So let’s read 1 Cor. 13, Pray!
I. The difference between religion and Christianity. V1-3
A. Paul in the previous chapters describes church life and our life but sums up in 12:31, “Let me show you a better way”.
1. Paul begins to address practices in the church that were considered spiritual:
a. Speaking in the tongues of men and angels. (Even today some say this is spiritual)
b. Corinth was the religious capitol of the world. (The world’s major religions were located in Corinth)
c. One of those religions was the worship of a bull. (The bull was called to appear by using gongs and cymbals)
d. What Paul is saying here is that without love. (We are no more than one of the cult religions practiced in Corinth)
2. If we have the gift of prophecy:
a. Prophecy was one of the spiritual gifts listed. (This is one that would be a manifestation of the Holy Spirit)
b. Paul even talks about the ability to know all mysteries and believe. (Speaks of having conviction of the truth and ability to discern even faith enough to move mountains)
c. But without love it comes to nothing. (Means that it really has no power to change anything in my life and those around me)
3. If I meet the needs of others and practice denial of my body:
a. This could include fasting. (A reference to the denial and discipline of the body)
b. Some felt to beat the body and suffer would lead them to spirituality. (But Paul says that this is not the important part of Christianity)
c. All practices without love come to nothing. (They are nothing more than practices they have no power to change, they are not Holy Spirit motivated, not empowered to change lives without love)
II. What love is and is not. V4-7
A. These are things we need to pay attention to.
1. Love is Patient and kind:
a. This means that it patiently endures things. (This is not speaking to abuse, but speaks to being patient while others are not getting it)
b. Love is kind. (The GK says being useful and in an act of benevolence toward others, it does not withhold what is needed)
c. Love does not envy. (This word in the GK is talking about coveting or jealous over what others have, materially or spiritually)
d. Love is not boastful. (This is to be a braggart, making sure everyone knows how important you are, and how wonderful you are)
e. Love is not conceited. (The GK love does not inflate ones self or ones ability)
2. Love acts like love:
a. Love doesn’t act improperly. (The GK means not in accordance
with the truth, or love acts in truth with the situation)
b. Is not selfish. (Love seeks others interests over their own, interestingly, Love in the GK is in the feminine gender, the thought is to nurture)
c. Love is not provoked. (The GK is to sharpen alongside, meaning to seek to cut when not what is wanted or expected)
d. Love doesn’t keep records of wrongs. (This is not to just forgive, but is also to not think worthless thoughts about someone)
e. Love rejoices in the truth. (The Gk loves does not rejoice in injustice, but rejoices in the truth of things, walking in the light)
3. Loves actions towards others:
a. Love bears all things. (The GK is to bear up, or to be a cover over that bears a load, to suffer through things)
b. Love believes all things. (The GK love has faith, understanding is faith in what God can do in all situations and with people)
c. Love hopes. (This once again is a faith in God to do things in peoples lives and the situation we or they are in)
d. Love endures. (This is to remain in a relationship, or situation that is difficult or hard to be in, to have fortitude)
III. Love never ends. V8-13
A. The GK is to never drop out, or to steer away from ones course.
1. Prophecies will come to an end.
a. Prophecies are for us while we are here. (The Lord has given prophecies for us so we may know the mysteries of God.)
b. Tongues will cease. (In the end there will not be a need for the ability to speak in other tongues because all will know the Gospel)
c. Knowledge will come to on end. (In the GK it speaks of science or the ability to gain more knowledge, we will know because we will be with Him.)
2. When the perfect comes. V10
a. Some have said this has taken place. (They say this is proof there is no need for signs and wonders and miracles and claim the Bible fulfills this)
b. The GK says when the completeness of age comes. (Reference to the return of Jesus and our being with Him)
c. So when Jesus comes for us. (There will no longer be a need for all of these spiritual gifts we are in need of now.)
3. When I was a child. V11
a. Paul is telling the church to grow up. (It is time to start thinking like a mature man in Christ)
b. Paul explains that all we see and experience now. (Is not the fullness we will know later when Jesus comes back)
c. Paul says that there are building blocks for maturity. (Faith, Hope and Love)
d. But Look at verse 13. (The greatest of these three is love, love is the foundation for Christian life and service.
e. Without love we have no basis for family values. (Because it will all be about us)