I Corinthians 13: Introduction (Part 60) The More Excellent Way

Intro

• Autobiographical

• We will learn about Paul and love

• This chapter emphasizes the right attitude when exercising gifts—12:31 is the springboard (the more excellent attitude is love)

• The structure (and method of teaching): a) The necessity of love: The disaster of things if love is absent, vv. 1-3; b) The character of love: Conditions when love is present, vv. 4-7; c) The permanence of love: Comparison, vv. 8-12; d) The superiority of love: Statement of fact, v. 13.

The necessity of love—vv. 1-3

• The pattern—each verse goes through this pattern: a) A condition; b) An absence; c) The result.

Agape

• The deep affection between God the Father and God the Son

• Of God’s love for us

• The believer’s attitude toward one another (man to man)

13:1-3—Notes

• All 4 classes of gifts mentioned

• Language gifts

• Teaching gifts

• Wonder-working gifts

• Helps gift

• He is dealing with the attitude regarding gifts

• Notes