Sermon 101997

1Co. 13:8-13                                       Love Never Fails                                                10/19/97

Series 23.22                                                                                                                       ABCC

I.     Review                                                                                                                             594

q      Paul describes HOW we are to use our spiritual gifts in 12:31b-13:7 = the excellent way

q      The effect of using spiritual gifts the wrong way or without love (13:1-3) = NO PROFIT!

q      The Biblical Description of Love or the Excellent Way (v. 4-7)

1) endures wrong a long time w/o retaliation; self-restraint, 2) responds with goodness & useful actions even when wronged, 3) not displeased at the success of others; making comparisons & competing, 4) not a “wind bag” consistently boasting about self, 5) does not think exaggerated & inflated thoughts of self, 6) does not act is a manner that would dishonor/disgrace Christ, 7) does not insist on personal rights & in not self-centered, 8) is not angered about self-centered matters, 9) not resentful or bitter regarding a wrong suffered, 10) no joy in sin or any evil way, 11) finds joy in truth, justice & righteousness, 12) reluctant to disclose another person’s sins & weaknesses, 13) always has faith in God, 14) never looses hope & confidence in God, 15) can face any circumstance in life & never give up.  God does not say TRY to love or even PRAY about loving, but rather simply LOVE!

II.    Why Should the Christian be Certain to use His/Her Spiritual Gifts in Love (v. 8-13)?

q      Love never fails = there is no time in the future when love will not be needed or SUPREME (v. 8a, 13) - 1Jn. 4:8b

q      Spiritual gifts will fail = there is a time in the future when spiritual gifts will not be needed (v. 8b-12)

A.        Some things are needed for this life only = ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE (2Co. 4:16-18)

1.      Human government, employment, marriage – no purpose in eternity (the same for houses, education, athletic ability, neighborhoods, school systems, parenting, etc)

2.      Spiritual gifts are not intended for eternity; this present age only (v. 8b)

- No need for prophecies, tongues, gift of knowledge, apostles, teachers, etc. in eternity

Love Never Fails, pg. 2

3.      Spiritual gifts are partial (in part) when compared to eternity (v. 9-10)

There are times when our worship experience & fellowship together & ministry to one another is so edifying, but we must remember that this is only a part of what is to come; it is not complete yet!

4.      Spiritual gifts are like things of childhood when compared to eternity (v. 11)

As a child most things appear to be big, amazing, attractive, needful – we were so impressionable when we were children; but when we become adults, we no longer need baby food & toys.  Adulthood = Eternity

5.      Spiritual gifts are like looking into a mirror rather than face to face when compare to eternity (v. 12)

The spiritual gifts are to reveal the character of God to & through the church, but this cannot compare to seeing Christ face-to-face.  Why would you be satisfied to look into a mirror & interact with someone’s reflection when you could interact with them in person?  Spiritual gifts are only a reflection of Christ!!!

B.        Love is needed now & in eternity

1.      Now (v. 13)

2.      Eternity (v. 8a)

Love is patient now & will be patient in eternity; kind now & will be kind… The need for love & the character of love can never change because God is love.  Our need for God’s love will never end (Rom. 8:38-39) & the quality of God’s love for us will never change (Rom. 5:8).  Likewise we need to love the Lord now & in eternity (Jude 21) and we need to love each other now & in eternity (v. 8a).  Do you feel that pressure from love (2Co. 5:14; Jn. 13:35)?  Do you feel the guilt from a lack of love (1Jn. 4:19-21)?