A PLACE TO BELONG | NOVEMBER 23, 2025

Chip Henderson

Sermon Highlights

Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

In 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Paul describes the church as a body—many different parts, all connected, each one needed. Some parts are seen, others are unseen, but every one matters.

We often drift toward two extremes: I’m so important or nobody needs me. But God pushes back on both. Even the unnoticed parts of the body are essential, and the same is true in the church.

Paul reminds us that we’re not competing with one another. We’re called to honor each other, serve under one Spirit, and celebrate the way God works through every person. The Corinthians had elevated certain gifts, creating confusion. But Paul points them back to unity, order, and love.

You are part of the body of Christ. You matter here. And your presence and service help the whole church thrive.

INTRO

Icebreaker
What are some roles in the church that often go unnoticed? What do you think would happen if no one filled them?

Transition to Discussion
Paul compares the church to a body made up of many different parts. Some roles are visible, and many are unseen, but each one has a God-given purpose. As we study 1 Corinthians 12, we’ll talk about what it means to belong to the body of Christ, why your presence matters, and how God designed us to value one another.

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12–31 together.

  • Paul says the church is like a body made up of many parts. What does this picture help you understand about how the church is meant to function?

  • Chip mentioned two extremes: “I’m so important” and “nobody needs me.” Why do you think both of these ways of thinking are harmful within the body of Christ?

  • In verses 14–20, Paul says that unseen parts of the body can actually be among the most important. What are some “unseen” roles in the church that you think are vital?

  • Paul says if one part of the body stops functioning, the rest of the body feels it. Where have you seen this play out in a church or group when someone wasn’t present or serving?

  • Verse 18 says, “But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.” How does knowing God intentionally placed you in the body shape the way you think about your role or gift?

  • In Corinth, some more visible gifts were elevated and caused confusion. What are some ways we might still elevate “seen” gifts today, and how can we honor the less-visible ones?

  • Gifts are given for the good of the church, not for personal recognition. What helps you keep that attitude when you serve?

  • Paul teaches that the church needs order, clarity, and love when it gathers. What helps create that kind of environment in a church or group?

  • As Chip led into chapter 13, he reminded us that love should shape everything we do. What’s one way you can use your gift to love the body of Christ this week?

NEXT STEP AND PRAYER

You are part of the body of Christ, and you matter here. God arranged every member “as He chose,” which means your presence and your gift are not accidental. When each part of the body serves with love, the whole church grows stronger and reflects Christ more clearly.

Take a few quiet moments and ask God:

  • Where have I been tempted to believe my part doesn’t matter?

  • Is there a place where I’ve been holding back instead of stepping in?

  • How can I use my gift to strengthen and love the body this week?

Let this be a moment of surrender and willingness, trusting that God has a purpose for you in His church.

Group Prayer Guide

  • Thank God for placing each person in the body as He chose.

  • Ask Him to help the group value both the seen and unseen parts.

  • Pray for unity, honor, and humility within the church.

  • Ask God to help each person take a next step in serving or belonging.

  • Thank Him for the love that holds the body of Christ together.

Amen.