Life On Mission – Part 1: Gathering Purposefully
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
- We Gather Purposefully as the Body of Christ.
“Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13 (p.877)
- Discover your role.
“But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you.’ The head can’t say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you.’” 1 Corinthians 12:18-21 (p.877)
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10 (p.936)
- Embrace the community of believers.
“This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 (p.877)
“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a fellow believer,that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?” 1 John 4:20 (p.943)
- Commit to living on mission.
“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27 (p.877)
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (p.771)
Series Memory Verse: “‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24 (p.747)
My Next Step This Week:
_____ Today I commit to gathering purposefully, enriching the Church community with your unique gifts and talents, and embracing the mission to spread God’s love in the world.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
One Thing: We Gather Purposefully as the Body of Christ.
Memory Verse: Matthew 16:24
Bible Background: The Church Body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
CONVERSATION STARTER
// What is the most exciting gathering you’ve ever been to and what made it so thrilling?
WEEKEND REVIEW
We Gather Purposefully as the Body of Christ.
How you can live that out:
- Discover Your Role
- Embrace the Community of Believers
- Commit to Living on Mission
// Was there anything that stood out to you, challenged you, or maybe even confused you?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
// Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-21 (p.877).
- What does this passage suggest about the diversity and unity of the body of Christ?
- What might be the implications for a community when one member suffers or is honored?
// As followers of Jesus, we each receive a Spiritual Gift from The Holy Spirit. Read 1 Peter 4:10 (p.936).
- How are followers of Jesus instructed to use their gifts?
- How might the instruction to serve one another with the gifts each has received challenge the concept of individualism within a faith community?
// Read Matthew 16:24 (p.748).
- What does this suggest about the nature of true discipleship?
- How does gathering purposefully live out this call to give up our own way and follow Jesus?
// What steps can you take to move from being a passive observer to an active participant in your church community?
- What is one specific change you can make to ensure that your daily practices reflect a life on mission, aligned with the teachings of Jesus?
My Next Step This Week: _____ Today I commit to gathering purposefully, enriching the Church community with your unique gifts and talents, and embracing the mission to spread God’s love in the world.
DIGGING DEEPER
True unity in the body of Christ is more than just being together; it’s a collective commitment to the mission of Jesus, where every gathering is an opportunity to inspire and motivate one another toward spiritual growth. This unity is not just theoretical but is lived out in the rhythm of worship, service, and discipleship, reflecting the selfless example set by Jesus. Read one verse each day and reflect on how you contribute to the unity and mission of your church community.
Monday: Ephesians 4:15-16 (p.897)
Tuesday: Hebrews 10:24-25 (p.926)
Wednesday: Romans 12:4-6 (p.866)
Thursday: Colossians 3:12-14 (p.904)
Friday: 1 Peter 2:9-10 (p.935)