Lesson 1 of 3

Without love, nothing

Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition

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Study objective: See why Paul says the greatest gifts are worthless without love.

1 Corinthians 12:27–13:3 WEB

^12:27Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. ²⁸God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of languages. ²⁹Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers? ³⁰Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with various languages? Do all interpret? ³¹But earnestly desire the best gifts. Moreover, I show a most excellent way to you.

^13:1If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don’t have love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. ²If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t have love, I am nothing. ³If I give away all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don’t have love, it profits me nothing.

Background and context

The Corinthian church valued impressive gifts such as speaking in tongues and prophecy, and some members looked down on others. Paul has just described the church as one body with many parts (chapter 12). He now shows “a most excellent way”.

Observe

Paul calls love “a most excellent way” (12:31).
Tongues without love are like a noisy gong (13:1).
Even faith that moves mountains is nothing without love (13:2).
Sacrifice without love gains nothing (13:3).

Words, people and events to notice

Spiritual gifts: Abilities given by the Spirit for the good of the church, listed in 1 Corinthians 12. 1 Corinthians 12:4–11

Understand

Why might Paul write about love to a church proud of its gifts?
What do the three “if I…” statements have in common?
What does chapter 12 add to the meaning of chapter 13?

Connect

1 Corinthians 8:1
Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

Reflect

What abilities or achievements are you tempted to value above love?
Where is your community divided?

Key takeaways

Editorial summary, not Scripture.

Without love, even the best gifts count for nothing.
Love is the way gifts are meant to be used.

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