We are the Body of Christ



Posted: Tuesday, October 31, 2006

by
ThinkOnIt Devotions

Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. Colossians 4:7-9 NKJV

Fellowship and a sense of belonging are beautiful things. God designed us to need each other. Here we have examples of how Tychicus and Onesimus were helpful to the fellowship. Tychicus was a beloved brother, so apparently he got along with a lot folks. He was also described as a faithful minister, so we know he was consistent in his walk with Christ. He was a fellow servant in the Lord as well. To me that means he was humble and willing to serve wherever was needed. Onesimus was a faithful and beloved brother, so he was consistent and loving also. He was considered “one of you", meaning he was part of the Colossians – he belonged. Do people describe us this way? If not, why?

All of us believers are joined together as one body and called the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:7 “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually." Since we are connected with the body, we suffer when others suffer and we rejoice when others rejoice. We are no longer operating based just on what we think alone. Now we consult with the Lord, just as we would consider our spouse’s opinion when making a decision that affects everyone. We operate not based on the law, but based on love. Look at Romans 7:4: “Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God."

When God calls us to bear fruit, He also equips. Each one is given special abilities appropriate for building up the body. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." So we have been given these gifts to bear fruit to God.

How’s it going? Do you know what your gifts are? Are you using your gifts for the glory of God and building up the body of Christ? If not, I encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 to consider what gifts the Holy Spirit has given you. Pray and ask God to reveal where you should begin using your gift. It’s all part of the process of becoming who God wants you to be. I tell you from my own experience, as you step out in faith and begin using your gifts, you will be blessed in ways you never thought possible.
Elizabeth Marks has a heart for encouraging and equipping others with God's Word. Go to www.ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com for daily renewal from God's Word, inductive style Bible studies, small group leader tips and more.

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