I. Review
A. The Church is a Body
- Many members
- One body
- All needed
B. How NOT to Treat the Body
- Don’t devalue yourself
- Don’t think everyone should be like you
- Don’t reject others
II. Deeper into Body Life
A. God Has Arranged the Body (v. 18)
“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.”
- Your place is not an accident
- God put you where you are
- For His purposes
B. The Feeble Members Are Necessary (v. 22)
“Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary.”
- The weak are not expendable
- They serve important purposes
- Don’t despise them
C. The Less Honorable Get More Honor (v. 23-24)
- We cover them
- We protect them
- We care for them specially
III. Practical Applications
A. How to Treat New Christians
- They are feeble members
- They need extra care
- Don’t burden them too quickly
B. How to Treat Struggling Members
- They need support
- Not judgment
- Bear their burdens
C. How to Treat Different Members
- Accept their differences
- Value their contributions
- Learn from them
D. How to Treat Yourself
- Don’t think too highly
- Don’t think too lowly
- Know your place and function
IV. When the Body Gets Sick
A. Sin Affects the Whole Body
- One member sins, all suffer
- Discipline is for healing
- Restoration is the goal
B. Division Weakens the Body
- Schisms hurt everyone
- Unity must be pursued
- Peace must be maintained
C. Neglect Damages the Body
- Not caring for one another
- Not functioning properly
- Not attending regularly
V. Building a Healthy Body
A. Regular Fellowship
- Meet together
- Know one another
- Bear one another’s burdens
B. Active Service
- Use your gifts
- Help where needed
- Don’t be passive
C. Sincere Love
- Romans 12:10 - Affectionate love
- Prefer one another
- Genuine, not fake
Conclusion
The body of Christ functions best when every member does their part with love and care. Be the kind of member that makes the body healthy.