A More Excellent Way
10/18/09PM
Text: I Corinthians 13:1-13
Introduction
The Bible has a lot to say about love, the word occurs more than 180 times in the New Testament. Scripture tells of the power of love. It tells of what it can do for broken marriage or a severed relationship or a struggling family.
Keep in mind that this letter was written by the Apostle Paul in order to help the church in Corinth to get back on track with God. They had lost their way and had lost their focus. They thought of themselves as more important than others.
The chapters before and after chapter 13 are about how to use their gifts in their church. He ends chapter 12 with the fact that he is going to show a more excellent way – the way of love.
I. The Declaration of Love - Vs 1-3
A. Paul begins by declaring the pre-eminence of love in all things.
1. First we must understand the type of love God expects from us.
a. AGAPE has special meaning; it expresses a volitional love (as opposed to a purely emotional love), a self-sacrificial love.
It is the love which our Lord has shown towards us.
Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
AGAPE love requires action: read 1 John 3:16-19
2. Without love in all we do then all we do means nothing!
a. The words we say – v.1
It doesn’t matter how eloquent you are and how clear you can present the issues – without love it will not mean a thing!
All that we know – v. 2
I may be the wisest, smartest person alive but without love in means nothing!
As deep as our faith may be – v.2
With out love it accomplishes nothing and accounts for nothing.
All that we do
We can give everything we have, everything we are, even our lives but without the proper motivation, love, it is meaningless.
II. The Definition of Love Vs 4-7
A. Paul details what love is and is not.
1. What is essential to loving the way we ought is a definition and description of the “real deal”, the genuine article. Paul does not give a "technical analysis" of love, but breaks it down into "bite size" pieces so that we may more easily understand it and apply it in a practical way. Paul gives us the benchmark by which all our attempts at love must be measured and approved—in verses 4-7 of I Corinthians 13.
a. Love is patient...(vs. 4)
The word "patient" literally means "long tempered." This word is common in the New Testament, and it is used almost exclusively in being patient with people (rather than circumstances or events).
Love patience is the ability to be inconvenienced by a person over and over again.
This is the love that Jesus speaks of that "turns the other cheek." Its primary concern is for the welfare of others, not itself.
b. Love is kind... (vs. 4)
Just as patience will take anything from others, kindness will give anything to others. To be kind means to be useful, graciously serving. It is active goodwill. It not only feels generous; it is generous. It not only desires others' welfare; it works for it. God is our supreme model in this:
Romans 2:4 “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?”
c. Love is not jealous... (vs.4)
d. This is the first of eight negative descriptions of what love is not. There are two faces to jealousy:
1. We want what someone else has. If they have a better car, house, job, or even wife or husband, we secretly wish that we had the same. (Selfish ambition)
2. We wish that someone else didn't have what they had. This is more than just selfishness; it desires evil for someone else. There will always be someone out there doing better than you. (Bitter jealousy)
James 3:14-16 “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.”
e. Love does not brag and is not arrogant... (vs. 4)
In other words, love does not brag or "parade" its accomplishments. Bragging is the other side of jealousy. Jealousy wants what someone else has; bragging is trying to make others jealous of what we have. Love does not remind a person of the great "sacrifice" you have made for them.
f. Love does not act unbecomingly…(v. 5)
Agape love has its manners, it is civil in presentation. That is something that is largely lost today. But love cares about others and is mannerly.
g. Love does not seek its own…(v. 5)
This speaks of that aspect of fallen nature where we always want "to have our way." The world should revolve around us, we think.
Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
h. Love is not provoked…(v. 5)
To provoke means "to arouse anger, a convulsion or sudden outburst." Love guards against being irritated, upset, or angered by things said or done against it. Ephesians 4:26 reminds us, "Don't let the sun go down on your wrath or anger."
i. Love does not keep account…(v. 5)
This means that you do not "take things into account." It comes from a bookkeeping term that means "to calculate; enter into a ledger a permanent record that can be consulted when needed."
j. Love does not rejoice in sin…(v. 6)
This is the balance to the last one we just talked about. I won’t take into accounts wrongs against me but I also won’t condone unrighteousness.
k. Love bears all things
From the word “roof” Gr. - beareth - (to cover, pass over in silence, keep confidential).
The word also means to endure.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
l. Love believes all things
“Believes” - verb - gr. - to have confidence in others.
This is not being gullible, but putting away suspicion.
m. Love hopes all things
The word indicates having a positive expectation for people. Think of no situation or person as beyond hope!
Root meaning - “expectation in the future” - or truth in a future event and the patience in waiting for it.
This is a hope that all will turn out according to HIS will.
n. Love endures all things . . . (v. 7)
Gr. “To stand one’s ground, hold out, endure.”
Love never gives up, never surrenders!
III. The Duration of Love
A. Remember This About Love - VV. 9-13
1. Love Never Fails
Knowledge and prophecy are only partial here but love is perfect - complete.
a. When we stand before God… there will be no more prophecies.
Tongues will cease.
Knowledge, both the learning acquired by man and the mysteries revealed by God, will vanish away.
When all things in which men glory in have passed away - love will remain.
Conclusion
Paul’s main point is that we need to become a more loving people; an aspect more important than being spiritually busy and active people. Our love must be like the love of Christ Jesus for in the end all else will be done away.
Invitation
