Rev. David Holwick ZG
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
October 14, 1990
1 Corinthians 12
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I. John Lennon and song "Imagine."
Played simultaneously on all radios. "1 billion" listened.
Theme for our generation.
Imagine there are no wars, governments or religion.
Reflects our cynicism about organizations.
After all, how many politicians are truly loved?
(Note anti-government stance of many politicians.)
Do groups help or hurt us?
#1269
II. Bible is in favor of groups.
A. Through groups we can make our greatest accomplishments.
1) Negative example of Tower of Babel. Gen 11:1
God feared what they could do.
2) Positive example of Israel, early Church.
a) Personal boost at Christian college, conferences.
b) Bible principle: Ecclesiastes 4:12 -
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
B. Basic group in Bible is the family.
1) God invented families as a help, & cure for loneliness. Gen 2
a) Spouse can make up where we are lacking.
b) Love, comfort and mutual support.
2) Main problem of families is rampant individualism.
a) Everyone wants to do "their own thing."
b) Widespread disintegration results.
C. Church is an important group.
1) Not a bureaucracy, but an organism. A body.
a) Even called the body of Christ, his extension on earth.
2) When it becomes a bureaucracy, the church dies. (from C.T.)
a) Reasons membership is declining in mainline denominations:
1> We tie our growth to biological growth, not conversion
growth.
2> We are not attracting young people.
3> We emphasize committees rather than relationships.
4> We have shifted from evangelism by members to
dependence on professional ministers.
b) Solutions to revitalize church:
1> Emphasize the hope the gospel gives us.
2> Emphasize the importance of community.
3> Emphasize the Holy Spirit. #135
III. Paul talks about these solutions in 1 Corinthians 12.
A. All Christians need the Holy Spirit. 12:3
1) Indeed, they have it. No Spirit, no salvation. Rom 8:9
a) All believers are baptized in the Spirit.
2) We should also seek the filling (empowerment) of the Spirit.
a) God gives us each a spiritual gift for common good. 12:7
b) We can ask for it, but the Spirit gives it. 12:31,11
B. All Christians need Christ's body, the Church. 12:13
1) The church should be the great melting pot. 12:13
a) All the world's distinctions no longer matter.
b) We become a transformed community of love.
2) God is doing something new and exciting in the church.
C. Christ's body needs each of us.
IV. Diversity of Body.
A. Many parts make up the body, and each has something to do. 12:12
Junior high music director told unprepared band,
"If you're not sure of your part, just pretend to play."
When the big moment arrived, she brought her baton down with a
sweeping flourish and lo, nothing happened.
The band gave forth with a resounding silence.
#853
1) Each part has its own important function.
a) What is your function in this church?
1> (Some are thinking of their committees, etc...)
b) What do you offer to enrich others here?
1> Perhaps you are not given the opportunity.
2) We don't have to be like everyone else.
B. If everyone were one way, we could not function. 12:17
1) Problem in churches:
Too many mouths & heads, too few hands and feet.
a) We need less talk and more action.
(Churches are like our bodies - flabby and out of shape.)
2) Quiet people need to develop their unique gift.
[illustration below not used:]
Cartoon: (Man stands, hat in hand, in pastor's office.)
"Hello. I'm here to involve my gifts in a ministry of
sensitivity and sacrifice to challenge a secularized,
value-impoverished society with the radical claims
of the gospel.
I have Thursday afternoons free, three to five P.M."
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C. Despite diversity, emphasis is still on one body. 12:12,20
1) We should be like an orchestra during its performance,
not during its warm-up.
V. Inter-dependence of body. 12:21
A. Just as a body need parts, so parts need a body.
1) Each part is necessary for the others.
B. Parts should not reject one another. 12:21
1) Differences are often seen in a negative light. If they
are not like us, they must be unnecessary.
2) Parts that may get less exposure have an importance all
their own. 12:23
C. Rather than division, there should be mutual concern. 12:25
1) Suffer together. 12:26
2) Rejoice together. 12:27
VI. How to build this mutual concern.
A. Emphasize relationships.
1) Talking before service.
Some say it is disrespectful to God.
One expert says talking is good for many lonely people.
It gives them a chance to form close bonds with others.
2) Take part in fellowship dinners, Bible studies, Sunday School.
One-on-one interaction is critical.
3) Follow up on people during the week.
Several have a quiet ministry of encouragement.
Important for people to know they are remembered.
B. Emphasize spiritual gifts.
1) (More on this in a future sermon.)
2) Note that being "eye" or "hand" is related to spiritual gifts.
a) It is God-given, not a natural talent.
b) It has a direct use in the church to build up others.
********** MATERIAL BELOW NOT USED *****************
I. Groups of gifts.
A. Support gifts.
1) Apostles, prophets, teachers... 12:28
B. Service gifts.
1) Helps, administration, exhortation, faith, giving,
showing mercy. 12:28
C. Sign gifts.
1) Discernment, miracles, healing, tongues & interp.
II. Emphasize God. (Trinitarian form)
A. One Holy Spirit. 12:4
B. One Lord. 12:5
C. One God. 12:6
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