1 Corinthians Commentary - Chapter 13 - LOVE IS NECESSARY FOR THE PROPER USE WITH THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

[Dr. Henry, President of the AOCI]

CHAPTER 13 – LOVE IS NECESSARY FOR PROPER USE WITH THE GIFTS

Vs. 1-3 The point here is simply that without love gifts will lose their proper value, reward, and effectiveness. Paul brings this out using examples of gifts highly valued by the Corinthians. For example, tongues without love may gain attention but do not contribute to genuine worship and in later chapters is used to clarify why tongues only build the believer and not the congregation since the gift of tongues is individual unless the gift of interpretation is used so that others may understand. Again, nevertheless, Paul also says that he wished all would speak in tongues and not to “forbid” speaking in tongues as this will be a sign to unbelievers that something supernatural is going on and they are missing something in their lives and thus receive Christ as savior. Exercising the most spectacular gifts are meaningless unless exercised with the love of Christ.
Vs.4-7 Paul identifies twelve characteristics that describe the kind of love needed in manifesting the gifts of the Spirit. Although these characteristics may seem hard to attain, we can open our heart and let God pour his love in us and through us. We need to first repent for our lack of love before Christ will fill our hearts with his love. We have that choice.
Vs8-10 We won’t need these spiritual gifts once we are in heaven. The gifts are to be used while we are on earth (Acts 2:16-20). Prominent and notable Greek biblical scholars (as well as myself) are in agreement that the meaning of “that which is perfect” is a reference to the coming of Christ and is not a reference to when the bible was complete. Some denominations will attempt to use this as a passage to support that the gifts are not to operate through the church during this dispensation (church age) but the context and the Greek does not support this thought. No other exegetically position is possible. Our understanding and knowledge is still partial and has not changed even when the New Testament was completed. The scripture following the apostolic age make it clear that the gifts did NOT come to a stop with the closing of the New Testament Cannon.
Vs. 11-12 Paul continues to illustrate his meaning further by comparing a child’s ways with a man’s was in terms of reaching full maturity which we will have in heaven. Paul also uses the illustration of a mirror used in those days made out of polished bronze which as was hard to see yourself through. When we step into heaven we will know God exactly as and to the same degree that He knows us now. In other words, our senses, intellect and bodies will undergo a miraculous transformation. Since we are looking through a dark and dim glass it is hard to sometimes understand the things of the Spirit of God. I believe this to be the case with Christians who struggle with the gifts of the Spirit. Some teach that the gifts were primarily given for accredidation of the Apostles and are not need now and have passed away but the book of acts shows ordinary believers being used in the gifts and so scripture demonstrates that the gifts are for today as they continued during the early church history.
Vs. 13 The gifts are temporary blessings given to the believer but what is permanent is faith, hope and love with love being the greater of the three. Notice that Paul says that love is the greater of these three which are permanent but Paul is not saying that faith, hope and love is Greater than the gifts. Things that God gives temporarily are not less than things he gives permanently. The entire context and point of what Paul is saying is that the gifts practiced with love are powerful and is the correct way to practice these gifts.

[Dr. Henry, President of the AOCI]

Thank you Bishop Fields, may the Lord bless you, your family, and your ministry.

[Bishop Timothy Fields]

Dr. Henry that was very good I enjoy reading your postings. More people need to read these postings because they are very easy to understand. God bless you.