Theme: CHURCH
Lesson: THE CHURCH, THE BODY OF CHRIST
Text: Eph. 4:4
The head that we have on our physical body cannot be separated from the body. Life would end with such separation. Such is a testimony to the truth that spiritually, Christ is inseparable to us Who has been made both Lord and Saviour. Our joy is His joy; our success is His success and our seeming problem, His problem. ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me’? (Acts 9:4b) were the words of Jesus to Saul, the persecutor of Christians who later was persecuted; the injure who later was injured and the blasphemer who later was blasphemed.
Jesus was not present in the physical world when Saul raged persecution on the Christians. But Jesus never asked, ‘Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute my people?’ He personalized the persecution to be on Him.
Another big aspect of the head and body metaphor in the Church’s relationship with Christ is the consciousness that the head thinks for the body. When the leg as a member of the physical body is to undertake a function, the head must signal accordingly. Our will must therefore be crucified or be surrendered to that of Christ, our head. (See Gal. 2:20; Rom. 7:15). So, Christ is right to direct that we both CALL Him ‘Lord’ on the one hand and also OBEY Him on the other hand when He queried in ‘Luke 6:46’.
Obedience to the head will also unite the different members of the body despite various functions. It will promote interdependence too. The leaders of various local believing communities should encourage the members to endeavour to allow what bothers one to bother the other. When the ultimate aim of one member is to desire for the well-being of another, Jesus will not be difficult to see in the brotherhood.
Since Jesus is the replica of the love of God, the proof that He is being taught among a people is measured in the love shared. Love, simply put, is a sincere desire to bless others. (See John 13:35; 1John 4:20,21) No one should be more qualified for any assistance except determined by the various needs – this should apply to all, even the pastor man or woman. Similarly, no one is more anointed to merit a service window because ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’. (Luke 12:48)
The leaders as other members of the body are not given a superior Holy Spirit with which to look down on the others as though they are given an inferior type. Because all talents are GIFTS, there is no place for meritorious spirit from recipients. Please read ‘1Cor.4:7’ on this.
EVALUATION:
1. What physical example, according to our brief lesson, do we see to conclude that Christ cannot be separated from His believers?
2. The Church as a body and the Christians as members, what part of the body can we say is inferior or superior?
3. If the presence of God’s love is among a people and God is love (1John 4:16), what can be impossible a problem among such people?
4. If a challenge that bothers one member bothers all the other members, can such a challenge win and bring sorrow in the end?
Benediction:
Heavenly Father, we come before You today as the Church, the Body of Christ, united in our love for You. We thank You for the reminder that we are inseparable from Christ, our Head, and that our joy, success, and problems are His.
Lord, help us to surrender our will to Yours, to obey Your commands, and to love one another as You have loved us. May our love for each other be a reflection of Your love, and may it be the proof that You are among us.
We pray for unity and interdependence among the members of the Body, that we may support and care for one another, and that no one may be left behind.
May the leaders of our communities encourage and empower the members to live out their faith, and may we all be mindful of the gifts and talents You’ve given us, using them to serve one another and to bring glory to Your Name.
As we conclude, may You bless us and keep us, may You make Your face shine upon us, and may You give us peace. May the love of Christ bind us together, and may we be a shining testimony of Your love to the world. Amen.
May the God of love and peace be with you, and may you be strengthened in your faith, as you go forth to live out your calling as members of the Body of Christ. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may you be a blessing to others. Amen.
