Exercising Spiritual Gifts in Love, Rev Dr John Kwasi Fosu

Amazing Grace Baptist Church, Hamburg Bible Study Material on 1 Cor. 13

Introduction

In Chapter 13, Paul is still dealing with the question of spiritual gifts. Here he is emphasizing the fact that gifts without graces are nothing. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is more important in the godly life than the miraculous gifts of the Spirit. Whenever the church strives for miraculous experiences rather than holiness and godly character, there will be division, confusion, and carnality.

         1.  Love Is Essential (13:1-3)

The word “love” means, “love in action.” It is not simply an emotion.  It is the heart reaching out to others.  The word Paul uses for love is agape, which is love that sacrifices for the good of others. Notice how he takes up some of the spiritual gifts of 12:8-10 and shows their emptiness apart from love.  Tongues apart from love become mere noise, like the clanging of a cymbal.  Prophecy without love makes the prophet nothing. This application can also be made to knowledge (spiritual insight given immediately the Spirit) and faith. Paul is not minimizing these gifts. He is simply saying that they will have no good effect on the individual or on the church unless there is love in the life of the believer in the exercise of his or her gifts. We might go so far as to sacrifice our body, but apart from love, this act would amount to nothing. Love is the measure of all things. It is evident that the Corinthians were using their spiritual gifts and offices with an attitude of competition and not of love. The church was divided and the situation was getting worse because the very spiritual gifts that were supposed to build the church were doing more harm than good!  Preaching without love is just so much noise.  Praying without love becomes an empty speech.  Giving without love is just a ceremony. Is it any wonder that Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love (“agape”) me?” (John 21:17)

         2.  Love Is Effectual (verses 4-7)

Gifts have no spiritual effect on the life of the church if there is no love, for it is love that the Spirit uses to build the church. “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up,” says 1 Corinthians 8:1. Note the qualities of love:

Love is patient and kind (verse 4)

Love rises above petty things and is generous in the way it treats others. It is easy to “love” when people are lovable. How difficult it is to love when they injure or attack us in one way or another. Think of the Messiah’s patience with Peter after the times Peter sinned against Him.  You then have some idea of what this means. Love not only patiently bears with wrongs, but it positively acts in deeds of kindness.

Love never not jealousy (verse 4)

Envy is a terrible sin. Cain envied his brother and killed him! How do we react when other believers receive blessings or benefits that we lack? Do we allow the sparks of envy to burn and then come to a full flame?

Love is not boastful or proud (verse 4)

“Puffed up” refers to the inward feeling. “Pride” refers to the outward displays of self-importance.

Love is not rude or self-seeking (verse 5)

There is graciousness about the person who acts from godly love, a charm that the world cannot give. True love seeks only the good of others. It is unselfish. Can you see this love displayed in Jesus’ life?

Love is not provoked, nor does it harbor evil thoughts (verse 5)

Godly love shows no irritation, as the flesh often does. Love does not keep account of the evil things people do or the hurts received from them. In fact, love is never glad when others get involved in evil, but love is always glad when others are walking in the truth.

Love gives victory (verse 7)

Through the Messiah’s love in us, we can bear up under anything, have faith, and continue in hope. “It gives us power to endure in anything”(verse 7). Love always leads to victory! Thus far, we can you give the characteristics of the Corinthian church:

• They did not have patience with each other in the assembly (14:29-32).
• They envied the spiritual gifts others possessed (14:1).
• They were proud and critical (12:21-26).
• They did not have modesty or grace in their behaviour (12:2-16).
• They sought to uphold their own rights (chapters. 8-10) even if it hurt others.
• They were easily provoked and even sued one another (6:1-8). 
• They rejoiced at sin when they should have judged it (5:1-13).

In these verses, Paul gently rebuked the sins of the Corinthians.  We can also see in these “Love” verses a picture of Jesus who alone perfectly manifests the love of God to us. We can substitute the word “Jesus” for “love” in this chapter and read the chapter again.

3. Love Is Eternal (8-13)

The Corinthians were spiritual babies, and, like babies, they were striving for the temporary and neglecting the permanent. They wanted spiritual gifts instead of godly character. Love will never “fail” (cease to have force or authority). These other gifts will pass away. But love and the graces it produces, will last forever.There will always be room for growth in the church, and while we are growing, we will know and see imperfectly. Corinth was famous for its metal mirrors, so Paul used that as an illustration. One saw only a dim reflection of the real person in those mirrors, just as we see only a dim reflection of God today. But when Jesus comes, we shall know Him as we are known Him! And we shall be like Him! The church grows closer to perfection through love.  Believers love Jesus and one another.  They hold the truth in love and they practice the truth because they love Him. “Building the body up in love” is the way Ephesians 4:16 puts it and this is a ministry all of us share. Faith, hope, love—these abide forever.   Love is the greatest, for “God is love” (1 John 3:18).