God’s Design and Desire

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes the church as a “body,” in fact, as the body of Christ (12:12-27). In verse eighteen, he writes, “But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.”

Note that God has “placed” the members of the body. We can easily consider our physical bodies and see the evidence of God’s design, but Paul takes this illustration to the church. As the body of Christ, the church is made up of many members or individuals (12:27). Paul teaches that God Himself has placed each member of the spiritual body.

Note that God has placed the members of the body, “each one of them.” When a person becomes a Christian through the obedient act of baptism for the remission of sins, they are added to the church (Acts 2:37-47). We know that as Christians, we become children of God, that we belong to God, and that we are His possession (1 Peter 1-2). Paul clarifies that God is not only active and concerned with the church itself but with individual members (Matt. 10:30).

Note finally that the design of the church and the placement of its members is “as He [God] desired.” God is the authority, and everything done in the church should be done in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Matt Langfield