Honor and Dishonor

I stated earlier that the Church body has been forming over the last 2000 years.  If the average believer was asked if all parts are equal, more than likely, they would say yes.  However, there are differences.  There is the Great Multitude and the Bride.

1 Corinthians 12:18-21

18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

One part of the Body cannot discount another part.  Yet in 1 Corinthians 12:22-24:

22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.  24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:

Even though it is one body, it does not change the fact that there are weaker parts to the body.  What does it mean to be a weaker part of the body?  Romans 14:1

1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

Weaker parts are not strong Christians.  Often they do no walk as they should walk.

2 Timothy 2:19

19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Messiah depart from iniquity.

Praise God, He knows who is saved.  If it was left up to some, many of us would be left behind.

2 Timothy 2:20

20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

The great house is the house of God.  There are vessels of gold and silver, and those of wood and earth.  Paul is painting a picture of two types of believers.  The gold and silver are those that bring honor to the name of God.  The wood and earth bring dishonor to the name of God.  This is why Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 2:21.

21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

We are to get the wood and earth out of our lives, so that we can do works of honor.  There is a difference among believers.

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