May 30, 2010 Lesson 11 of 2 Corinthians 11-21a

Why was Paul so concerned for the Corinthian Christians? See verses 1-4, and cf. Gal 1:6-10. On what two grounds was he amazed that they should so readily tolerate these false teachers? See verse 4 and verses 19-20. But also see verses 13-15. What warning for our own day can be drawn from what Paul says about the false teachers, their methods, and their message? Is ‘another Jesus’ preached today? Answer: Paul was concerned that the Corinthians had accepted “another Jesus.” The Jesus preached by the Jews. 1) his love for them, 2) his sacrifices for them are the reasons he is amazed?? Oh, no wait I misread the question. They tolerate false teachers because 1) they (and note the sarcasm here) are so wise, and 2) they tolerate (and almost allow) abuse. I think satan, as v 13-15 indicates, walks around acting like a follower and many times appears as a god to be worshiped. Today satan comes in the form of the false apostle on late night TV that tries to sell you “holy water” for $19.95 that will amazingly fill your bank account with thousands of dollars. Satan comes in the form of an idol in our cars, TV’s, and homes. Yes, I do believe that there is “another Jesus” preached today, his new name is relativism.


In what ways does Paul distinguish his own way of life while Corinth from that of the ‘false apostles’? Have you learnt anything new about Paul’s character from this passage? Answer: I see a deeper side to Paul’s sarcasm.


Notes:
V5. An ironical reference to the intruders at Corinth who exalted themselves so highly.
V7-12. Paul refused to take money from the church in Corinth, and says that he will continue to refuse, one reason being that his enemies who, it is implied, did receive support from the church, would have liked to see Paul doing the same.

May 29, 2010 Lesson 10 of 2 Corinthians 10

In his third section of the letter (see introduction), Paul has specially in view the disaffected minority, who were being led astray by visiting preachers, who were enemies of Paul and of the gospel. His desire is to destroy the influence of these men, so that his visit, when it comes, may not be one of strife and conflict. In this chapter he twice refers to a charge, which his enemies made against him (10:1b, 10), that while he might be able to write vigorous letters from a distance, he was weak and ineffective when present in person. Paul answers that he has powerful weapons at his command, and that the church in Corinth falls within the sphere of his God-given authority.


Consider Paul’s description of his ministry as a warfare (v3-6). What is the aim he has in view? What fortresses have to be captured, and how is victory achieved? Have you known in your own experience: (a) of lawless elements in your own thought-life brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and (b) of winning such victories for Christ in the thought-life of others? Answer: Paul’s aim, I think even though not specifically stated here, is to obey and become more like Christ. Well Ok the obey part is specifically stated. Yes I have seen thought elements brought under control in my own life. One of the most basic is when I was saved as a teen I quit swearing. I did pull back from the Lord a bit during my young adult years and some of those bad habits and thoughts returned. When I started getting back into the Word several years ago I once again dropped that habit. It is not something of my own, rather it is God controlling my tongue. This is just one way that others may see in me, but privately there are others. I hope that my thoughts are always on Him so that I may be a witness indirectly at first, and then directly.


What does Paul claim for himself in verse 7-16, and what hope for future service does he express? Cf. Rom 12:3; 15:18-24. What is the only form of commendation in which he is interested? Answer: I am not sure of what Paul is trying to claim here. I would say that the only commendation he seeks is the commendation that he boasts in the Lord not himself or the world.


Note: V16. ‘Done in another man’s territory’: an allusion to those who came to a church already founded by someone else, to make mischief there.

May 28, 2010 Lesson 9 of 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:15

Today’s portion falls into tow parts. First, in 8:16-24, Paul explains why he is sending Titus and two others to Corinth, and gives them his warm commendation. Second, in chapter 9, he shows the blessings of cheerful and generous giving.


What can we learn from Paul’s example of the duty of giving praise where praise is due? What picture do you have of the personalities of the Christian workers he describes? Answer: The only thing I am seeing is Titus and the two brothers are believers and they are highly respected by the church. I do see continuing into 9:5 and putting it all together that Paul praises the brothers and then reminds the Corinthians about the gift and Paul requesting it from them.


What lessons do we learn here about handling money? What kinds of giving does God value? What reward does he give? Answer: We learn that when we give generously God will give to us generously so that we may give more generously. God want giving from the heart not obligation.


Note: 9:15. ‘His indescribable gift’: i.e. the gift of Christ, so great as to be beyond description, the spring and pattern of our giving.

May 21, 2010 Lesson 2 of 2 Corinthians 1:12-22

To what does Paul’s conscience bear witness regarding his relations: a) with the world, and b) with fellow believers? Can you say the same? Answer: Paul’s conscience is clear of the world because he lives his life under the wisdom of God. That is not to say Paul is perfect and did not make mistakes. Paul is simply trying to explain to the Corinthians that he had to change his plans for the glory of God!


Paul makes the remarkable claim that his reliability is to be compared with the eternal faithfulness of God. What does he tell us here about God’s faithfulness? What three special functions of the Holy Spirit are referred to in verse 21, 22? Answer: Stand firm, sets His seal upon us, and anoints us. It says that God is a promise keeper. God always upholds His end of the deal. We as part of the world do not always keep up our end, but God does.

Notes:
Verse 12 ‘not according to worldly wisdom: cf. 1 Cor 2:6; Jas 3:13-18.
V13. ‘It is simply untrue that I send any private communications. The only letters which I write are those which you read out to the congregation – ay, and which you do recognize as the expression of my mind, and will never cease, I hope, to recognize as such, (way).
V20. ‘He, who has God’s son, Jesus Christ, has all God has promised’ (Denny). When we believe this and utter with thankful hearts as appropriating ‘Amen’, we glorify God.

May 20, 2010 Lesson 1 of 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

After a formal greeting and introduction Paul opens his letter on a note of praise. What particular aspects of God’s character does Paul give praise for? Why do you think these should be particularly singled out in this letter? Can we learn from Paul’s experiences any new lessons about the Christian in his personal relationships with God? Answer: This one is above my head. I can see that Paul is talking here about the comfort and strength of God. One thing I found interesting is when researching this a bit one person more or less said to replace comfort with strength. It reads a bit different yet the same.


What reasons does Paul give in this passage for wanting the Corinthians to be fully aware of the extent of his sufferings? What spiritual gain would they get from his sufferings (v6)? What part are they to play, and with what result (v11)? How faithful are we in our support of those whose Christian lives entail more than a usual amount of sufferings? Answer: Paul suffered, and relayed this to the Corinthians so they could better understand that in times of great hardship that reliance on God is the only way. V6; If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. In other words what Paul has suffered he hopes that the Corinthians will learn from that situation that God is with them. Paul’s comfort is their strength.


Compare the formal greetings of this letter with similar ones in the other epistles (e.g. Gal 1:1). ON what grounds does Paul rest his claim to apostleship? How does he describe the church in Corinth in spite of its defects? What blessings does he ask for its members? How far are these blessings real to you? Answer: He rests his claims of apostleship on God; God said it and it is true. I am missing the description of the church in Corinth.


Note: V8-10. ‘To be uninformed’: in the sense of ‘to underrate’. The Corinthians knew of the affliction, but not of its gravity. ‘I absolutely despaired of life. Yes, and when I asked, what shall be the end? The whispered answer of my heart was Death. This taught me to rely no more on my own strength, but upon God alone, for He can raise up men actually dead’ (Way).

May 19, 2010 Lesson 35 of Psalm 41

David from his sick-bed thinks of the words, thoughts and attitudes of other people, some of whom visited him. Note the different ways they added to the sufferings of David. In contrast to this, think of ways by which you can consider the poor, weak and those who are sick. Answer: Unless I am missing the point here I don’t see how David’s enemies adding to his suffering can compare to how I see or treat the poor, weak, and sick. David’s enemies here are out to see his destruction, even after his death by spreading lies. They have a reason to be two-faced with him. I treat the poor, weak, and sick as best that I can. I will say, however, that it has been pressing on my heart to volunteer more these days. To get out and help in the church and the community so that others may see the love of Christ through us.


Amid the ‘fighting without and fear within’ (2 Cor 7:5), how did the psalmist’s faith finally gain the victory? Answer: The psalmist finally gains victory by turning to the Lord and putting his faith on the Rock.


Note: V1 ‘Has regard for’: the Hebrew implies wise as well as kindly consideration. LXX: ‘He that understands.’

May 18, 2010 Lesson 34 of Psalms 40:11-17

What are the reasons for the psalmist requiring God’s help? Answer: His troubles, which are obviously many, and his enemy who wish to take his life once again.

On what grounds does he ask for God’s help, and what does he see as the results of an answer to his prayer? What lessons can we learn for our own prayer life? Answer: He asks for help on the grounds that God is the mighty deliverer. ????

May 17, 2010 Lesson 33 of Psalm 40:1-10

This psalm consists of two parts, which differ widely in their content. The first part if full of joyous thanksgiving for recent deliverance. The second pleads for help in the midst of distress and danger.


What five things does David say in verses 1-3 that God did for him? And what effects did his deliverance have on those who witnessed it? Have you a corresponding experience of God’s deliverance, and has it had a similar effect? Cf. Acts 9:34, 35, 41, 42. Answer: 1)God turned and heard David’s cry, 2) took David out of the muck and mire, 3) gave David a solid place to stand, 4) put a new song in David’s mouth. Not sure what the 5th is unless the first is broken down into 2. Those who witnessed this came to faith. I have had similar experiences, however, I don’t know if others were brought to faith. I do hope and pray the my actions will show God’s love for them and will be a witness of the life changing transformation God can make in one’s life.


To what reflections, resolve, and actions did his deliverance give rise in David’s own heart and life? See verses 4-10. Answer: I am not sure of the questions here. I will give it a shot. I see David thanking God to the things He has done for David. David resolves to do God’s will, and not conceal God’s love.


Note
Verses 6-8 are quoted in Heb 10:5-7, but from the LXX version, which has a different reading in the second line of verse 6. The general meaning is not, however, essentially different. ‘As the ear is the instrument for receiving their divine command, so the body is the instrument for fulfilling it.’ (Cambridge Bible)

May 16, 2010 Lesson 32 of Psalm 39

Why was the psalmist at first silent, and why did he break silence and speak? When he gave utterance to his thoughts, to whom did he speak? What can we learn from this? Cf. Ps. 62:8; Jas 3:5-6. Answer: The psalmist was at first silent in the presence of his enemies to prevent himself from saying something he would regret later. Boy, oh, boy, can I learn a ton from this psalm. He finally cried out to the Lord asking for reassurance, and reaffirming that he is putting his faith in God.


It seems that God had many lessons to teach David, and that after his fall his eyes were opened to some of them in a new way. Discover from this psalm what some of these lessons were, and ask yourself, ‘Have I learnt them?’ Answer: 1) we need not say the first thing that comes to mind, and 2) a reminder that our lives are short and whatever trials we may be going through here on earth are only temporary. I continue to be reminded of some things over and over like a stubborn child.

Eric’s Notes
Psalm 38 was silence before the enemy; 39 is silence before God.
V1-3; 2-3; 4-5 and; 7-11 are each their own “section.” See NIV study notes.

May 15, 2010 Lesson 31 of Psalm 38

If this psalm was written when David’s great sin first came to light and struck dismay and horror into the hearts of his friends, can we wonder that its tone is so subdued? How great the contrast with Ps 35! What light does the psalm throw on the effect of discovered sin in the life of a believer? Answer: I don’t see this psalm as subdued. I hear David crying out because of his pain. No wait, subdued also means not harsh. Yes, this psalm is not as harsh as the others. David does not ask God to get vengeance on his enemies, rather he briefly mentions them to say that they hate him. I am reminded of the speck verses plank in the eye. Why are you worried about the speck in another man’s eye when there is a plank in your eye? I may be way off base here, but those times that I feel as David does here I realize how much I do (and really shouldn’t) worry about what others have or do. It is those times in life that God puts me in my place. Thankfully not to the degree that David is dealing with here, but my “emotional” pain is the same because I feel that I have failed God.


The three divisions of this psalm are marked by the fact that they all begin with an address to God. Do you discern a progress in faith from one section to the next? Answer: I see an address to God in v1, 9, and 15. I do see a progress of faith and trust in the Lord.


Note:
Verse 5. ‘My wounds’: i.e., my stripes, a poetic description of God’s scourging.
Verse 11. ‘My wounds’: his friends regard him with horror as is he were a leper.

Eric’s notes
Broken down into 5, 4 verse sections with a 2 verse conclusion.

May 14, 2010 Lesson 30 Psalm 37:21-40

Verses 21-31. This section of the psalm expands in fuller measure what was said of the reward of the righteousness in verses 4, 6,9,11. What do these verses 21-31 say about the righteousness? How do you measure up to this description? Answer: The righteous are protected from harm, the Lord delights in them, they are never forsaken, they are generous. The wicked are cut off and separated. I have seen some of these changes in my own life. The more faith and trust I put in Christ, the more peace I have!!


On what does the salvation (past, present, and future) of the righteousness depend? See verses 22,23,24,28,33,39,40. Answer: I depends on the God. God’s will for that believer.

May 13, 2010 Lesson 29 of Psalm 37:1-20

What things are we told not to do in these verses, and what reasons are we given for this? Answer: 1) told not to fret, 2) refrain from anger. To sum it up, God is in control.


What positive counsels are contained in verses 1-11? Note also the promises attached. How far are you personally obeying these injunctions? Answer: 1) Trust in the Lord (enjoy safety), 2) delight in Him (He will give you the desires of your heart), 3) commit to Him (He will make your righteousness shine), 4) be still and patient. It is hard to obey these. It is hard to let go of things for me many times and let God take control. As much as I know in my heart that God really is in control, it is my mind that doesn’t want to let go. Thank do for His Mercy and Grace!!

May 12, 2010 Lesson 28 of Psalms 36

Note the contrast in this psalm I the attitude, action and end of the wicked and of those who know the Lord. What should this teach us: a) to avoid, and b) to do? Answer: I think it should first teach us not to let our minds wander. We should focus totally on God, His Word, and following His commands. We should not be like the wicked plotting evil.


Which of God’s attributes are extolled here and what blessings flow from them? Are you living in the enjoyment of these blessings? Do you pray, as the psalmist did, for their continuance? Answer: I don’t know that I pray for their continuance. I take it that His word is never failing and that it will always continue, for He has chosen me. God’s love for us flows through His blessing of food and water naturally and spiritually.

Eric’s notes
V2-4 is the wicked characterized, v5-7a the trustworthiness of God, v7b-9 the benevolence of the Lord to all His creatures, and 10-12 the prayer.

May 11, 2010 Lesson 27 of Psalm 35

The psalm falls into three divisions, each ending with a promise to give God thanks. Discover these sections, and give to each an appropriate heading, summarizing its contents. Answer: First section: Those who pursue for my destruction. Second section: Those who lie to bring my downfall. Third section: Those who are arrogant over my destruction. Each of the sections ends with, as stated above, a praise. The first describes how the soul will rejoice. The second explains how David will rejoice in “the assembly.” The third tells how David will thank God continually.


David gives a vivid picture of the vigor, subtlety and malice of his persecutors, and reacts against them with equal vigor. What is the main cry of his heart, and on what grounds does he plead? In what respects is he an example to us? Answer: The main cry of his heart is for salvation or protection from those who seek to destroy him. I think one thing I have noticed is David he will thank God in any circumstance. I need to learn to do that more!!


Notes:
V 4-6. Concerning this and similar prayer in the Psalms, see NBD, p 984.
V 11-12. Malicious insinuations were made against David, which had never even entered his mind. Cf. 1 Sam 24:9, 17.

May 10, 2010 Lesson 26 of Psalm 34

This is a psalm that shines with new light when we know the probable circumstances of the time when it was composed. See the psalm heading and 1 Sam 21:10- 22:2. Perhaps it was sung in the cave of Adullam for the instruction of David’s followers.


Who are those who may expect the Lord’s blessings? Note the various ways in which these people are described. Are we ourselves entitled to claim blessings on the same ground? Answer: The righteous can expect blessings. The righteous taste and see, fear the Lord, come to and listen, keep their tongue from evil, and turn from evil will discover that He is good and will give blessings.


Make a numbered list (avoiding repetition) of the blessings God gives to his people, as stated in this psalm? Answer: 1) the Lord delivers from fear (v4), 2) those who look for him are never filled with shame (v5), 3) the Lord is the protector (v6-7), 4) Blessed is the man who takes refuge in God (v8), 5) Fear the Lord and lack nothing (v9-10), 6) God is watching and listening to the righteous (v15), while the He cuts off the evil doer (v16), 7) the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit (v18), and 8) He delivers the righteous (v19).

Eric’s notes
Per the NIV study text I can see the answer to the first part. Psalms seems to be as much based on the way it is written as what is actually said. The patterns of the language and the word used and the references to other things in history and culture boggle my mind. Anyway I digress, back to the topic at hand. The NIV study text says that the Lord is good and those that taste (v8), fear (v9), come (v11), keep (v13), and turn (v14) are instructions in the fear of the Lord.

May 9, 2010 Lesson 25 of Psalm 33

This Psalm begins where Psalm 32 left off. The Hebrew word translated ‘rejoice’ in verse 1 is the same as that translated ‘shout for joy’ in Ps. 32:11
The call to praise (v1-3) is followed by reasons for praise (v4-19). What are these, and do they help you to join in praising God? Answer: 1) God is faithful and true (v4), 2) the earth is full of His love (v5), 3) He created the heavens and the earth (v6-7), God is sovereign (v 8-11), God watches over the nation He has chosen (v12-15), no king or army can defeat them (v 16-17), God is protector and savior (v 19). Now that was my initial take on this. After reading the NIV study notes I discovered I was a bit off. It is broken down into two sections; v4-11 and v12-19. V 4-11 is further broken down. Let me put here what the NIV study says (I think I understand but they say it much better than I can) “under the Lord’s rule by his sovereign “word” (v.4) his “plans” for his people “stand firm” (v. 11), even as the creation order “stood firm” (v9) because ordered by His sovereign “word” (v6). Hence his chosen people are the blessed nation (see v 12-19).” V10-11 and 18-19, as the NIV study states, are the heart of this praise. V10-11 shows how God protects us from those who are out to harm us, while 18-19 show of His love for us.


What reasons are given as to why the nation whose God is the Lord is blessed above other nations? What is the psalmist’s response to this (v20-22)? Answer: The first part I think I answered above. The response is yes we put our trust in Him


Note. V 3. ‘A new song’: the song of the redeemed. Cf. Ps 40:3. ‘Play skillfully’: good advice for all who aspire to lead the praises of God’s people.

May 8, 2010 Lesson 24 of Psalms 32

According to this psalm what are the indispensable conditions for enjoying the forgiveness of God? Cf. Prov 28:13. Answer: I am having trouble with “indispensable conditions.” Let me try essential circumstances. What is needed in the believer for him or her to enjoy the forgiveness from God? I still don’t see the answer to this question in this chapter. I see David saying that we are blessed to be forgiven and have our sins covered. I see David saying “when I try to hide my transgressions God “presses” on me to confess those sins. Let go of your sins and guilt and let God forgive and protect you.


What great blessings does the forgiven soul receive, filling the heart with joy? What conditions of their continued enjoyment are laid down? Are you fulfilling these conditions? Answer: The blessing is the covering of God, the Lord’s love surrounding us and protecting us. I am lost.

Eric’s Notes
Penitential-Constituting or expressing penance. This is a penitential psalm.
Conversation between David and God in front of congregation. V1-2, 11 David is addressing assembly. V 3-7 David is speaking to God. V 8-10 David is talking to priest.

May 5, 2010 Lesson 14 of 1 Corinthians 16

V1: ‘The collection for God’s people’. Paul was concerned about a fund that he had initiated among the Gentile churches to aid the poor of the church in Jerusalem. What can we learn from his practical directions about the collection and sending of this money? Answer: What I am getting from this, and other associated passages, is that Paul is wanting the people to handle the money in an ethical way. Accountants to monitor what comes in and what goes out to ensure appropriate handling. I had a boss tell me one time “you have to trust, but also verify when needed.” I think that is what is going on here.


What can we learn from this chapter about the plans, movement and ministry of Christian workers? How can we help such people to do ‘the work of the Lord’ more effectively? Answer: First thing I see is that the plans, movement, and ministry of a Christian is based on what the Lord determines.


How were the five commands of verses 13-14 particularly relevant for the church at Corinth as we know it from the letter? Examine your own life in order to discover in what ways you, too, need to obey these commands. Answer: He is basically telling them to put their faith in God and let him handle it. Don’t be concerned with the things of the world.

May 4, 2010 Lesson 13 of 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

What does the analogy of the seed suggest about the relation between our present natural body and our future spiritual body? In what ways will the latter be different from the former? What does verse 38b also imply? Answer: It implies (as I read it) that it will be a body made perfect as God has determined. It is planted as a seed (our natural body here on earth) and matures into the body God intends for us to have (the body we will get in glory).


What will take place when Christ comes again? Cf. 1 Thess 4:13-18. In view of this, what should be the character of our present life and service? Answer: Not sure what the second part is asking. Our present life should be one of submission to God and belief in His Son Jesus. When Jesus returns we will rise again.


Notes
V36. Resurrection in Paul’s view is not a strange thing, but is embedded in the heart of God’s creative plan, both in nature and in grace.
V49. ‘The likeness of the man from heaven’ signifies the likeness of Christ in his glorified body. It is this likeness that we are to share. Cf Rom 8:29; Phil 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2.
V51. ‘We’ means ‘We Christians’. Some will be alive when Christ comes.

May 3, 2010 Lesson 12 of 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

One group at Corinth did not believe in life after death at all, and another did not believe in the resurrection of the body. In this classic passage Paul deals with both groups.
What strikes you about the content and the proclamation of the gospel as summarized in verses 1-4? What benefit does it offer to men, and how is this benefit to be enjoyed? Cf. 1 Tim 1:15. Answer: Paul almost seems to be “pointing his finger at them” in v1-4. I am not sure how to answer the second part because I don’t think I answered the first part right?? It is saying that we are saved through Christ, and if you don’t hold onto it firmly it is all in vain.


What is the significance of the evidence that Paul marshals in verses 5-11 for the resurrection of Christ? What for Christians are the five far reaching consequences of denying the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead? See v 12-19. Does death set any limit to your hope in Christ? Answer: It is Paul’s conversion. Paul was not part of the original 12, so he was made an apostle when no one else could be after Christ had ascended up to heaven on the road to Damascus. Paul uses this to show that the grace of God can reach any and all who God so declares. If the dead cannot be raised then 1) Christ could not be raised, 2) We cannot be raised, 3) those dead in Christ are just dead, 4) Christ did not defeat death, 5) we are all still in our sins.


What are to be the full and final consequences of the resurrection of Christ? Of what ultimate consummation is the promise and pledge? Why are Christians able triumphantly to face death for Christ’s sake? Answer: The full and final consequences of resurrection are Christ’s triumph over death and the grave.


Notes:
V 28. No change in the eternal relations between the persons of the Trinity is meant here. It is the Son’s willing subjection in love Cf. 11:3
V. 29. The exact meaning of the reference is uncertain. What is obviously implied is that the practice mentioned is pointless if there is no life beyond death.

May 2, 2010 Lesson 11 of 1 Corinthians 14

Try to form a mental picture of the church’s worship in Corinth. In what ways did it differ from the church’s worship today? Did it include any features, no longer familiar, which it would be good to see restored? Answer: I am envisioning a church that spends a great deal of time in worship, but it was somewhat un-orderly. I think differences between then and now would depend on what type of congregational church you went to. There are many types of churches today. Some believe in speaking in tongues, some don’t. Some are built on ceremony, some are not.

What two principles should govern the conduct of public worship and of church gatherings? How did Paul make of this gift? How did Paul apply these principles in his direction about public worship in Corinth? Answer: 1) an orderly worship (not everyone trying to talk over each other), 2)Women did not speak in church.


Many in the church at Corinth seem to have wanted to speak in tongues. What assessment does Paul make of this gift? What was Paul’s counsel to those who were eager for manifestations of the Spirit? Which gift do you eagerly desire? Answer: Wisdom, is what I currently desire. I need the Spirit to guide me in God’s will!


Note: V3. Prophecy might include foretelling of the future (Acts 11:28), but was more normally a foretelling of God’s will for present ‘strengthening, encouragement and comfort’. In contrast to an unintelligible ‘tongue’, it was readily understandable and practically relevant to the hearers.

May 1, 2010 Lesson 10 of 1 Corinthians 13

The apostle has urged the believers at Corinth to be zealous to possess the more excellent of the gifts (12:31), but before going on to explain what he means by this (ch 14), he pauses to point out that spiritual gifts are of profit only when exercise in love.


V 1-3. Why is love so all important? In what ways does Paul show further in verses 8-13 that love is greater than all other gifts? How can it find expression in my life? Cf. 1 John 4:7, 12; Gal 5:22-23. Answer: V 13: And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

In verse 4-7 there are fifteen ways of describing love. Write them in a column and then try to put opposite each a single word summarizing it, and, if possible, an incident in Jesus’ life illustrating it. Then ask yourself: Is this found in me?
Answer: Love is
Patient: Long suffering. Jesus behavior and attitude toward the disciples, especially Peter.
Kind: compassionate. Jesus showed this in virtually everything he did! Especially coming here to this earth do die for our sins.
Does not envy: Love is not jealous, wanting what others have. Not something Jesus showed.
Does not boast: Pride. Again not something Jesus showed.
Not proud: arrogance. Something that Jesus could easily be, because He is God. However, because of love He did not.
Is not rude: respect. Christ showed respect to everyone He met, including those who killed Him and hung Him on the cross.
Is not self seeking: put others first. Christ showed this in His daily activities. On a bigger scale Christ did this by not touting Himself before others. Again, He is God so He had every right.
Not easily angered: peace. Can I go back to peter for a moment. If you watch many parents today (and I am sometimes included in this) they get very angry very fast when their children mess up in someway. Well Christ did not get angry when Peter doubted while walking on the water. Rather Christ took him by the hand and showed love.
Keeps no record of wrongs: forgiveness. That is why He came. Even on the cross He was asking for forgiveness for those who tortured Him.
Does not delight in evil: Not sure what to put here except for love. Which Jesus is.
Rejoices in Truth: Praise. Jesus taught us worship of God through His praise (subordination)
Protects: Shield. He is our shield, to protect us from satan and his evil ways.
Trusts: faith. Jesus showed us what faith is through his words and actions.
Hopes: optimistic. We, as Jesus instructed us to be, hope for His return. For the day on which we will see Him again.
Perseveres: sticks with. Christ was not tempted by Satan in desert.
For each of these I ask God daily to let others see love in me, see His Love through me.