"THE GREATEST GIFT FROM ABOVE IS LOVE"

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SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-13

TITLE/SUBJECT: TRUE LOVE

PURPOSE: TO SEE VALUE AND MEANING OF BIBLICAL LOVE

In studying today's Scripture passage I believe that God wants us to see [1] The value of love in our service to God; [2] God wants us to understand the Scriptural definition of "love," and [3] We are to determine when spiritual gifts would cease.

In the middle of Paul's discussion on spiritual gifts, he described the "more excellent way" of love. After first emphasizing the importance of love [VSS 1-3], Paul then defines love by what it is and what it does [VSS 4-8a]. Ending with love's quality of "permanence," Paul contrasts it with the temporary nature of spiritual gifts. Though such gifts fulfilled (and still do)important functions, the time would come when they would cease, while qualities like faith, hope, and love would remain [VSS 8-13].

MESSAGE OUTLINE:

THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVE - VERSES 1-3 [READ IT]:

In regard to speaking in tongues, [VS1) Even if one speaks (1) with tongues [languages] of men and of angels… (2) Without love, the person would be like sounding brass or a clanging cynbal.

In regard to the gifts of prophecy and faith [VS 2], (1) Even if one had the gift of prophecy to understand all mysteries and knowledge… (2) Even if one had the gift of faith sufficient to remove mountains… (3) Without love, such a person is nothing!

In regard to great personal sacrifice [VS 3], (1) Even if one had given all their goods to the poor… (2) Even if one were willing to be burned at the stake… (3) Without love, it profits the person nothing.

THE DEFINITION OF LOVE - VERSES 4-8a [READ IT]:

Love's positive qualities [VS 4a] are that (1) Love suffers long and that (2) love is kind.

Love's negative qualities [VSS 4b-6a] are (1) Love does not envy; does not parade itself, is not puffed up. (2) Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, and thinks no evil. (3) Love does not rejoice in iniquity (that is, in sin or wrongdoing).

Love's positive qualities are continued [in VSS 6b-7]. As such, (1) Love rejoices in the truth. (2) Love bares all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and it endures all things. (3) Of utmost importance, LOVE NEVER FAILS.

III. THE PERMANENCY OF LOVE - VERSES 8-13 [READ IT]:

We have the permanency of love in contrast to spiritual gifts. (1) Love never fails, but there is a day when spiritual gifts will cease [VS 8]. (2) Spiritual gifts are to cease when that which is perfect comes [VSS 9-10]. (3) Spiritual gifts can be equated with "childish things," which are put away at maturity [VS 11]. (4) Spiritual gifts are necessary when knowledge (revelation) is partial [VS 12].

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THIS CHAPTER:

[1] List the main points of this chapter:

The importance of love [VSS 1-3]

The definition of love [VSS 4-8]

The permanency of love [VSS 8-13}

[2] What is necessary for any service that we may render to be of value?

Love

[3] What is the main difference between love and spiritual gifts?

Love never fails, but there is a day when spiritual gifts as we know them will cease.

[4] what does "that which is in part" refer to in verse 10? [9]

Knowing in part, prophesying in part (i.e., partial knowledge, partial revelation).

[5] What does "that which is perfect" refer to in verse 10? [10]

Complete knowledge, complete revelation (See question 9 below).

[6] What two illustrations does Paul use to show the temporary nature of spiritual gifts? [11-12]

A man putting away childish things;

Seeing clearly after a period of viewing in a dim mirror.

[7] In verse 12, what word is being modified by the expressions "in part" and "fully"?

Know, or knowledge

[8] What will remain after these spiritual gifts cease? [13]

Faith, hope and love

[9] Why is it unlikely that the expression "that which is perfect is come" in verse 10 refers to Christ, or to heaven?

Paul speaks of faith, hope and love abiding (remaining) after spiritual gifts have ceased [13].

Because of the nature of faith [Hebrews 11:1] and hope [Romans 8:24-25], they will cease to exist when Christ or heaven comes.

In reality, "that which is perfect" has already come when Jesus Christ is allowed to be Savior and Lord, - to reign and to rule in our hearts and lives. Yet, He will, indeed, some "in a flash, - in a twinkling of an eye," and "faith, hope and love" will remain forever as we go into eternity with Him, forever! Hallelujah!

A WORD FROM PASTOR DON:

As usual, any sermons, outlines or Bible studies that are on my web sites may be used with my warmest and sincere wishes that they are Spirit-anointed and greatly used of God. You do not, however, have my permission to sell or reproduce any material on any of my web sites for financial gain. They are only to be used in individual churches or home fellowships for God's glory in Christ, to help equip and inspire fellow-Christians and to reach out to those in need and bring them to a saving and sanctifying experience in Christ. May God richly bless your ministry as you serve Him in the fullness of His precious Holy Spirit.

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