“The Power of Community” 8/20/06
“to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:21
WE ARE ALL UNIQUE- talents, character, appearance, abilities, etc.
WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE? You NEED others to fulfill God’s Destiny for the CHURCH.
BACKGROUND of this section of 1 COR 12
POINT 1- Community is rooted in the unity and diversity of His BODY Vv.12-19
v. 12
A. We must understand that we are a reflection of CHRIST ACTS 9-Paul
“Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me” Matt 18:5
B. To be a genuine Christian is to be baptized with the HOLY SPIRIT v. 13
C. The power comes through appreciating God’s DIVERSITY V. 14-17
These people say, I don’t have anything to offer…don’t need ME.
D. Rejecting these truth’s is rejecting the wisdom of GOD V. 18-19
What piece of the puzzle are you? Are you seeking where you fit?
POINT 2- Community is rooted in the reality of our ONENESS Vv. 20-31
A. It is not right for any of us to live in ISOLATION Vv. 20-25
ILLUS- PASTOR VISITING MAN when a PIECE OF WOOD pops out
B. It’s important to remember that we all have different GIFTS V. 26-31
WE NEED AGE, ETHNIC, GENDER, ECONOMIC, DIVERSITY.
Some practical considerations:
1) Don’t neglect your own gifts (1 Peter 4:10)
2) Be careful not to look down on other’s gifts
3) Seek to grow in relationships with others
4) Be respectful of offending your brother and maintain unity
5) ALWAYS be looking for those GOD IS PLACING in our community.