March 6, 2005

A MORE EXCELLENT WAY

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

 

   Paul had exhorted the Corinthians to "covet earnestly the greater gifts," and showed them "a more excellent way" (1 Cor. 12:31). It was the way of love, without which all would come to nothing.

   This church was unique, for they came "behind in no gift" (1:7). Their situation was also unique for their meeting place shared a common center wall with the Jewish synagogue next door. Some of the synagogue's leaders were now believers in Christ and enjoyed the fellowship of the saints. And since "Jews require signs," (1:22) this church was especially endued with miraculous "sign gifts," such as miracles, healing, and tongues. These gifts were both used and abused since those so gifted seemed to esteem themselves superior to others. Such juvenile conduct engendered strife and division instead of working for the common good and the glory of the Lord.

   Paul had enumerated the gifts and showed that their distribution was as it pleased God, not to make the recipient proud. He explained the essential ingredient to be love in all their operations and uses. Without love the fruit of every gift would be nothing and the recipient without reward. True love was longsuffering, kind, not envious, boastful, puffed up, rude, selfish, easily provoked, nor suspicious with evil thoughts. Love rejoiced not in iniquity but only in the truth. Love bears, believes, hopes and endures "all things" that are in accordance with God's truth. Love never fails, which cannot be said of their "sign gifts." The gifts of prophesies, tongues, and knowledge will all fail, not because of their misuse, but withdrawn by God when their purpose is fulfilled. Even when these gifts were genuinely from God, they were exhorted to "desire the greater gifts," such as prophecy over tongues, whereby to better serve one another.

   Paul contrasted "things NOW" with future "things THEN," soon to be realized. Although the "sign gifts" would be withdrawn, "faith, hope and love" would all abide. Yet only love could continue into the eternal realm. Faith will give place to sight. Hope will disappear when realized. Love, the greatest, is eternal, for God is love, from Whom none of the redeemed can ever be separated. Amen.

 

Ivan L. Burgener