David Jackman

Speaker and Author

Bible Exposition - 1 Corinthians 13

Introduction

The danger of taking the text out of context

Travel back to Corinth

How was this chapter received?

And today?

1.   Only Love Counts  (1-3)

Paul deals with the Corinthians' elevation of spiritual gifts

• miraculous gifts (1)
• spiritual endowments (2)
• personal sacrifice (3)

"without love"  -  nothing.

2.   Only Love Triumphs (4-7)

Paul deals with the Corinthians' divisiveness. What they were -

• 4:6, 18-19;  5:2;  8:1
• 7:36
• 10:24

A mirror to their true spiritual condition (3:1ff)

3.   Only Love Endures (8-13)

Paul deals with the Corinthians' claims to spiritual superiority

• Love lasts, while gifts and knowledge pass away (8-10)
• Maturity is our aim (11)
• Perfection awaits the world to come (12-13) which is characterised by love.

© David Jackman 2003