1. To 160 th Ave Church of Christ

3. 1 Corinthians 13

4. Context of 1 Corinthians 13 Immediate context: Spiritual Gifts (1 Cor. 12- 14) – While there are different gifts, we are all working together (chapter 12) Vs. 4-7; variety of gifts Vs. 12; many members of one body Vs. 22-23; all members are important Vs. 24-27; Vs. 30-31; a more excellent way (love)

5. Context of 1 Corinthians 13 Immediate context: Spiritual Gifts (1 Cor. 12- 14) – Order and edification (chapter 14) vs. 5 Vs. 12 Vs. 26 Vs. 27-31 Vs. 40

6. Love is the Solution! (1 Cor. 13) To the immediate problems: – Quarreling over which gift is greatest (vs. 1-3) – Problems of disorder and self-glorification (vs. 4-5) – Concerning contention over spiritual gifts (vs. 9-13)

7. The Context of 1 Corinthians 13 Context of the Book: Paul writes to the church at Corinth which has many problems – 1 Cor. 1:10-12; divisions – 1 Cor. 3:3-4; jealousy (vs. 4-5) – 1 Cor. 5:1-2; immorality (vs. 6) – 1 Cor. 6:7-8 lawsuits (vs. 5) – 1 Cor. 8:1; food sacrificed to idols (vs. 4-7) – 1 Cor. 11:17-18; the Lord’s supper (vs. 4-7) – 1 Cor. 15:1-5; the Resurrection (vs. 7)

8. Love is the Solution! (1 Cor. 13) To the overall problems at Corinth: – Problems over divisions and “I am of Paul…” along with (vs. 4-5) – Problems of lawsuits (vs. 5) – Problems of immorality (vs. 6) – Problems with abuse of liberties and Communion (vs. 4, 7) – Problems of unbelief in the Resurrection (vs. 7)

9. Applications for Us: Love can solve the problems congregations may have today: – Arrogance – Rampant sin – Abuse of liberties – Disbelief – Matt. 22:34-40; John 14:15 Anyone can have love: – Love is commanded of us – “Love is not something that happens to you, but something that happens through you” – Love is a choice. A Different Kind of love: – Not the same as the world’s definition. – Does not deal with emotions – “Does not rejoice in unrighteousness” Love Never fails: – “the greatest of these is love”