1 Corinthians 12:20-31 -”The Interdependence of the Church - The Gifts, Part 4” - Brent Stephens / October 1, 2023

It has been clear since the beginning of this letter to Corinth that divisions exist within the church. People who lived two thousand years ago are no different from people who live in our postmodern world. It is simply easier to remove yourself from difficult or different people than to remain and try to get along with them. Gifts of grace have exacerbated the differences between members of the Corinthian church. Instead of using gifts for the common good, certain individuals have elevated their gifts over those of others, raising their position among their brothers and sisters. When challenged by others who seek to correct this faulty, self-elevating attitude, their response is a very haughty “I don’t need you.” Unfortunately, this same spirit exists in the Lord’s

body today. Social media, seeker-sensitive theology, and big conference culture has only deepened the celebrity “look at me” mindset among many within the church. Paul makes this point the climax of his “one body many parts” metaphor. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you” (1 Corinthians 12:21). No one in the body of Christ is dispensable. We are interdependent one to another. When a sister is honored, the entire body should rejoice with her. When a brother suffers, the entire body should suffer with him. This is God’s vision for His people and the purpose of the many gifts of grace being given for the good of all.