TEXT: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Someone has said, “Love is properly the image of God in the soul; for God is love. By faith we receive from our Maker; by hope we expect a future and eternal good; but by love we resemble God; and by it alone are we qualified to enjoy Heaven and be one with Him throughout eternity.” Love is the fulfilling of the Law. The Law did not have power to change men’s lives, but Christ, who is love personified, did!
QUESTIONS
- The first three verses of our text reveal that many good things can be absolutely worthless without love—the Christ like kind of love. List these good qualities opposite the verses below.
1 Corinthians 13:1
1 Corinthians 13:2
1 Corinthians 13:3 - Pick two or more of the qualities named above. How can these qualities be shown without love (that is, with a wrong motive)?
- Question 2 developed how certain human qualities can be exercised without the presence of divine love. Now show the merit of these qualities when divine love is present.
- In verses 4-7, we are given the elements of love—those of which Christian love is made. Each of these elements can be given common names: they are virtues which we hear about often. And with Christ in our hearts they can be practiced by every person in every situation in life. Alongside each of the elements listed below, write a synonym that is more familiar in our day.
Love suffereth long . . . Beareth all things
And is kind
Love envieth not (Clue: think positive)
Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up
Doth not behave itself unseemly
Seeketh not her ownIs not easily provoked
Thinketh no evil
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth
in the truth
Believeth all things
Hopeth all things
Endureth all things - List three things mentioned in verse 8 to which divine love is superior. Why?
- “Now and then,” is an expression in modern English language. Find two instances in our text where these words are used. Contrast the now with the then.
- In your estimation why would the Apostle declare that divine love is the greatest attribute?
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