Studies in 1 Corinthians

The End of Miraculous Spiritual Gifts

1 Cor. 13:8-13

Concerning Spiritual Gifts1 Corinthians 12-14

• The Holy Spirit distributed gifts as He willed

• As a body every part is important

• God appoints the order• A “more excellent way” LOVE!

Concerning Spiritual Gifts1 Corinthians 12-14

WHY is love a more excellent way?

•Because it never fails, while miraculous spiritual gifts will pass away.

Miracles to be done away!

What is a miracle?

•A word often misinterpreted

•An act of God that cannot be duplicated through natural processes.

Miracles to be done away!

Purpose of miracles

•To verify the word of God•Matthew 9:1-8•John 3:2

Miracles to be done away!Were miraculous gifts to cease?•YES!•Our text will show this!•The way spiritual gifts were dispersed – Acts 8:14-19, 19:6, Rom. 1:11, 2 Tim. 1:6

Miracles to be done away!Were miraculous gifts to cease?•History confirms they ceased shortly after end of 1st century•A time would come when no longer needed – 1 Cor. 13:8-10•We do NOT see them today as they were performed in the 1st century

1 Cor. 13:8-13

We must determine, what is “in part” and what is “perfect”!•Vs. 8 - Love never fails!Paul’s ultimate point!

1 Cor. 13:8-13•Vs. 8 – Prophecies will fail (to

render inactive, idle, useless, ineffective)

• Tongues will cease – (to stop)• Knowledge will vanish away –

same word as “fail”• These are a “sampling” of 1 Cor. 12:8-10 ALL 3 deal with revealing God’s word!

1 Cor. 13:8-13•Vs. 9, “We know in part and

we prophecy in part.” • “In part” part of the whole• God’s word revealed in parts

- John 16:12-13 • Example: Ac. 1:8, chs. 10, 15, Eph. 3:2-5, etc.

1 Cor. 13:8-13•Vs. 10 “When that which is

perfect has come…” • Some believe the “Perfect” refers

to Christ’s 2nd coming• It says “that”, not “He”• Text NOT dealing with Lord’s

return• “That” is contrasted with spiritual

gifts “In part”

1 Cor. 13:8-13•Vs. 10 “When that which is perfect

has come…” • Best explanation – the perfected

Word of God• This fits the context• God’s word WAS delivered “in

parts”•Jas. 1:25 – “perfect” same word•Jude 3, 2 Pet. 1:3, Gal. 1:6-9

1 Cor. 13:8-13•Vs. 11 Childish things• An analogy, when a child you act

immaturely. BUT when you “grow up” you put those things away!

• “In part” the child, “perfect” - man• Thought: Did they need to grow

up?

1 Cor. 13:8-13•Vs. 12 Now we see in a mirror

(glass) dimly (darkly)• A time was coming when

everything would be clearly seen• When God’s word was

completed, we had everything!•1 Pet. 1:10-12, Rom. 16:25-26, Jas. 1:22-25

We have EVERYTHING we need to please God!

1 Cor. 13:8-13•Vs. 13 “Now abide faith,

hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love”

• Faith and hope are important, but they are also subject to change. Love will last forever and was ALWAYS needed!

May love motivate

everything that we do!