Key Takeaways

You Were Meant to be a Part, Not Apart

Each of us was made in the image of God, but we cannot represent him by ourselves. As the Church we all make up different parts of the one body of Christ, and each one of us has an important role to play to keep the body healthy. When we share our gifts and connect with others in our church community, we live out our purpose in Christ’s body and reflect him to the world.

• 1 Corinthians 12 – Paul responds to the questions the Corinthians have about the church. Paul explains that God has given different spiritual gifts to different people, all through one Holy Spirit. Together as a diverse and unified church we reflect God’s image to the world.
• What it means to be a Christian – We come from many different walks of life, but all Christians are people who believe in Jesus and what he did through his death and resurrection to rescue them from sin. They have been baptized into the body of Christ, by the Holy Spirit.
• The body of Christ – Individually we are made in the image of God, but none of us can represent all of who God is by ourselves. Just like our physical bodies have many parts, the body of Christ has many parts, and we are called to work together. Just like with a human body, if one part chooses to stay in isolation, or doesn’t share their gifts, the whole body suffers.
• Every Part Matters – No one part is more important than another. Every gift, skill, and personality is important. There are people in your community of faith who need what God has put in you, and you need what God has put in them. Just like with our bodies, God puts each part of his church exactly where he wants them. You are a part of your church community, and every part matters.

Want a printable version of this Message Guide? Download it through the link below!

Pray

As you pray, ask God to reveal your gifts and thank him for the blessing of being a part of his body.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gifts you have given me. Help me to recognize each gift you have placed in me. Forgive me for the times I have not used my gifts to honor you and help me to use them for your glory.

Thank you that I am created to be a part of the church, your body, so I do not have to do life alone. Thank you for the church community you have placed me in. Help me to recognize and do my part in serving your body. I pray that in every area I serve, I would create unity by making everyone feel welcomed and included.

In Jesus name, Amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set into your slot and spot this week and praise God for your gifts.

That’s My King – CeCe Winans

Can’t Help but Praise – Jordan Colle

King of My Heart – Bethel Music

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. – 1 Corinthians 12:13

• Scripture – 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
• Read – Unity in Purpose: Walking Together a 5 day devotional
• Watch – 1 Corinthians from Bible Project
• Listen –1 Corinthians 12 from Through the Word

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your slot and spot/discussions with others.

Have you ever been tempted to pursue your personal faith journey without a church community? What prompted that desire?

• What drew you to seek out a church community? How has pursuing faith with other people impacted your journey?

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

• How does the metaphor of the body help you to understand the nature of the Church?
• What does it mean to you to be a part of the body of Christ?
• Who do you see living out their gifts and contributing to the body of Christ within your church community?
  • What can you learn from their example?

Every part in the Body of Christ matters.

• In what ways do you feel you live out your part of the body?
• What skill or gift do you possess that you have been holding back from sharing because you don’t feel it is as important as someone else’s?
  • How is your confidence impacted as you consider that every role is important and needed in the church?

Considering what you have learned from the teaching this week, what next step do you feel God calling you to take in your faith right now?

• How do you believe that step would impact your faith, life, and relationships?

Next Steps

• Grow closer to God every day this week, with a slot and spot – a time on your calendar, and a place you go alone – to read the Bible and pray.

• One of the most important parts some of you can play this fall is by leading a J-Group. Sign up to lead and create a space where others can find community, grow in their faith, and take their next step towards Jesus.

What’s one thing you learned from this message that you want to apply to your life this week? Share it in the comment section below.