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Introduction
As we continue our study of 1 Corinthians, we move into chapter 13.
This chapter, out of all the chapters in the Bible, it probably one of the most famous chapters of all time.
Outside of Psalm 23 and John 3:16, more people have heard or read in some form or fashion 1 Corinthians 13.
Unfortunately, it is also one of the chapters most often used out of context.
How is that?
Well, for starters, remember that this entire book is written to believers.
It is a letter from the Holy Spirit to the local church at Corinth.
As we discovered, there were many things this church was not doing right.
Thus, the Holy Spirit wrote this letter to address those issues and give them instruction on what was right.
Our last chapter of study, chapter 12, introduced the topic of spiritual gifts.
Spiritual gifts were another thing on their long list of thing that were not right.
They were misusing their gifts.
The Holy Spirit used chapter 12 to help them, and us, understand the fact He has gifted each believer with a special gift or gifts.
The purpose of those gifts was that we might work together the unified body of Christ.
Every member and attendee of a local church is a vital to that local church.
Each person is specifically and specially gifted to help that local church achieve its commission to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
For this reason, the Holy Spirit ended the chapter with this challenge.
As we noted in last week’s message, to “covet earnestly the best gifts” simply means make your gift the best gift possible.
It has the idea of doing everything we can to increase and utilize the gift or gifts God has given us.
However, in that challenge, the Holy Spirit ends with this statement.
From there, He dives right into chapter 13 stating...
Thinking back to verse 31, the word “shew” means to present.
Essentially, the Holy Spirit ends chapter 12 stating let me present to you a “more excellent way.”
The words “more excellent” indicates something that is superlative or of the highest quality.
“Way” means a course of conduct.
If we put this all together, we have this thought.
The Holy Spirit is now going to present to us the highest course of conduct by which we can utilize our spiritual gifts.
What course of conduct is that?
As we know from chapter 13, the highest course of conduct which utilizes spiritual gifts is “charity.”
Now before we go any further, it is our duty to correctly identify the word “charity.”
Understanding Biblical Love
The word “charity” is used throughout chapter 13.
It is used nine times in this chapter alone.
In Greek, it is the word “agape.”
“Agape” is found translated into English using the words “love” or “charity.”
These two words are interchangeable.
However, there is one other thing you must know about the words “love” or “charity” in our English Bible.
In Greek, there are actually two different words which are translated into English as “love.”
In our text, is the word “agape,” but there are also the Greek word “phileo.”
“Agape” is primarily used when describing the love that God has for men.
Whereas, “phileo” is used to describe tender affection people have for one another.
In fact, the word “philanthropy” comes from the Greek word “phileo.”
What is philanthropy?
It is act of goodwill or love for others in need.
However, that is not the Greek word in our text.
No, instead, we have the word that describes God’s love which is “agape.”
When you begin to study God’s love or “agape” love, you discover something important.
“Agape” love (I will say Biblical love from here on out) is a purposeful commitment to sacrificial action for another.
Let me repeat that.
Biblical love is a purposeful commitment to sacrificial action for another.
John 3:16 is the classic verse which demonstrates Biblical love.
Note the elements of our definition are described by God’s actions towards us.
There is purpose - Rescue men from perishing.
There is commitment - He gave
There is sacrificial action - He gave His only begotten Son.
For whom did He do this?
For all who will believe aka everyone.
The overriding characteristic of Biblical love is the fact it is a love that give, not gets.
A fact demonstrated by God Himself.
By the way, it is the basis then for way we are to love as believers.
It is the reason that the Holy Spirit says it is the “more excellent way.”
Now, let’s expand our thinking a little more about Biblical love.
Again, what is Biblical love?
It is a purposeful commitment to sacrificial action for another.
Correct?
By the way, God is love.
His very nature is to purposefully commit to sacrificial love for us.
He cannot escape who He is.
Therefore, it should not surprise us that Christ died for us even when were yet sinners.
Now, as we extract this out further, we come to another important aspect of Biblical love that is pertinent to us today.
Look with me at Matthew 22:36-40
Remember that God is love.
What kind of love?
He is agape love.
What is agape or Biblical love?
It is a purposeful commitment to sacrificial action for another.
Now, the God of love instructs His people to be people of love.
In doing so, there are two basic instructions from God to us.
We are Instructed to Love God!
First, love Him! Now, remember we are speaking about Biblical love, not a simple affection that we would show to others.
No, we are talking about the love noted in John 15:13
We are talking about a love that purposefully sets our wants and wishes aside for another.
Thus, when it comes to loving God, each believer must demonstrate their love for Him by purposefully committing to sacrifice their wants, desires, and wishes in exchange for God’s will for our lives.
How then does a believer demonstrate this kind of love for God?
I think you get the idea here.
Christ made it quite clear that we demonstrate Biblical love when we obey His commands.
He also made it clear that we are love God with all our heart, soul, might, and mind.
Essentially that means we are to love Him with all of our being.
Everyday begins with renewed commitment of the will that today I am going to sacrifice my life for Him.
Today, as a follower of Christ, I purpose to make Him the center of my life living in accordance to His commands.
A believer who makes that commitment day in and day out is a believer who demonstrates Biblical love towards God.
Yet, we must remember that Christ spoke of two different relationships by which we are to love Biblically.
We are to love God AND love others.
We are Instructed to Love Others!
Let me repeat once again the definition of Biblical love.
I aim to drive it into your hearts and minds this morning.
Biblical love is a purposeful commitment to sacrificial action for another.
When it comes to other people, we are to love them in the same manner that we love ourselves.
I believe that statement speaks for itself.
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