INTRODUCTION

1. There were many attacks on the Church

a) External persecution

b) Internal strife

2. The Corinthian Church

a) It was founded by the Apostle Paul

b) He spent at least 18 months there to grow the Church

c) It was a thriving Church blessed with many spiritual gifts

d) But they faced a huge problem: A lack of Love

ONE OF THE CONFLICTS IN THE CHURCH

1. There was divided opinions concerning the Gift of Tongues

2. The Church was soon engulfed by this problem

3. It had to be resolved firmly

 

GETTING THE DOCTRINE OF TONGUES RIGHT

1. A clear and correct understanding of the Gift of Tongues

a) This must be understood carefully

b) It must be comprehended fully

2. A clear and correct application of the Gift of Tongues

a) Truth is of vital importance

b) The application of the truth in the church is just as important

 

GOD’S PROVISION FOR THE CHURCH

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that

miracle, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

31 But earnestly desire the [best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31

1. The Context

The body of Christ (The Church)

2. God’s appointment

a) Apostles

b) Prophets

c) Teachers (pastors)

3. God’s spiritual Gifts

a) Miracles

b) Healing

c) Helps

d) Administrations

e) Varieties of tongues

4. But there was “a more excellent way” to consider

 

A GLORIOUS DESCRIPTION OF THE MORE EXCELLENT WAY

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging 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, but have not love, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, [c]thinks no evil;

6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;

7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues,

they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

1. Gifts admired

a) Prophecy

b) Knowledge

c) Faith

d) Philanthropy

e) Martyrdom

2. Love in Comparison

a) If it is absent

b) None of the above acquisitions can be compared to the Gift of Love

c) Love never fails when all the other gifts will in time disappear

3. The word “though”

a) It is to be understood as “If”

b) It is presented for argument’s sake

c) It is used as “a subjunctive possibility”

 

THE QUALITIES OF LOVE

1. There are many aspects

“ 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, [c]thinks no evil;

6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;

7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

2. Each aspect needs to be carefully cultivated

3. The significance of this Gift of Love can hardly be underestimated!

 

THE PROBLEMS IN THE CHURCH

1. They arose from false teachings

2. They became more complicated because of a lack of love

3. The Church that lacks God’s love will become mired in all kinds of problems

 

CONCLUSION

1. Let us seek this Gift of Love

2. It is a gift for it comes from God above

3. May we be challenged to cultivate this love that is for everyone