Preview: When we are baptized into the Church we are no longer our own. We belong to God, and must be prepared to give everything we are in order to achieve God’s will.
Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 12:1-14.
Memory Verse: Malachi 3:16.
1. Can we be independent and please God? Romans 14:7.
2. Why is it impossible for Christians to be independent? I Corinthians 12:14.
3. Is it possible for Christians to serve God as they please? I Corinthians 12:18.
4. Who was the first professed independent Christian? Genesis 4:9.
5. What was Cain’s reward? Genesis 4:11.
Note: It is impossible to be an independent Christian. Christians are placed in the Church in accordance with the will of God; not in accordance with that which pleases themselves. Those who love Christ will be satisfied to work where He places them. They will work faithfully and love the brethren. A selfish person is not of God. It was the Devil’s doctrine which led man to believe that he was not his brother’s keeper.
6. How closely connected are Christians to one another? I Corinthians 12:13 & Galatians 3:28.
7. With what did Paul compare the body of Christian believers? I Corinthians 12:15-16.
8. Is each member important to the body? I Corinthians 12:17-19.
9. How did Paul illustrate our need for one another? I Corinthians 12:20-21.
10. What did Paul say about the weak members in the body of Christ? I Corinthians 12:22-23.
11. Who united the body and for what purpose? I Corinthians 12:24-25.
12. Does the sorrow of one Christian affect other Christians? I Corinthians 12:26.
Note: Let us compare the Church with the human body and we will agree that no member of the body is useful if it is disconnected from the body. We are useless to the Body of Christ if we are separated from His Body.
13. What takes place when the children of God realize and accept the need of each other? Ephesians 4:32.
14. How did Christ organize His Church for its strength and growth? I Corinthians 12:28.
Note: Church unity was in the mind of Christ. He prayed that we should be one as He and His Father are one. Christ never prayed for us to be independent. Independent people have no strength and they cannot stand against the power of Satan alone. “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” I Corinthians 10:12.
Other Lessons* in this series:
Independent Christians
Independent Christians II
*Lessons in a series may not necessarily be in the same category.