Sermon Central
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When That Which Is Perfect Comes Series
Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Jan 12, 2021 (message contributor)
Summary: To establish that: When that which “is perfect” came; then, that which was “in part” was done away (put away). This lesson affirms that the perfect has come and refutes the notion that “the perfect” here promised refers to the “Second Advent of Christ.”
INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. When That Which Is Perfect Comes
Remarks.
1. In this lesson today, we will be discussing the theme: “When that which is perfect comes.” This is the twelfth lesson in the sermon-series entitled: "Re-digging in Old Wells." There will be others bearing this title. We are re-digging in old wells to receive what Isaiah promised: "With joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation," Isaiah 12:3. There are times we must re-dig in old wells to obtain the joy found in the: "waters of salvation." This sermon type is called "expository preaching." Our goal will be: "to dig a little deeper" in the text of emphasis in these lessons. We will allow the writer, the characters in the verses, and the words of the Master, to shed new meaning to His words of eternal life, John 6:63; John 6:67-69.
2. We will answer this question: "Has that which is perfect come?” By this, we mean: Is the “perfect” promised in our text of emphasis refers to the Second Advent of Christ? We will re-dig in old wells to find a biblical answer. Ulysses Shields called this kind of teaching: "digging a little deeper," in the word of truth. He was my grandfather in Christ. We will use as a foundational text for this sermon-series: "And Isaac re-dug the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham...for the Philistines had stopped them (closed them up) after Abraham’s death,” Genesis 26:18. The Philistines: “Stopped them, and filled them with earth,” because they envied Isaac’s possessions, Genesis 26:14-15.
3. Our text of emphasis will come from this passage: “Charity never faileth: but whether there are prophecies, they shall fail; whether there are tongues, they shall cease; whether there is knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part shall be done away” 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. It’s essential always to consider every text within the context of the scriptures. With God’s help, we will do just that, to draw: “New water from old wells.” I know some will disagree with the conclusion of this lesson. I trust it’s not you. With this introduction, let’s consider this topic carefully, with both our bibles and hearts opened unto the living God.
BODY OF LESSON
I WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT COMES
A. Background scriptures. Paul wrote: "Love never fails," 1 Corinthians 3:8a. The superiority of love over all is shown by its survival of all with which it is compared. It is eternal and imperishable. Observe--
1. Love. The love we have considered in this lesson is superior to all spiritual gifts. It is attainable to all saints. Unlike spiritual talents, they were given as the Holy Spirit willed. On the other hand, love must be sought after, coveted, and grown within the human heart. O' to be more like Him – Jesus, in all things!
NOTE: Download our lesson, which is entitled: “Charity’s Preeminence,” from SermonCentral.com. Ron Freeman, Evangelist.
2. Never. The gift of love shall always be necessary for a Christian's growth and spiritual development. Love will permit us to grow in grace and knowledge, 2 Peter 3:17-18.
3. Fails. Love shall never fail. God's love shall always be available to sustain us during any situation or trial in our lives.
a. Jesus will never forsake us, always ready to comfort our hearts and assure our walk with Him.
b. The Holy Spirit will guide us first in understanding His revelation of truth and then during our walk of faith. Paul reminds these saints: "That we walk by faith; not by sight," 2 Corinthians 5:7. True love accepts all saints with genuine love. It also loves it, neighbor.
c. And saints must grow to love each other as they love themselves, Matthew 22:37-40.
d. We must learn to love God, our neighbors, and ourselves to fulfill the "Royal Law of Love," James 2:8. Let’s consider some other preliminary work before considering our text of emphasis.
B. Preliminary investigative work. Paul wrote: “Charity never faileth: but whether there are prophecies, they shall fail; whether there are tongues, they shall cease; whether there is knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part,” 1 Corinthians 13:8-9. Let’s first notice the importance of prophecy, tongues, and divine knowledge. Observe--
1. First, prophecy shall fail. We must do a little more investigation into the verses which introduce our text of emphasis. The apostle wrote: "But whether there are prophecies, they shall fail," 1 Corinthians 13:8b. It will be necessary to look at this text in its original language. The New Greek English Interlinear New Testament: “But whether prophecies, they will be abolished,” Page 602. This “part” shall be abolished. We will consider the meaning of the “part” later in the lesson.
