EN－①－B－05－ Basic Teaching 2026 Edition (ver.9) B Group Relationships with Others
(Part 5) The Church as the Body of Christ 2025/07/17
(Ephesians 1:22-23) And God placed all things under Christ’s feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 1:23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
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From these words we understand that the church has been given a very great mission and spiritual authority.
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The church does not mean a building but rather a gathering of believers. Therefore, in practice, it is the ordinary people who gather there that God uses to accomplish His work.
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It is not that great works are done by those with special abilities. Just as what is needed for a great tree to grow is not something special. As long as there is good soil, proper sunlight, temperature, and water, it grows naturally?because the tree itself has the power to grow.
In the same way, each of us, though ordinary people with ordinary faith, can naturally grow and carry out powerful works.
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But what must not be forgotten is protection from pests. Pests here refer to demonic things that oppose God, as well as the sins of the past and wounds of the heart we have spoken about until now.
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(Ephesians 2:21-22) In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 2:22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
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As these words of Scripture say, the church is built up through ordinary people being joined and united together. Where there is an atmosphere of love, unity, and humility?which are the very nature of God?God’s Spirit works abundantly.
In other words, the spiritual power of the church is that it “becomes a dwelling place of God through the Spirit.” Of course, the maturity and devotion of each member is important, but simply gathering good Christians does not automatically make a good church.
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The important thing is that even though each person is imperfect, we allow room for God to work.
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■ We need each other.
(1 Corinthians 12:27) Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
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Even though I have a head and a brain in it, if I have no hands, I cannot even scratch an itch on my body.
Likewise, Christ is the head of the church, and though God is almighty, to carry out His plan on earth He needs each Christian. That is, God needs you, who are a part of this church body.
It is truly astonishing that the Almighty God entrusted His authority and power to a gathering of imperfect people.
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The Bible compares each person in the church to the parts of the body, saying that “even if they are not noticeable, every person is needed.”
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(1 Corinthians 12:14-25) Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 12:15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 12:16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 12:18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. (Omitted)
12:21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 12:22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.
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In the body there is a small organ called the appendix. In the past it was thought to be useless, and since it could become inflamed and cause appendicitis, it was considered unnecessary.
But today it is known that the appendix is rich in lymphatic tissue and, like the tonsils, has a role in immunity.
In the same way, as these words of Scripture say, there are no unnecessary people in the church.
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Even if there are people who are spiritually or emotionally weak, in an atmosphere of mutual care, God’s love flows.
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Moreover, even if?extremely speaking?there is a person who brings a bad spiritual atmosphere, the problem is not necessarily solved by that person leaving. If God desires that we grow through dealing with that, then we must face that challenge.
And if that person repents and is transformed, they will bring to the church an atmosphere and spiritual breakthrough greater than that of ordinary people simply gathering.
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Each person has their own traits, and these have both good and bad aspects. A “person zealous for God’s righteousness” may tend to prioritize what is right over showing love. A “compassionate person” encourages and cares for the weak, but conversely may be too lenient toward sin or overly value human harmony, ignoring God’s plan.
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A “gentle person” brings a pleasant atmosphere but may be indecisive and unable to exercise strong leadership. On the other hand, a “passionate person” may be a strong leader, but their lack of attention to detail could end up hurting others.
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We judge people’s personalities and traits as good or bad, but all of them are good. Because they are given by God.
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However, when placed in the right role, they can demonstrate great strength.
Therefore, even in serving, it is okay to say “no” to things you do not want to do. That is not wrong. If you spend your energy there, you may find it difficult to carry out the work you truly can do.
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In any case, we should accept ourselves and others.
Since every trait has both strengths and weaknesses, the important thing is to recognize both sides of those traits (personalities), be tolerant with each other, guard our hearts, respect one another, at times admonish one another, and serve one another.
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At the same time, each person is at a different stage. Some serve in the church, some work for God’s kingdom outside the church, and some are simply resting, doing nothing. Each is fine as they are.
No one needs to be blamed.
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Also, to make the most of each person’s individuality and traits, a servant’s heart is needed. Without a servant’s heart, one might only complain, saying, “This is lacking,” or “That person doesn’t do this.”
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We must know that only when each person moves in harmony does the church function.
In reality, all of us were created to serve others. And what is needed is unity and the heart to regard others as better than oneself. We must not be critical.
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(Romans 12:10) Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
What is necessary for building up the church is loving one another. However, Satan tries to sneak in hatred, rivalry, and envy. The first murder in human history was caused by envy of a brother (Genesis 4:8).
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Therefore, following the first commandment to “love God,” the command given by God was to “love your neighbor.”
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(Matthew 22:37) “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 22:38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 22:39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 22:40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
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To love our brothers and sisters close to us is to obey and practice God’s greatest command. (Romans 13:8-10)