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Today's passage is typically viewed as an explanation of spiritual gifts or a call for unity. So the interjection of race and class (v. 13) looks like a deviation. But what if it's a lens through which Paul wants us to read the rest of the passage? Then we see the church's obligation to include people of every race, ethnic background, and class affirmed, and our interdependence emphasized.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

1. What parts of the body of Christ are singled out in verse 13? How do they differ from each other?
   
   
2. What is equally true for each of these "body parts"?
   
   
3. According to verses 14-16, is opting out of shared community with any other segment of the universal church reasonable? Is it even possible?
   
   
4. How (vv. 17-21) would the church be impoverished if it were made up of a single race or class?
   
   
5. Is it acceptable (vv. 22-25) for any Christian to be left on the fringes of the church without others reaching out to include him? How do we clothe those who seem "weakest and least important" with "the greatest care"?
   
   
6. How (v.26) should your church "suffer" with Indian believers being attacked by extremists? How could you demonstrate gladness for mushrooming Latino congregations?
   
   

Ask God to help you gladly affirm the varied racial, ethnic, and class strands woven into his Church.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

30 And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Adapted from Adapted from Relationships: A Mess Worth Making (New Growth Press, 2006) by permission. All rights reserved by Tim Lane and Paul Tripp and/or New Growth Press.

Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, give me a fresh appreciation for the diverse richness of the Church you are forming.

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