The church in Corinth was divided.
Here Paul uses the metaphor of the body to show how the church should function.
1. Diversity in the Church - we all belong. (v12-13, 27) (a) for those feeling inferior (v15-20) - the body parts that felt inferior were making the case - it is wrong to think and feel we don't belong (if we confess 'Jesus Christ is Lord'). v18 - the Body of Christ is built by God, and He uses all of us. V27-30 - the diversity. A clock needs all the various diverse parts to work properly.
2. Unity is the Church - all are needed (b) Those feeling superior - the body parts making the case are the ones who are feeling superior. Paul turns idea of superiority on its head - we are all needed. The things the world thinks are unimportant, are really needed. (v25,26). There is no one-up-manship in the church. For us (v26) to relate to people with such empathy requires we know people well.
3. Implications. (a) Love diversity. God has made each one different, and we need to embrace all types of people. (b) Love unity - it is not about us. Our culture says 'look after self'. (c) Feel the need - need to be on the lookout for opportunities to serve the Church. We need to fill the gap. (d) know your body - need to open our homes and lives to others of the body.
