Love 1 Corinthians 13--Introduction

Corey Johnson

Sermon • Submitted 7 years ago

1 Corinthians 13

Love

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INTRODUCTION:

1. is probably one of the best know chapters in Bible.

A. But why is it in the bible?

1. What was the purpose of it placement between discussion of the miraculous spiritual gifts?

BODY:

1. THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.

A. This is the way ends.

1. Have you ever wondered why love is the greatest of what abides.

A. Because God is love.

1 John 4:7–8 NKJV

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

B. Paul aim was for us to pursue God.

1 Corinthians 14:1 NKJV

1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

1. Earlier in the book in Chapter 11 he pleads.

1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV

1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

A. This is a plea to pursue God.

1 Corinthians 11:2 NKJV

2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.

1 Cor

1. The traditions he delivered and that were to be remembered was the gospel.

1 Corinthians 15:1–11 NKJV

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

A. They were to remember the gospel useless they have believed in vain.

1. The Gospel is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

1 Corinthians 2:1–2 NKJV

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

1 Cor 2.

2. Paul recorded that our faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:3–5 NKJV

3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

1 Cor 2.

A. Again this is a plea to pursue God by having faith in the power of God.

Romans 1:16 NKJV

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

1. Paul and Jesus would say our faith should not be in the wisdom of men.

Matthew 15:9 NKJV

9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

A. What this means is our faith is to be build on God’s Word.

Romans 10:17 NKJV

17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

B. When we build our faith on the power of God we pursue Love.

2. DIVISION WAS CAUSING AN UNLOVING ENVIRONMENT AT CORINTH.

1 Corinthians 1:10–17 NKJV

10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. 16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

1 Cor 1.10-

A. The Church a Corinth had began to argue over who had the best spiritual gifts and this was dividing them.

1 Corinthians 12:18–25 NKJV

18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.

1. Paul’s desire was that the Church work together as individuals with individual gifts for the purpose of unity.

1 Corinthians 12:1–11 NKJV

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

1 Cor 12.

A. In stead of first pursuing love (God) and the gift that would best edify the Church they were pursuing the gift that would bolster themselves.

Matthew 20:25–28 NKJV

25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Matt 20.25-

B. Paul instructed them that the spiritual gifts were...

1. To be desired.

1 Corinthians 12:31 NKJV

31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

2. Given by God and all were important.

1 Corinthians 12:27–29 NKJV

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

1 Cor 12.27-

C. Paul would also instruct them that the miraculous gifts were going to come to an end.

1 Corinthians 13:10 NKJV

10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

1 Cor 13.

1. What was in part?

A. Knowledge

B. Prophesy

1 Corinthians 13:9 NKJV

9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.

2. Knowledge and prophesy are no longer in part.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Peter 1:2–4 NKJV

2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

A. Therefore we are no longer children in our understanding but adults who have put away childish things.

1 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

1. says that we should no longer be tossed about with every wind of doctrine like children.

Ephesians 4:11–16 NKJV

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Eph 4:11-

B. We no longer see through a mirror dimly when it comes to knowledge of God’s Word.

1 Corinthians 13:12 NKJV

12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

1 Cor 13.11

1. because the inspired writers revealed the mystery piece by piece until the whole mystery had been revealed.

1 Corinthians 2:6–8 NKJV

6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

1 Cor 2.6-

2. explains it like this...

Ephesians 3:8–11 NKJV

8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

3. WHY DID THE MIRACULOUS GIFTS NEED TO PASS AWAY?

A. Because a more excellent way was going to be shown.

1 Corinthians 12:31 NKJV

31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

1 Cor

1. The more excellent way was that of not needing the miracles gifts.

Mark 16:1–4 NKJV

1 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large.

Matthew 16:1–4 NKJV

1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; 3 and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.

A. Jesus was explaining to the Pharisees and Sadducees that if they could not see the signs in the Scriptures that He was the Christ then He would not preform anymore.

Mark 8:11–13 NKJV

11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. 12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.” 13 And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side.

Mark

1. Jesus would explain to them that it was a wicked and adulterous generation that seeks a sign.

Matthew 16:4 NKJV

4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.

2. Jesus had preformed signs and they would accuse him of doing so by the power of Beelzebub.

Matthew 12:22–24 NKJV

22 Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. 23 And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” 24 Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.”

3. Jesus explained that Satan would not cast out Satan because he would be house divided.

Matthew 12:26 NKJV

26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?

Matt 12.

4. Jesus explained that the sign of casting out demons confirmed he was from God.

Matthew 12:26–30 NKJV

26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

Matt 12.26-

5. Therefore it was a wicked and adulteress that sought after a sign because they should have believed.

Matthew 10:32–33 NKJV

32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

2. It is the same way today the word has been confirmed by the miraculous gifts.

Mark 16:20 NKJV

20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

A. It is only a wicked and adulterous generation that seeks a sign.

B. Paul was conveying to them that it was the message that was important not the miraculous gift.