Life Group Discussion Guide
3.7.21
ONE Series
Lesson: The Body of Christ
12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with
Christ.13 For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or
Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not
made up of one part but of many. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
OPEN
What are some of your favorite parts of being a member of a church body?
NEXT
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 together. What is the significance of a God who is triune (three
but ONE) forming ONE body (church) out of many? What does that tell us about the church?
Many translations use the word “members” to describe the “parts” of the body. What does it
mean to be a “member” of the body of Christ, to be a “member” of a church? How is that
different than being a “member” of an organization or a club? Is there a difference? What do
you think Paul meant by “parts” or “members?”
Read 1 Corinthians 12:15-20 together. What is Paul getting at here? What is a real-life
scenario where the “foot” might be tempted to say, “Because I am not a hand I do not belong
to the body?” Consider together the larger context, what is the whole of chapter 12 all
about? How does this conversation about body parts relate to the larger conversation about
“giftings?” Does God still gift parts of the body in unique ways? How so? How has God
gifted you? Why had God gifted you?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:21-25 together. What do you think Paul means when he says that
some parts are weaker? What does he mean that some parts are unpresentable (or unseen)?
What does it look like it to avoid “division” and to “have equal concern for each other?” What
can we do to make sure that happens?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:26 together. How is it possible in a larger church for the whole body
to suffer when one part suffers? How can the whole church celebrate when one part is
honored? How can this group live into that for each other?
CLOSING
How can we live into that right now? What can we be rejoicing over together? What can we
be grieving over together? What do you need this group to be praying over you this next
week?