September 30, 2012
Lesson Scripture:
Hebrews 13:1-3;
I Corinthians 13:1-13;
Lesson Focus:
A priority of our faith
is to love
INTRODUCTION. It is essential to God that we believe the right things: the Trinity, the deity of Christ, His death for our sins, and His resurrection. However, people will not judge us by what we believe; they will observe whether or not our faith has changed our lives. Jesus clearly stated this when He said “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (see John 13:35).The Bible teaches that there is no genuineness of a profession of faith without love (see James 2:14-20; I John 3:16-18). In this week’s lesson we will see that true faith shows itself through steadfast love.
1. (vs. 1).The writer of Hebrews began our text by urging his readers to apply Christian love to social situations.He simply said “Let brotherly love continue.”The exhortation to continue in “brotherly love” assumes that it already existed among the readers.But it also hints that this love was in danger of disappearing because of the external pressures these Hebrew Christians were facing.The words “brotherly love” in Greek is the single word “philadelphia.”While “brotherly love” is most often used to describe the affection for a brother or sister in a family, it can also be used to describe the spiritual family relationships of Christians (see Romans 12:10; I Thessalonians 4:9).
2. (vs. 2).Brotherly love should manifest itself in hospitality.The author here said “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”The phrase “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers” indicates that some of the readers may have neglected hospitality while they focused on their own problems. In the first century it was important to show hospitality to travelling believers because accommodations throughout the Roman Empire were not very good. Jesus told His disciples to rely on the hospitality of like-minded saints (see Matthew 10:11), and the apostles also stressed it (see Romans 12:13; I Peter 4:9; III John 1:5-8). Next, the writer gives one very good reason why we should be hospitable to strangers. He said “for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” In other words, history reveals that some people who showed hospitality to strangers actually received angels without knowing it. No doubt this refers to Abraham who entertained two angels and the Lord Himself when they appeared in human form (see Genesis 18:1-8). He reaped benefits greater than the hospitality he showed. Who knows what benefits we may reap if we do the same thing.
B. Care for the suffering (Hebrews 13:3). Another way to show brotherly love was to “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”Imprisonment was the frequent occurrence of early Christians and it was important to remember them with prayers,visitations, and deeds of kindness(Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:18).A deed done for a prisoner who serves Christ is a deed done for Jesus (see Matthew 25:34-40).These Hebrew Christians had already shown compassion to the writer of this letter when he was in prison (see Hebrews 10:34).The phrase “as bound with them”means that these believers were to remember those in prison as if they themselves were in prison with them.The writer also encouraged his readers to remember“them which suffer adversity,” that is those who are suffering ill treatment.The believers were being treated terribly because of their faith and they deserved compassion from fellow believers. The phrase“as being yourselves also in the body”is a reference to the physical body.The writer was saying that since we all have physical bodies,we should be able to empathize with the one who is suffering.We never know when it will be our turn to experience trials & suffering.Unfortunately, we are sometimes so taken up with our own problems that we often forget the problems of our brothers and sisters.
III. LOVE AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS (I Corinthians 13:1-3). In the remaining portion of our lesson taken from I Corinthians chapter 13 the Apostle Paul teaches on love.This chapter is part of his teaching on the spiritual gifts in chapter 12 given to Christ’s spiritual body. Paul urged the Corinthian believers to desire the best gifts.But more important was how they used their gifts.No gift, regardless of what it is, has any value if it is not used in a loving manner.Therefore Paul urged his readers to use their gifts in a “more excellent way” (see I Corinthians 12:31), the way of love.
A. The gift of tongues (I Corinthians 13:1).Beginning his teaching on the importance of love, Paul here said “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” Speaking hypothetically, the apostle declared that even if he or any believer was gifted to speak in the languages of men and angels, without love the gift of tongues would be nothing but noise and worthless to God. The word “tongues” means languages. Note: There is much disagreement among believers as to what this gift was and even if it exists today. We do know that when the gift was first given to the disciples on the day of Pentecost, they were given the ability to speak to Jews who had come to Jerusalem from all parts of the world in their own languages so that they understood the gospel (see Acts 2:1-21). The disciples spoke in known languages that they had not learned. In addition, when addressing the issue of spiritual gifts in chapter 12, Paul identified this gift as “different kinds of tongues” or languages. There is no biblical support for what we call speaking in tongues today as being a gift of the Holy Spirit. As a matter of fact, a similar thing was happening in the Corinthian church and Paul gave guidelines to those who were supposedly speaking in an “unknown tongue.” There was so much confusion over this gift that Paul declared that an interpreter should be present (see I Corinthians 14:5), that edification of the hearer should be its goal (see I Corinthians 14:6), and that no more than three should speak in tongues and they should go in order (see I Corinthians 14:27). Whether we believe that what we call speaking in tongues today is the same gift given on the day of Pentecost or not, we must agree that when it happens, no more than three people can speak and then only in order. There must also be an interpreter. In my opinion, the gift given to the disciples on Pentecost and the one that Paul pointed out in I Corinthians 12:10, does not exist today (see I Corinthians 13:8) because we have no modern day record of people being able to proclaim the gospel in any language they have not learned. In addition, Paul had the gift of different tongues (see I Corinthians 14:18) and didn’t forbid unknown tongues as long as there is an interpreter. Thus Paul also declared “Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue (I Corinthians 14:19). As far as the language of angels is concerned, whenever an angel appears in the Bible they always spoke so the listener could understand. There was no gift needed to understand what an angel was saying. What Paul was actually saying in this verse was “Even if I had the gift to speak in other languages without learning them, and speak in every language there is in all of heaven and earth, but didn’t love others, I would only be making noise.” The Greek word for “charity” in this passage is “agape.” This is a sacrificial love extended even to those who are unworthy as shown by God’s love for sinners (see John 3:16; Romans 5:8). If our service or use of spiritual gifts will mean anything we must show this same unconditional love.
B. Prophecy, knowledge, and faith (I Corinthians 13:2). Paul continued to say “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” The word “prophecy” involves receiving revelation from God and sharing it with His people. “Prophecy” is one of the most important gifts, second only to apostleship (see I Corinthians 12:28). Whether in the Old or New Testament, prophets communicated God’s message. Therefore “prophecy” can be defined as inspired preaching. “Mysteries” are truths that were once hidden but are now revealed by God (see Matthew 13:11, 17, 35; Ephesians 3:3-6). “Knowledge” refers to wisdom that comes from God. “Faith” in this verse is not the faith we have for salvation; it is believing God to accomplish extraordinary things through us as in being able to move mountains which reminds us of Jesus’ challenge to His disciples’ faith (see Matthew 17:20; 21:21). By using the word “all” before “prophecy,” “knowledge,” and “faith,” Paul was saying that even if his readers had these gifts in their fullest extent, without love they would be nothing.
C. Self-sacrifice (I Corinthians 13:3).Now Paul gives illustrations of deeds that call for great sacrifice.He said “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”The first sacrificial deed is “though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor” means to give away all one’s goods to help others.The second illustration of sacrifice is “though I give my body to be burned.”This refers to being willing to die by fire.This was considered the ultimate act of martyrdom for one’s faith as shown by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (see Daniel 3:19-28).But Paul also added that even if one did all these things and lacked love, it would have no benefit.People may do all of these things motivated by pride or the pursuit of merit, but it would mean nothing to God when it is not done in love.
IV. LOVE AND GODLY VIRTUES (I Corinthians 13:4-7). In the remaining verses, the apostle Paul personifies love, or gives it a personality. The descriptions here are really descriptions of God who is love (see I John 4:8).A. Focusing on others (I Corinthians 13:4-5).
1. (vs.4). Having shown how spiritual gifts are worthless without love, Paul now begins to describe how Christian love acts or in some cases does not act. The apostle said “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” First of all, “Charity (love) suffereth long” meaning love is patient. Love is able to put up with wrongs without retaliating. Love is also “kind.” Love does good to all including potential enemies. Too often many Christians exhibit an unkind attitude toward others. God’s people should be known for kindness (see Ephesians 4:32). “Charity (love) envieth not” means that love is not envious or jealous. Love is always willing to rejoice with those who rejoice in their blessings and successes (see Romans 12:15). In addition “charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” Both phrases “vaunteth not itself” and “not puffed up” refer to arrogance and pride. Love does not show off; it’s humble and it’s Christ-like (see Philippians 2:3-8).
2. (vs. 5). This verse says love “ Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.” The phrases “ Doth not behave itself unseemly” and “seeketh not her own” refer to rudeness and selfishness. Love does not behave improperly nor does love insist on having its own way. Love “is not easily provoked,” that is, love does not have a short fuse. It is not offended at the slightest comment. Finally here, love “thinketh no evil.” This does not refer to having pure thoughts; it means that love does not continue remembering evil deeds, keeping a record of them so that vengeance can be taken out later.
B. Focusing on good (I Corinthians 13:6-7).
1. (vs. 6). The apostle went on to say that love “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” Some people rejoice when others fall into sin. But those who love find no joy when others sin, but they rejoice in the truth.
2. (vs. 7). In this verse Paul sums up Christian love by saying that it “Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” The basic meaning of the phrase “Beareth all things” is to “cover.” Love covers the faults of others instead of revealing them (see James 5:20; I Peter4:8). In other words, if you have Christian love for someone, you will be loyal to them no matter the cost. Love also “believeth all things.” This does not mean that love is gullible and will fall for anything. It means that love is willing to give others the benefit of the doubt until what is expected is totally crushed. Charity or love “hopeth all things” or expects the best of others. Finally, charity or love “endureth all things.” In other words, Christian love perseveres in the midst of hardships and tough times. Love does not give up.
V. LOVE AND GOD’S PROGRAM (I Corinthians 13:8-13)
A. Love will outlast spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 13:8). Paul now states the permanence of love. He said “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” The apostle declared that “Charity never faileth” meaning it endures or lasts forever. Since God is love (se I John 4:8) and God is eternal, then love must be eternal. The word “faileth” means to “collapse.” As human beings we may experience a collapse of love in our lives but love itself will live on. In contrast to the permanence of love, Paul said the spiritual gifts that the Corinthians took such pride in will cease to exist. Paul said “whether there be prophecies, they shall fail.” The gift of “prophecy” one day will no longer be needed and will become inactive. In addition, “whether there be tongues, they shall cease.” I believe that the scriptural gift of speaking in tongues has already ceased, but if it hasn’t it will.The apostle also said “whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” The gift of “knowledge” or a special revelation from God (see Galatians 1:12) will also one day cease to exist. Since these gifts were going to “fail,” “cease,” and “vanish away,” it is clear that they were only given to the church temporarily. In contrast to these temporary gifts of “prophecy,” “tongues,” and “knowledge,” love will last forever.
B. Perfection lies ahead (I Corinthians 13:9-10).
1. (vs. 9). Using the two gifts of the Spirit, knowledge and prophecy, Paul explained why the gifts of the Spirit will one day cease. He said “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.” When Paul declared this, he was saying that whatever God reveals to His people today through the Spiritual gifts is only a partial revelation. God only reveals to us what is necessary for the good of the church here and now. Note: Even an apostle didn’t have absolute and complete knowledge; only God has that. Just as the Old Testament prophets didn’t fully comprehend the significance of the messages they delivered (see I Peter 1:10-11), the same was true of New Testament prophets.
2. (vs. 10). Paul continues to say “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” Bible scholars debate the meaning of “when that which is perfect is come.” The word “perfect” is the Greek adjective “teleion” and can mean “mature” or “complete.” Some think the phrase “when that which is perfect is come” refers to the completed New Testament Scriptures. Others, however, see this as a reference to the second coming of Christ. The perfection or completed time when spiritual gifts will cease mostly likely looks to the time when Christ returns. There is the possibility that some gifts will have ceased before that time. However, the very longest any gift can last is until Christ’s return. After that they won’t be necessary. The phrase “then that which is in part” seems to refer back to the gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge, the arrival of “that which is perfect” seems to signal the end of these gifts.
C. Limitations of spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 13:11-12).
1. (vs. 11). To illustrate the truth that the spiritual gifts will one day cease, Paul used childhood and adulthood. He said “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” When we were children we spoke, understood, and thought as children. However, as we grew older we became more mature. The idea is that the Corinthians were a part of the formative period of the Christian church and the gifts were to be used to bring the church from a state of infancy to adulthood. While childhood is an important part of human growth and development, Paul said “but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” In other words, there comes a time when we need to “put away childish things.” Paul wanted to impress upon the Corinthian Christians that the spiritual gifts they cherished so much were not a part of God’s permanent plan for His people. The Corinthian believers needed to know that their spiritual gifts were intended only for the period of the church’s immaturity. The spiritual gifts will have no place in eternity to come, when the church has reached maturity.
2. (vs. 12). Paul gave another illustration of how the spiritual gifts will one day cease when he said “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” The “glass” to which Paul refers was an ancient mirror, usually made of polished bronze. Although one’s reflection could be seen in such a mirror, it was only a dim reflection. This is the meaning of “we see through a glass, darkly.” It was not like seeing someone “face to face.” Paul’s point again was that the temporary things of this world will one day give way to the permanent realities of heaven (see II Corinthians 4:18). Paul then says “now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” Our current knowledge is partial, but Paul saw a time when it will be complete. When our redemption is complete, we will have complete knowledge similar to the complete knowledge God has of mankind. In heaven all doubts will be removed, all questions will be answered, all fears eliminated and all hopes realized.
D. Love transcends everything (I Corinthians 13:13). The apostle completes his teaching on love with “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” The phrase “And now abideth” assures that “faith, hope, charity (love) are present necessities and will remain eternally. However, “Faith” will become sight, and “hope” will be fulfilled in heaven, but “charity” or love will remain unchanged because love is who God is (see I John 4:8). No doubt, this is why Paul ended by declaring that love is the “greatest of these” three.
VI. Conclusion. Love and faith go hand in hand and are essential to our growth toward maturity as Christians. Love is important in all things and our spiritual gifts mean nothing before God if we don’t use them in the framework of love. Love takes what we have and makes it valuable in the sight of God. Without love, faith will not work for Him. A loving faith is the mark of the mature Christian, and this is the way we ought to be seen by others around us.
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