"There should be no schism in the body..."
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:25
PREVENTING SCHISM
Schism may be avoided. We can develop a great sense of oneness with each other in the body of Christ. But in order to have oneness we need to have the following in place: –
1. Biblical knowledge
a) As it is set out in God’s word.
b) This is to be acknowledged and comprehended as fully as possible.
2. Practice of the word of God
a) Individually
b) Corporately (as a church)
A SUMMARY OF 1 CORINTHIANS 12
The following is a summary of the main thoughts presented by the Apostle Paul.
1. Essential understanding
a) The body is not one member but many (1 Corinthians 12:14).
b) Indeed, there are many members, but one body (1 Corinthians 12:20).
2. Seemingly weaker member parts
a) Members of the body which seem weaker are necessary (1 Corinthians 12:22).
b) Those members of the body which we think are less honourable, on these we bestow greater honour; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty (1 Corinthians 12:23).
3. God’s sovereignty
a) But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased (1 Corinthians 12:18).
b) God composed the body, having given greater honour to that part which lacks it (1 Corinthians 12:24).
4. Care for one another
a) That the members should have the same care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25b).
b) And if one members suffers, all the members suffer with it (1 Corinthians 12:26a).
c) Or if one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with it (1 Corinthians 12:26b).
5. The Body of Christ
a) Now you are the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27a).
b) And members individually (1 Corinthians 12:27b).