DAY 2

Unity and Life in the Body

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-6,14-27; Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35; Ephesians 4:11-16.
As you read 1 Corinthians 12:14-27, did you notice anything different from the way Paul usually wrote? If you didn’t, read the passage again to catch it.
Jesus often used analogies to teach spiritual truths. He said He’s the Vine, and we’re the branches (see John 15:5); He’s the Shepherd, and we’re the sheep (see John 10:11). He called us salt and light and cities set on a hill (see Matthew 5:13-14). However, Paul seldom used analogies in his writings. First Corinthians 12:14-27 is an exception to almost everything else Paul wrote.
In this passage Paul taught a spiritual truth by comparing Christ’s called-out ones to the different parts of the human body. He used the way parts of the physical body depend on one another to show that the different parts of Christ’s body relate and depend on one another. Though each part is unique, it’s connected to the others. The indwelling Christ is equally present in the hand, the foot, or an inner organ. Each one depends on all of the others.
No one part of the body can function or even survive separated from all of the other parts. Just as a hand can’t float in the air unattached to an arm, there can’t be division in Christ’s one body. There’s no room for jealousy or conflict between one member of the body and another. (Can you imagine a hand being jealous of an ear or a foot being in conflict with an eye?) What a powerful description Paul gave of life in the body of Christ.
A man once wrote a friend, “Pardon my handwriting; I have a bad case of gout in my foot.” Those who’ve endured the agonizing inflammation of gout can fully understand that pain in the foot can be so intense that even the ability to concentrate enough to write is affected.
Your growth in the Christian life directly depends on those you’re related to in the body of Christ. When one suffers, all should share the hurt. When one rejoices, all should be happy.
According to 1 Corinthians 12:l8, who decides where each member of the body belongs?
Verse 18 expresses it clearly: “God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted.”
For most of us, there have been times when we wished we could be like someone else. We wanted to be able to do the things other church members do or hold responsibilities they hold. Be careful! Sometimes these feelings can lead to jealousy, envy, or even conflict. Perhaps you know of times when this kind of jealousy, envy, or conflict has disrupted the harmony among the members of Christ’s body. But a member has no reason to be jealous or envious of any other member. God Himself has put each of us where He wants us to be.
Now read 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 one more time, slowly and thoughtfully. Here are two questions for you to consider, based on those verses.
Is the lifestyle described in these verses unique to called-out ones? Or is it common to find such a spirit also among those who don’t believe in Jesus Christ? Explain your answer here.
Missionaries, diplomats, and other people who go to live in foreign countries often experience culture shock when they have to learn and adjust to entirely different ways of thinking, speaking, and doing things. What culture shock did you have to deal with when you became a part of the body of Christ?
Read Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35.
These passages will boggle your mind if you don’t understand the true meaning of the church. These Scriptures don’t teach communal living. Nor do they say that all of the Christians sold their belongings and pooled the funds. Rather, the idea expressed in the original language is that from time to time, Christians sold a portion of their assets and shared the proceeds through the apostles to help meet the needs of other Christians.
Those who had more than they needed shared with the needy. As they did, they were confident that God, in turn, would supply all of their needs in the future. Notice also that they shared far more than wealth. They shared their very lives with one another—eating, praying, sharing in Bible study, and teaching. The fellowship you share with other believers is a vital part of your growth in Christ. Don’t neglect it! Plunge deeply into the family of God and develop relationships with those who are your new brothers and sisters in the family of faith.
Compare Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-35.
Both of these passages describe three important aspects of the church then and now. Read both sets of passages. Then fill in the blanks to complete the summary sentences.

Acts 2	Acts 4
44	42	Church members are ____________.
45	34-35	Church members should ____________.
42-43	33	Church members should ____________.

Read Acts 2:45 once more.
Which would be more difficult for you—to sell a personal possession to help a fellow Christian in need or to receive such a gift? Why?
No doubt you recognized that this was another question with no definite, right, or easy answer. Whatever you recorded may indicate ways you need to ask the Lord to help you grow spiritually in relationship with your fellow Christians.
Acts 2:46 says the early Christians often visited in one another’s homes. How could you become a present-day example of that same pattern?
Checkup time. Notice that the thumb and the palm are blank on the hand drawing. Record the two important truths that are missing. Then turn to the hand drawing to check your work.