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Studies in 1 Corinthians 43
The Importance of Love
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
•1 Cor. 12:31, “But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”
• The way of Love – 1 Corinthians 13
In this chapter Paul demonstrates
• 1) Without love gifts are meaningless
• 2) how proper love is superior to spiritual gifts
• 3)The permanence of love
Does this chapter belong here?
• Paul ties it to gifts in 12:31• Gifts mentioned in 13:1-3• Attributes of love will ensure
these gifts are done properly•Vs. 8-12 – spiritual gifts are
temporary
Love – the “more excellent” way• The motive that ensures gifts
properly used• Variety of gifts can unite us if we
have love• WE can do this even if we don’t
have spiritual gifts• Love foundation of everything• It transcends earthly boundaries
What is love?• Many different uses in English language
present a challenge in proper definition• Four Greek words for love
1) Eros 2) Stergo – cf. 2 Tim. 3:3, Rom 1:31 3) Phileo – 1 Thess. 4:9, Heb. 13:1 4) Agape
What is love?
• Agape love• “the characteristic word of
Christianity” (Vine’s)• “to be full of goodwill and exhibit
the same.” (Thayer)• Caring enough to sacrifice for
what is best
What is love?
• Jesus emphasized love – Matt. 22:37-39
• Paul emphasized this love – Eph. 5:2, 1 Cor. 16:14, Gal. 5:13, 22, Eph. 4:1-3, etc.
• John also spoke of it often
What is love?
• Governs every relationship • God loves us – John 3:16, Rom. 5:8
• Jesus loves us – John 15:12-13, Eph. 5:25
• We love Him – Jn. 15:10, 14:15, 1 John 5:3
What is love?
• Governs every relationship • Our brethren – John 13:34-35, 1 Thess. 4:9
• Our love for our neighbors – Jas. 2:8, Rom. 13:9-10, Gal. 5:14
• Our enemies – Matt. 5:43-44
Importance of love – 13:1-3
• Importance emphasized in 1 John 4:7-11, 2 Pet. 1:7,…
• Without love – our words are noise
• “Tongues of men” – languages “Tongues of angels” – perfect delivery & understanding
Importance of love – 13:1-3• Without love – our abilities are
nothing• Some “spiritual gifts” mentioned
Prophecies – God’s messengers• All mysteries and knowledge - If I
have perfect understanding • All faith Heb. 11:6, cf. Matt. 8:26, 14:31, etc.
Importance of love – 13:1-3
• Without love – our works are worthless
• What if we gave up everything, including our lives?
• Without love, we are not saved! It is a waste!
Do our attitudes reflect the
importance of love in our lives?