SUNDAY LESSON, 4/7/24
AUTHENTIC LOVE: THE MOST EXCELLENT WAY
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
I am starting a new sermon series this Sunday from 1 Corinthians 13 titled: AUTHENTIC LOVE. The Greek word that Paul uses in this chapter is “agape”. Throughout the writings of antiquity, the word “agape” is most often used in reference to Christians as coming from God. Therefore, it is godly love and not worldly love. “Worldly love” is always about self, whereas “godly love” (agape) is always driven by a deep commitment to the other.
This brings us to the problem Paul is addressing in 1 Corinthians 13. Christians at Corinth had a problem with self-centeredness, and, therefore, had a problem with loving each other with a godly love. They were constantly promoting themselves over their brothers or sisters in Christ. So, Paul decided to devote an entire chapter to show them not only how authentic love (godly love) acts towards others, but also how it doesn’t act. Paul calls it “the most excellent way” (Romans 12:31).
1 CORINTHIANS 12:31-13:3
12:31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts
And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
