As Was His Custom

You Are the Body

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants share stories of those who were willing to offer acts of humble service.

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a.

• Ask participants if they agree or disagree with the following statements (in general). Why or why not?

• Adults don’t like to ask for help.
• Adults are uncomfortable with being vulnerable with others.
• Adults need others to thrive.
• Adults like to think they can provide for themselves without the help of others.

• What point do you think Paul might be making by listing the “various kinds of tongues” last in his list of gifts (verses 28)? [Downplay their importance in contrast to what the Corinthians had been doing.]
• Paul observes that some gifts seem to have more “honor” than others. Which gifts are more esteemed or respected in your church? Which gifts are likely to be underappreciated?
• Paul is writing to an ethnically diverse group in Corinth. There would also have been clear status divisions in the society between the freed men and the slaves. How do you think this church (or likely groups of churches) would have received verse 13? What are the implications for the church today?
• (R) Are we needier than we like to admit? [Usually, the answer is yes. We need others support more than we realize. We are likely to overlook how others contribute to our flourishing.]
• (R) How might the American virtue of being independent or having autonomy be in conflict with the Christian value of being interdependent? Why do you think being needy is frowned upon by our society? Is being needy always wrong?

Practice:

(Option A) Express your gratitude verbally or even take a small token of appreciation to a church staff person or ministry leader whom you think might be underappreciated.

(Option B) Allow someone to serve you (someone who does not get paid for the service). How does it feel? Why does being the recipient of other people’s service make us uncomfortable?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End by praying the following or a similar prayer:

Gracious God, giver of every good and perfect gift and the provider of life, help us to see our dependence on you and how we are interconnected to others. May we appreciate all people’s giftedness and contributions to the body of Christ. Amen.