April 7, 2024
1 Corinthians 12:21-26
“Solidarity”
Service Orientation: Christian solidarity points to Christian maturity, a love for Jesus, and a humble spirit; because we were created to need each other. Division comes from a sick spirit which handicaps the Church.
The Word for the Day: Solidarity
Memory Verse: Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. — Ephesians 4:3
Background Information:
- Our subject is Christian unity: Jesus hits it three times in . . . four verses (John 17:21, 22, 23), so we can’t miss it. Ironically, there are widespread differences of opinion on the subject of unity among those who profess to follow Christ. This is evident by the fact that there are approximately 40,000 Christian denominations, and the number grows annually. (Lesson 91: Understanding Christian Unity: John 17:20-23: Bible.org, cited March 21st, 2024)
- The call to unity of mind is defined by Paul and by Peter as a humble mindset, not a self-exalting mindset.” — John Piper
- He [Paul] reproves the Corinthians for their “quarrelling” and “divisions” (1 Corinthians 1:10–11). He warns the Galatians against the dangers of “rivalries, dissensions, divisions” (Galatians 5:20). He entreats “Euodia and . . . Syntyche [in Philippi] to agree in the Lord” and pleads with others to intervene (Philippians 4:2). He instructs the Colossians, “Forgive each other as the Lord has forgiven you” (Colossians 3:13). And he exhorts the Ephesians not to indulge in “corrupting talk” so as to “not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,” and to put away “all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander . . . along with all malice” (Ephesians 4:29–31). (Jon Bloom; Why Is Christian Unity So Hard?: DesiringGod.org, cited March 21st, 2024)
What does Paul want us to know about unity in the Body of Christ?:
I- Christian unity is not uniformity. (1 Cor 12:21; see also: Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor; 1:9-10; 12:4-6, 12, 14, 20; Eph 4:3-16, 25; Col 3:14-15; 1 Pt 3:8)
Despite their outward denominational differences, all true Christians are spiritually united by regeneration in their belief that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, in Christ alone, and their commitment to the absolute authority of Scripture. All those who savingly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ “are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (Rom 12:5). (John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: John 12-21, 289)
There is nothing wrong with being different. There is, however, something wrong with being divided. (Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians, 254)
“Being of the same mind” does not mean that they share all the same likes and dislikes. Nor does it entail complete agreement on all the secondary doctrinal issues that godly men differ over. Rather, it signifies that true believers are controlled by a deep knowledge of the Word of Christ that is energized in them by the power of the Spirit (cf. Col 3:16). (John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: John 12-21, 286)
In essentials unity. In Non-essentials liberty. In all things charity. -Melanchthon
II- Flashy, prominent, and gifted does not mean more significant, important or special. (1 Cor 12:22-23a; see also: Mt 18:4; 19:30; 20:16; 23:11; Mk 9:35; 10:31; Lk 9:48; 13:30; 22:26; Rom 12:4-5;1 Cor 12:12-20; Eph 4:16; Ti 3:10; 3 Jn 1:9)
Those who, according to this attitude, were less well endowed probably felt that as relatively humble members of the community they did not greatly count, and for any major purpose would not be missed should they fall out. There may have been a tendency for those who possessed the more spectacular gifts to give themselves airs and to assume powers of authority and leadership for which they may not otherwise have been especially fitted. Certainly in giving themselves airs they demonstrated their spiritual unfitness for the posts of true leadership. (George Buttrick, The Interpreter’s Bible, Vol X, 160)
Paul argued for diversity of gifts and acceptance of the full range of gifts that God gives to his people. No one should feel superior about his or her gift; instead, all should use their gifts to willingly serve. Too often the “up-front” gifts, like speaking or teaching, are more highly regarded than the “behind-the-scenes” gifts, like helping and serving. No one should discount the contribution of another person, no matter how insignificant it may seem. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Corinthians, 178)
We ought to respect each other. In the body there is no question of relative importance. If any limb or any organ ceases to function, the whole body is thrown out of gear. It is so with the Church. “All service ranks the same with God.” (William Barclay, Daily Study Bible Series: The Letters to the Corinthians, 114)
III- The socially awkward and those whose gift is obscured are God’s special people. (1 Cor 12:23; see also: Mt 25:40, 45; Rom 12:3, 15-16)
The inconspicuous members of the church are essential–those who pray, those who work with their hands and bring their meager tithes into the church, etc. as the humbler parts of the body are given special attention by covering them with appropriate clothing and, as in the case of the digestive organs, providing them with food, so the inconspicuous members of the church–the poor, the despised, the less prominent–are to be cherished and nurtured. (Frank Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Commentary, Vol 10, 265)
More than half the trouble that arises in Churches concerns rights and privileges and prestige. Someone has not been given his or her place; someone has been neglected or unthanked. The mark of the truly Christian man has always been humility. (William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible Series: Romans, 164)
Those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, i.e. less likely to be honored; on those we bestow the more abundant honor, i.e., we on that account honor them the more. It is thus with a mother. The child which is the least admired, she cherishes with special affection. And it is thus with the church. The true people of God are only the more disposed to honor those of their number who are undervalued or despised. In the body, as the apostle says, our uncomely parts have (i.e. they receive) more abundant comeliness, i.e. are specially adorned. (Charles Hodge, Commentary on the 1st Epistle to the Corinthians, 259)
IV- The body that is, is God’s doing for His glory. (1 Cor 12:24b-25 see also: Rom 15:5-6; 1 Cor 12:6-7, 11, 18; Eph 4:11; Col 2:19)
The ultimate aim of such Christian unity is the glory of God. (See Romans 15:5–7). (John Piper; What Is Christian Unity?: Desiring God.org; cited March 21st, 2024)
God has arranged things (v. 24b) in such a way that there should be no strife among the members of the body, who mutually need each other in order to function as a body (v. 25). (Gordon D. Fee, The New International Commentary on the NT: 1 Corinthians, 614-5)
God has absolute authority in composing the human body. In the same way, he intermingles the individual components within the church so the weaker instead of the stronger receive special attention. By blending the various parts of the body, God creates perfect harmony. The stronger elements compensate for the weaker, so that the latter receive even greater recognition than the former. And by blending the many parts of the church, God creates strength and beauty. The creation of the church is God’s work. (Simon J. Kistemaker, NT Commentary: 1 Corinthians, 437-8)
V- We should have a musketeer mentality when it comes to the Church: “All for one and one for all”. (1 Cor 12:25-26; see also: Jn 17:20-26; Rom 12:4-5, 15-16; 14:19; 16:17; 1 Cor 1:9-10; 12:12-13, 18; 2 Cor 13:11; Gal 3:28; Eph 4:1-6, 11-13, 25; Col 3:14; Phil 2:2-3; 1 Pt 3:8; 1 Jn 3:16)
We do need help as Christians, and we need it from Christians. Moreover, we must be ready to give help, just as we would to a needy member of our own human family. (James Montgomery Boice, An Expositional Commentary; John, 1330)
Such harmony happens only when all the members–the weak and the strong, the flamboyant and the quiet, the up-front and the behind-the-scenes–use their gifts, appreciate one another, and care for each other equally. Such caring is demonstrated as they share in one another’s joys and sorrows. As with the physical, human body, one part’s suffering causes every part to suffer. When the head aches, the whole body suffers. When a thumb is hit with a hammer, the whole body knows it. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Corinthians, 179-80)
Worship Point: Worshiping the God of the Universe is always more impressive, effective, encouraging and fun in the midst of a healthy body committed to giving God the glory. (Eph 4:12-13; Col 1:18; Heb 10:24-25)
When believers are united, they become a powerful force for good, shining the light of Christ in a dark world. Unity cultivates a sense of belonging, support, and love among believers, strengthening their faith and enabling them to face challenges together. How can you cultivate unity among believers? It starts with humility, forgiveness, and love. Treat others with kindness and respect, seeking to understand and empathize with them. Build bridges instead of walls, embracing diversity and celebrating the unique gifts and perspectives each person brings. (What Does The Bible Say About Unity?: Bible.org, cited March 21st, 2024)
Gospel Application: It is only by coming to a heightened awareness of God’s great love for you, as demonstrated by Jesus on the cross, that Christians can begin to be more mature, loving, and humble so they promote a healthy body by being more concerned with others than with themselves. (Rom 12:3, 10; 14:19; 1 Cor 1:9-10; Eph 4:3-4, 11-13; Phil 2:2-5; Col 3:13-15; 1 Pt 3:8)
I find it interesting that when the believers were concerned about others’ needs they were in unity. As soon as they began to be concerned about their own needs there was division. (Acts 6:1-7)
If we do not move in divine forgiveness, we will walk in much deception. We will presume we have discernment when, in truth, we are seeing through the veil of a critical spirit. We must know our weaknesses, for if we are blind to our sins, what we assume we discern in men will merely be the reflection of ourselves. Indeed, if we do not move in love, we will actually become a menace to the body of Christ (Mt 7:1-5). (Francis Frangipane, The Three Battlegrounds, 75)
Spiritual Challenge: If the Church (the body of Christ) is ever going to acquire a musketeer’s perspective it must acquire a much better central nervous and circulatory system than it currently possesses. Only by being effectively connected to our HEAD, even Jesus; and allowing our reflexes to be controlled by His Spirit can we begin to really be the CHURCH and discern who is a part of the Body and who is not. (Eph 1:10, 22-23; 4:11-32; 5:23; Col 1:18; 2:19)
Jesus is the nervous system but unfortunately much of the Western Church has neuropathy. (Thabiti M. Anyabwile, What is a Healthy Church Member?, 91)
Love is the circulatory system of the spiritual Body, which enables all the members to function in a healthy, harmonious way. (1 Cor 13) —Warren W. Wiersbe Truth is the clotting agent. Grace is the clot dissolving agent.
You cannot put the unity of the Spirit against the Truth of the Spirit without dire consequences. (R. C. Sproul; Overcoming the World: “Question and Answers”, disk 8)
It is not our job to “produce” unity. Unity is “of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3). Unity is automatic when the Spirit is in control of everyone’s lives. Our job is to “preserve” the unity of the Spirit—to do nothing to disrupt the unity He is producing . . . We must take care of our relationships and be quick to clean up our offenses. (Eddie Rasnake, The Book of Ephesians, 93)
Because of their union with Jesus Christ–since “the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him” (1 Cor 6:17)–all believers are one with each other as well (Gal 3:28). (John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: John 12-21, 285)
On a healthy team, team members believe the best about one another. Everybody is innocent until proven guilty. When team members begin working on secondary agendas, they become suspicious of everybody else. Why? Because they read their own impure motive into everybody else’s actions. (Andy Stanley, Visioneering, 169)
Are we really “one” with every group that claims to be Christian, even if they claim that we must add our good works to faith in Christ to be saved? That’s the issue that Paul confronts in Galatians. The Judaizers claimed to believe in Jesus as their Savior. But they also insisted that in addition to faith a man must be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses to be saved. Paul didn’t say, “Let’s set aside the areas where we don’t agree and come together where we do agree.” He said, rather, that those teaching this false gospel were accursed (Gal. 1:8-9). (Lesson 91: Understanding Christian Unity: John 17:20-23: Bible.org, cited March 21st, 2024)
So What?: Paul is calling for unity in the midst of great diversity. The healthiest unity and most evangelistically effective and impressive examples of unity always exist in the midst of loving, harmonious diversity: a healthy interconnection of diverse body parts. (Jn 13:35; 17:21-23; Rom 14:19; 1 Cor 1:10; 2 Cor 13:11; Gal 3:28; 12:12-13; Eph 4:1-6, 11-13; Phil 2:2-3; Heb 10:24-25)
. . . Paul, a master of simile and metaphor, did not say the people of God are “like the Body of Christ.” In every place he said we are the Body of Christ. The Spirit has come and dwelt among us, and the world knows an invisible God mainly by our representation, our “enfleshment,” of Him. (Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey, Fearfully and Wonderfully made, 205)
Heb 10:25 instructs us not to neglect the assembly of the saints. Instead, we are to gather and encourage one another more and more as we await Jesus’ return. The public assembly is meant for the edification, the building up, the growth of the Christian. Neglecting to participate in the corporate life of the church or failing to actively serve and be served is a sure-fire way to limit our growth. Eph 4:11-16 offers a pretty strong argument that participation in the body of Christ is the main way in which Christ strengthens and matures us. When we serve others in the church, bear with one another, love one another, correct one another, and encourage one another, we participate in a kind of “spiritual maturity co-op” where our stores and supplies are multiplied. The end result is growth and discipleship. (Thabiti M. Anyabwile, What is a Healthy Church Member?, 91)
. . . nowhere in the Bible does God promise that the pursuit of unity, even among real, Spirit-filled, earnest Christians, won’t be as hard as it often is—any more than it promises that battling our indwelling sin won’t be as hard as it often is, or that suffering won’t be as devastating as it is, or that the whole endeavor of Christian love (of which pursuing unity is one aspect) won’t be as costly and humanly impossible as it is. (Jon Bloom; Why Is Christian Unity So Hard?: DesiringGod.org, cited March 21st, 2024)
It can be a heartbreaking pursuit in view of how often we fail. But let’s keep it in perspective. It’s no less surprising that we too frequently fail to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, than that we too frequently fail to continually abide in Jesus (Jn 15:4), strive for holiness (Heb 12:14), pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17), love our enemies (Lk 6:27), bless those who persecute us (Rom 12:14), or count it all joy when we experience various trials (Jam 1:2).
Let’s not allow our failures to obey to become excuses to keep disobeying. (Jon Bloom; Why Is Christian Unity So Hard?: DesiringGod.org, cited March 21st, 2024)
To dwell above with saints we love . . . that will be glory. But to dwell below with saints we know . . . Well that’s another story.
WARNING: If you are self-sustaining, if you are self-sufficient, if you are self-righteous, if you are self-assured, if you are self-confident; then please, don’t waste space, resources and time by masquerading as someone who is a Christian. For Christians are people who have come to recognize their desperate need for a Savior. Christians are people who realize that God has given them, as a spiritual gift, the Body of Christ in which each part has a gift that Christians need to grow and mature and become who they know in their hearts and minds they were created and designed to be . . . one made in the image of God and who is supposed to conduct their lives, decisions and actions in the character of Jesus. Christians are those who know they need the Body of Christ and make every opportunity to engage with and receive encouragement, correction, rebuke and direction from the gifts God has given to the Body of Christ. — Pastor Keith
