WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST

I Corinthians 12:4

·         There are various gifts, and various offices to perform, but all proceed from one God, one Lord, one Spirit; that is, from the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the origin of all spiritual blessings. No man has them merely for himself. The more he profits others, the more will they turn to his own account.

·         The gifts mentioned appear to mean exact understanding, and uttering the doctrines of the Christian religion; the knowledge of mysteries, and skill to give advice and counsel. Also the gift of healing the sick, the working of miracles, and to explain Scripture by a peculiar gift of the Spirit, and ability to speak and interpret languages.

·         IF WE HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH, OR ANY POWER TO MAKE IT KNOWN, WE MUST GIVE ALL THE GLORY OF GOD. The greater the gifts are, the more the possessor is exposed to temptations, and the larger is the measure of grace needed to keep him humble and spiritual; and he will meet with more painful experiences and humbling dispensations. We have little cause to glory in any gifts bestowed on us, or to despise those who have them not.

·         There must be a distinction of members in the body. So Christ's members have different powers and different places. We should do the duties of our own place, and not murmur, or quarrel with others.

·         ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE BODY ARE USEFUL AND NECESSARY TO EACH OTHER. NOR IS THERE A MEMBER OF THE BODY OF CHRIST, BUT MAY AND OUGHT TO BE USEFUL TO FELLOW-MEMBERS. As in the natural body of man, the members should be closely united by the strongest bonds of love; the good of the whole should be the object of all. All Christians are dependent one upon another; each is to expect and receive help from the rest. Let us then have more of the spirit of union in our religion.

I.                   WORK TOGETHER IN UNITY

A-NOT BICKERING AS TO WHO SHOULD SERVE WHAT POSITION

B-NOT IN DISSENTION—(A DIVIDED HOUSE CAN’T STAND)

II.                WORK TOGETHER IN HARMONY

A-NOT IN DISCORD

B-NOT NECESSARILY IN UNISON—Everybody trying to do the same job---WOULD DO TOO MUCH OF ONE THING AND SOMETHING ELSE WOULD NOT GET DONE

III.             WORK TOGETHER FOR CHRIST’S SAKE

A-DO WHATEVER YOU DO FOR JESUS’ SAKE

B-DO ALL IN WORD OR DEED IN THE NAME OF CHRIST

IV.              WORK TOGETHER FOR THE CHURCH’S SAKE

A-THE CHURCH’S STABILITY IS BASED ON WORKING TOGETHER IN COOPERATION

B-CHURCH IS BUILT ON A SOLID FOUNDATION, BUT IT IS ONLY AS STRONG AS IT’S WEAKEST MEMBER.

V.                 WORK TOGETHER  IN ORDER TO SEE RESULTS

A-THE WORK WILL GET DONE ONLY IF WE COOPERATE

B-SOULS WILL ONLY BE SAVED IF WE ARE IN ONE MIND AND ONE ACCORD

VI.              WORK TOGETHER  TO GAIN VICTORY OVER OUR ENEMY

A-IT TAKES WORKING TOGETHER TO WIN A BATTLE

            B-DISSENTION WILL CAUSE DEFEAT IN A NATION OR A

CHURCH OR A HOME

VII.           WORK TOGETHER TO PLEASE GOD

A-GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION

B-GOD DESIRES FOR HIS CHILDREN TO PRAISE HIM NOT TO CAUSE DISTRESS ON EACH OTHER

C-IT TAKES COOPERATION TO PLEASE GOD.