Band Bible Study Day 3

30.05.2016

unity-and-diversity-570x375

Monday 30th May

The body of Christ

READ: Ephesians 4: 7, 11-16

Unity in Diversity

 

In worship at Zurich Central yesterday we spoke about the diversity of the body. All different parts and yet one body.

Diversity is the rich essence of the church, we are all part of his church and yet so different. Although each part does not function alike yet they are all important and work together for the same end. Some parts are unseen some are very much in the forefront some are more obvious than others but they are all essential to the effective work of the body. The good news is, we don’t have to be the same, we don’t have to function in the same way but collectively God uses each one of us to build his church.

Texan Pastor Will Davis Jnr says:

“Give Christians permission to be different from you. You’re not the only Christ-follower in the world! Your way of loving Jesus is neither the only way or the best.”

All of us who are ‘in Christ’ have been called to be disciples of Jesus and to serve in the body of Christ. Our Scripture passage today moves away from unity in Christ (Ephesians 4: 1-6) to ministry in Christ using our gifts to build up the body and glorify the name of Jesus.

‘Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.’ verse 12

There is no ‘opt out’ clause here, we have a responsibility to serve one another and in so doing strengthen the body. If we choose to withhold the gift God has given to us, this has a significant impact on the well- being of the body.

REFLECT:

What part of today’s reading challenged you?

(It can be a verse, a phrase or just a word)

 

What is God saying to you through this passage?

 

Thank God that he has given you a spiritual gift

 

RESPOND:

Below is a wordle art reflecting some of the gifts of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:7-10, Romans 12:6-8.

bible

 

Do you recognise any of these spiritual gifts in yourself?

 

What gifts are you using to build up the body of Christ?

 

Do you think the body of Christ suffers when others withhold the gift God has graced them with?

 

In the light of our reading today how will you continue to build up the body of Christ in the future?

 

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