1 Corinthians 12:12-31

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Body of Christ Has Many Members

What truths about spiritual gifts were taught in the first half of 1 Corinthians 12?
When do we receive our natural talents? When do we receive our spiritual gifts?
When are believers baptized by the Holy Spirit?
What are the foundational gifts of the church?

There are a diversity of spiritual gifts given by God, but they are all for the edification of the Church. All believers have at least one spiritual gift and it has been determined and given by God’s sovereign will on an individual basis.
We were born with our natural talents which should be dedicated to the Lord when we become believers. But we were given our spiritual gifts at salvation.
The Holy Spirit baptizes us into the Body of Christ at the time of salvation.
Apostles and prophets

Review and discuss the illustrations Paul gives comparing the church with a body. Does your body or local church need to learn some of these truths? a. vs. 14-16 Every believer is a member with a function that has already been predetermined. b. vs. 17-19 If the body was just one member it would be dysfunctional and helpless. c. vs. 20-22 Every member of the body is needed—even the weak and unattractive members. d. vs. 23-27 Mutual care and respect of the members is expected.

It can be very damaging to a church if the members are jealous of one another’s gifts and try to function outside of their capacity. Use the gift that God has given you and build up your local church!

“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:13 “But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.” 1 Corinthians 12:18