What do christians think I Cor. 12:23 is about.?

Question

is it studied, have you ever heard a sermon regarding this

As I read it, seems it says those christians who are immature should not be out here interacting with non christians because they create a false witness.

Does not take much reading in this section to know that this scripture is ignored., not taught, and definately not practiced

hey damian what translation is that, not at all like my letteral one NASB

Answer 1

The problem then becomes: who gets to decide who is qualified to speak about their religion; and if everything is getting filtered through this one arbiter, aren't you then preaching HIS word, and not the biblegod's?

The subject you bring up is actually kinda interesting....in another thread I posed the question (and the Christians confirmed) that their incompetence in discussing their religion could actually be condemning untold thousands of unbelievers to hell, since they failed to convert people to a religion they did such a poor job witnessing for....

Answer 2

I have not heard a sermon on this subject, but have read this Scripture many times.

1 Cor. 12:12-31 discusses unity within the Body of Christ. Paul gives several examples of less "noble" parts thinking they are not part of the body, when in fact, they are. Similarly, Paul gives an example of a more "noble" part of the body distaining "lesser" parts. He disputes this at verse 22 by explaining that "No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary."

However, the broader context of the unity issue is discussed at 1 Cor. 12:1-11 and 27-31: each of us in the Body of Christ has a different spiritual gift or gifts; none of us are excluded and none of us can (or should) be considered lesser than anyone else. Not all of us have the gift of prophecy; those who do are not greater than anyone else. Those who do not have that gift are just as important to the Body, because they bring other necessary gifts.

With this in mind, I understand 1 Cor. 12:23 to mean that those with so-called "lesser" gifts are not lesser to the Body of Christ; instead, they are just as glorified and necessary.

Therefore, I do not interpret verse 23 as condemning "immature" Christians.

Peace.

Answer 3

I've heard and read plenty on this verse -- for starters, you need to look at it in light of the overall context of the passage. Every verse has a context which will go a long way to shedding light on its intended meaning. I'll offer this bit of commentary from Family Bible Notes . . .

Verses 22-26: Are necessary; the strongest and most prominent members of the body are not in all cases the most essential to human life, but often those which are more feeble and concealed. Those parts which need it, we cover and adorn; and we never think of neglecting, much less of despising any part because it is feeble, or needs special care. God has so ordered, that if one member, even the most feeble or uncomely, suffer, all suffer with it; and if one rejoice, or is in health and vigor, all experience the benefit.

Answer 4

There is young Christains that their faith may not be as strong, therefore we are to encourage them in the Lord. There is nothing wrong with having a friend that is not a Christain just as long as that young Christain don't do the things that will become uncommonly before God. AS you read on down that Chapter a little more it says That there be no schism in the body, Or we can say (division) For God hath tempered the body together. The bible also speaks of a 30 fold Christain & a 60 fold & a 100 fold, A 30 fold Christain is just as saved as a 100 fold, but their capabilty to comprehend something may not be as fast. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

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.

25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

These scriptures are talking about the Church of God - the true church not all the different churches you see out there now. It is saying that we should live and operate as a body do in harmony and love, if one part suffers then the others suffer with it and care for it. It is the love principle that should be manifested in those who call themselves christians.

Answer 6

I see what you mean. It describes the inter-dependence of the members of the church, using parts of the body to emphasise their differences but importance to each other. Finally the section queries whether everyone has the skill to preach, it being left to the reader to say No.

There are a lot of folk out there preaching , advising, trying to convert others, who do not have the skills. As you say.

Perhaps it does not matter. When a true believer tells a non-christian about their love for Christ, their enthusiasm shines from their eyes, regardless of their skills or aptitude for preaching.

PS sometimes the greatest truth can be expressed by a child just four years of age.

Answer 7

The whole chapter speaks on spiritual gifts. These are the psychic abilities that most Christian's think are bad. I can't tell you why it is ignored. I have used this chapter as my argument to many Christians that being psychic is not Satans work. It is a gift from God and it is given to whomever God chooses to give it to. And these people are not always Christian. Everyone is considered Gods children not just a select few. I am not Christian and even I understand this.

Answer 8

1 Corinthians 12:23 And 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.

The basic message in this verse is part of Paul's comparison of the parts of the body and how they all work together. You are right, a foot shouldn't be testifying about the hand, nor should your left ear be talking about your rear end lol.

But to tell an "immature" Christian not to interact with society is completely wrong ... how can they grow and learn?

Answer 9

Read below starting from verse 21....... on the contrary, this passage is telling us that we must function together, all Christians. We, as the Church, are the body of Christ. We all need one another. When it speaks of the what we think as less honorable parts being modest, when you read down, God says But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.

Scripture is often misunderstood and twisted as well as ignored, maybe something for you to ponder.


21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Answer 10

Well, you didn't put it in your description, so I don't know what it actually says right off hand. As for immature Christians....a person's relationship with Christ is their business, not yours. To believe otherwise would be to judge, which is specifically taught against.
And I would like you to think what refusal to interact with non-Christians would entail. Would they have to quit their jobs? Stop going shopping? Never go to the movies? It is impossible in this day and age to interact only with Christians.