We, Though Many, Are

One Body in Christ

Resource by
John Piper

Scripture: Romans 12:18 Topic: The Church

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your

bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your
spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed
by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the
will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace
given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more
highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each
according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one
body we have many members,and the members do not all have
the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ,
and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that
differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy,
in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches,
in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who
contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does
acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Our focus today is on Romans 12:4-6a, namely, on the foundation and
nature and implications of being one body in Christ. Keep in mind the
bigger picture. Paul has spent 11 chapters teaching us the gospel of
Christthat we are great sinners, that God is infinitely holy and just, that
we are therefore under his wrath and condemnation, but that God, in his
great mercy has sent his Son Jesus Christ whose perfect obedience and
death in our place makes it possible for God to justifydeclare
righteousall who trust in Christ, so that there is therefore now no
condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
And on the basis of that great work of salvation for all who believe in
Christ he now begins to build his application for life in chapter 12. I
appeal to you therefore, brothers,by the mercies of God . . . In other
words, the Christian life is built on the mercy of God. We are not a people
trying to earn the favor of God. We are people who are stunned that we
have been shown utterly undeserved favor mercifully because of Christ.
We do not try to earn mercy with a merciful life. Instead we are able to live
a merciful life because we have been shown mercy.

So chapter 12 begins to describe this life and call us to it. First Paul deals
with our life as worship toward God. Then he deals with humility and
lowliness in relation to ourselves (v. 3). Then he deals with our relations
with each other in the church (vv. 4-13). Then he deals with our relation to
our enemies (vv. 14-21). Then he deals with our relation to the civil
authorities in chapter 13:1-7 and so on. All of this is what life looks like
when you know that you have peace with God by faith alone and Christ
has become the foundation and summation of all your hopes.
So focus with me on verses 4-6a. I see three points to make about the
church as the body of Christ and two applications to our situation today.
The first point is that the unity of the body of Christ is created in Jesus
Christ. Second, individuality is valued in Christ. Third, Gods grace
sustains all ministry in Christ. And the two applications are these: First,
intentional commitment to racial harmony and ethnic diversity in the body
of Christ is implied here; and second, participation in a small shepherd
group helps us fulfill Gods vision for us as a mutually ministering body
with varied gifts. Thats the outline. Now lets go to the Scripture and see
these things.

1. The Unity of the Body of Christ Is

Created in Jesus Christ
First, the unity of the body of Christ is created in Jesus Christ. Lets read
verses 4 and 5a and stop with that tremendously important little phrase in
Christ. For as in one body we have many members,and the members do
not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in
Christ. We, though many, are one body in Christ.

When Paul speaks of the church as a body he moves back and forth
between two meanings that overlap. One is that the universal church
every believer in Christ who has ever livedis the body of Christ. For
example, Ephesians 1:22-23, He put all things under his feet and gave
him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of
him who fills all in all. Thats the invisible, spiritual, universal church of
all believers, the body of Christ. But the other meaning is that that Paul
thinks of each local church as the body of Christ as well. For example
in 1 Corinthians 12:27 he says to that church, Now you are the body of
Christ and individually members of it.
I dont think he wants us to draw a hard line here. So when he uses the
word we here in verses 4-5We have many members . . . we are one
body . . .even though that includes himself hundreds of miles away, I
dont think he means to say, We are only talking about the universal body
of all believers, not your local body. I think he is referring to how that
local church should function as a body, and yes, I am in a larger sense a
part of you all in Christ.

What Does It Mean to Be In Christ?

The phrase I want us to focus on is the phrase, in Christ in verse 5a: so
we, though many, are one body in Christ. What this phrase means is that
the interwoven unity of all the members into one body is created and
brought about in Christ. One simple way to say what that means is that as
each of us is in relationship to Christ, we are therefore in relationship to
each other. If I am Christs brother, and your are Christs sister, then you
are my sister. By creating relationships with himself, Christ creates the
relationships in the body.
But the truth here is deeper than that. What it means to be in Christ far
more profound than the human analogy of family relations suggests. That
would be precious enough. But its far more and far better than that.

What this phrase in Christ means is that when you trust Christ as your
Savior and Lord and Treasure (Philippians 3:9), a union is established
 between Christ and you in such a way that everything in Christ that can be
shared will be shared with you. Everything that he is, and everything that
he has that canbe shared will be shared with you. And there is only one
thing that cant be sharedhis deity, and its unique God-defining
attributes (like omnipotence and omniscience and eternality). But
everything else that Christ is and has is yours in him.
Consider a few examples from the way this little phrase in Christ is used.
This is what it means for you to be in Christ:

1 Corinthians 1:4, we receive grace in Christ.

Romans 3:24, our redemption is in Christ.
Galatians 2:17, we are justified in Christ.
Ephesians 4:32, we have forgiveness of sins in Christ.
Romans 8:1, there is no condemnation in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17, we are a new creation in Christ.
Romans 6:23, we have eternal life in Christ.
Philippians 4:19, God supplies all our needs in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3, we have every spiritual blessing of heaven in Christ
Colossians 1:28, we will be presented to God perfect in Christ.
Romans 8:32, we cannot be separated from the love of God in Christ.
Pauls aim in talking this way is that we stand in awe of Christ. That we
love Christ, and admire Christ and follow Christ and enjoy making much
of Christ above all things.

Paul has not departed from his passion in verse 3 to keep us humble and
make Christ great. Listen to the way he relates this truth to boasting in 1
Corinthians 3:21-23, Let no one boast in men. For all things are yours,
whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the
present or the futureall are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is
God's.
You belong to him. You are in him. There is a union by faith so that all
that he is, he is for you. It is simply breathtaking. Oh, that God would help
us believe it with all our hearts.

And the only thingand it is a huge and wonderful thingto be added

from Romans 12:5 is that we experience all of this together in one body.
So we, though many, are one body in Christ. Redeemed together.
Justified together. Forgiven together. Created anew together. Every need
met together. Loved by God together. Perfected together. Living forever
togetherand all of this glorious unity created in Christ and for the glory
of Christ.
Oh, let us never trivialize the church! It cost God the life of his Son to
create this. And what you share with the persons sitting near you in Christ
is a life and an inheritance and a union so great and so profound that it
surpasses the value of all other human relationships and all inheritances
and can never end.

Thats the first thing to see: The unity of the body of Christ is created in
Jesus Christ .

2. Individuality Is Valued in Christ

Second, individuality is valued in Christ. Look at verse 5 again and focus
on the second half of the verse: So we, though many, are one body in
Christ, and individually members one of another.
One could ague that Pauls focus here on the individual is really to stress
that each of us is part of the collective unity called the body and that each
of us is connected with every other member of the body. So one might say:
There is no effort here to emphasize the value of individuality, but the
contrary, to say that the body is all that counts.

But in view of verses 6-8, I dont think that would be right. Verse 6 says,
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. That is a
conscious effort to make explicit our individual differences created and
willed by Gods grace. Then he spells out different gifts in verses 7-8. So it
would not be fair to say that Paul is trying to minimize our individuality
and only emphasize the corporate reality of the body.

Would it not be better to say it this way: Paul is saying that our true
individuality is founddiscovered, experiencedin relationship to the
body of Christ. Think about verse 5b, and individually members one of
another. Members (parts) of one another. One by one. Individually.
Heres what Paul is saying: I am part of you. You are part of me. I am like
your eye or your ear or your hand or your foot. And you are like my eye or
my ear or my hand or my foot. Each individual, Paul says, is part of the
other individuals in the body.

Here is the amazing thing: Thats who I am. I am a part of you. Which
means that my individualitymy individual identity, as God has created
me to becannot be known except in serving you as I rely upon Christ.
And yours. cannot be known except in serving others in reliance on Christ
Thats what hands and feet and eyes and ears do. They serve. Thats why
we have gifts.
Paul values individuality so highly that he does not fail to tell us how our
true individual selves can be known, namely, by living in relationship
others and by serving and being served in the body of Christ. And then
from that position and identity (as we will see later in the chapter) we
express our individual identity with Christ in relation to the world. Love
other people with all your heart in reliance on Christ and you will discover
who you are.

So, the first point was that the unity of the body of Christ is created in
Jesus Christ. And the second point was that individuality is valued in
Christindeed, discovered in the body of Christ.

3. Gods Grace Sustains All Ministry in

Christ
Now, third, Gods grace sustains all ministry in Christ. We saw this last
time, and so I will only point it out and close with two applications. Verse
6: Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. What we
are in our differing individuality we are by grace. You may not think so.
You may not approve of what God has made of you for the sake of his
body. You may think he made a mistake. Or that he is cruel. I dont think
that is mainly a self-esteem issue. Its mainly a God-esteem issue. Will you
trust himthat your individuality is a work of grace. You are a gift of
grace to the church. You will find that when you start loving the church in
practical ways.

Two Implications
Now, two implications. The first has to do with racial harmony and ethnic
diversity in the body of Christ. Listen to Ephesians 3:6 as Paul draws out
the ethnic implications of being in Christ: The Gentiles are fellow heirs
[meaning: with the Jewish believers], members of the same body, and
partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
What that means is that the unity of the body of Christ created in Christ
includes the nations. All the races and all the ethnic groups. By coming
into union with Christ, they come into union with me, and you. And since
Paul doesnt make a fixed distinction between the body of Christ locally
and the body of Christ universally, that has implications for us here.

What it means very simply at Bethlehem is that we think this reality should
be visible in our church. God is sovereign, and God is gracious. He
positions his people as he wills. We are not the final builders of the body
of Christ. But what it does mean is that we steadilyand with faith and
hopepray toward and work toward ethnic diversity and harmony in
Christ in this church. We think it is a great honor to Christ. I invite you to
join us in this prayer and this work.

The final application of this message is that we believe your participation

in a small shepherd group will help you become who God created you in
Christ Jesus to be, and will help us fulfill Gods vision for us as a mutually
ministering body of believers with varied gifts. The biblical picture is
clear: to be a Christianto belong to Jesus Christis to be part of his
body and individually members of one another. This is why we have
small groups, and why we work hard to help you find one that frees you to
serve and be served in relationships of love.

It is an amazing calling and an amazing identity: being the body of Christ

and individually members of one another. There is more to be discovered
about yourself in Christ than you ever dreamed. And Christ will be more
and more honored by every discovery you make.
Responsibilities in the
Christian Community
to "One Another"
The Greek word allelon gives us a helpful introduction to the ways
in which Christians should serve each other, because this Greek
word means one another or each other. It is often used to
describe our mutual obligations the responsibility that all
members have toward one another.
Perhaps the most comprehensive command Jesus gave was the
well-known Love one another (John 13:34). As I have loved you,
so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you
are my disciples, if you love one another (verses 34-35). This
command is such a fundamental statement of our Christian duty
that it is given again in John 15:12, 17; Romans 13:8; 1
Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11-12;
and 2 John 5. This is the attitude in which we should always
interact with one another.
Paul developed the command a little further: Be devoted to one
another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves
(Romans 12:10). Serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). He
prayed that the Lord would help the Thessalonians love to increase
not only for each other, but that their love would also increase for
everyone else (1 Thessalonians 3:12). Always try to be kind to
each other and to everyone else (1 Thessalonians 5:15). In his
second letter to the Thessalonians, he thanked God that their
mutual love was indeed increasing (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
In Christ, we belong to each other and form one body (Romans
12:5). We are members of one another (Ephesians 4:25). We
have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7). Paul prayed that
the Roman Christians would have a spirit of unity among
yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus (Romans 15:5). To avoid
division in the body, Paul wanted members to have equal concern
for each other (1 Corinthians 12:25). Offer hospitality to one
another (1 Peter 4:9).
We see further development of the command in the words of Jesus:
Be at peace with each other (Mark 9:50). Paul put it this way:
Live in peace with each other (1 Thessalonians 5:13*). [An
asterisk indicates that the pronoun is heautou instead
of allelon; the meaning is often the same.] Live in harmony with
one another (Romans 12:16). Paul shows how this is done: Do
not be conceited (same verse). Be completely humble and
gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians
4:2). Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in
humility consider [each other] better than yourselves (Philippians
2:3). Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another (1
Peter 5:5.)
Stop passing judgment on one another, Paul writes (Romans
14:13). Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you
(Romans 15:7). Bear with each other and forgive whatever
grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord
forgave you (Colossians 3:13). Be kind and compassionate to one
another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you
(Ephesians 4:32). Confess your sins to each other and pray for
each other (James 5:16).
Serve one another, Paul wrote (Galatians 5:13). Peter gives the
same point: Each one should use whatever gift he has received to
serve others (1 Peter 4:10*). Jesus had given the same lesson
when he told his disciples to wash one anothers feet (John
13:14). Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ
(Ephesians 5:21). Carry each others burdens, and in this way you
will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
Paul wanted the Roman Christians and himself to be mutually
encouraged by each others faith (Romans 1:12). One purpose of
our weekly meetings is to spur one another on toward love and
good deedsencourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13*). Encourage one
another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11).
Build yourselves up in your most holy faith (Jude 20*).
Paul wanted mutual edification (Romans 14:19). Teach and
admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms,
hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16*; Ephesians 5:19*).
Paul was confident that the Romans could instruct one another
(Romans 15:14).
These are some of the ways in which Christians, as servants of
Jesus Christ, minister to one another. None of these types of
service or ministry is restricted to ordained elders or pastors.
 All of you together are Christs body, and each one of
you is a separate and necessary part of it. (1 Corinthians
12:27 NLT)
One reason why you need to be connected to a church family is to fulfill your
calling to serve other believers in practical ways. The Bible says, All of you
together are Christs body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of
it (1 Corinthians 12:27 NLT).
Your service is desperately needed in the Body of Christ just ask any local
church. Each of us has a role to play, and every role is important. There is no
small service to God; it all matters.
Likewise, there are no insignificant ministries in the church. Some are visible and
some are behind the scenes, but all are valuable. Small or hidden ministries often
make the biggest difference. In my home, the most important light is not the large
chandelier in our dining room but the little night-light that keeps me from stubbing
my toe when I get up at night. There is no correlation between size and
significance. Every ministry matters, because we are all dependent on each other
to function.

What happens when one part of your body fails to function? You get sick. The rest
of your body suffers. Imagine if your liver decided to start living for itself: Im
tired! I dont want to serve the body anymore! I want a year off just to be fed. Ive
got to do whats best for me! Let some other part take over.
What would happen? Your body would die. Today, thousands of local churches
are dying because of Christians who are unwilling to serve. They sit on the
sidelines as spectators, and the Body suffers.

God calls you to a service far beyond anything you could ever imagine. He
created you for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for you to do
(Ephesians 2:10). Whenever you serve others in any way, you are actually serving
God.
Today's Scripture
"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is
with Christ's body. We are many parts but one body, and we all belong to each
other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things
well." Romans 12:4-6 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Romans 12 teaches that various members of the body of Christ have special
functions and gifts. This applies to us as individuals within the local church.
Additionally, all Christian churches and ministries are a part of the Body of Christ.
God has a function or purpose for each ministry and draws the people with the
appropriate gifts to each one.
Picture the world as a gigantic mosaic with God as the Master Artist. Each piece of
the mosaic has its own characteristics, designed especially for the spot God has
called it to fill. As each ministry focuses on its calling and is guided by the Holy
Spirit, God's plan will be accomplished.
In order for all of us together to accomplish God's plan most effectively, we need
to work in unitysetting aside all jealousy and competition and remembering
that we belong to each other. We need to respect each other's differences in
doctrine, as long as all agree on the basic truths of the Gospel. We need to pray
for one other and help one other.
Consider this
Always remember that your church or ministry is part of the entire Body of Christ,
but God has a special plan just for you. You are one part of the Body. The part you
play is not any less importantor more importantthan any other part. As
ministries in each community, in each country, and around the world work
together and support each other, each one doing its own part, so much more can
be done. Christ-centered unity will withstand the test of time and have the
approval of God.
You're a Vital Part of God's Kingdom!
Have you ever experienced the frustration of putting together a puzzle, only to
discover in the end that a piece was missing? Even though that piece is just a tiny
portion of the puzzle, its absence leaves a very noticeable flaw in the whole
picture.

The same is true in God's Kingdom. 1 Peter 2:5 tells us, "You also, like living
stones, are being built into a spiritual house" (NIV). In a physical building, a
missing brick leaves a hole in the wall. While God doesn't need us like a wall
needs a brick, He does want to see us connected with other Christians to make a
dynamic whole which brings us joy and God glory.

Every Christian Has a Job to Do

When you belong to Christ, you are part of His body. He is the head. He leads the
body, and He orchestrates its movements. And you are connected not only to Him,
but also to every other part of the body as well. As we read in Scripture, "God has
arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be" (1
Corinthians 12:18, NIV).
As a believer, you have an important job to do. You have a major role to play in
the Church of Jesus Christ. And it's the job of every believer to rightly discern his
or her role in the plan of God and to serve with enthusiasm no matter what job
God asks you to do.

No Job Is Insignificant
Therefore, before you say that your job isn't important because it isn't a visible one
like preaching, consider the many behind-the-scenes people people you've
probably never heard of - that God has used to change the course of history.

Someone led D. L. Moody to Christ. Someone encouraged Charles Spurgeon

through years of physical illness and depression, giving him the strength to
continue his ministry. Someone financed William Carey's first missionary journey
to India. Someone discipled George Mller. Believe me, I could go on and on.

History may not have recorded the names of these behind-the-scenes individuals,
but history would not have been the same without them!

The Importance of Working Together

Here is an important truth: The body works best when all its parts work together.
As believers, we are all different. We have different gifts and abilities, and we have
different jobs to do. But we all belong to the same body. "Just as each of us has one
body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the
others" (Romans 12:4-5, NIV).

So a believer functions best when connected to other believers. First and foremost,
every believer needs to be connected to and actively involved in a local church.

It is by being built into the Church that you become effective in doing God's work.
Charles Spurgeon once described the believer who is not connected to the church
as a "good-for-nothing brick." So today, if you are not in a church, find one. And if
you are in a church but not actively involved in serving, get involved. Use the gifts
and the abilities that God has given you and bring Him glory.

So never underestimate your significance to the Body of Christ. You have an

important job to do. God gifted you uniquely, and He has a plan and a purpose for
your life. You are a vital and valued part of God's Kingdom!
Body Of Christ
Body Of Christ - The Definition
The Body of Christ is a common, yet complex term used in the Christian faith. Some
may initially think we are talking about the physical body of Christ, as in His human form
on earth. But the term "Body of Christ" actually refers to the members of His church,
throughout history. Who or what is the body of Christ? The body of Christ is the Church,
made up of all those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Each
Christian, then, is a part of the body of Christ.

The first biblical reference to this body was made by Jesus during the last supper. Mark
14:22 says, "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and
gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take it; this is my body.'" This symbolic act is the
beginning of the communion service which Christians accept as a remembrance that
they are a part of the body of Jesus Christ, due to Jesus' death on the cross.

Body Of Christ - The Unit

The Body of Christ, like all bodies, is comprised of many parts. There are limbs, organs,
and various members that, when left alone, are useless, but when assembled make up
the entire body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 describe it like this: "The body is a unit, though it
is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is
with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or
Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not
made up of one part but of many." This means each Christian is an equal part of the
body of Christ!

There is organization to the body of Christ, as described in Ephesians 1:22-23, "And

God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for
the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."

1 Corinthians 12:27-28 also says, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you
is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second
prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing,
those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in
different kinds of tongues." Every Christian possesses a gift and is called to use it in
service within the body to build up the body of Christ, to strengthen the body and to
carry out its purpose within the world. Each member of the body of Christ is also called
to serve the church through his or her natural gifts and abilities. This service is offered
out of devotion to Christ for the sacrifice He made on the cross, providing them with
eternal life in heaven. The diversity of gifts, each supporting the other, makes the body
strong!

Body Of Christ - Personal Application

As a part of the church, what can you do to enhance the body of Christ? The body is a
holy entity and is to be respected and treated with complete honor and care. The Bible
provides several action principles for building up the body of Christ:

You are called to promote truth and unity - Ephesians 4:25 says, "Therefore
each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we
are all members of one body."
You are called to service - 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 outlines the importance of
using your God-given spiritual gift. Your gift is unique and equally important. It is
essential to the body that you use your special gift in service to God.
You are called to share Jesus - Romans 1:16 says, "I am not ashamed of the
gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who
believes" As part of the body of Christ, you are to share your life-changing
story with others!
You are called to worship - "It is good to praise the LORD and make music
to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your
faithfulness at night" (Psalm 92:1-2).
You are called to love each another - "1 John 4:11 says, "Dear friends,
since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Are you a contributing member of the body of Christ? Are you actively serving
God and sharing Him with others? Are you contributing to peace and unity within
the body? Do you worship regularly? Take a moment to evaluate your life in light
of these principles:

"Heavenly Father, Thank you for making me part of Your body. It is my desire to
be an active part of Your church by serving, promoting unity, and sharing my
faith with others. Give me opportunities to accomplish these things for Your
glory! Use me LORD. In Jesus' name I pray, amen."