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every believer (v12). For the sake of space, Church (Mat 16:18). Like the body, the
four practical lessons are outlined below. figure of a building is applied both to the
Discontent of the members (vv15-16). In dispensational Church in Ephesians 2 and
a human body, the foot does not have the the local church at Corinth in 1 Corinthi-
same function as the hand, but both are ans 3. The building under construction
essential to the proper and effective func- is a spiritual and holy temple (Eph 2:21;
tioning of the body as a whole. Likewise, 1Co 3:16) comprised of believers as living
every believer in a local assembly has an stones perfectly fitted and framed to-
important role to play and is responsible gether. These same believers also function
to exercise that function. as a holy priesthood within the building,
Despising the members (vv21-22). In offering up spiritual sacrifices acceptable
a human body, the head could not say to God by Jesus Christ (1Pe 2:5).
to the feet, “I have no need of you,” for The foundation of the building comprises
then the body would not be able to move the “apostles and prophets,” with Jesus
from place to place at the direction of Christ Himself being the “chief corner
the head. Likewise, believers must never stone” (Eph 2:20). As such, He is the first
overestimate their own importance as if and most important stone of the founda-
others were not needed. In reality, those tion, bringing shape and character to
that seem to be “more feeble” (weaker) are the whole building. Christ is the Stone
actually essential – like internal organs, by which every other (living) stone is
unseen and unheralded, but vital! measured. Progressing from the corner
Dignity of the members (vv23-24). In a stone are the two lines of the apostles and
human body, some parts are undignified prophets who established the foundation
and require to be carefully clothed. Other of the early Church by their teaching and
parts, such as the face, are much more ministry (cf. 1Co 3:10-11).
presentable! So, in the assembly, some The form of the building is that of a holy
saints might be perceived as more comely, temple (naos). The Greek word refers to
having a higher social standing or a more the inner sanctuary of the holy of holies
desirable gift. But God has “tempered” rather than the temple’s outer precincts.
(blended) the body together in such a way The Church is therefore a “habitation of
that every saint should have equal honour. God through the Spirit” – a permanent
Devotion of the members (vv25-26). As and settled dwelling place of the living
members of the same body, saints should God. The implication of these words is
have the “same care one for another.” sobering for it demands the utmost holi-
There will be a mutual and anxious con- ness in character and practice from those
cern for every member of the assembly. who form, and function in, the building.
When one suffers, so do the rest. When Let the final word rest with Paul: “If any
one member is blessed, all are joyful! Such man defile the temple of God, him shall
an attitude would ensure that no member God destroy; for the temple of God is holy,
feels alienated or without value and pre- which temple ye are” (1Co 3:17). Let us
vent any rend in the fabric of the assembly. seek to live lives of separation, keeping
Living Stones clear of the filthy things of the world that
The Lord Jesus was the first to use we might enjoy the intimate presence of
the figure of a building in relation to the our Father (2Co 6:16-18).

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