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The Power of Love (1 Cor. 12-14) Paul shows how the proper application of love would cure some of the problems at Corinth. |
The Power of Love (1 Cor. 12-14)
- Love Unites
- Their spiritual gifts had become a source of division among them; but they should have been used in love to profit one another (12:7).
- Love would tie them together as a body in which everyone had a place (12:12, 20, 25-27).
- Rather than seeking their own best interest, they should have sought the best interest of all (v31; Phil. 2:3-4).
- Love Seeks The Best
- Instead of seeking praise or what was considered the best for themselves; they should desire the best interest of others.
- Love is a motive through which every action should flow (13:1-3; Matt. 22:338-39).
- Love would regulate our actions and thoughts toward one another (13:4-7; Rom. 12:9-21).
- Love Lasts
- Love would last beyond the time of the spiritual gifts; its importance would never fade (13:8-13).
- Love was/is the greatest thing one can seek. The gifts were temporal, but faith, hope, and love would last with love being the crowing jewel that we continue building on (Gal. 5:22-23; 2 Pet. 1:5-7).
- Just as we are to seek the things that are eternal (lasting) so we are exhorted to seek after love (Matt. 5:19-20; Col. 3:1-2; 1 Pet. 3:11).
