The Failure of Spiritual Gifts    1 Corinthians 13:1-3

This post concerns the failure of spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church.

The Failure of Spiritual Gifts discusses how some Christians with special spiritual gifts fail. In the previous chapter, the Apostle Paul made a list and explained about spiritual gifts in the church. He clearly taught that the church should have unity and the importance of all members, even those without spiritual gifts.

At the end of the chapter, he points out the leadership hierarchy: the apostles first, then those with these unique gifts. Lastly, those speaking in tongues comprise the lowest on the list of spiritual gifts. Then, he says he will describe a more excellent way.

Chapter 13 describes that way, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I… a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I… nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

Firstly, he points out that without love, speaking in tongues resembles the output of stifling air or wind blowing. Secondly, he says that without love, the gifts of prophecy, special understanding, and special faith have no value. Thirdly, giving away everything and submitting to persecution by burning my body avails nothing without love.

In summary, the use of the unique gifts of the Holy Spirit provides zero benefit to the recipient without displaying proper love toward others.

In the next chapter, the Apostle gives directions on the use of these extraordinary gifts in the worship assembly. Love for all should be apparent as well as order in the assembly.

So, what did we learn?

1.Love provides something more important than spiritual gifts can.

2.Zero describes the benefit of these gifts without love.

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