WORKING MINISTRY AS A BODY

3: L E S S O N

Overview

God has designed the Body of Christ to function as one coordinated organism - many members, yet one Body, under the direction of one Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Paul reveals that although there are diversities of gifts, administrations, and operations, all come from the same God who works in every believer.

This lesson focuses on destroying division by understanding the structure of God’s Government and the danger of comparison among members. It provides an opportunity to embrace differences as expressions of divine order and mutual dependence. When every member operates in his/her God-given place and recognizes Christ as the Head, the Body functions in unity and love, fulfilling God’s purpose on earth.

Objectives During this lesson, you should be able to:

1. 1. Explain how diversity in gifts, administrations, and operations reflects the unity of the Spirit rather than division among members.

2. 2. Identify in Scripture, attitudes or behaviors that create division within the Body, and discuss how spiritual understanding destroys these divisions.

3. 3. Compare the functions of different members in the Body to show how each complements the other rather than competes.

4. 4. Describe the divine structure of God’s Government as it operates through the Body, with Christ as the Head and source of all ministry.

5. 5. Demonstrate practical ways to walk in unity, humility, and cooperation with other members to maintain the flow of God’s Government through the Church.

Activity 3.1 Preparation Activity

• a. Read the account of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38–42 and discuss one or more of the following ideas:

• (a) Signs of division versus order

• (b) Comparing self with others

• (c) Evidence of real ministry.

Note that the recommended video may be used along with the given Scripture.

Teaching With The Chosen: Jesus, Mary and Martha: One Thing Is Needful, Luke 10:38-42

b. How is this account relevant to the focus of the lesson based on the Overview and/or the stated learning objectives?

DEFINING MINISTRY

Ministry refers to the act of serving, carrying out duties, or dispensing responsibilities. In a biblical sense, it is God expressing His life, authority, and purpose through those He indwells. They serve according to His order and measure for the building of His Church and the fulfillment of His will in the earth.

Our previous lesson established that every born-again believer is a member and manifestation of Christ; let us now consider how ministry is carried out as members of His Body.

GIFT - Special spiritual abilities given by the grace and

extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in

believers. (These include the nine gifts of the Spirit listed 16 in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 and Romans 12:6.

Word of wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of Spirits, Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues

ADMINISTRATION - An office of ministry or service. (These are the leadership and service gifts found in Ephesians 4:11 and 1 Corinthians 12:28).

Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist, Helps, Governments, and Intercessors.

OPERATION - Functions, responsibilities, and the methods used to accomplish ministry (administration of the gifts). These are also expressions of the gifts.

Preaching, Teaching, Exhortation, Acts of Service, Laying on of Hands, Singing, Prayer, etc.

16 It is important to note that the word gift is also used to refer to leadership or service functions within the Body of Christ, which 1 Corinthians 12:5

identifies as administrations. Therefore, the reader must discern what is being referenced by carefully considering both what is stated and the

surrounding context.

Whether ministry is expressed through spiritual gifts, ordered through administration, or carried out through operations, all function together as ministry by the Holy Spirit in the individual.

This Scripture provides deeper insight into the various aspects of ministry. Jesus, as the Head of the Body, possesses and exercises all the gifts, administrations, and operations of the Spirit. However, He delegates these responsibilities among the different parts of His Body, the Church. Consequently, each member is entrusted with a specific role that allows him/her to contribute for the benefit of the entire Body.

Activity Pastry Making & Service as an Analogy of Ministry 3.2 Scripture Focus

a) Examine the image above noting the following: Who is in charge, what is made, the ingredients and tools

b) Read 1 Corinthians 12:4–6, 12 and reflect on the meaning of the key terms that show how ministry functions c) Complete the table below, using pastry-making and serving to illustrate what ministry is about for the Body of Christ, based on the given Scripture.

Reflection

Based on the image of the Body of Christ and the pastry-making and serving analogy, how would you describe your current part in ministry (gifting, administration, or operation)?

DESTROYING DIVISION

When someone receives the Holy Ghost, his/her soul is completely submerged (baptized) into the Holy Spirit.

This is a literal occurrence. The Holy Spirit, residing within their body, houses their soul. The significance of 17 this is that, since their soul is concealed within the Holy Spirit, their body is owned and used by God. The

Holy Spirit positioned in the physical bodies of the believers, allows Him to express Himself through the flesh.

He has the right to use it for His will.

Ministry, then, is not the function of a select few, but the coordinated working of the entire Body, with every member actively participating according to the measure and function God has assigned. God takes pleasure in this design, as each part supplies what is needed, revealing His wisdom, order, and glory through their harmonious working together.

The fact that our flesh belongs to God removes divisions based on race, gender, nationality, educational background, or social status. None of these distinctions determines our place in the Body of Christ, for we are all one in Him. Therefore, members of the Body should not disassociate or judge each other based on these fleshly differences. It is the Spirit that unifies us; thus, when we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, there will be no strain in ministry due to natural differences.

17 1 Corinthians 6:20 - For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Activity Unity in Corporate Ministry through the Gifts of the Spirit 3.3 Scripture References: Acts 6:1–7; 1 Corinthians 12:4–27

Purpose: To examine how the diversity of gifts, ministry activities and responsibilities relates to unity in the Body of Christ.

1. 1. How does Acts 6:1–7 demonstrate the principles taught in 1 Corinthians 12 concerning different gifts, roles, and responsibilities working together in unity within the Body of Christ?

1. 2. Using the diagram above, consider a corporate worship gathering in which members contribute through different gifts, ministry activities and responsibilities and respond to the following questions:

(a) How might the contributions illustrated in the diagram work together to support the ministry of the Body of Christ?

(b) What might happen if members fail to recognise or respect the gifts, roles and responsibilities of others?

COMPARISONS IN THE BODY

One of the biggest misconceptions concerning Apostolic Order is how people perceive positions of authority and hierarchy. They often view gifts like the apostle, prophet, and pastor as holding higher authority and rank them as more important than other gifts.

This misconception leads to the belief that some gifts are more significant than others. However, the Scripture addresses this by reminding us that the Body is not made up of a single member but many parts working together to achieve one goal. Therefore, there is no ranking system in the Body of Christ. Instead, there are various responsibilities, and each gift is equipped with the spiritual authority needed to fulfill its role.

Comparisons in the Body of Christ are extremely dangerous. It creates an order of importance among individuals, leading to temptations of pride and jealousy. However, the Scripture above highlights that every member and function is important and beneficial to the wellbeing of the Body.

The Produce Analogy

Consider the produce you can easily access at your local grocery store. Many steps make this possible. The farmer grows and cultivates the crops, managing the soil and water to ensure healthy produce. Harvesters collect the ripe produce, handling it carefully to reduce spoilage. Then, someone sorts and grades the produce to ensure only the best reaches the stores. Packaging, transportation, and distribution are also involved.

Each step in this process is crucial, and no single step is more important than the others. All are necessary to achieve the final result: food in your home. Similarly, the gifts of the Spirit work together, each fulfilling its unique role to ensure the desired outcome: the growth of the Body of Christ and the edification of the saints.

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We may not always understand why He gives certain gifts, but we know that everything He does concerning His children is for their good. Any gift you receive - or do not receive - is for your benefit, specifically to ensure your path into the Kingdom as well as your fruitfulness. If we accept His decisions and avoid murmuring or desiring what He has not given us, we will be on a straight path to heaven.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE BODY OF CHRIST

These verses reveal God’s approach to balancing the Body of Christ. He places special honor or

anointing upon those who might otherwise be overlooked. This ensures equality within the Body.

For example, youth may lack experience and knowledge in the Word of God, but God blesses 1 them with strength and zeal to carry out the work of ministry. Similarly, women, who were not

considered eligible for ministry under the law, are now prevalent in the Church. Lastly, apostles like

Peter and John were not formally educated in the Scriptures, yet God granted them revelation that

allowed them to excel even beyond the Pharisees.

God Balances the Body

1 John 2:14 - I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

The way God designs the Body ensures that there is no division or competition; everyone has a responsibility and every role edifies.

From the following Scripture, extract terms that identify the purpose of the gifts in the Body of Christ.

Activity 3.4

SCRIPTURE TERMS THAT CONVEY PURPOSE OF THE GIFTS

• The Perfecting of the Saints

• The Work of the Ministry

• Others

CONCLUSION

Lesson 3: Main Points

In this lesson, we learned that ministry is the coordinated expression of Christ through His Body. The Holy Spirit distributes gifts, establishes roles, and empowers operations so that every member contributes to the Church’s growth and unity. No function is superior or inferior; each part is placed in the Body exactly as God desires. When we understand this divine structure, comparison, competition, and insecurity lose their power, because ministry is recognized as God working through us—not us performing for God.

As we embrace the diversity of gifts and the unity of the Spirit, the Body functions in love, cooperation, and purpose. Ministry becomes fruitful when each member operates in his or her God-given place, allowing Christ to flow freely through the whole Body. This understanding prepares us for the lessons ahead, where we will explore how God’s Government operates through leadership and how the Holy Spirit establishes order in the Church for the edification of all.

1. 1. Diversity in Giftings: The various gifts, administrations, and operations reveal the unity of the Spirit as each distinct function works together under one divine purpose.

2. 2. Division in the Body: This is caused by behaviors, such as esteeming some gifts above others, comparing ourselves with each other, and competing against each other,

3. 3. Harmony instead of Rivalry: Each member’s function complements the other, proving that the Body was designed for collaboration, not rivalry.

4. 4. God’s Government operates through divine order, where Christ, as the Head, removes self-driven competition and directs every ministry in harmony.

5. 5. Structure of the Body: God is the one who determines how each member fits into His divine design and He does so according to that which brings Him pleasure.

SELF EVALUATION

The Self-Evaluation is designed to serve as a tool for you to examine how you are applying what is taught in the lesson to your own life, and/or to further probe your knowledge of the lesson. Please answer honestly and thoroughly.

1. How do you respond when others operate differently from you? Do you celebrate their God-given gifts or feel the urge to compete?

2. When faced with disagreement or misunderstanding in ministry, do you allow spiritual understanding to guide you toward unity? Explain.

3. In what ways do you intentionally support and complement the roles of others, rather than compare or compete with them?

4. Are you fully submitted to God’s order and leadership, allowing Christ to direct how you serve within His Body? Explain.

5. What practical steps are you taking to maintain humility and cooperation so that the flow of God’s Government remains unhindered in the Church?

EXTENDED STUDY & LEARNING RESOURCES

The task/s and support resources recommended are intended to be used to help you to study further and walk in light of the principles you have been learning.

Do your best to complete them, bearing in mind that you can study with others as a means of support and encouragement.

TASKS

Task 1: Unity in Worship at the Dedication of the Temple

• 1. Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 5:11-14

• Read the passage carefully.

• List the different groups or individuals involved in the dedication (e.g., priests, Levites, singers, Solomon)

• Describe what each group did and how they worked together.

• Identify what happened when they were all on one accord (see verses 13-14).

Reflect:

2. How does this event show that unity among diverse roles invites the presence and glory of God?

Task 2: Unity and Order in the Work of Ministry

2. Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 16:1-18

• Read the passage carefully.

• List the different persons or groups mentioned (e.g., Paul, Timothy, Apollos, Stephanas, the Churches of Galatia, Aquila and Priscilla).

• Describe what each one contributed to the ministry or how they served.

• Identify what Paul’s instructions reveal about:

• Order in ministry (vv. 1-4)

• Cooperation among ministers (vs. 10-12)

• • Submission and honor to those who labor (vs. 15-18)

Reflect:

3. How does this passage show that God’s work is carried out through unity, respect for divine order, and cooperation among diverse members in the Body of Christ?

LEARNING RESOURCES: KJV Bible, The Bible Teacher App Video - Solomon Dedication