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The Doctrine of Christ

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    LESSON SEVENTY-FIVE The Relation of Members

    1. Each member of the church is a member of the one body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:27, 14; 6:15; 10:17.TDOC 226.6

    2. The members of the church are not only members of the body of Christ, but are also members one of another. Romans 12:4, 5; Ephesians 4:25.TDOC 226.7

    3. The members of Christ’s body, the church, have the same intimate relation one with another as do the members of the physical b6dy. 1 Corinthians 12:14-21.TDOC 226.8

    4. Each member is necessary in his place in order that the body may do its work perfectly and that there may be no schism. 1 Corinthians 12:23-25.TDOC 226.9

    5. So close is the union between the members of Christ’s body, the church that what happens to one member is felt by all the others. 1 Corinthians 12:26.TDOC 227.1

    6. Mutual love and a spirit of self-sacrifice and of helpfulness will make each member a blessing to the other members. Ephesians 4:31, 32; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Peter 3:8, 9.TDOC 227.2

    NOTES Each member serves

    “It is the body of Christ, and each member has its own appointed functions; each member not only receives life and vigor for itself, but has to serve the whole body and to contribute to its vigor and perfection. ‘Unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.’ The grace was given, as the apostle shows in subsequent verses, that we may each do our part toward ‘the building up of the body of Christ; and our function is measured and determined by the light and power we receive from Christ for discharging it.”TDOC 227.3

    The union of members

    “The relations between every Christian man and the whole body of Christ are of such a kind that whatever light, or power, or righteousness comes to an individual comes to the whole church. If ‘one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.’ In Christ we have no separate and private rights. When Christ blesses any Christian man, he blesses all Christians. Where the deepest wisdom is given, the clearest knowledge of God, the firmest faith, the most ardent love, the brightest hope, there Christ completes the blessing by appointing to the most responsible service.”TDOC 227.4

    “It is the purpose of God that his children shall blend in unity. Do they not expect to live together in the same heaven? Is Christ divided against himself? Will he give his people success before they sweep away the rubbish of evil-surmising and discord, before the laborers, with unity of purpose, devote heart and mind and strength to the work so holy in God’s sight? Union brings strength; disunion weakness. United with one another, working together in harmony for the salvation of men, we shall indeed be ‘laborers together with God.”-Testimonies for the Church 8:240.TDOC 227.5

    Members of one family

    “In the Church of God today brotherly love is greatly lacking. Many of those who profess to love the Savior neglect to love those who are united with them in Christian fellowship. We are of the same faith, members of one family, all children have the same heavenly Father, with the same blessed hope of immortality. How close and tender should be the tie that binds us together. The people of the world are watching us to see if our faith is exerting a sanctifying influence upon our hearts. They are quick to discern every defect in our lives, every inconsistency in our actions. Let us give them no occasion to reproach our faith.”-Id., 242. “By his baptismal vows, every member of the church has solemnly pledged himself to guard the interests of his brethren. All will be tempted to cling to their own cherished plans and ideas, which appear sound to them. But they should watch and pray, and endeavor, to the utmost of their ability, to build up the kingdom of Jesus in the world. Every Christian is required by God, as far as it is in his power, to ward oft from his brethren and sisters every influence which will have the least tendency to divide them or to separate their interests from the work for this present time. He should not only have a regard for his own spiritual interests, but should manifest a burden for the souls of those to whom he stands related; and he should, through Christ, have a constraining power over other members of the church. His words and deportment should have an influence to lead them to follow Christ’s example in self-denial, self-sacrifice, and love for others.” Testimonies for the Church 5:480.TDOC 227.6

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