1. Baptized by one Spirit into one body (12-26)

Just as our body is made up of many parts, so it is with the church. All Christians are baptized by One Spirit into One body of Christ and each person is a part of the body. Each member is interrelated and interdependent. God doesn't want us to feel inferior or superior to others by comparing our gift or talent or ability with that of others, for each person is precious to Christ and indispensable for the whole body. Therefore, we need to respect and care for each other instead of competing with or ignoring each other so that there may be unity within diversity. Each part of the body must accept its role and place to live in unity in the body of Christ.

2. Diversity of God's gifts in the body (27-31)

In the body of Christ, there are diverse gifts and ministries. Each person must accept God's sovereignty in equipping members of the body with diverse gifts and learn to work together to build up the body of Christ.


Application: Lord, thank you for the unity and diversity in the body of Christ. Help me to respect and love each person in the body of Christ and use the spiritual gifts to build them up.
One Word: One body; Many parts