THE BODY OF CHRIST
The Objectives: The two main objectives of this study are to teach disciples about their relationships and
roles within the body of Christ (the Church) and to help them consider how their individual gifts can be
used to serve the body of Christ.
When we enter the body of Christ, relationships are radically transformed! Instead of having ourselves as the cen-
ter of our focus, we are to ‘consider others better than ourselves” (Philippians 2:3). The Bible teaches us that
church is not something we attend; it is an opportunity to serve and tend to the needs of others.
The Scriptures:
Our Relationships
John 13:34-35
Jesus commanded us to love each other as he has loved us. This quality of love and our relationships with one an-
other are what make us distinct as Christians. Jesus’ willingness to serve and sacrifice for his disciples was the ul-
timate expression of His love. We need to demonstrate that same love (service and sacrifice) for one another.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN IN PRACTICE?
Look after each other’s material needs—1 John 3:17.
Being concerned about each other’s spiritual well being—Colossians 1:28.
Mark 3:35
We are Jesus’ brothers and sisters if we do God’s will. Because of this common purpose, Christian relationships
transcend even blood relations.
Our Role
Ephesians 4:14-16
Everyone has a role to play and work to do in the church; finding that role and doing that work is essential for the
church to be built up and grow into maturity.
1
st Corinthians 12:12-26
Everyone is essential to the body functioning as God intended it! Even the weakest part is incredibly important!
We must value everyone’s gifts and roles in the church and understand that we need one another! We rejoice and
hurt together (that’s sincere love, from the heart!—1 Peter 1:22)
What’s Your Gift?
A spiritual gift is a particular talent/ability that God has put in your life. While some spiritual gifts were
“miraculous” (it is our belief that these gifts were specific to the apostolic age and are no longer available to us to-
day); the “non-miraculous” gifts are just as powerful and critical for building up the body of Christ.
o Non-miraculous gifts—Romans 12:4-8
o Leadership gifts—Ephesians 4:11
1 Peter 4:10
Whatever gift you have received should be used to serve God’s people. As individuals, God has placed gifts, tal-
ents and abilities in our lives to be used to build up his kingdom in unique ways.
Q: What are some of your gifts? How can you use those gifts to serve God’s people?
Examples: Leadership, Children’s Ministry, Ushering, Youth Ministry, Administration, Hospitality, Benevolence
The Objectives: The two main objectives of this study are to teach disciples about their relationships and
roles within the body of Christ (the Church) and to help them consider how their individual gifts can be
used to serve the body of Christ.
When we enter the body of Christ, relationships are radically transformed! Instead of having ourselves as the cen-
ter of our focus, we are to ‘consider others better than ourselves” (Philippians 2:3). The Bible teaches us that
church is not something we attend; it is an opportunity to serve and tend to the needs of others.
The Scriptures:
Our Relationships
John 13:34-35
Jesus commanded us to love each other as he has loved us. This quality of love and our relationships with one an-
other are what make us distinct as Christians. Jesus’ willingness to serve and sacrifice for his disciples was the ul-
timate expression of His love. We need to demonstrate that same love (service and sacrifice) for one another.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN IN PRACTICE?
Look after each other’s material needs—1 John 3:17.
Being concerned about each other’s spiritual well being—Colossians 1:28.
Mark 3:35
We are Jesus’ brothers and sisters if we do God’s will. Because of this common purpose, Christian relationships
transcend even blood relations.
Our Role
Ephesians 4:14-16
Everyone has a role to play and work to do in the church; finding that role and doing that work is essential for the
church to be built up and grow into maturity.
1
st Corinthians 12:12-26
Everyone is essential to the body functioning as God intended it! Even the weakest part is incredibly important!
We must value everyone’s gifts and roles in the church and understand that we need one another! We rejoice and
hurt together (that’s sincere love, from the heart!—1 Peter 1:22)
What’s Your Gift?
A spiritual gift is a particular talent/ability that God has put in your life. While some spiritual gifts were
“miraculous” (it is our belief that these gifts were specific to the apostolic age and are no longer available to us to-
day); the “non-miraculous” gifts are just as powerful and critical for building up the body of Christ.
o Non-miraculous gifts—Romans 12:4-8
o Leadership gifts—Ephesians 4:11
1 Peter 4:10
Whatever gift you have received should be used to serve God’s people. As individuals, God has placed gifts, tal-
ents and abilities in our lives to be used to build up his kingdom in unique ways.
Q: What are some of your gifts? How can you use those gifts to serve God’s people?
Examples: Leadership, Children’s Ministry, Ushering, Youth Ministry, Administration, Hospitality, Benevolence
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