God's Design for the Church

I.  The church is a sovereignly designed composition.  (1 Cor. 12:14-20)

     A.  A twofold illustration of the absurdity of uniformity in the church.  (12:15-16)

     B.  A twofold illustration of the necessity of function from all the diverse parts of the body.  (12:17, 19-20)

          1.  Dimished capacity.  "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?"

          2.  Distorted monstrosity.  "If all were a single member, where would the body be?"

          3.  Divine design.  (12:18)

II.  The church is a sovereignly designed community.  (1 Cor. 12:21-24a)

     A.  A twofold illustration of the absurdity of solo Christianity.  (12:21)  "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.'"

     B.  A realistic mindset concerning the "less presentable parts" of the body.  (12:22-24a)

III.  The church is a sovereighly designed caring community.  (1 Cor. 12:24b-26)

     A.  A reason to care for other members of the body. (12:24b-25)

     B.  A condemnation of pride.  (12:26