YOU ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST
1 Corinthians 12:1-31a
Key Verse: 12:27
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?
What are different, and what are the same (4-6)? How would this help them
solve their problems of division?
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?
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?
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)?
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).
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?