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?