For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body - so also is Christ. For we were all
baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and we were all given one Spirit to drink. Indeed, the body is not one part but many. —1 Corinthians 12:12-14
“Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person.” —1 Corinthians 12:4-6
True
“For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body - so also is Christ.” —1 Corinthians 12:12
“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” —Colossians 3:3-4
We are invited to
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and we were all given one Spirit to drink.” —1 Corinthians 12:13
To discover our true self, we must look to our
“There is only one problem on which my existence, my peace, and my happiness depend: to discover myself in discovering God. If I find Him I will find myself and if I find my true self I will find him.” —Thomas Merton
“Indeed, the body is not one part but many.” —1 Corinthians 12:14
In God’s creativity, you are created
“The church…is the place where we find ourselves accepted for who we are, free to be what God has created us to be…we’re a community.” —Eugene Peterson
For further study:
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:14-27; Colossians 3:1-4; Revelation 7:9
Resources: “The Gift of Being Yourself” by David Benner
Community Group Guide:
How do you see the creativity of God?
How has the knowledge of God helped you see your true self?
Is it hard to see yourself as a unique creation of God? If so, why?
Reflect on Eugene Peterson’s and share the encouragement you receive “The church…is the place where we find ourselves accepted for who we are, free to be what God has created us to be…we’re a community.” (Eugene Peterson)
To prepare for next week: Greetings and Blessings; Ephesians 1:1-14