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Prepare the Body

Prepare the Body

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

1 Corinthians 9:24-27.  How do we build our body up in order to win the prize?  How do we train our body in such a way to handle the race?  Have you visualized the finish line?

  1. Successful preparation requires acknowledgment – the illustration would be that in bodybuilding or getting in shape we need to acknowledge where we are, where we’ve been, and where we want to go as far as our health, weight, condition, etc.
    1. I am not where I want to be (v. 1)
    2. There are those who will lead me astray (v. 2)
    3. There are good ways and bad ways (v. 3)
  2. Successful preparation requires a goal – the illustration would be that we need to clearly see what we are aiming for.  We don’t just start losing weight and expect to stick with it. We need a goal to shoot for.  Same with weightlifting or running.
    1. Understanding (v. 3)
    2. Common good (v. 7)
  3. Successful preparation requires knowledge – The illustration for this point is that we need to understand the proper way to build the body so we don’t make mistakes and end up injured and so that we will stick with our vision.
    1. There are varieties of gifts, service, and activities (v. 4-6)
    2. There is only one giver, one Lord, and one God (v. 4-6)
  4. Successful preparation requires a plan – the illustration here is that once we have a vision we need to make an informed plan.  You don’t just walk into a weight room and start throwing weights on a bar. You methodically start small and work your way up.  The same with running. The couch to 5k app or Run for God are good examples.
    1. God’s plan is that there is variety (v. 4)
    2. God’s plan is that all the gifts are distributed (v. 11)
    3. God’s plan is that we all are filled with the Spirit (v. 7)

Conclusion:  The church needs to be and is ready to be built up.  God did not plant each of our churches here to stay stagnant.  We need to acknowledge we are a church of God, led by the Savior Jesus Christ (Ephes. 5:25-27;29-30).  We need to realize our mission to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20) giving us a goal of reaching the lost and discipling the saved.  We need to equip ourselves with the knowledge of the truth and understanding what our part is in the body (Eph. 4:12). And finally, it is time we prayed and discovered where God is working in our community so we can work alongside Him and experience His blessing as He perfects us in Christ.