The Body of Christ

THE BODY OF CHRIST

When the New Testament mentions ‘the body of Christ’ it sometimes refers to the human body of Christ; and it sometimes refers to the church as the ‘body of Christ’. It is at this second use of the term that is the topic of this message outline.

1. THE CHURCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST

Ephesians 1:22 – 23

2. CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF HIS BODY THE CHURCH

Ephesians 4:15 – 16

Christ is the head
He is in control
All parts fit together
Each part has its work
When each part does its work the whole body grows and is strengthened.

3. THERE IS VARIETY IN THE BODY

1Corinthians 12:12 – 31

Each part is needed (vv14 – 22)
There should be no division in the body (vv25, 26)
Each belongs to the same Christ (v27)
Not all have the same abilities.

4. NO ROOM FOR EITHER DIVISION, SNOBBERY OR SLACKNESS IN THE BODY

Romans 12:3 – 8

Be modest in one’s self-opinion (v3)
Each one has a job to do (vv4, 5)
Whatever our job we must do it well (vv6 – 8)

1Corinthians 11

Divisions are out of place (v18)
Social snobbery is out of place (vv19 – 22)
Disrespect for each other is out of place (vvv19 – 22, 33).

5. THE ESSENTIAL UNITY OF THE BODY

Ephesians 4:3 – 5
Galatians 3:26 – 29
1Corinthians 12:13