BIBLE READING: Philippians 4.10-19; 3 John 5-8; Luke 8.1-3; Galatians 6.6-10; 2 Corinthians 8-9

The tongue and lips get a lot of credit for our ability to speak. But did you know it can over 100 muscles in the face to form a single word? Most of these muscles act as a support system, allowing air to flow properly, vibration to occur, and the proper word to be formed by the time it reaches the mouth. Many of us will probably never learn the names of these muscles, but if they don’t exist and execute their role properly, we would never be able to speak.

The human body is a powerful witness to God’s design for us as the body of Christ. As Paul would say, “Though [we are] many, [we] are one body…” (1 Corinthians 12.12). Though some members are less prominent in their work, like the hundreds of muscles in the face, they are indispensable to the ultimate function of the body (see 1 Corinthians 12.21-25).

As I have prepared for my next trip to Ethiopia, I have seen this in action. Simply put I cannot accomplish this work alone. There are many financial and logistical considerations. The preparation requires significant mental exertion and forethought. I’m often overwhelmed and anxious about what will be. But time and again my insufficiencies are supported by members of the body. I have zero financial needs, thanks to many of you. Out of nowhere I have received calls and texts of encouragement. I may be the one going, but it is the love of the church, the prayers of the saints, and the strength God supplies that makes the work successful. There are many people and families whose names may never be known to the brethren in Ethiopia, but whose contributions are indispensable to the work that will be accomplished.

This is exactly what our bible reading this week describes, and it is critical to the body. Those who are talented in one area are often deficient in another. It is how God composed the body so that no one can boast in themselves. We must continue to have a mind to share, support and serve the body with our talents and resources. As we do this, we learn the ultimate gift God has given to each of us: to love as he loves.

As we consider the work that we all can do, do not minimize the import of a supporting role. Perhaps the most needed work in the body is for you to support someone else in their role. Where would Paul be had it not been for the efforts of Barnabas (see Acts 9.26-30, 11.19-26)? Sometimes our work is a word of encouragement to those laboring among us. Sometimes it is a commitment to pray for them. Sometimes a supporting role means you financially meet the needs or serve other members in some needed way. Sometimes it just means you make yourself available when the time arises.

Speaking from experience like Paul, it is a joy to experience the support and love of others (see Philippians 4.10-19). But more importantly, it is an honor to serve alongside you in the body of Christ and see how together we accomplish the work he has called for us to do, together.

BIBLE READING: 1 John 3:16–18; James 1:26–27; James 2:14–17; 1 Timothy 6:8–10; 1 Timothy 6:17–19; Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 21:13

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed” (Proverbs 19.17)

There is an unmistakable calling in Scripture to serve the poor, needy and helpless. Under the old covenant this meant foregoing extra profits to allow the marginalized opportunity (see Leviticus 19.9-10; Deuteronomy 24.19-22). God expected a concerted effort to be made to both give and provide for needs in the community. While not so explicitly defined for us, there is an evident need to sacrifice and sell to supply the needs of others (see Matthew 19.21; 1 John 3.18). These expectations often assault our identity and security in the world; But that’s what faith does. It is not rituals alone that please God but a change of heart that invests in the needs of others.

In my experience, we tend towards mere talk that may sound right but does not produce action. This is worthless (James 1.26) and proves our faith is dead (James 2.17). As John would say, “let us not love in word or talk but in deed and truth” (1 John 3.18).

Now, there are practical reasons for serving the poor. Without this focus we easily become self-centered, proud and discontent. We become more deeply rooted in present comforts than eternal glory. These are snares that can destroy and ruin our faith (1 Timothy 6.9). Specifically, “the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil” (1 Timothy 6.10). Culturally, wealth creates distinction and develops pride. But God expects us to see it as a gift and tool for ministry. We must not be lulled by our standard of living and ignore those in need. The calling of God is to be those who share and help as we are able, and sometimes even beyond that (see 2 Corinthians 8.3-ff). We must be “rich in good works, generous and ready to share” (1 Timothy 6.18).

More importantly, this calling is rooted in God’s actions towards us. As John stated, “…if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? (1 John 3.17). Giving teaches us the love of God. Throughout history God has acted on behalf of the weak and helpless, the poor and needy. The gospel message is “that while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for us” (Romans 5.6). When Christ was on earth, he did not sit in ivory palaces, but ate with, touched and served those in need. As Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Luke 5.31).

While the ultimate goal is always salvation through obedience to Jesus, our work of ministry must involve giving to those in need. Let’s not be stingy or thoughtless with our resources, but open our eyes and give, like God has given to us. In doing so, we are “storing up treasure for [ourselves] as a good foundation for the future, so that [we] may take hold of that which is truly life” (1 Timothy 6.19).

BIBLE READING: Titus 2.2-6; Ephesians 6.4; 2 Timothy 1.5; 3.14-15; 1 Timothy 5.3-8; Acts 16.1-3

God’s design is for us to find strength from the faith of other believers. This point is obvious. However, I have observed that many have a narrow focus when it comes to these relationships. Are there people my age at the church? Does it have children? Are there people who share my interests? These factors can certainly impact our lives of faith. But to only think of the church from a social standpoint can be detrimental. Our peers often lack the perspective necessary to help us make wise choices.

Consider Rehoboam (1 Kings 12). When he became king, he sought counsel from older men, but rejected it in favor of his peer’s advice (1 Kings 12.6-11). His kingdom soon divided found itself on the brink of war (1Kings 12.16-17). Like him, our peers might make sense to us, but they lack life experience. Conversely, consider the religious leaders in Jesus’ day. They were so entrenched in their collective thinking they were unable and unwilling to consider the truth about Jesus (consider John 7.45-52). We too must be careful not to fix our opinions or dismiss the clarity of those different than us.

To balance these challenges, the scriptures reveal the import and obligation to have intergenerational relationships. The older must teach the younger (Titus 2.2-6) – why? Through life experience and faith, they have learned how to control their passions, rightly apply God’s word, and behave properly in the roles God has assigned. This command implies intentional effort to reach out to the younger and lead them in the ways of faith. This was the saving grace of my faith. In my foolish years, older men reached out, saying pointed and/or encouraging words that brought conviction and direction my peers didn’t have. In fact, many of my peers were doing the same dumb things as me! You may not be able to do something seen as “great”, but perhaps you are the one who grounds the faith of someone that will (consider 2 Timothy 1.5; 3.15).

Conversely, the younger can also teach the older. Paul encouraged Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4.12). The younger often have clarity, zeal and enthusiasm that the older have lost through the years. “Become like children” Jesus would say (Matthew 18.3). Children aren’t just the future—they are a model of innocence and trust. They speak plainly and often without pretense. We must learn to become like them in our thinking. We must learn to release control of so many things and trust God with the things we cannot control.

When faithfully practiced, we all benefit from intergenerational relationships. The church becomes vibrant and grounded because we learn to appreciate the value we all bring. This is the root of humility: understanding my role is to serve the body with my gifts and appreciating what every joint supplies (1 Corinthians 12.12-27; Ephesians 4.16). Developing intergenerational relationships is work that we all can do and will strengthen the body today and for years to come.

BIBLE READING: Jude 1.3-4, 17-23; Acts 20.28-35; Acts 14.19-23; 1 Peter 5.1-5; Proverbs 31.8-9

There are many circumstances and people that can assault, discourage and deviate our faith. 

• Struggling with financial or health circumstances (Proverbs 30.8-9)
• Physical persecution against our beliefs (Acts 14.19)
• False teachers (even in the church!) with wicked motives (Acts 20.30)
• Ungodly people posing as believers (Jude 4)
• Scoffers who live by their passions and cause divisions among God’s people (Jude 17)

Frankly speaking, we are not always aware of danger or equipped to defend against it. If we were, there would be no need for fellowship with others. But God knows better, and we should too. Repeated admonitions in scripture are “do not be deceived” (see 1 Corinthians 6.9-10; 15.33; Galatians 6.7; Colossians 2.8), “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6.2) and “pay attention to yourself” (see Acts 20.28; 1 Timothy 4.16). Even those who charged with being defenders must observe this warning, because we are involved in spiritual warfare that is both powerful and persistent (Ephesians 6.12; Revelation 12.17). 

Protectors and defenders are a gift from God and a critical work in the body of Christ. We know that overseers, or shepherds are specifically appointed to fulfill this role (see Acts 20.28-ff). In his wisdom, God knew that if it was simply everyone’s job, it would easily become no one’s job. And so, we need to appoint men to watch over our souls (Hebrews 10.17). However, protecting and defending are works we all can do in some way.

Our relationships with one another should develop greater awareness of spiritual needs and improper influences.  We need to understand that this awareness creates responsibility. That means we need to hold each other accountable for wonky ideas. Sometimes we need to involve ourselves in a situation to keep another from destroying their faith. Sometimes we need to go out of our way to show compassion and love when someone is ready to give up. The enemy and the influences of this world are too much for us to handle on our own. And so, we must appreciate those with the courage and boldness to protect, defend and come to our aid. This work can be difficult, but it may be the work that keeps you faithful and saves your soul.

Not everyone has the personality to defend publicly, and that is why we need elders. But we must appreciate that in the body we must protect and defend one another if we are to build up the body to maturity and, ultimately, glorify God. As Jude would say, “you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh” (Jude 20-23).

BIBLE READING: Romans 10.13-17; Acts 18.24-28; Ephesians 4.11-16; 2 Timothy 4.1-5; Acts 8.26-35

A crucial part of the body is the work of teaching and preaching. God gave “apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers” – roles requiring various levels of instruction – “to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4.11-12). The body cannot grow up unless those with the ability to teach exercise that talent for the good of others.

Teaching is often viewed through the lens of public speaking. This is an important responsibility not everyone is capable of doing and should be handled with care (see James 3.1-2). Preachers specifically must “reprove, rebuke and exhort with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4.2). Bible class teachers must guide others in understanding both the meaning and the call to action from scripture (see Acts 8.30-ff). But they aren’t necessarily the only teachers in the body, and we must not think this is the only teaching that matters. Apollos was a bold proclaimer of the Scriptures, but he needed to be taught more accurately the way of God by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18.26). His influence was great but this couple had the important role of teaching him in a private way.

I would argue that more critical teaching often occurs in these intimate settings. Having coffee to discuss challenges in parenting can bring clarity from God’s word to specific situations. Sitting on couches and helping couples work through relationship and family struggles makes God’s word a real and relevant force in these moments. The preacher can teach on these subjects, but these moments of fellowship and teaching make it personal. While very few will know, this work of teaching shapes and solidifies faith in ways that public speaking never can.

Teaching and preaching are skills given by God’s grace to build up the body in love (Ephesians 4.15), and those who serve in this way must never forget the goal: to make Jesus known and help others to grow (Acts 8.35; Ephesians 4.12, 16). There is no value in filling time with words or chasing rabbits. “Faith comes by hearing the word of God” (Romans 10.17), not some idea or speculation about what it says. These things lead to instability and self-righteousness, not trust in God (Ephesians 4.14-15). The greatest threat to the church is not persecution or government restrictions. It is a false gospel that allows people to sit comfortably in sin and selfishness. Our culture is filled with feel-good, self-help messages that allow pride to fester in our hearts. We can easily default to thinking we are doing fine because we are “good” people who behave “better” than others. This is not the gospel nor is it humble before God. The body needs people bold and sound in faith to show us the way of God accurately. And so, our teaching and preaching must not concede to anything but the Savior of our souls and his rule in our lives. Let us have this expectation of one another and let those who teach take seriously this charge from God.