February 24, 2019

And the Greatest of these is Love – Part 2
February 24, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

If you had a situation in your life recently, that afterward you realized you had handled badly and would give “anything” to be able to do it over, join the crowd of others who had a similar experience. Can anyone share?

Last week we looked at the first part of 1 Corinthians 13, studying the passage to determine God’s definition of love. It is certainly not what the world or Hollywood would have us believe.  Today we’re going to study the remaining verses, looking at the true meaning of God’s expectation of our standard of love—for Him, our neighbor, and yes, even our enemies.

Focal Passage: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

 

Discuss:

Background:

Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Why will we not get to heaven by our works? Last week we looked at verses 3-4; what 2 positive qualities is love? What are the 3 qualities that love is not?

[Love] does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged:

  • Read 1 Cor. 13:5a. The NKJV says “does not seek its own.” What are some media examples telling us to look out for ourselves first? Why is this not God’s way? Why was the early 2000’s called the “Me First” generation?
  • Read 1 Cor. 10:24. Why is it so hard for us to put others first? How can we re-train our mind and hearts into putting others first?
  • Read verse 5b. What does God want us to avoid? Read James 1:19-20. What are the three areas we should guard? What does it mean to be “quick to listen”; “slow to speak,” and “slow to anger”? What does anger do?
  • Read Proverbs 16:32 and 19:11. Why are we warned to keep our temper?
  • Read verse 5c. What is so deadly about remembering the wrongs someone has committed against you? Why is this the opposite of Jesus’ life?
  • What is the ultimate result of unforgiveness? Read Matthew 6:14-15. What does God desire for us?

[Love] does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out:

  • Read verse 6. Can you think of a time when you were glad some tragedy caused an enemy to fall? (Answer in your heart). Have you grown since then?
  • Does anyone recall the sin Paul addressed to the Corinthians in 1 Cor. 5, and the subsequent words he had to say to them in 2 Cor. 2? (Paraphrase to tell the story). What was the issue with the original sin, and the later actions of the church? Read Gal. 6:1. What should we do when someone falls?

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance:

  • Read 1 Cor. 13:7. The original word indicates an umbrella, roof, or covering. What does this make you think of, especially in marriage? Are the wives under the umbrella of protection of the husband? Is 1 Pet. 4:8 an analogy?
  • True love—unconditional love—never loses faith. Does that mean wisdom is disregarded? How do you balance these while exercising prudence?

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love (NKJV):

  • Read verse 13. Why will we no longer need faith or hope upon death?
  • Read 1 John 4:8. Will love remain with us through eternity? Why?

 

Close:

What an amazing series of definitions God gives us as to what genuine “agape” love is, and what it is not! Would that we could memorize them, and immediately be transformed. Yet, if we submerge our hearts in God’s word daily, over time a transformation will take place. Gradually our lives will take on the lessons, commandments, rebukes, and rewards that come by diligent study of His word. Let us never strive to be any less than He desires!

We see the epitome—the mountain top—of the love of God in these verses. Yet we want to use the wisdom God gives in making certain that learning these principles does not nullify common sense. As Pastor Falwell emphasized, anyone in an abusive situation/relationship is not required to remain in order to justify love “enduring all things, never giving up” etc. It is with love that you get yourself or any children out of the circumstance, continuing in prayer to lift the abuser to the throne of God, hoping for their heart and life to be changed by God, whether or not you ever see them again. Please understand that.

Love is the key to saving this world. We cannot control the world. However, by God’s grace, we can control the reaction we have in our heart, and the closer we draw to God, the closer He will be drawing to us (Jas. 4:8) This world is our training ground for love. We grab hold of it, nurture it, and give it to others—both those who deserve it and those who don’t. It will grow and expand and can be expressed in so many different ways as to defy description! It is the best example of Jesus’ life that we can imitate. Let us begin immediately to love God, our neighbor, and our enemy!

KEY VERSE: “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”   1 Cor. 13:13.

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