
BIG IDEA
The lie we like: “My relationship with Jesus is personal.”
But your relationship with Jesus was never meant to be private.
You are essential—not extra—to the Body of Christ.
1: SIMOEN STYLITES (Syrian Monk)
- Lived 37 years atop a 50ft pillar in the desert.
- Desired holiness through isolation.
- His devotion was sincere—but his isolation was tragic.
- Following Jesus alone distorts the picture of faith.
2: THE DANGERS OF PRIVATE FAITH
- “My truth.” “My space.” “My journey.”
- We’ve confused personal with private—and it costs us:
RISKS:
- Emotional Isolation (1 Cor. 12:26)
- Wasted Potential (1 Cor. 12:18–20)
- Theological Drift
- Distorted Identity (1 Cor. 12:14)
- Detached Gifting (1 Cor. 12:7)
- Consumer Christianity
- Cynicism Toward the Church
At its worst, private faith breeds bad theology, competitive ideologies, and eventual division.
3: GOD’S DESIGN: ONE BODY, MANY MEMBERS
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts… so it is with Christ.” —1 Corinthians 12:12–14
- Unified by design.
- Alone, we distort the image—not only of Christ, but of self.
4: YOU BELONG BY DESIGN
“But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” —1 Corinthians 12:18
- Not optional. Not aspirational. It’s identity.
5: YOU ARE ESSENTIAL, NOT EXTRA
“The parts that seem weaker are indispensable…” —1 Corinthians 12:21–24
- Even unseen parts are vital.
- “You don’t have to be seen to be significant.” – Andy Stanley
6: THE MUTUAL LIFE
“If one part suffers, every part suffers… if one part is honored, every part rejoices…” —1 Corinthians 12:25–26
- Not convenient—but covenant.
- You are never alone again.
7: GOSPEL UNITY OVER DIVISION
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile… you are all one in Christ Jesus.” —Galatians 3:28
- The Gospel declares radical unity without uniformity.
Support Verses:
- Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron…”
- Ecclesiastes 4:12 – “A cord of three strands…”
- Matthew 18:20 – “Where two or three gather…”
8: FINAL CHARGE
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part.” —1 Corinthians 12:27
- The life you long for isn’t found in self-preservation.
- It’s forged in shared struggle, mutual sacrifice, and Spirit-led contribution.
Takeaway:
You’re not just telling your story—you’re helping write our story.