Sermon Series: Love
Love-Gifts & Orderliness of Worship
"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. 2 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. 3 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. 4 Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 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. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 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. 12 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. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity."
~ 1 Corinthians 13 King James Version (KJV)
Invocation Prayer.
Introduction:
These epistles to the Church at Corinth from Paul are
profound. Today I’d like us to examine the
text of chapter 1 Cor.13 to begin helping us get a grip on what love is &
is not. The apostle was led to share a
response with the messy dramatic church in Corinth of which he helped plant. When the epistles to Corinth are examined
closely you will discover that the church there was in big trouble and much of
what is in the letters is Paul defending his Apostleship, providing direction,
correction and encouragement to his followers.
According to Paul they were limited by their lack of love. Let’s unpack the excellent way of love in
this chapter!
Before we get into “The necessity of Using the Gifts in Love”. Let’s try to understand where Paul is coming from. To better understand this chapter on the ‘yet…a more excellent way’ [12:31 MEV] we really need to get into the context. What’s happening here in Corinth? We can begin to understand this by simply reading the two chapters on either side of 1 Cor. 13. Before we dive into chapter 12 and 14 how about some brief background. Corinth, an ancient city of Greece, was in many ways the most prominent Greek city of Paul’s time. As one might find in many of today’s prosperous cities, Corinthians were extremely proud of their intellect, could boast of great wealth and were morally corrupt. Every kind of wickedness and corruption was found in this city that was known for satisfying its every desire. It’s no wonder why one of the special features characterizing 1 Cor. is that it is the most problem-centered letter in the NT.
In addressing the various problems and issues in Corinth, Paul gives clear & enduring spiritual principles that still have meaning & application for all Christian churches today. 1Co 14:26-40 Good Order in Worship (Principle).
Spiritual Gifts. “[1Co 12:1 NIV] 1 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.”, Paul responds to a question regarding the Gifts of the Spirit. It’s become clearer for me in time with the text that Paul is responding to a report from this church plant. That report arrived in person verbally or most likely via a letter. So, here we observe Paul leading into clarifying a distinction between Spiritual Gifts for the Ministry of the church & the Manifestations of the Holy Spirit through individual believers. Which brings us to my first point today.
1. Spiritual Gifts for the Church bring Order into Chaos.
It seems to be that we all desire to be an Acts 2
church. That’s my impression thus far as
your Pastor. This is a very good desire
even Paul said so in Chapter 14. Let me
describe what I mean by Acts 2 church.
[Act 2:1-21 NIV] 1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine." 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 " 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
Explain Map of "Countries of People Mentioned at Pentecost, emphasize Corinth Port of Influence Location:
 |
| The Nations of Pentecost Map by Jesus Walk Used with permission |
 |
| Location of Corinth Unique for Commerce Map By Jesus Walk Used with permission |
 |
| AG Official Motorcycle Ministry Organization Motorcycle Community Missions Field 2023 |
2. Apostleship is a ministry gift for the church.
 |
| HonorBound Motorcycle Ministry Hot Pursuit 2023 |
Other
examples of ministry gifts of the Holy Spirit for God’s church are: Those
described in various scriptures outside of 1 Corinthians, such as in Rom.
12:6-8 & Eph. 4:11. Prophet,
Evangelist, Pastor (Elder or Overseer), Teacher, Deacon, Helper, Administrator,
Encourager, Giver & Comforter.
Principle: Worship services should be conducted in an
appropriate & orderly manner 14:40
1. Spiritual Gifts for the Church bring
Order into Chaos
2. Apostleship
is a ministry gift for the church
3. Watch out for false imitation of the supernatural.
If we are to be an Acts 2 church, we must be aware of the
adversary who cloaks Himself in light. At
times it may seem as though your Pastor or another leader within the body is
thwarting or dampening the Holy Spirit’s baptism hindering the movement of God,
but like Peter I want us to be orderly about the manifestations. As a church we must be ready to steward the
outpouring and respond appropriately. It’s
not a fear of True Tongues, but a caution to False Tongues and false
healing. When deliverance occurs, we
must be ready as a church to give direction to new believers. They need instruction in the born again
experience so as to avoid becoming
worse off (Mt 12:45 & Lk 11:26).
We must be ready to explain the supernatural and tend to the life in
Christ, testing the manifestation against scripture, lifestyle and testimony.
When ‘Manifestations of the Holy Spirit Through Individual Believers’ occur, we must be ready to ask, is this from God? Is this valid? Is this in alignment with the individual’s commitment to Christ and the authority of God’s Word? Are they attempting to obey the Word? Do they deny the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ?
Let me explain briefly what I mean by False Tongues. Speaking in “other tongues,” or the showing
of any other supernatural activity, is not necessarily undeniable proof of the
Holy Spirit’s work and presence. What
appears to be speaking in tongues may not be from God. It can be an imitation of the real experience
by human effort or demonic activity. In
this case, it is false and counterfeit.
The Bible cautions us not to believe every spirit or what seems to be a
spiritual expression. Instead, we should
examine whether a spiritual experience really does come from God. The Holy Spirit explicitly warns that in the
last days before Jesus returns, there will be several forms of deception within
the church. Can we listen to what John
said about this? What he says about Denying
the Incarnation.
[1Jo 4:1-6 NIV] "1 Dear friends, do not believe every
spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many
false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize
the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in
the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is
not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is
coming and even now is already in the world. 4 You, dear children, are from God
and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one
who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the
viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and
whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to
us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of
falsehood."
[1Jo 4:7-21 NIV] "7 Dear friends, let us love one
another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and
knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the
world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No
one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love
is made complete in us. 13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in
us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the
Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone
acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.
16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever
lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made
complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In
this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love
drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not
made perfect in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims
to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love
their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have
not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also
love their brother and sister."
This is a good place to transition to the next and final
point for us today.
4. Gifts & Manifestations are null & void without love.
The types of manifestations Paul is referring to in chapter 13 are individual gifting's such as a Message of wisdom, a Message of knowledge, Faith & Healing. A service to an individual, but not a Ministry gift of the Church. Not the fruit of the Spirit either of which is more like character attributes that develop via sanctification.
No, these are supernatural manifestations.
Message of wisdom: An utterance from the Holy Spirit applying
God’s Word or wisdom to a specific situation.
Message of knowledge: An utterance from the Holy Spirit revealing
knowledge about people, circumstances or Biblical truth.
Faith: Supernatural faith imparted by the Holy Spirit, enabling a Christian to believe God for the miraculous.
Healing: Restoring someone to physical health by divinely supernatural means.
We’ve briefly covered the types of manifestations of the
Holy Spirit through individual believers let’s get into today’s text regarding
love more directly. This 13th chapter from Paul isn’t the only place
within scripture to observe the topic of love. The word "love" occurs
574 times in 526 verses in the NIV.
We know from researching the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek
languages that there are various forms and contexts in the use of the word
love.
There are 40 Lexiconic entries that
match love.
·
20 Hebrew/Aramaic Results
·
20 Greek Results
Interpersonally According to the book, The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. We have many forms of love expression and he suggests that as
a people we typically use 5 primary forms and each of us has a preference of
expression. We each usually have a primary and secondary. What’s your love language?
Dr. Chapman in his book describes Words of Affirmation, Receiving Gifts, Acts
of Service, Quality Time & Physical Touch as the 5 main languages. I
recommend this book or one from the series to learn what your love language is
and you'll see that Dr. Gary describes that there could be many dialects of
love just like that of spoken word. What’s the love language of your
spouse, siblings, parents, boss or neighbor? What are your love languages? What kind of love is the Apostle referring to
in this chapter?
Let’s cut to the chase. Strong's Number G26 matches the Greek ἀγάπη (agapÄ“) Pronounced: ag-ah'-pay This is the root word used by Paul. What does this root word mean?
I.affection, good will, love, benevolence,
brotherly love
II.love feasts
I.A.W. Nave's Topical Bible there are 83
addresses in the Word. Where we can
study this type of love that Paul is referring to, which is
III. Love: Of Man for Man:
IV.
I.Lev 19:18, 34; Deu 10:19; Psa 133:1-3; Pro 10:12; 15:17; 17:9, 17; Sgs 8:6, 7; Mat 5:41-47; 7:12; 10:41, 42; 19:19; 25:34-40; Mar 9:41; 12:30-33; Luk 6:31-35; 10:30-37; Jhn 13:14, 15, 34, 35; 15:12, 13, 17; Rom 12:9, 10; 13:8-10; 1Cr 8:1; 13:1-13; 14:1; 16:14; 2Cr 8:7, 8; Gal 5:13, 14, 22, 26; Eph 5:2; Phl 1:9; 2:2; Col 2:2; 3:12; 1Th 1:3; 3:12; 4:9; 1Ti 1:5, 14; 2:15; 4:12; 6:2; 2Ti 2:22; Tts 3:15; Phm 1:12-16; Hbr 10:24; Jam 2:8; 1Pe 1:22; 2:17; 3:8, 9; 4:8; 2Pe 1:7; 1Jo 2:9-11; 3:11, 14, 16-19, 23; 4:7, 11, 12, 20, 21; 5:1, 2; 2Jo
Conclusion:
Principle: Worship services should be conducted in an
appropriate & orderly manner 14:40
1. Spiritual Gifts for the Church bring
Order into Chaos
2.Apostleship
is a ministry gift for the church
3. Watch out for false imitation of the
supernatural.
4. Gifts & Manifestations are null
& void without love.
We conclude with a 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 affirmation:
Dove
Creek is patient.
Dove
Creek does not envy.
Dove
Creek does not boast.
Dove
Creek is not proud.
Dove
Creek is not rude.
Dove
Creek is not self-seeking.
Dove
Creek is not easily angered.
Dove
Creek keeps no record of wrongs.
Dove
Creek doesn’t delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
Dove
Creek always protects, always trusts, always hopes & always perseveres.
Lord teach us what real love is and make us a loving people.
Exhortation:
As the Spirit enables us, let’s be an Acts 2 church that obeys the Word, that propagates the Kingdom of God with Jesus Christ at the center of it all.
Benediction Prayer: John 16:33 & John 17 Reading
And all of God's people said, Amen!
