There was an issue with the outline during this sermon. The original is posted here.
The Vestigial Christian
Romans 12:3-8
Introduction.
There are several places in the NT where Paul compares the body of Christ with a human body.
It is a consistent theme throughout Paul’s writings.
In Ephesians 4:4, we find that there is but one body.
Earlier, we note that the church is that body (Eph. 1:23; Col. 1:18).
The head of that body is Christ (Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18).
And He is the head of the body, the church …
Paul noted in 1 Cor. 12:12 that that one body is made up of many members.
For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
He notes the presentable and unpresentable parts as both having great importance (1 Cor. 12:22-25).
… those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
What about a so-called vestigial organ?
Since Paul compares the church to human bodies, is there an analogous structure in the body of Christ?
Vestigial organ defined: an organ that once had a purpose which has been lost in time through evolution; a now useless or mostly useless organ.
Supposed to be evidence for evolution.
Truth is God makes no vestigial organs, not in our bodies and not in the church.
Famous “vestigial organ” is the appendix—it supposedly lost its purpose in time and is believed to be either useless or mostly useless.
On the contrary, one function of the appendix is to cultivate good bacteria essential to the digestive process.
So what about a vestigial Christian?
Purpose.
Uselessness.
Excuses.
Body.
Purpose – we all have a purpose, a function.
In terms of our bodies, each organ has a reason for being there.
The function of the eye is to see.
The function of the ear is to hear.
One function of the appendix is to cultivate good bacteria essential to the digestive process.
Just as every organ has a function, so does every member.
These functions are not all the same (Romans 12:4).
The ear cannot see.
The eye cannot hear.
This is echoed in 1 Corinthians 12:15-17.
If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?
Every member has different functions, though we are one (Romans 12:5-8).
Gifts are given by grace.
We are to use the gifts we are given.
Some listed here are: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, mercy.
While many of these gifts were given miraculously in the first century, many still are given by God’s providence today.
We all have a function/purpose, therefore no one can be useless.
Uselessness – there are no truly vestigial organs/members.
Vestigial or leftover organs are the poster child for evolution—at least one of them.
The more we learn about each of these organs, the more scientists are realizing that there are no truly vestigial organs (e.g. the appendix or even the tonsils).
The Creationist knows this already—God does not make useless organs.
If this is true in the human body, it is also true in the body of Christ!
By His providence, God has given each of us some gift or ability.
It is our job to find out what those gifts and abilities are, hone them, and make use of them.
It is also up to us to take advantage of these abilities and to use it for the glory of God.
Paul talks about these different parts (1 Cor. 12:22-25).
While some parts are weaker, they are necessary.
Some jobs we might think of as honorable and some less honorable.
And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need (1 Cor. 12:23-24a).
We are familiar with the function of the eye, but are we of the appendix?
We are familiar with the function of the preacher, but there are plenty of other jobs that we may know little or nothing about.
In our brothers meeting this afternoon, we will discuss what those functions are, and see where we can all plug ourselves in to keep the work of the church going!
Since God made the body, He also gives greater honor to those who lack it.
But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another (1 Cor. 12:24b-25).
If God made the body, there are none that are useless!
For those of us whose work is behind the scenes, God gives you greater honor.
We are all essential to the functioning of the body, so we should all be working in some way.
Since the eldership has been dissolved, that is now more true than ever before.
We need everyone to step up to keep this church going.
Of course, many of you will likely do the same things you were doing.
The only thing that’s changed now is who all gets to make the decisions.
It’s a great responsibility, but I believe we are up to the task!
The Excuse: “But I am not able to do anything.”
Instead of saying, “I can’t do anything,” ask, “What can I do?”
Perhaps you feel like you are too old, that you have outlived your usefulness.
Perhaps you feel that you are too disabled in some other way.
Perhaps you feel that you have too much sin in your life to be useful.
Perhaps you don’t think you have enough time.
Perhaps you feel that you’re a baby Christian and don’t know enough.
If you truly are vestigial and completely useless, you will be cut off (John 15:1-2; Romans 11:21-22).
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:1-2).
For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God; on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off (Rom. 11:21-22).
You may not be able to do as much as you used to, or you may not be able to do as much as you want to, but you can do something.
If your problem is sin in your life, it must be dealt with—repent, confess, pray!
If you don’t think you have the time, make the time—if we truly care about something, that is exactly what we will do by making Christ and the body of Christ a priority in our lives.
If you cannot think of something to do, ask someone.
Consider the seven gifts and abilities in Romans 12:6-8.
Prophecy—while we do not have that miraculous gift, we cannot foretell, but we can forthtell! Proclaim that beautiful gospel.
Ministry—this is service. What services can we help to provide? I love the fact that many of us provide food for those who are in need. And we cannot forget preparing communion or baptismal garments. Even cleaning and tending to the building and grounds.
Teaching—if you are capable of teaching a Bible class, we always need teachers. That goes for our adult classes along with our classes for children when they resume. Even if you are older, we can always benefit from your wisdom.
Exhortation—write cards to the sick or visitors. We can always call those who were absent from worship, or even those who are here. The least we could do is encourage all those who are around you.
Giving—some of us are more blessed that others with our income. If you have that ability, give with liberality!
Leadership—since we are currently without elders, there are more opportunities to step up and lead. Do so with diligence!
Mercy—wow… shouldn’t we all be merciful to one another, and do so cheerfully? If that is your gift, use it! People tend to appreciate those who are cheerful. And remember, “Let love be without hypocrisy” (Rom. 12:9).
These are just some examples! There is so much more one can do.
Conclusion.
God makes nothing that is useless or vestigial.
Everything and everyone has a function.
Find your function in the body of Christ, and God will be pleased.
Make Christ a priority in your life.
When we make Him our priority, we will run out of excuses, finding our purpose.
It all starts with obeying the gospel of Christ.