Lesson 3 of 3
Love never fails
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Study objective: Understand why love lasts when gifts pass away.
Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:8–14:1
1 Corinthians 13:8–14:1 WEB
13:8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with. 11When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things. 12For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known. 13But now faith, hope, and love remain—these three. The greatest of these is love.
14:1Follow after love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
Background and context
Paul contrasts gifts that will pass away with love, which never fails. Now we see dimly, as in a mirror; then face to face. Faith, hope and love remain, and the greatest is love. Chapter 14 begins, “Follow after love.”
Observe
- Prophecies, tongues and knowledge will end (13:8).
- Our knowledge is partial now (13:9-12).
- Faith, hope and love remain (13:13).
- “Follow after love” (14:1).
Words, people and events to notice
- Mirror
- Ancient mirrors were polished metal and gave an unclear image: Paul’s picture of partial knowledge. 1 Corinthians 13:12
Understand
- Why does love outlast the gifts?
- What does seeing “face to face” mean (13:12)?
- Why is love the greatest of the three?
Connect
- 1 John 4:7–12
God is love.
Reflect
- What would it look like to “follow after love” this week?
- What does this chapter say to a church in conflict?
Key takeaways
Editorial summary, not Scripture.
- Love never fails.
- Love is the goal to pursue above everything else.
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