Bible Study

Title: Your Place in the Body
Date: Sep 9, 2005
Topic(s): Service/Servanthood
Scripture: Romans 12:5-21, 1 Corinthians 12:7-31, Ephesians 4:11-16

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Take a look at your hand. What can it do that your ear can't? Does your heart do things that your feet aren't capable of doing? Of course.

Each part of your physical body has a specific function only it can perform. It's the same with the Body of Christ--that's what God calls those who come together through faith in Jesus. Romans 12:5 says that "we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another" (ESV). So, how do you fulfill your part, your function in the Body?

What Does God Say?

When you put your faith in Jesus and the salvation He offers, you become part of the Body, and you're given a spiritual gift. You'll find some of them listed in Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 28-30. Discovering your gift and how to use it is important; talk to other Christians, ask God to show you, consider your own experiences.

No matter what your spiritual gift is, your function is to build up and benefit each other. Ephesians 4:11-12 says, "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastor and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (ESV, emphasis added). We also see the results in Ephesians 4:15-16: "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love" (ESV, emphasis added).

My Thoughts

Go back to Romans 12:6-8: "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness" (ESV).

Jot down a few ways you can see each gift used to help another Christian.

What does it take to fulfill your function? Read Romans 12:9-21. Describe the attitudes and actions that should influence how you fulfill your role.

My Part

One word permeates all instruction on how the Body of Christ is to function. The apostle Paul calls this "a more excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:31, ESV). What are the characteristics of this word in 1 Corinthians 13?

Is this something visible in your life?

Well, if you've ever wondered if you have anything to offer the rest of the Body, the answer is yes. And when you're in need, look to the Body: God equipped others in the Body who can meet your needs.

Additional study: Ephesians is a great place to learn more about the function and purpose of the Body of Christ.

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