Hundreds of singers, several hundred children, and a huge orchestra step onto one stage, and before the first note is played, all you hear is tuning, with everyone playing something different. This scene opens a sermon on spiritual gifts and unity in the church in Corinth (1 Cor 12-13:3). Paul shows that the gifts are different, but the Spirit is the same, and each person has received a place in one body, to serve others in love. Listen if you want to find out whether, in your playing, your own melody matters more, or the shared one.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- What does Paul say in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 about the source and purpose of spiritual gifts? Why does this matter for the unity of the church?
- Why do the foot and the ear in the picture of the body decide that they do not belong to the body? How does comparing yourself to others lead to that conclusion?
- What does it mean that God "arranged the body from many members," and how does this truth protect against both feelings of inferiority and pride?
- Who is easiest to overlook in your community? How can you begin to care for them as a person, and not only benefit from their service?
- According to 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, how does love change the way you think about your own gift and the gifts of others?
- How can you use your gift this week to build someone up, or appreciate someone's less visible service?
