Image by courtesy of: http://www.heartlight.org/
From a thorough study of 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (see below), we see that the Holy Spirit gave the Apostle Paul a beautiful vision of how the Church should function - operate - express itself. That vision was the human body and, in particular, the way in which the different limbs, organs and other parts of the body collaborate and support each other, in order to sustain the complete human being and enable him/her to live and move.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (ESV)
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
This was the ‘blueprint’ for the “body of Christ” - the Church:
Acts 17:28 ESV
“for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’”
Therefore, for the purpose of this article, let us consider one specific aspect relating to the anatomy of the human body not mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 - that being the manner in which the brain controls the actions of the other body parts. I pray that this will be meaningfully illuminating to readers.
The human brain is located in the HEAD of the human body, and it controls the actions of the limbs, organs and other components in the body. A ‘message’ is transmitted from the brain, through the central nervous system, and ‘commands’ the particular limb or organ etc to function. It says, ‘arm bend’ – and it bends, ‘leg raise’ – and it raises. It does the same thing with every part of the body.
We can say that the particular limb or organ ‘hears’ the ‘command’ from the brain and then immediately it becomes a ‘DOER’ of that ‘command.’ Notice that it does NOT negotiate or argue with the brain – it obeys! It is only when the human body is sick or dysfunctional in any way that any of the body parts cease to operate properly!
Jesus Christ is the “HEAD” of the “body of Christ” - the Church:
Ephesians 1:22-23
22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 5:23 (ESV)
For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
Colossians 1:18 (ESV)
And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
The “mind of Christ”, originating in our spiritual “HEAD”, and operating through His Word, ‘transmits’ various commandments to the members of the “body” of Christ. Therefore, AS IN THE CASE OF THE HEALTHY HUMAN BODY, we should be not only “hearers” of His Word but “DOERS” of it – promptly, without excuse and without argument!
1 Corinthians 2:1 (ESV)
“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
James 1:22 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
But here we come to a spiritual ‘crossroad!’ Do we, “promptly, without excuse and without argument”, ALWAYS obey the command from the “HEAD?”
What if the command is “forgive - seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 17:3-4)? Can we honestly say, “YES WE DO?”
Again, using the HEALTHY human body as the ‘benchmark’, if we procrastinate in our response to the command from the “HEAD”, what does that say about our own spiritual ‘health’ - as well as that of our local church? It is extremely challenging when we ‘see the light’ in regard to the above and, in application, it does not give us any room in which to manoeuvre! This is why Jesus said:
Three of the four human physical senses (seeing, hearing and tasting) are located within the human head, the fourth, feeling, being found in the body as a whole. Therefore, the body needs the head, containing the brain (which we have previously discussed) and the three specific senses, in order to steer it safely in the right direction and to avoid eating anything harmful.
The “body” of Christ needs the “HEAD”, the Lord Jesus Christ, to give it proper ‘direction’ in life and to keep it safe from harmful influences. Without the “HEAD”, the “body” would be ‘aimless’ and lacking true purpose.
The nostrils, set in the human head, take in the “breath of life” (oxygen) and send it down into the body (via the lungs). Our spiritual “HEAD” – the Lord Jesus Christ – sent the “breath of life” (Holy Spirit) down into His “body” – the Church (John 15:26; 20:22 - in conjunction with Genesis 2:7).
The human body cannot function without the “breath of life” (oxygen) flowing through it. The “body” of Christ cannot function, effectively, without the “breath of life” (Holy Spirit) flowing through it and energizing it (Acts 1:8; 2:17-18; 4:31).
The same skin and flesh that covers the human head covers the body. The same bone structure found in the human head is found in the body. The same veins and blood that run through the human head run through the body. So, in a sense, we can say that as the head is, so is the body.
Spiritually-speaking, the same thing applies with our “HEAD” – the Lord Jesus Christ – and His “body” – the Church.
We are “…of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones”
God’s Word tells us that “…as he is, so are we in this world”.
Also, Peter 1:4 tells us that we, as the Church, are destined to be “partakers of the DIVINE nature” (emphasis added).
In this context God’s plan is NOT to have a Holy “HEAD” with a ‘worldly’, ‘lukewarm’ “body”:
Just as the head of the human body is at the top of - is above - the body, so the “HEAD” - the Lord Jesus Christ - is ABOVE His “body” - the Church.
May we as Christ’s Church - His “body” - have the “eyes of [our] hearts” opened to the vital reality of our position - showing absolute reverence for, and being in total obedience to, our Precious “HEAD” at all times.
Considering, further, the fifth and sixth paragraphs of the this article, here is something else to ponder on:
Limbs, organs and other parts of the human body do NOT have minds of their own. There is only *ONE* mind and that is located in the *HEAD*!
There should be only *ONE* “mind” directing the Church - the “body” of Christ - and that is the “mind of Christ” which originates with our *”HEAD”*- the Lord Jesus Christ:
If we, as ‘limbs’, ‘organs’ - “members” - of the “body” of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV), insist that we have “minds of our own” in addition to the “mind of Christ”, this then implies that we have two minds. Another word meaning “two” is “double”, so perhaps we should reflect on what (James 1:8 ESV) says about a “double-minded” person!!!
Prayer
Dear Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that you would continually fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to ever keep my eyes on Jesus - the Head of the Church and the Head of my Life! Help me, Lord, to be of one mind with you and quick to be obedient to your Word and quick to be a doer of you Word. Help me by the power of your Holy Spirit not to be double-minded and unstable in my ways that my ways my bring glory, honour and praise to Jesus alone!
Again, using the HEALTHY human body as the ‘benchmark’, if we procrastinate in our response to the command from the “HEAD”, what does that say about our own spiritual ‘health’ - as well as that of our local church? It is extremely challenging when we ‘see the light’ in regard to the above and, in application, it does not give us any room in which to manoeuvre! This is why Jesus said:
Matthew 7:14 (ESV)
For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Three of the four human physical senses (seeing, hearing and tasting) are located within the human head, the fourth, feeling, being found in the body as a whole. Therefore, the body needs the head, containing the brain (which we have previously discussed) and the three specific senses, in order to steer it safely in the right direction and to avoid eating anything harmful.
The “body” of Christ needs the “HEAD”, the Lord Jesus Christ, to give it proper ‘direction’ in life and to keep it safe from harmful influences. Without the “HEAD”, the “body” would be ‘aimless’ and lacking true purpose.
The nostrils, set in the human head, take in the “breath of life” (oxygen) and send it down into the body (via the lungs). Our spiritual “HEAD” – the Lord Jesus Christ – sent the “breath of life” (Holy Spirit) down into His “body” – the Church (John 15:26; 20:22 - in conjunction with Genesis 2:7).
John 15:26 (ESV)
“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.
Genesis 2:7 (ESV)
then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
The human body cannot function without the “breath of life” (oxygen) flowing through it. The “body” of Christ cannot function, effectively, without the “breath of life” (Holy Spirit) flowing through it and energizing it (Acts 1:8; 2:17-18; 4:31).
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 2:17-18 (ESV)
17“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams;
18 even on my male servants and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
Acts 4:31 (ESV)
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
The same skin and flesh that covers the human head covers the body. The same bone structure found in the human head is found in the body. The same veins and blood that run through the human head run through the body. So, in a sense, we can say that as the head is, so is the body.
Spiritually-speaking, the same thing applies with our “HEAD” – the Lord Jesus Christ – and His “body” – the Church.
We are “…of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones”
Ephesians 5:30 (KJV)
For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
God’s Word tells us that “…as he is, so are we in this world”.
1 John 4:17 (KJV)
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
Also, Peter 1:4 tells us that we, as the Church, are destined to be “partakers of the DIVINE nature” (emphasis added).
2 Peter 1:4 (KJV)
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
In this context God’s plan is NOT to have a Holy “HEAD” with a ‘worldly’, ‘lukewarm’ “body”:
1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV)
14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
May we as Christ’s Church - His “body” - have the “eyes of [our] hearts” opened to the vital reality of our position - showing absolute reverence for, and being in total obedience to, our Precious “HEAD” at all times.
Ephesians 1:18 (ESV)
having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
John 14:15 (ESV)
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
Colossians 2:18-19 (ESV)
18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
Considering, further, the fifth and sixth paragraphs of the this article, here is something else to ponder on:
Limbs, organs and other parts of the human body do NOT have minds of their own. There is only *ONE* mind and that is located in the *HEAD*!
There should be only *ONE* “mind” directing the Church - the “body” of Christ - and that is the “mind of Christ” which originates with our *”HEAD”*- the Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV- emphasis added
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you BE UNITED IN THE SAME MIND and the same judgment.”
1 Corinthians 2:16 ESV - emphasis added
““For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST.”
Philippians 2:2-5 NKJV - emphasis added
“fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, BEING of one accord OF ONE MIND. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU which was also IN CHRIST JESUS…”
If we, as ‘limbs’, ‘organs’ - “members” - of the “body” of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV), insist that we have “minds of our own” in addition to the “mind of Christ”, this then implies that we have two minds. Another word meaning “two” is “double”, so perhaps we should reflect on what (James 1:8 ESV) says about a “double-minded” person!!!
1 Corinthians 12:12 (ESV)
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
James 1:8 (ESV)
he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Dear Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that you would continually fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to ever keep my eyes on Jesus - the Head of the Church and the Head of my Life! Help me, Lord, to be of one mind with you and quick to be obedient to your Word and quick to be a doer of you Word. Help me by the power of your Holy Spirit not to be double-minded and unstable in my ways that my ways my bring glory, honour and praise to Jesus alone!
Amen!
To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!
Jesus the Name above all names!
Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!
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