1. Studies in 1 Corinthians The End of Miraculous Spiritual Gifts 1 Cor. 13:8-13

2. Concerning Spiritual Gifts 1 Corinthians 12-14 The Holy Spirit distributed gifts as He willed As a body every part is important God appoints the order A “more excellent way” LOVE!

3. Concerning Spiritual Gifts 1 Corinthians 12-14 WHY is love a more excellent way? Because it never fails, while miraculous spiritual gifts will pass away.

4. Miracles to be done away! What is a miracle? A word often misinterpreted An act of God that cannot be duplicated through natural processes.

5. Miracles to be done away! Purpose of miracles To verify the word of God Matthew 9:1-8 John 3:2

6. Miracles to be done away! Were miraculous gifts to cease? YES! Our text will show this! The way spiritual gifts were dispersed – Acts 8:14-19, 19:6, Rom. 1:11, 2 Tim. 1:6

7. Miracles to be done away! Were miraculous gifts to cease? History confirms they ceased shortly after end of 1 st century A time would come when no longer needed – 1 Cor. 13:8-10 We do NOT see them today as they were performed in the 1st century

8. 1 Cor. 13:8-13 We must determine, what is “in part” and what is “perfect”! Vs. 8 - Love never fails! Paul’s ultimate point!

9. 1 Cor. 13:8-13 Vs. 8 – Prophecies will fail (to render inactive, idle, useless, ineffective) Tongues will cease – (to stop) Knowledge will vanish away – same word as “fail” These are a “sampling” of 1 Cor. 12:8-10 ALL 3 deal with revealing God’s word!

10. 1 Cor. 13:8-13 Vs. 9, “We know in part and we prophecy in part.” “In part” part of the whole God’s word revealed in parts - John 16:12-13 Example: Ac. 1:8, chs. 10, 15, Eph. 3:2-5, etc.

11. 1 Cor. 13:8-13 Vs. 10 “When that which is perfect has come…” Some believe the “Perfect” refers to Christ’s 2 nd coming It says “that”, not “He” Text NOT dealing with Lord’s return “That” is contrasted with spiritual gifts “In part”

12. 1 Cor. 13:8-13 Vs. 10 “When that which is perfect has come…” Best explanation – the perfected Word of God This fits the context God’s word WAS delivered “in parts” Jas. 1:25 – “perfect” same word Jude 3, 2 Pet. 1:3, Gal. 1:6-9

13. 1 Cor. 13:8-13 Vs. 11 Childish things An analogy, when a child you act immaturely. BUT when you “grow up” you put those things away! “In part” the child, “perfect” - man Thought: Did they need to grow up?

14. 1 Cor. 13:8-13 Vs. 12 Now we see in a mirror (glass) dimly (darkly) A time was coming when everything would be clearly seen When God’s word was completed, we had everything! 1 Pet. 1:10-12, Rom. 16:25- 26, Jas. 1:22-25 We have EVERYTHING we need to please God!

15. 1 Cor. 13:8-13 Vs. 13 “Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” Faith and hope are important, but they are also subject to change. Love will last forever and was ALWAYS needed!

16. May love motivate everything that we do!