A More Excellent Way: Pursue Love

Purse Love

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:11-12

I. Introduction:

Last week we stood at the close of 1 Corinthians 13 and heard Paul declare that faith, hope, and love abide, but the greatest of these is love. Paul was not merely giving us a beautiful conclusion to a chapter. He was laying the foundation for what comes next.

As chapter 14 opens, Paul moves from the supremacy of love to the pursuit of love. Love is not only to be admired. Love is not only to be defined. Love is to be pursued. The Corinthians were fascinated with spiritual gifts, but Paul wanted them to understand that gifts without love become self-centered, confusing, and unprofitable in the church. Love must govern everything.

So when Paul says, “Pursue love,” he is showing us that the greatest virtue in chapter 13 must become the guiding principle in chapter 14. If love is greatest, then love must lead.

II. Read the Text

1 Corinthians 14:1

1 Corinthians 14:1 KJV 1900

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

III. Pursue Love

A. “Pursue love”

a. The word pursue means to run after b. It means to press toward c. It means to chase with intention d. It means to make something your aim

B. Love is not passive

a. Love does not happen by accident b. Love must be chosen c. Love must be practiced d. Love must be cultivated in daily life

C. Paul does not say admire love

a. He does not say talk about love b. He does not say define love only c. He says pursue love d. Love must become the active aim of the believer

IV. Why Love Must Be Pursued

A. Because love is the greatest

1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 KJV 1900

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

a. Love is greatest because it reflects the heart of God b. Love is greatest because it outlasts this present age c. Love is greatest because it gives proper shape to every other grace d. Love is greatest because it is the clearest mark of Christlikeness

V. Love in Action

A. In everyday life

a. Choosing patience when irritated b. Choosing kindness when frustrated c. Forgiving when wounded d. Serving when unnoticed e. Putting others ahead of self

B. In the church

a. Seeking the strengthening of others b. Speaking in ways that help and heal c. Refusing spiritual pride d. Desiring that the body be built up e. Letting love lead every action

C. In our walk with God

a. Pursuing love in prayer b. Pursuing love in speech c. Pursuing love in attitude d. Pursuing love in ministry e. Pursuing love in the use of every gift

VI. Conclusion

Paul does not separate chapter 14 from chapter 13. He builds on it. Because love is greatest, love must be pursued. Because spiritual gifts matter, they must be governed by love. Before Paul teaches on prophecy, tongues, and order in the church, he begins here: pursue love.

If love is not leading, then we are already off course. If love is leading, then our desire for spiritual things will be healthy, useful, and edifying.

This week we must ask ourselves: Am I merely admiring love Or am I pursuing it

Let's pray.

Be Blessed

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