You Are The Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:1-31a, Key Verse: 12:27
* THE SAME SPIRIT; DIFFERENT GIFTS (1-11)
1. What new topic does Paul introduce here? (1) Who led them astray when they were pagans? (2) What was the evidence that now they were led by the Holy Spirit? (3) How is this the basis for being a member of Christ's body and for having spiritual gifts?
2. What are different, and what are the same? (4-6) How would this help them solve their problems of division?
3. For what general purpose does the Spirit give gifts? (7) List the different gifts Paul mentions (8-10). From whom do all these gifts come? Who determines the giving of these gifts? (11) How does this help us properly exercise our own gifts, and, recognize the gifts of others?
* THE BODY OF CHRIST (12-31a)
4. What metaphor does Paul use? (12a) How does it help us understand the church? (12b-13) How could such racially, culturally and socially different people be one?
5. In verses 14-17 what different body parts are mentioned? What is the function of each, and why does a body need all of them? How does God's wisdom in arranging the parts enable the body to work? (18) Instead of competing with or envying others, how can we find our unique identity and purpose in the body? (19-20)
6. If the eye and the head became proud, what would happen? Note how Paul describes the indispensability, interdependence and coordination of all parts of the body (21-26).
7. Read verse 27. How did Paul apply this metaphor of the body to the community of believers? Read verses 28. What are the different church roles mentioned here, and where do they come from? Read verses 29--31a. How can we not compete, but instead, work well together?
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