In the Body
We've talked about in Matthew 25 that it just might be on the judgment day that Jesus says, let's just look at the way you served your neighbor.
Season 5, Episode 14 · In The Body
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The story behind the idea
The only way you and I can serve the head is by functioning properly within the body. Other parts of the body, multiple parts of the body, will engage so that I can carry out an important function. Oftentimes, whatever part I might be, I am engaged by the head so that I can assist other parts of the body in carrying out their function or engage them in some necessary way. I mentioned to you last week we had this great series, the koinonia series, taught by Ralph Walker.
What stands out
Neighbor is nondescript, it's anyone God puts in your path. We've talked about in Matthew 25 that it just might be on the judgment day that Jesus says, let's just look at the way you served your neighbor. I will determine if you enter heaven based on who was sick or hurting or in need and you supplied that need. We have used passages like that to engage more readily and daily in serving people who are not Christians wherever we may find them.
Why it matters
If someone is at worship, singing, finding out about people, visiting them throughout the week, they are clearly a contributor. You might be tempted to say if they do not go to worship or interact with Christians or purposefully sacrifice for them that they are not contributors.
A faithful way forward
Number two, the purpose of all spiritual gifts is to serve others and glorify God. That sounds pretty obvious, but it reminds me of the old acronym Joy when you focus on Jesus, your head, and others beginning with fellow believers, and then lastly on yourself, looking at things in that sequence brings joy and purpose to your life. I mean, look, you can try Y, O, J in that order, but Yaj just doesn't have that same ring to it.
Put it into practice
As this world gets really, really hard to live in, we ought to be like Hebrews 13 1 and let brotherly love continue. Everybody agrees that Christians need to love each other to help one another get to heaven. I need you to see that loving your brother is exercising your gifts for their benefit.
Take the idea with you.
- 01What idea from this study most needs my attention right now?
- 02Where does this challenge the way I am currently thinking or living?
- 03What is one faithful step I can take this week?
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