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Working Together.
Read Romans 12:1-5.
Working Together
"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office" (v. 4).
I'm all thumbs. This expression, often used in mild self-deprecation, illustrates humorously the lack of coordination we occasionally feel. Can you imagine if it were true? Take a moment to look at your hands. How well would they work if every digit were a thumb? Could you write smoothly or hold a spoon properly? Could you type an email or peel an orange well? If our hands were truly all thumbs, we'd be clumsy indeed.
Now, consider the church. How would the church work if we were all thumbs? If we were all greeters? Or ushers? Or musicians? Or teachers? Or preachers? Would the church function properly without the right people in the right roles? No, of course not. If we all were ushers, who would give? If we all taught, who'd listen? If we all played music, who would sing?
Together, we are the body of Christ: "Though many, [we] are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another" (Romans 12:5). When we use the "gifts that differ according to the grace given to us" (Romans 12:6), we work together to form a body that functions as designed by God. (LAW)
We give thee but thine own,
Whate'er the gift may be;
All that we have is thine alone,
A trust, O Lord, from thee.
--William How
Though different in form and function, we work together as one.
Nov. 1, 2020: Cooperation
PRINTED TEXT: 1 Corinthians 12:12 27
CENTRAL TRUTH: God has a special place of ministry for every believer in the Church, the Body of Christ.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson we should be able to identify one spiritual gift which we possess.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Unified Ministry (1 Corinthians 12:1 11)
II. Unified Diversity (1 Corinthians 12:12 18)
III. Diversified Unity (1 Corinthians 12:19 31)
Serve in Humility
Read Matthew 23:1‑12.
"But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant" (v. 11).
According to C.S. Lewis, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it's thinking of yourself less." A pastoral couple we know was assigned to a generously respectful congregation. They had been reared in middle-class homes and were not comfortable with their new church's policy of seating them, front and center, at a "table of honor" at church gatherings. They avoided this practice by helping serve refreshments or "working the room" to meet and greet as many people as possible, especially visitors that were often present. Soon they noticed a new interest and sense of belonging among several in the congregation. The couple gratefully attributed this, in part, to their god-given preference for being among and alongside, not exalted above, the people.
One debate focuses on which comes first: honor or servanthood. Does one serve to become greatly esteemed, or does great character naturally focus on serving? Our verse seems to indicate that, in God's order of things, they "go hand in hand." Greatness of character flows outward in a rising tide of loving and beloved servant leadership. Natural greatness finds fulfillment in serving others, and those who gladly serve are a godly model to which others aspire. (Wayne Skeen)
"Humility is not a character trait to develop,
it's the natural by-product of being with Jesus."
- Louie Giglio
Prayer: Father, let me not desire to be thought of as great,
but rather give me longing to be of some good.
October 25, 2020: Service
PRINTED TEXT: Romans 12:1 13; 1 Corinthians 3:9 15
CENTRAL TRUTH: The rewards for our Christian service will be based on its motivation as well as its quality and quantity.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson we should be able to name either a new avenue of service to God in which we will get involved or a ministry in which we are already involved to which we will give more time and energy.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Consecration for Service (Romans 12:1, 2)
II. Cooperation in Service (Romans 12:3 8)
III. Concepts of Service (Romans 12:9 13)
IV. Compensation for Service (1 Corinthians 3:9 15)
God’s Word for Today: The Difference
Biblical hope is an unshakable assurance that God works all things together for good for those who are called according to His purposes. It is the belief that there is a future with and in Jesus regardless of circumstances. Hope is faith in the future tense. That means that most of faith is hope. The Bible says, "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). This suggests that hope is strengthened by the Word of God much like faith. Hope comes from reading the Word of God. Hope comes from digesting the great promises of God. Hope comes by developing a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our hope is a reflection of the trust we have in God and our confidence in His Word. The biblical definition of hope in noun form is “expectation,” and it indicates what is sure or certain. In verb form, it is “expect with confidence.” It is a confident expectation of what is certain.
Certain questions must then be asked: Can you explain what your hope is? Have you determined on what you base your hope? Do you clearly understand what your hope is so that if asked you could give a concise and reasonable answer?
Discussion: *What are three reasons upon which you base your hope in Christ and eternal life?
Sept. 9, 2020: Hope in God
Read Psalm 33:18 – 22.
“Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee” (v. 22).
If you have time, read this entire psalm, which is a tribute to God in His offices of Creator, Controller, Consummator, Counselor. David exalts His mighty works and calls the entire earth to His worship.
But when we step away from the Divine Superintendency of all things, the world is a bleak and empty lowland, whether in politics, religion, economics, education. What a distressing view! And even in our personal lives, whatever we may trust in this life…good health, material comfort, a strong system of support, years of Christian living - all are false confidences unless they are buoyed up by our trust in God.
Let us, also, call out for the mercy of the Lord to be upon us as we hope in Him. (Leonard Sankey)
“My hope is renewed, my faith becomes strong,
The closer I walk to Him.” - Haldor Lillenas
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick,” but hope achieved makes the heart sing. Proverbs 13:12