THE CHURCH COMPARED TO A HUMAN BODY

Introduction:
   1. 1 Cor. 12:12-26.
   2. The Lord used the comparison method of teaching to  good
      advantage.
   3. In this lesson we draw a comparison of the church to the
      human body.
   4. there are many ways in which the scriptures draw this
      comparison. Possibly many other comparisons in which they
      could be compared which we will not touch.

BODY:
   1. ONE BODY AND ONE HEAD  --Eph. 4:1-6.
          This means that there will be unity inn the body. Since
             it is directed by the ONE head.
          Every body has only one head.
          A two headed body is abnormal, how about 250 or more
              bodies, according to denominational teachings.

   2. ONE BODY, BUT MANY MEMBERS:   -- Rom. 12:4, 5.
          The same as the human body, many members, yet, only ONE
              body.
          The members all work in harmony with the body.
          You have never seen an arm jump up and hit the head. The
              foot does not struggle against hand.
          There is complete harmony in our body.
          Yet, look at the religious world today, many differing
              doctrines and practices, yet claiming to be of the
              one body. How can that be????

   3. THE HEAD DIRECTS THE BODY:  --- Eph. 1:22, 23; Matt. 28:18-20
          Christ has all authority, therefore He is a fit guide.
          He is the mind behind every true Christian.
          Each one should respond as Christ directs.
          Yet, look at the religious world about us. One
              denomination does one thing, another does something
              else, still another does something entirely different

   4. EARS  -- TO HEAR.    --- Rev. 2:7; Jn 6:44-46.
          We should listen to what Christ says for instructions.
          Only by listening completely to Him can we please Him.
          Often people hear what they want to hear. Man's hearing
               is often dulled by his preconceived ideas. He has
               some idea in mind and goes to God's Book to justify
               what he is already practicing.

   5. EYES  --  TO SEE:   --- John 4:35.  "Lift up your eyes...."
          We must look upon our opportunities. Search them out.
          There is much to be done, but so often we close our eyes.
          God's family must have vision. Yet, that vision must be
               directed by God's revelation.

   6. TONGUE -- TO TEACH:   --- 2 Tim. 2:1-2.
          The great responsibility to teach those about us.
          The obligation to teach our children.
          Far too often the tongue is used to tear down rather than
               to build up.
          Eph. 4:29 -- our speech should edify, give grace.

   7. SHOULDERS -- TO BEAR BURDENS:   -- Gal. 6:2;  Rom. 15:1.
          We must carry heavy loads at times.
          Not only ours, but assisting others as well.
          Many fall beneath their burdens; they give up.
          May we always remember that we have a Savior who offers
               to help us with our loads.
          1 Pet. 5:7 -- "Casting all your anxiety upon him, because
                he careth for you."

   8. HANDS -- TO WORK:   Eph. 4:28.
          There are many ways in which the head needs the hands.
          How would your function without any hands?
          I am persuaded this is the way Christ looks at times,
               because we are not working for Him as we should.
          The only thing which Christ can do is what He does
               through us. He does not directly teach others; that
               is done through His disciples. Why he said: "GO."
          Go, and work in My vineyard.

   9. BACKBONE -- CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH:   Jude 3.
          The church must stand for something,  the TRUTH.
          We need backbones, strength to be firm
          "Do not wear your wishbone where your backbone ought to
               be."
          How often do we "wish" for something, but do not arise
               and do that for which we wished.

  10. FEET -- TO GO:   Mark 16:15-16.
          Touched on this earlier.
          Too often we had rather say, "COME."  And indeed, we
               should invite others. But, let us do more than
               simply invite, let us "Go."
          Christ can go only where we go for Him.

  11. QUESTION:
          If every member of the church would act as I act, what
               kind of body would there be?  What kind of ears,
               eyes, tongue, shoulders, hands, backbone, feet,
               would it have?
          Would it be a normal body? Or a deformed body? Would it
               have all the parts? Or, would some be missing?

  12. A CHRISTIAN IS:
          A Mind through which Christ thinks.
          A Heart through which Christ loves.
          A Voice through which Christ speaks.
          A Hand through which Christ helps.

Conclusion:
   1. What kind of body do we present to the Lord?
   2. Am I carrying out my responsibilities?
   3. Eph. 5:23 -- Christ shall save the church, the body.
   4. Must be in that Body, in Christ. Rom. 6:3,4; Gal 3:27.

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