I Corinthians 13 is sandwiched in between two chapters that Paul discusses the importance of Spiritual gifts. Chapter 12 is a general overview, and then in Chapter 14 Paul centers in on the gift that the church was abusing the most – Tongues. Chapter 13 reminds us that whatever gift we use must be used in Love. (We will talk about that passage in a couple weeks), in 1 Corinthians 14, begins a section dealing with their lack of love in seeking a showy gift. The use of tongue (singular) and tongues (plural), where Paul seems to be talking about two distinct types of activities that are taking place. The church at Corinth was practicing a type of tongue (singular), which differed from the gift of tongues (plural) that the Spirit of God, gives to the church. In the city of Corinth the temple worship practiced speaking to the gods, by a tongue (singular) that only the gods themselves could understand. This tongue was brought about by emotional services in which at times the participants would become so involved that they would chant incoherently until they would drop into an unconsciense state. Paul starts 1 Corinthians 14 by reminding us … READ MORE

The Spirit of God gives us a complete picture of the importance of gifts to the church, then He details the most important gift that we can gives someone … LOVE! (1 Corinthians 13). We often use this chapter at weddings to remind the couple that they need to learn to love each other. But this chapter is set between two chapters (12 & 14) that talk about the misuse of gifts within the church. Gifts have nothing to do with self promotion, and everything to do with service, and no service is complete when not given in love. Love is the first characteristic listed in Galatians 5:22 as a characteristic of the Holy Spirit. Other’s focus is not a natural even in our thinking, because we are to focused on me! It take the outworking of the Holy Spirit to give me an others centered world, that is manifested in showing love to others. As we show love, we find purpose in life, as we manifest love, it brings peace to relationships, as we live in love it provides hope in the midst of our circumstances. We must remember that love is not self-love, but a love that focus … READ MORE

1 Corinthians 12:-30 reminds us that God has provided those within the church to help us along in our spiritual journey. These men are equipped by the Holy Spirit, not to command us, but to lead us to the truth, and then that same Spirit helps us to apply the truth of God’s word to our lives. One of the key characteristics of those who are set apart for leadership is humility. This humility will lead to a lifestyle that is observable that will validate the message that is taught. These men are not commissioned to teach what they believe, they are commissioned by God and empowered by the Spirit of God to teach the Word of God. While they are men, like all other men, they have been given to the church to build a foundation for the body to grow into. These men were Apostles (given to set the foundation of instruction), next were given Prophets (given as the New Testament was established to teach the local church the practical message from the Word of God), and finally, the pastor/teacher (those given with the ability and call to teach the body of Christ). These men are empowered by … READ MORE