{"id":2722,"date":"2024-05-05T08:31:32","date_gmt":"2024-05-05T08:31:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/amazinggbc.de\/?p=2722"},"modified":"2024-05-05T08:31:32","modified_gmt":"2024-05-05T08:31:32","slug":"exercising-spiritual-gifts-in-love-by-rev-dr-john-kwasi-fosu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/amazinggbc.de\/de\/2024\/05\/05\/exercising-spiritual-gifts-in-love-by-rev-dr-john-kwasi-fosu\/","title":{"rendered":"Exercising Spiritual Gifts in Love, by Rev Dr John Kwasi Fosu"},"content":{"rendered":"

Amazing Grace Baptist Church, Hamburg Bible Study Material on 1 Cor. 13<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Einleitung<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

         1.  Love Is Essential (13:1-3)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The word \u201clove\u201d means, \u201clove in action.\u201d 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 by 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, \u201cDo you love (\u201cagape\u201d) me?\u201d (John 21:17)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

         2.  Love Is Effectual (verses 4-7)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. \u201cKnowledge puffs up, but love builds up,\u201d says 1 Corinthians 8:1. Note the qualities of love:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love is patient and kind (verse 4)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love rises above petty things and is generous in the way it treats others. It is easy to \u201clove\u201d 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love never not jealousy (verse 4)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love is not boastful or proud (verse 4)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPuffed up\u201d refers to the inward feeling. \u201cPride\u201d refers to the outward displays of self-importance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love is not rude or self-seeking (verse 5)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019 life?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love is not provoked, nor does it harbor evil thoughts (verse 5)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love gives victory (verse 7)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through the Messiah\u2019s love in us, we can bear up under anything, have faith, and continue in hope. \u201cIt gives us power to endure in anything\u201d(verse 7). Love always leads to victory! Thus far, we can you give the characteristics of the Corinthian church:<\/p>\n\n\n\n