8. “In Christ” (2) - The Body of Christ

📖 Bible Discovery

💡 Focus Passage

🌱 Main Teachings

1. Who makes up the body of Christ?

   Understanding who makes up the body of Christ is key if we are to care for the body and encourage unity and growth.

   • The body of Christ is the church (Eph 1:22-23). The church is made up of all those who have been purchased by His blood through baptism (Acts 20:28).
     • Therefore, all who have been baptized into Christ have been baptized into this one body (1 Cor 12:13; Rom 12:5).
     • Regardless of our differing ethnicities, backgrounds, upbringings, cultures, or personalities, we are all individual members of the body and one in Christ.
2. Care for the body of Christ.

   Knowing that the body of Christ refers to the church and its members, we should be proactive to love and care for one another in Christ.

   • Learn from Paul’s examples.
     • Treat members in Christ as our own family (1 Tim 5:1-2).
       • Paul had close relationships with the members. He called Timothy and Titus his children in the Lord (1 Cor 4:17; Tit 1:4) and also spoke to the members as his own children (1 Cor 4:14; Gal 4:19).
       • He likened himself (and other apostles) to a mother and father in Christ, caring for and exhorting members (1 Thess 2:7, 11-12).
     • Love the members with brotherly affection (Rom 12:10; Heb 13:1).
       • Paul took the time to greet the church members and show his concern for them, even when he was not physically with them (Rom 16:7-15).
       • He was always eager to see them (1 Thess 2:17-18; 3:6, 10) and longed for them with the affection of Christ (Phil 1:8).
       • He earnestly and continuously prayed for them (Col 1:9; Phil 1:4; 1 Thess 1:2).
   • Serve one another through love (Gal 5:13).
     • As individual members of the body, we do not all have the same function. We have different gifts from God, so we should use them to serve and benefit the body.
       • Ex: prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, leading, giving, shepherding, etc. (Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:28)
       • Using our various gifts enables us to build up the body (Eph 4:7, 11-13).
       • When every member of the body is able to do their part, the body will be able to function well and grow.
3. Pursue unity in the body of Christ.

   Though the body is made up of many members, the body is still one. Therefore, we must endeavor to preserve unity in the body.

   • How can we foster unity in the body?
     • Pursue peace and mutual edification (Rom 12:18; 14:19; Eph 4:3).
     • Bear with one another in love (Eph 4:1-2, 31-32).
       • Although disputes and conflicts are not entirely avoidable, whenever we encounter disagreements, we should speak the truth with grace and in love (Eph 4:15; Col 4:6).
       • Despite conflicts, we must continue to love one another, for love covers a multitude of sins (Prov 10:12; 1 Pet 4:8).
     • Be one in the truth (1 Tim 3:15).
       • Our fellowship and participation in the church should be based on the truth (Acts 2:42; Gal 1:6-10; Eph 2:20).
       • Let there be no divisions, but be of the same mind in humility (1 Cor 1:10; Phil 2:2-3).
     • View ourselves and others properly.
       • Think of ourselves with sound judgment, not more highly than we should (Rom 12:3).
       • Count others more significant than ourselves and look to the interests of others (Phil 2:3-4).
       • Do not compare ourselves or our role in the church with others (1 Cor 12:15-16). Do not look down on or despise others (1 Cor 12:21).

👣 Practical Actions

• Fellowship with one another.
  • Do not neglect gathering with one another (Heb 10:25).
  • Actively participate in local church events to nurture friendships, deepen connections, and build one another up (1 Thess 5:11).
    • Ex: Gatherings outside of Sabbath services (e.g., weeknight services, Bible studies, prayer sessions, etc.); fellowships or outings
  • Spend time getting to know brothers and sisters in church, even those who may not be in the same social circle as us or who are of different backgrounds or ages.
    • Can share about your life (e.g., school, work, hobbies, family, travel, etc.)
    • Can also share personal testimonies, blessings, challenges, prayer requests, etc.
    • Be there for one another, for support, encouragement, and help (1 Thess 5:14).
• Take steps to foster unity in the church.
  • Practice humility, patience, gentleness, and forgiveness when it comes to interpersonal relationships and resolving conflicts.
    • Pray for the wisdom to know how to approach people and handle situations, especially because every situation and the people involved are different.
  • Seek unity through prayer (Acts 1:14; 2:1, 42; 4:31).
    • Spend time as a church in prayer, which unites us through the Spirit (Eph 4:3).
      • Ex: Prioritize morning and afternoon prayers during Sabbath; Attend weekly prayer groups or prayer sessions with individual members.
    • When we are united in the Spirit, we can be of the same mind and move towards the same goal (1 Cor 2:11; Phil 1:27).

💭 Food For Thought

• What personal barriers may be keeping you from reaching out to or connecting with other members in church? Identify ways you can work towards breaking those barriers and build deeper and more meaningful relationships.
• What gifts, roles, or abilities has God entrusted to you, and how can you use them to build up the body of Christ?
• Share a time that you experienced the power of unity in Christ.

🎯 Challenge Yourself

• Write down the names of 1-2 different church members you want to communicate your care and concern to over the next few months. If you’re unsure of who to pick, you can consider those who you know are going through difficulties or those mentioned in the church intercession list.
• Beside each name, list out how you plan to encourage or care for that member. Start small and remember that your care and concern could begin with something as simple as offering daily intercessory prayers for them or checking in with those you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while.
  • Other examples:
    • Ask them for their prayer requests, write them down, and follow up with them over time (e.g., “How did that situation go?”).
    • Invite them to meet up and spend quality time with them.
    • Offer them a ride or treat them to a meal.
    • Send a handwritten note, text, or Bible verse to encourage and check in with them.
• After carrying out your goals, try to gauge how effective you think your pastoral work was.
  • Do you think it was effective? Why or why not? Remember sometimes we don’t see the effects of our pastoral work until much later. Do your very best to continue in your pastoral work until you feel that there is some effect. Don’t hesitate to expand your operations if you feel you can take on the workload and do more for God.