Cooperation – 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

This theme of this quarter’s lessons is “Marks of a Christian.”  The title for today’s lesson is “Cooperation.”  Therefore, the implication is that cooperation is a distinguishing identifier of the true Christian.

Now, I imagine we all agree that cooperation is a mark of the Christian.  It just sounds right that Christians should cooperate.  But do we really believe that cooperation is an identifying mark of the Christian?  Do we really value cooperation as a Christian characteristic?

If we really value cooperation, why do so many seem to think that church attendance is optional?  If we believe cooperation is an identifying mark of the Christian, why do so many Christians fail to truly cooperation in the ministry of the Church?

The “Central Truth” for our lesson says, “God has a special place of ministry for every believer in the Church, the Body of Christ.”

Again, if we truly believe this and value this truth, why is the contribution of so many church members only attendance and tithing?  I don’t mean to disparage people who attend church faithfully and give faithfully.

We need people who are faithful in church attendance and in giving.  But is not church attendance and giving really the minimum of the Christian’s stewardship?  To me, the idea of cooperation implies much more than doing only the minimum.  Cooperation signifies an activeness.

Let me slow down a bit, however.  I think many people do not consider faithfulness and church attendance to be the minimum of what it means to be a Christian.  Rather, I think quite a few people may have the attitude that anything “Christian” or “spiritual” that they do is, basically, a sacrifice.  I think many Christians believe that cooperation is optional.  I think many Christians feel like they only need to cooperate when they feel like it and want to be involved.

So, as we look at our scripture today, I really think we need to establish the Biblical basis for cooperation.  Is cooperation an essential mark of the true Christian?  What is this cooperation all about?  And, how should adopting this value change my life and your life?

The scripture that we are studying this morning is written by the apostle Paul.  In these verses, he talks about how our physical body works and compares that to the Church of God, which is the Body of Christ.

I find the main point of our scripture in verse thirteen, which says, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body….”

Big Idea: Every believer is a member of Christ’s mystical body.

Now, let me explain what I mean when I talk about “Christ’s mystical body.”  I realize Halloween is almost upon us and that there are all kinds of weird ideas about spirits and ghosts that are floating around in our world today. (pun intended)

All those who trust in Christ as Lord and Saviour become part of the Church of God, which is also called the Body of Christ - not the physical body of Christ, but a spiritual group of all who have trusted in Christ as Lord and Saviour.  Christ is the Head of the Church, the Body of Christ.  Christ is the ultimate authority of believers.  But instead of limiting Himself by staying physically in one physical location on earth, Christ instead desired to show Himself to the world through all believers who are scattered throughout the world.  As the Body of Christ, we then are to do the work that Christ would be doing if He were here physically in the world.  And so every person who trusts in Christ as Saviour and Lord becomes a member of Christ’s mystical body.  What does it mean for us to be part of the Body of Christ.

1. The Relationship of the Believer to the Body of Christ, vv. 12-17.

Discussion: If it were possible, why would a foot say, “Because I am not the hand, I am not part of the body?”

(The attitude seems to be one of self-importance, whether high or low) and/or extreme individualism.)

Discussion: How and/or why do people display this attitude concerning the Body of Christ?

(Some say that it is not necessary to associate with God’s people in order to be a Christian.  Some, for various reasons, think they are not good enough to be a “full-fledged Christian.”)

Discussion: According to our scripture, how does the Christian become part of the Body of Christ?

Discussion: Why is it a ridiculous concept to believe that a true Christian would intentionally isolate himself/herself from the Body of Christ?

2. The Reliance of the Believer on the Body of Christ, vv. 18-22.

Discussion: What lessons can we learn from verse eighteen, which says that God has placed each member in the Body of Christ according to His will?

(We have no reason to feel inferior to other members of Christ’s body.  We should feel responsible to function properly and productively in the realm God has placed us.  God has a plan in mind for us, etc.)

Discussion: Is there any member of our physical body for which we have no need?

Discussion: Why might someone think some members of the Body of Christ are unneeded?

(Pride?  Lack of maturity and/or understanding of spiritual things.)

Discussion: Should we place greater value on some members of the Body of Christ and lesser value on others?  Even if we were to do so, does that mean those who are weaker/less honorable/of less value could be excluded from the Body without it making a difference to the Body?

3. The Responsibility of the Believer to the Body of Christ, vv. 24-27.

Discussion: Why should the believer feel responsible to and for other members in the Body of Christ? (see v. 24)

Discussion: What does it mean for the believer to be responsible to and for the Body of Christ?

Discussion: How can our whole church “suffer” along with a suffering member?  How can our entire church “rejoice” with a rejoicing member?

(Implied here is a need for accountability to the church.  In other words, the church cannot know to rejoice or suffer with you unless you share with the church what you are rejoicing about or are suffering over.  On the other hand, there is accountability in that one must be willing to share in rejoicing and suffering of others.)

The truth I hope you will take home with you from this lesson is that every believer is a member of Christ’s mystical body.  Therefore, the believer must acknowledge that his religion is not just a personal thing, it is a corporate religion.

 Furthermore, his relationship with Christ is not just an individualistic pursuit.  Rather, he needs his brothers and sisters in Christ – and they need him also.  Finally, as a member of Christ’s body, the believer has the responsibility to act as such.  He has the responsibility to be a properly functioning member of the Body of Christ.

Discussion: Is cooperation an identifying characteristic of the Christian?  Why?

Application: As a member of Christ’s body, you have an important function in the Church of God.  Are you fulfilling your responsibility to the Church of God?

What do you want out of your church?  Are you a taker only or do you also seek to give?  Are you cooperating with your fellow believers to make disciples of all nations?