon delves into the metaphors used for the church, its relationship to the kingdom of God, and the complex relationship between the church and Israel, exploring different theological perspectives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For as we have many members - As the human body consists of many parts, each having its respective office, and all contributing to the perfection and support of the whole; each being indispensably necessary in the place which it occupies, and each equally useful though performing a different function;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For as we have many members, &c.--The same diversity and yet unity obtains in the body of Christ, whereof all believers are the several members, as in the natural body.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For as we have many members in one body,.... The apostle illustrates what he said last concerning God's dealing to every man the measure of faith, by comparing the church of Christ to an human body, which is but one, and has many members in union with it, and one another; and which are placed in an exact symmetry and proportion, and in proper subserviency to each other, and for the good of the whole: and all members have not the same office, or "action"; they do not exercise the same function, and perform the same operation, but each that which is peculiar to itself: the eye only sees, but does not hear, nor taste, nor smell; the ear only hears, but neither sees, or does any of the aforesaid things; the palate tastes, the nose smells, the hand handles, the foot walks, and the same may be observed of the other members of the body, which have not the same, but their particular offices, and all and each of them their usefulness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:4-5 so it is with Christ’s body: The parallel between the human body and the church—the body of Christ—is also found in 1 Cor 12. This metaphor provides an effective picture of unity and diversity in the church (cp. Livy, History 2.32; Epictetus, Discourses 2.10.4–5).