“LOVE NEVER FAILS”
Notes
Transcript
GOLDEN TEXT
GOLDEN TEXT
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
If the gifts of the Spirit were the only criterion for success in church life, the church at Corinth would have been effective.
By Paul’s testimony, these saints were enriched in Christ and not lacking in any gift (see)
5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Yet they were wracked by doctrinal error.
Their case reminds us that being gifted by the Spirit is not the same as being filled with the Spirit.
His gifts are not the same as His fruit, and we need to be reminded that all is in vain without love.
Demonstrating genuine love is not an easy task.
Our culture promotes the idea that love is defined more by feelings than by responsibility and commitment.
However, this week’s lesson reveals that God’s perspective on love demands selflessness and hard work.
BACKGROUND FOR THE LESSON
BACKGROUND FOR THE LESSON
Chapters 12 through 14 of I Corinthians were written by the Apostle Paul in response to questions the Corinthians had “concerning spiritual gifts” (see)
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
In
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Paul exhorted the Corinthian believers to “covet earnestly the best spiritual gifts.”
The Greek term for “covet earnestly”means “to be zealous.”
In other words, the spiritual gifts that contributed most to the edification of the church were the ones to be most desired (see)
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
However, instead the Corinthians coveted the gifts that were the most popular or spectacular, but were the least useful.
The Greek term for “best” means greater.
The best or greater gifts were the ones Paul placed higher on his lists (see)
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
After outlining the various spiritual gifts and how they were to be used in the body of Christ, Paul paused to give an exposition on the “more excellent way”(see)
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
This is where our lesson begins.
As we shall see, this “more excellent way”was the way of Christian love.
Using spiritual gifts without love is unprofitable.
These gifts must be exercised in the context of Christian love.
I. THE ABSENCE OF LOVE (I Corinthians 13:1-3)
I. THE ABSENCE OF LOVE (I Corinthians 13:1-3)
Paul began his exposition with some hypothetical examples. Throughout chapter 13 he wrote in the first person, making his arguments personal and powerful. He included himself with his readers.
A. Using spiritual gifts without love (I Corinthians 13:1-2).
A. Using spiritual gifts without love (I Corinthians 13:1-2).
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
1. (vs. 1). In our first verse, the Apostle Paul begins by saying “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”
To illustrate how useless spiritual gifts are without love, Paul began with the gift that the Corinthians desired most—“tongues”or languages.
Using himself hypothetically, he said “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity.”
The “tongues of men and of angels” that Paul spoke of are apparently to be equated with the gift of “tongues” or the gift of languages.
The gift to “speak with tongues” was a special ability to speak in a known or understandable language that was unknown and unlearned by the one speaking (see)
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
Here this gift is compared to the practice of “charity” or love.
We don’t know what language angels speak, but we do know that they communicated in human language with the people in both Testaments (see)
21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. 22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. 23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. 24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. 25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. 38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Paul had this gift in abundance (see)
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
but he acknowledged that even if he could speak the language of angels, “and have not charity” it would be useless.
The word “charity” is ordinarily rendered “love” in the New Testament.
It is the Greek word “agape”and speaks of an active, self-sacrificing concern for others that expresses itself in charitable actions and attitudes.
The same Greek word is used for God’s love for us (see)
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
and our love for one another (see)
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
In today’s usage, the word “charity” often refers to helping the needy.
However, this is only one aspect of Christian love (see)
17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
To show how useless it was for him to be able to speak in languages of men and angels without love, Paul said “I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”
In other words, without being used in love, the gift of “tongues” or being able to speak an unlearned known language was just a lot of noise.
“Sounding brass”refers to a bronze gong, and “a tinkling cymbal”is a clanging “cymbal” that produces only a loud sound.
Noise is produced by both of these instruments, but no musical melody.
The same is true of an unknown language used without love—it serves no purpose.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
2. (vs. 2). Paul continues his hypothetical situations saying “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”
The “gift of prophecy” is the ability to proclaim God’s Word, for the prophets were God’s spokesmen.
This was one of the best “gifts” because of its great value in edifying the church.
Paul ranked it second behind the “gift” of apostles (see)
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Note: Paul himself spoke in tongues or different languages (see)
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
and didn’t forbid its use (see)
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
but the “gift of prophecy” was used to edify, exhort, and comfort God’s people (see)
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
As a result, Paul declared in
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
A “mystery” in the New Testament refers to a revelation by God that was once hidden but is now revealed (see)
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
“Knowledge” here also called the “word of knowledge” (see)
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
could be understood as Spirit-led insight into the meaning of Scripture (see)
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. 27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: 28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
“Faith” here is the ability to trust God to work in seemingly impossible situations (see)
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
The idea of “removing mountains” appears to be a proverbial way of referring to the great power of “faith” (see)
20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
In essence, Paul was saying that even if he had prophetic insights into all the “mysteries” of God, the “knowledge” to teach His truths, and even “faith to remove mountains,” it all would be useless without love.
As important as these gifts were to the Corinthian church, they still needed to be used with a generous dose of Christian love.
As an apostle of Christ, Paul probably had all of these gifts mentioned in this verse (see)
11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
However, if he failed to use them with the guiding principle of Christian love, he said that “I am nothing.”
B. Self-sacrifice without love (I Corinthians 13:3)
B. Self-sacrifice without love (I Corinthians 13:3)
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Paul goes on to say in this verse “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”
The apostle now turns his attention to deeds of mercy and devotion.
Paul stated that even if he took everything he owned and gave it all to “the poor,” or sacrificed his “body” by being “burned” to death to become a martyr, and “have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”
One would naturally think that doing such drastic things might indicate a deep devotion to the LORD and His people, but other motives could inspire a person to do these same things.
These deeds may come from the selfish desire for praise and immortality in the eyes of men.
Giving all one’s “goods to feed the poor” and sacrificing one’s life are deeds that must be judged by the motive or reason behind them.
What we may perceive as love for Christ and mankind may simply be a show of pride.
If the motive for doing these things is not love, then as Paul said “it profiteth me nothing” meaning our actions would be worthless.
II. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE (I Corinthians 13:4-7)
II. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE (I Corinthians 13:4-7)
A. Love’s behavior (I Corinthians 13:4-6)
A. Love’s behavior (I Corinthians 13:4-6)
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
The apostle now begins to describe how Christian love acts, or in some cases does not act.
1. (vs. 4). In this verse Paul says “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”
First, he said that “Charity (love) suffereth long” meaning that love is patient.
A person characterized by love is slow to become angry, and puts up with other people’s unpleasant character traits and actions toward us.
Note: While most of us, if not all of us, would admit that we need more patience, we are not willing to wait for it or do the necessary work to achieve it. Patience comes through experiencing tribulations (see)
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And if the truth be told, none of us want to face adversity in order to gain patience.
But nevertheless, patience grows out of love.
Love is also “kind.” A person characterized by love will show kindness or will do good to others and is not self-centered.
This includes responding with kind words and acts to those who would mistreat us.
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Paul also said that “charity (love) envieth not.”
In other words, love is “not envious” or jealous.
This was certainly a problem in Corinth because they “envied” others for their gifts and made a show of their own gifts (see)
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
The person who loves accepts the place that God has appointed to them without desiring or taking credit for someone else’s accomplishments.
The one who loves is willing to rejoice with those who rejoice in their blessings and successes (see)
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
“Charity vaunteth not itself” means that love does not boast about itself and is not arrogant.
But many of the Corinthian believers were arrogant (see)
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. 19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
The person who loves does not show off or boast in an attempt to make others jealous of what they own or have accomplished.
In addition, “charity” or love “is not puffed up.” In other words, love is not filled with pride.
The person who loves is humble and behaves Christlike (see)
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
2. (vs. 5). Paul continued to say in this verse that charity or love “Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.”
The Greek term for “behave itself unseemly” means “to act in a rude manner.”
It refers to any action that would be disgraceful or dishonorable.
The one who loves always conducts themselves in a becoming manner.
They are always concerned about how others feel.
Love “seeketh not her own” means that the person who loves does not insist on having their “own” way at the expense of others.
Love is not self-centered.
The interests of others are placed before any of its “own” interests.
Self-centeredness is sin, for it replaces God with self.
It was self-centeredness that pushed mankind into sin (see)
6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Paul also said that charity or love “is not easily provoked.”
This means that the person who loves is not easily angered.
The Greek term for “provoked” means “to arouse to anger.”
The person who exhibits Christian love does not have a short fuse.
Since many in Corinth were easy to become angry, it led them to take one another to court to decide issues they could’ve resolved on their own (see)
1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? 2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. 5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? 6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. 7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? 8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.
Finally, here Paul said that love “thinketh no evil.”
The Greek term for “thinketh” means “to reckon.”
It was used for the keeping of accounts.
Thus the phrase “thinketh no evil” means that love doesn’t keep a mental record or accounting of other’s wrongdoings.
Unfortunately, too many of us keep a record of wrongs done to us in order to hold it against the wrongdoer.
The person who loves does not harbor resentment against those who have wronged them, nor do they look for an opportunity to get even when they have been hurt.
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
3. (vs. 6). This verse says charity or love “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.”
The word “iniquity” means “sin.”
Paul stated that the one who loves does not rejoice in sin or gloat over evil.
Love doesn’t find pleasure in any kind of evil; love does not condone sin.
Although the Corinthians may not have been “rejoicing in iniquity” or sin, they were condoning it (see)
1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
But what love does is “rejoiceth in the truth” or with “the truth.”
We are often too quick to listen to bad reports about other people and seem thrilled when we do.
But when we hear a good report, we often quickly dismiss or pay no attention to it instead of “rejoicing” as we should.
B. Love’s beliefs (I Corinthians 13:7)
B. Love’s beliefs (I Corinthians 13:7)
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
In this verse, Paul summed up his description of Christian love saying that charity or love “Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
The Greek word translated “beareth” mans “to protect.” Love protects others from contempt.
If another believer has sinned, love attempts to restore the erring brother.
Although love does not condone sin, it does seek to protect the offender.
Yet, the Corinthians were putting stumbling blocks in the way of the less mature believers (see)
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
However, in the context of our lesson, “beareth all things”could also mean to restrain oneself when being wronged and not venting our frustration.
“Believeth all things” means that the person who loves is always ready to “believe” the best in others.
It does not mean that we are gullible, but that we are willing to give others the benefit of the doubt in all situations.
The one who loves is not quick to be suspicious of the motives and actions of others, nor are they ready to think of the worst-case scenario.
The one who loves “hopeth all things.”
This means that love is convinced that God’s purpose for His people will ultimately be fulfilled (see)
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
In addition, love does not see failure in the life of a believer as God’s purpose being thwarted.
Paul then said that love “endureth all things.”
The word “endureth” here refers to “an active perseverance.”
The one who loves perseveres in the midst of adversity.
Love endures whatever difficulties the believer encounters.
In the Greek world during Paul’s time, the word “endureth”was used for soldiers who held on to a military position at all costs.
III. THE DURATION OF LOVE (I Corinthians 13:8-13)
III. THE DURATION OF LOVE (I Corinthians 13:8-13)
A. The temporary nature of gifts (I Corinthians 13:8-10)
A. The temporary nature of gifts (I Corinthians 13:8-10)
At this point in his discussion of Christian love, Paul now returns to the topic of spiritual gifts, which by their very nature are only temporary.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
1. (vs. 8). In this verse, the apostle declared that “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”
Paul began here by stating that “Charity (love) never faileth.”
In other words, love “never fails,” for it is permanent and eternal.
Paul then contrasted the permanence of love with the cessation of the spiritual gifts.
Spiritual gifts have been given to believers to edify or build up the Christian church and how long they last is limited to the time when the church needs them.
The three gifts Paul mentioned here, “prophecies, tongues and knowledge” are called sign gifts because they were often signs that accompanied the revelation of God’s will.
Paul said that love was permanent, but “whether there be prophecies, they shall fail.”
The word “prophecies” refers to the gift of prophecy demonstrated by prophets.
Note: Before the Scriptures were completed, the gift of “prophecy” was especially valuable to the church and was the ability to declare God’s revelation or message to His people. The New Testament prophets were inspired by God to foretell future events (see)
27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. 11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
At other times, New Testament prophets expressed general exhortation to the church (see)
1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
Paul next said that “prophecies…shall fail” or be done away with.
The Greek word translated “fail” means “to render something inoperative.”
In this case, “prophecies” will be made inoperative by using something outside of themselves.
This something would be the coming of “that which is perfect” (see verse 10).
Paul also said that “whether there be tongues, they shall cease.”
The gift of “tongues” would cease to function as well. Speaking in “tongues” or other known languages was one of the signs intended primarily for unbelievers (see)
21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
and confirmed the teaching of the apostles (see)
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
As a result, many believe that when the apostles passed off the scene of history, the sign gift of “tongues” ended as well.
Others of course, will argue that the gift of “tongues” is still operative, though there is no evidence of this (see comments on verse 1).
Paul then mentions a third spiritual gift stating that “whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”
The spiritual gift of “knowledge” will also be done away with.
Paul was not referring to “knowledge” in general or to what can be gained in an educational setting.
Instead, he was thinking of the “knowledge” that came by divine revelation, like Paul himself received (see)
11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
The Greek word for “vanish away” is the same word translated “faileth” earlier in this verse.
Therefore, like “prophecies,” the gift of “knowledge” will become inoperative with the coming of “that which is perfect” (see verse 10).
Since these three gifts are going to “fail,” “cease” and “vanish away,” it’s clear that they were only temporary, or would last only as long as God deemed them to be useful in the church.
In contrast to these temporary gifts, love “never faileth” but will last forever.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
2. (vs. 9). Now Paul says in this verse “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.”
The spiritual gifts of knowledge and prophecy are by nature limited.
Both knowledge and prophecy are partial and incomplete, but are needed in our imperfect existence.
No apostle or prophet had absolute and complete knowledge; only God has that (see)
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 10 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Even Paul’s knowledge was partial or incomplete and his prophecy was partial as well.
He warned the Corinthian believers about those who claimed to know everything (see)
2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
3. (vs. 10). Paul continued to say in this verse “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
Bible scholars debate the meaning of the phrase “when that which is perfect is come.”
The Greek word for “perfect” is the adjective teleionand it can be rendered “mature” or “complete.”
Some think “that which is perfect” refers to the completed New Testament Scriptures.
However, others see it as a reference to the second coming of Christ.
Which explanation a person believes will imply when these gifts of knowledge and prophecies will no longer be needed by the church.
Each bit of knowledge or prophecy that we have reveals a small portion of God’s plan, so we are left with an incomplete picture.
Even now, with the completion of the New Testament and its revelation, we still cannot begin to comprehend the fullness of God’s Person and plan (see)
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
We will not know that until the church itself is transformed into His image (see)
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
The full revelation of God’s truth will come “when that which is perfect is come.”
The word “perfect” most likely refers to the moment believers are transformed and glorified (see)
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
This will take place at the rapture of the church (see)
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Note: The idea of perfection here in this verse refers to what is complete, lacking nothing. Therefore, when gifts are no longer needed, the church will not suffer any loss because the partial will be replaced by the complete. So the longest any gifts will be needed will be until the return of Christ. But since God sovereignly gave the gifts, it’s also His prerogative to decide when to remove or modify them even before the return of Christ. Many scholars believe that this has happened to the gifts of prophecy and tongues, being no longer needed by the church. We may not know when “that which is perfect is come,” but we do know that the spiritual gifts are incomplete or “in part,” and therefore one day “shall be done away.” We shouldn’t spend our time debating whether this spiritual gift or that one has been or will be discontinued. Paul’s point is that one day all gifts, both the greatest and the least, will no longer be needed by the church. However, love is different. Love is God’s own nature (see)
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
and therefore will last forever. This is why love is above all the gifts.
B. The expectation of perfection (I Corinthians 13:11-12)
B. The expectation of perfection (I Corinthians 13:11-12)
In these verses, Paul gave two illustrations to show the contrast between our present partial knowledge and the complete knowledge that we will have one day.
11 When I was a child, I spake 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. (vs. 11). In this verse, Paul says “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
Since all of his readers (then and now) were once children, we can quickly see the contrast being made between childhood and adulthood or maturity.
Paul pointed out from his own childhood that “as a child” he communicated on the level of “a child.”
He also understood and “thought like a child.”
Of course this was only natural.
But when he grew older or reached adulthood, he stopped doing “childish things.”
The temporary spiritual gifts were “childish things” compared to God’s completed revelation.
Note: The application of this illustration to the gifts is evident. The Corinthian believers were part of the early formative years of the Christian church. The spiritual gifts were to be used to bring the church from a state of infancy or childhood to adulthood. While childhood is an important part of human growth and development, it’s not where we want to remain. There comes a time when we need to “put away childish things.” In the same sense, Paul wanted to impress upon the Corinthian Christians that the spiritual gifts they cherished so much were not a part of God’s permanent plan for His people. Their “childish” attitudes toward the gifts had to be “put away.” When we enter the perfect state, reaching spiritual maturity when Christ returns, these spiritual gifts of tongues, knowledge and prophecy will be done away with forever. Our knowledge of God is presently partial when contrasted to the complete, perfect knowledge we will have one day in the future (see)
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
2. (vs. 12). In this verse Paul goes on to say “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
The “glass” that Paul refers to was a first century mirror which was usually made of polished bronze, not glass.
The image reflected in them was often blurred and not very clear.
In fact, the Greek word for “darkly” means indistinct or indistinguishable.
This seems to describe the gift of prophecy which through revelation only gave a partial or dim image of God’s character and will.
The gift of prophecy was like seeing “through a glass (mirror), darkly (dimly).”
It’s as if we are looking at a hazy image in a mirror.
Therefore, the gifts of prophecy, knowledge and tongues couldn’t replace seeing the LORD “face to face” (see Numbers 12:6-8; Deuteronomy 34:10).
This will take place only when the church is perfected and glorified (see I John 3:2).
Even though we have the complete text of Scripture, our knowledge is still incomplete.
However, the temporary things of this world, including spiritual gifts, will one day be replaced with the permanent realities of heaven (see)
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Paul then concluded that “now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
The phrase “now I know in part” means that right now our knowledge or spiritual understanding of God’s truth is limited, partial or incomplete.
But Paul also envisioned a time when our spiritual understanding will be complete as he said “but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
In the final state of redemption when we see the LORD face to face, we will have a complete knowledge of everything.
In heaven all doubts will be removed, all questions answered, all fears eliminated and all hopes realized.
Paul said that at that time he would know “even as also I am known.”
In other words, we will have complete knowledge similar to the knowledge God has of us.
God’s knowledge of us is beyond our full understanding as finite creatures (see)
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain unto it.
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
However, our knowledge will never be as complete and perfect as God’s knowledge, but we will know the full measure of what we were created for.
C. The virtues that endure (I Corinthians 13:13)
C. The virtues that endure (I Corinthians 13:13)
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
In our final verse Paul declared “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
In contrast to the spiritual gifts which are temporary, there are three gifts which are often called virtues that are produced by the Holy Spirit and “abideth” or are permanent and will remain eternally.
They are “faith, hope, charity.”
Both “faith” and “hope”are human responses to God.
But God is never said to believe or hope.
Therefore, the apostle can say that “charity” or love is “the greatest of these” three virtues because God is love (see)
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
and love is His motivation for everything He does.
God places His love in believers (see)
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
and it’s also the mark that identifies us as Disciples of Christ (see)
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
)Note: Christian love is God’s love. It’s Calvary love. Love that moved God to send Christ to be the Saviour of this sinful world (see)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
It’s the love that God sheds abroad in the believer’s heart when he or she accepts Christ as Saviour (see)
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
The believer can now love like Christ as he or she obeys the Holy Spirit living in them.
Like a spiritual gift, this kind of love is the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.
It’s not something that comes naturally, because we are naturally selfish human beings.
Love is only possible if God supernaturally helps us not to be selfish.
It’s the kind of love that’s shown in caring for a stranger who is in need or is suffering.
We need to love others, expecting nothing in return (see)
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
This love is demonstrated by the substitutionary sacrifice of our LORD Jesus who was made sin for us so that we might be made righteous before God (see)
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Love is more important than all the spiritual gifts exercised in the church body.
Great faith, acts of dedication or sacrifice, and miracle-working power mean very little without love.
Love makes our actions and gifts useful.
Although people have different gifts, love is available to everyone. We should always thank God for this precious gift!
Conclusion
Our lesson for this week has taught us the overwhelming importance of loving others.
God has given us fantastic gifts with which to serve Him and the body of Christ.
Unless we exercise those gifts in love they will amount to nothing.
Let’s not waste our time (or God’s time) filling our lives with useless ministry.
He does not want us to be busy for Him just for the sake of being busy.
Instead, let’s determine to allow God’s love to flow through everything we do.
The Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian believers that love is the most important quality that Christians should strive for.
It’s even more important than all the other spiritual gifts (see)
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Paul not only illustrated the more excellent way of God’s love, but also provided a detailed picture of its scope and breadth.
He closed by reminding the Corinthians that love is the most enduring gift one can give to others.