October 29, 2023 Preaching | Ptr Keith Shubert
In the previous message, Dr. Keith Schubert dived deep into the theology behind spiritual gifts – gifts vs talents, the hierarchy of gifts, and focusing on the Giver and what He wants us to do with the gifts He blessed all Christians with upon salvation. As we continue this study, Paul focuses on our attitude as Christians during this process. of discovering and utilising the spiritual gifts chosen for us by the Holy Spirit – the most vital ingredient being love. 1 Corinthians 13 clearly illustrates how having gifts, without having love, produces nothing. In contrast, what we may think as the simplest of gifts, when exercised with the love of God, produces lasting value for His kingdom. This is why it is essential that our gifts be used with love, or not at all.
Love is SUPERIOR to Gifts
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul spends time addressing one of the pressure points causing discord within the church in Corinth – that is, their use of and attitude towards their spiritual gifts. From verses 1 -7, Paul makes it plain that whatever spiritual gift it maybe, tongues or prophesying or charity – even faith! – without love, these gifts are nothing but noisy gongs and clanging cymbals, profiting believers nothing.
Love BENEFITS Others
The gifts given to all believers upon salvation are not to be used for personal gain. They are specifically designed and assigned by the Holy Spirit to be used for the benefit of those outside ourselves. And the only way these gifts will effectively benefit others is with love. The relational aspects of love are described in verses 4 -7 (a favourite passage particularly in celebrations of marriage), with it having both passive and active benefits (passively patient, actively kind). In the same set of verses, Paul also writes how love does not cause others harm in seven specific ways: it does not envy, does not boast, is not arrogant, does not behave improperly, isn’t selfish nor irritable, and finally, is not unforgiving. As we think about the position of Christians and the church today as salt and light to this broken world – more than having engaging speakers, good music, or an impressive facility – we should strive to embrace love as the most important gift we can share with all people we encounter, expressing it in a way that pleases God.
Love OUTLASTS Gifts
Spiritual Gifts come from God, but they are by no means perfect. These are only partial glimpses of a bigger picture, a murky reflection of God’s ultimate plan and purpose for us. All these gifts are temporary – it is only love that is permanent, as said in 1 Corinthians 13 : 8 – “Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away with.” Maturity will replace childish things, and these incomplete gifts will make way for the completed and perfect work of God. However “faith, hope, and love remain, the greatest of this is love”. (v. 13). This reiterates the superior position of love over all spiritual gifts, and proves its lasting effects in and for the Kingdom of God.
The question for God’s people today is this: how are we at loving others (as individuals and as a church)? May we always remember the importance of a loving attitude as we embrace the use of our gifts in benefiting others for the glory of God.