Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 13; Romans 12:9; Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 10:22-25; 1 John 4:19; James 3:14-16
Intro: Welcome to today's sermon. Like contestants on "The Price is Right," we constantly assess value in life. It's easy to misprice things, letting petty things become important and crucial things get ignored. Our church community helps "scream out prices," reminding us of true value. While most agree love is supremely valuable, the challenge is living it sincerely (Rom 12:9). Do our actions match our words about love, or are we hypocrites?
Key Points:
- The Challenge: Sincere Love vs. Hypocrisy:
- Hypocrisy: Speech and actions don't align. Jesus condemned doing right to be seen, loving titles, majoring on minors, focusing only on externals, religiosity tied to time/place, being harsh with others but lenient with self.
- Conviction ("Woe is me"): We often fall short, acting like we love but lacking sincerity. The world judges our faith based on our love.
- The Standard: Defining Agape Love (1 Cor 13):
- Supremacy (vv. 1-3): Gifts (tongues, prophecy, knowledge, faith) and sacrifice without love are nothing.
- Virtues (vv. 4-7): Love is patient (long-suffering) and kind. Love is not envious, boastful/parading, proud, rude, self-seeking, easily angered, keeping records of wrong, or delighting in evil.
- Key Aspects:
- Envy: A serious, demonic sin (James 3), not just wanting what others have, but not wanting them to have it.
- Parading: Pride seeking glory disguised as love. True love works behind the scenes.
- Anger: Not excluded, but love isn't easily angered. Righteous anger (like God's) serves love, opposing injustice.
- No Record of Wrongs: Vulnerability is inherent in love; self-protection via record-keeping kills it.
- Rejoices with Truth: Love doesn't ignore reality or sin (like Jesus & the adulterous woman - John 8), but offers grace within truth.
- Bears/Believes/Hopes/Endures ALL things: The challenge is "all." Bearing includes enduring without venting/slander. Believing means assuming the best. Hoping means future confidence in God. Enduring means never giving up.
- The Solution: Supernatural Love from God:
- Good News: This standard is impossible alone. But 1 Cor 13 perfectly describes Christ's love for us.
- Empowerment: God has poured His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5). Love is a fruit of the Spirit, not just human effort (Gal 5:22).
- Teaching: God Himself teaches us how to love one another (1 Thess 4:9). We can ask Him!
- The Practice: Spurring One Another Toward Love (Heb 10):
- Don't give up meeting together. Instead, actively consider how to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Use the same energy for this as people use for egging others toward foolishness.
Conclusion: The standard for love in 1 Corinthians 13 is incredibly high because it reflects God's own love. Don't be discouraged by the gap; be encouraged that this love is available through Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We can learn and grow in love, especially as we intentionally encourage and spur each other on.
Call to Action:
- Pray daily: "Holy Spirit, fill me with Your love. God, teach me how to love like 1 Corinthians 13."
- Identify one specific area from 1 Cor 1
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