What's Love Got to Do With It

Love That Transforms: Discovering True Love in 1 Corinthians 13:4

Context: Paul is writing to the church of Corinth and is explaining that as a believer no matter what gifts you have it means nothing if you do not know love. He goes on to give a beautiful outline of what love looks like in action by listing the fruits of the spirit. There are no discussions about love that exclude God because love did not begin with us. Every discussion about love should lead back to God and what Jesus Christ did on the cross. Take your cue from there. First and foremost understanding that everything he did on the cross to redeem points to :

the well being of another. Love is always about someone else.

Sacrificial: he sacrifice his life so that our lives would be saved. A debt was paid that he did not owe.

Endured: Jesus Christ got on the cross and he endured a death that was so ugly and gruesome while having the power to get up and he did not because he loved you and me that much.

Kind: On the cross his kindness and forgiveness showed he offered everlasting life to the thieves who were on the cross and he said forgive them for they know not what they do.

Self-Control was on full display he was fully God and fully man and he could have wiped everyone in that moment but he didn’t. He wasn’t arrogant or puffed up and he was literally GOD like literally the Birds don’t fly without his permission. Literally!!!! Not provoked. They literally told him to get his self down since he was God and he stayed!

Rejoices in Truth: When the thief believed that he was the savior of the world he said today you will be in paradise with me.

Finally: Please do not allow people to tell you that they love you without sustained actions that align with the fruit of the spirit. You can even stop them and say: You do not love me. Love in action is always clear, it is void of chaos and confusion, and screams Jesus Christ.

Part 2: You’ve Got Questions Christ has answers!

Home Work:

Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 13:4

Summary: 1 Corinthians 13:4 highlights the profound characteristics of love, emphasizing its patient, kind, and selfless nature, which stands in contrast to the self-seeking attitudes often found in society.

Open with 30 second discussion about the disagreement and the individual texting “What does love have to do with this”

My Response: Literally Everything

Lets begin with the Characteristics of Love by how God has defined them: Love is patient, Love is kind, Love does not envy, love does not parade itself, love is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, does not seek it’s own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Example: The Characteristics of life example to help viewers make the connection between what love is and counterfeit love or the term love being used incorrectly

Definition: Dr. Tony Evans defined in his sermon once that love is: the decision to responsibly, righteously, and compassionately seek the well being of others.

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand that true love is not just a feeling but a committed action that reflects Christ's love for us, encouraging them to embody these qualities in their relationships and interactions with others.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that love is at the core of the Christian faith, urging believers to adopt the qualities of love described in the verse and to apply them in all aspects of their lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, Christ epitomizes love through His sacrifice on the cross, embodying patience, kindness, and selflessness, serving as the ultimate model for how we are called to love one another.

Big Idea: True love transforms relationships and communities; when we embody the qualities of love highlighted in 1 Corinthians 13:4, we reflect Christ's love and grace to the world around us.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the cultural context of the Corinthian church and the challenges they faced regarding love and community. Utilize Logos to explore commentaries that discuss the Greek terms for love used in this passage and look at how love is portrayed in other parts of Paul's letters for a comprehensive understanding of its significance.

1. Practice Patience With Love

1 Corinthians 13:4a

You could begin by focusing on the first aspect of love, which is its patience. Reflect on how patience, as a core quality of love, challenges us to pause and consider the needs and timelines of others, rather than rushing to meet our own. Encourage your audience to see patience as a reflection of Christ’s enduring love for us, reminding them that love often requires waiting, understanding, and persevering through difficulties. By embodying Christ's patience, believers can transform their relationships and reflect His love.

2. Kindness Conquers Through Love

1 Corinthians 13:4b

Perhaps explore the second facet of love: kindness. Show your audience how kindness transforms ordinary interactions into moments of grace and compassion. Emphasize that true kindness is active and intentional, reflecting Christ’s kindness towards us. Encourage believers to view every encounter as an opportunity to extend loving kindness, especially in a world that often values harshness and quick judgment. Through acts of kindness, Christians can convey the transformative power of Christ's love, impacting lives around them.

3. Selfless Love Shines Brightly

1 Corinthians 13:4c

Maybe conclude with the contrasting nature of love: it does not envy or boast. Reflect on how envy and boasting are self-focused, whereas love prioritizes others, modeling Christ's humility. Encourage listeners to recognize when envy or pride creeps into their hearts, and to counter these with acts of selfless love that uplift and honor others. By putting others first, believers mirror the selflessness of Christ's ultimate love, fostering strong, supportive communities and relationships.