1 Corinthians 12:14-26

1. Do I belong to Christ’s body?
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? . . . 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
1 Corinthians 12:14-17; 19-20 (ESV)

2. Did God create Christ’s body?
18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.
1 Corinthians 12:18 (ESV)

10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! Psalm 143:10 (ESV)

3. Do others belong to Christ’s body?
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
1 Corinthians 12:21-26 (ESV)

Application by Rod Matoon

a. The Problem of Comparison

12 For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NASB)

 b. The Problem with Confidence

18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 (ESV)

14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14 (ESV)

c. The Problem of Covetousness

15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15 (ESV)

 d. The Problem of their Conclusions

 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11 (ESV)

 5 . . . be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)

e. The Problem with their Commitment