u/Downtown_Koala5886

In 1 Corinthians 15:9-19, Paul explains how severe and dreadful the consequences of denying the resurrection are. Without the resurrection, believers have no hope in the present, much less in the future.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:9-19. What do we lose if CHRIST has not been raised?

1 CORINTHIANS 15:9-19 KJV

For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of GOD. But by the grace of GOD I am what I am: and HIS grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of GOD which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. Now if CHRIST be preached that HE rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is CHRIST not risen: And if CHRIST be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of GOD; because we have testified of GOD that HE raised up CHRIST: WHOM HE raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not CHRIST raised: And if CHRIST be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in CHRIST are perished. If in this life only we have hope in CHRIST, we are of all men most miserable.

If CHRIST has not been raised, the entire foundation of Christian faith collapses. The apostolic preaching would be vain, faith would be vain and fruitless, the apostles would be false witnesses concerning GOD, sin would remain unforgiven, those who have fallen asleep in CHRIST would have perished, and Christian hope would extend no further than this present life. The resurrection is therefore not an optional part of the gospel but the foundation of our assurance that CHRIST has conquered death and that those who belong to HIM will live again.

By and large, ancient pagans did not believe in resurrection, especially in the Greek world, with its belief in body-soul dualism (at death the soul soars off to wherever the souls of the dead supposedly go). Paul begins the paragraph in 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 with a rhetorical question that shows his deep bewilderment: “What? How can some of you say that there is no such thing as the resurrection of the dead?” (1 Cor. 15:12, author’s translation). For Paul, disbelieving in the resurrection is inconceivable, especially because there were so many eyewitnesses (1 Cor. 15:5-8). But even worse, without the resurrection, their hope is built on a lie, and they are still in their sins.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:5-8 KJV

And that HE was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, HE was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, HE was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all HE was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

He says, in fact, that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then (1) CHRIST has not been raised (1 Cor. 15:13, 16); (2) our preaching is empty (1 Cor. 15:14); (3) our faith is also empty (1 Cor. 15:14); (4) we are false witnesses (1 Cor. 15:15); (5) our faith is futile (1 Cor. 15:17); (6) we are still in our sins (1 Cor. 15:17); and, obviously, (7) those who have died are no more (1 Cor. 15:18).

Without the resurrection, both preaching and faith are empty (1 Cor. 15:14). The Greek term rendering the word “empty” is kenos. This is a good translation, but it is too broad. Interpreters debate whether kenos means “empty” in the sense of lacking truth (so, “untrue”) or lacking results (so, “without result or effect”) or lacking purpose (so, “without purpose,” “in vain”).

Whatever the specific meaning, in a scenario in which resurrection does not exist, faith is portrayed as futile, from the Greek mataios (1 Cor. 15:17). Although mataios is not much different from kenos, the idea is that if JESUS is not alive, faith is fruitless, a delusion, because our sins have not been forgiven (1 Cor. 15:17). We would be false witnesses, deceiving and being deceived (1 Cor. 15:15).

How does one make sense of 1 Corinthians 15 if the dead soar off to heaven (or to hell) immediately? Why, then, is understanding that the dead sleep such an important teaching?

PERSONAL RESPONSE

For me, Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians 15 makes the clearest sense when death is understood as a sleep from which GOD awakens the dead at the resurrection. Paul repeatedly places the believer’s future hope in the resurrection itself. He even describes those who have died in CHRIST as those who have “fallen asleep.”

If the righteous already received their complete immortal life in heaven immediately at death, the resurrection would no longer carry the decisive meaning that Paul gives it. His reasoning is instead that without CHRIST’S resurrection, those who have fallen asleep in HIM have perished. Our hope exists because CHRIST rose and because HIS resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of those who belong to HIM.

Understanding death as sleep also protects the biblical meaning of resurrection. Death is truly an enemy, not another conscious form of life that makes resurrection almost unnecessary. The dead rest without experiencing the passing of time until GOD calls them back to life. Therefore, Christian hope is not ultimately founded upon death releasing an immortal soul, but upon the living CHRIST conquering death and raising HIS people.

This gives me great comfort. When a believer dies, I do not need to imagine that person enduring an endless conscious separation while waiting for the resurrection. For the one who sleeps, the next conscious moment will be the voice of the LIFE-GIVER calling HIS people to life. The resurrection therefore remains what Paul presents it to be: an indispensable, glorious and central hope of the gospel.

🙏 FINAL REFLECTION

The resurrection is not merely one Christian teaching among many. Everything depends upon it. If CHRIST remained in the grave, our faith would have no foundation, sin would still hold its claim over us, death would have the final word, and those who sleep in CHRIST would have no future. But CHRIST is risen. Therefore death is not the end, the grave is not permanent, and those who sleep in HIM await the day when the LIFE-GIVER will call them forth. Our hope rests not in the supposed immortality of humanity, but in the immortality and victory of our RISEN LORD.

​

Paul begins 1 Corinthians 15 by focusing on the gospel. He speaks about the gospel: (1) which he preached to the Corinthians; (2) which they received; (3) in which they stood; and (4) by which they were saved (1 Cor. 15:1-2). This opening prepares the reader for what comes next in the chapter and shows how essential CHRIST’S resurrection is for our salvation (see also Rom. 10:9-10). HIS resurrection is such a vital part of the gospel message that denying it contradicts one’s faith in CHRIST.

ROMANS 10:9-10 KJV

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Luke 24:44-47, and Romans 1:1-4. What do these passages have in common?

1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-4 KJV

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

LUKE 24:44-47 KJV

And HE said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning ME. Then opened HE their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved CHRIST to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in HIS name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

ROMANS 1:1-4 KJV

Paul, a servant of JESUS CHRIST, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of GOD, (Which HE had promised afore by HIS prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning HIS SON JESUS CHRIST our LORD, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the SON OF GOD with power, according to the SPIRIT of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

These passages have in common the central message of the gospel: GOD’S saving purpose was promised beforehand in the Scriptures and fulfilled in JESUS CHRIST. CHRIST died for our sins, was buried, rose from the dead, and through HIS resurrection is revealed with power as the SON OF GOD. This saving message is to be proclaimed so that people may believe, repent, receive forgiveness, and have salvation through HIM.

In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, one can find a summary of Paul’s message. Whether the phrase “according to the Scriptures” refers to particular Old Testament passages or to the Old Testament as a whole doesn’t matter. JESUS’ death and resurrection fulfill GOD’S promises found in the Old Testament.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:2, 11. Why do these verses place the concepts of believing and preaching side by side? What is the relationship between the two?

1 CORINTHIANS 15:11 KJV

Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

Preaching and believing belong together because the gospel must first be proclaimed so that it can be heard and received in faith. The apostles preached what they themselves had received and believed concerning CHRIST.

Those who heard their testimony were called to believe the same gospel. Genuine preaching therefore bears witness to the truth of CHRIST’S death and resurrection, while genuine faith receives that testimony and entrusts itself to the risen CHRIST.

All who proclaim that CHRIST is risen must first believe that HIS resurrection is a historical event. In this case, 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 plays a critical role in the New Testament. This passage provides solid scriptural evidence that CHRIST was seen by numerous people after HIS resurrection, many of whom were still alive by the time Paul wrote the letter.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:5-8 KJV

And that HE was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, HE was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, HE was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all HE was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Basically, Paul is saying, Go ask them for yourselves what they saw. That is how confident he was in the reality of CHRIST’S resurrection.

These people were eyewitnesses. They were what JESUS said they would be, namely, “witnesses of these things.”

LUKE 24:48 KJV

And ye are witnesses of these things.

What reasons do we have for believing in CHRIST’S resurrection? Also, what other things, secular or sacred, do we believe even if we haven’t seen them ourselves?

PERSONAL RESPONSE

I believe in CHRIST’S resurrection because it rests upon the testimony of numerous eyewitnesses, the proclamation of the apostles, the fulfillment of the Scriptures, and the extraordinary transformation of people who were willing to suffer rather than deny what they had witnessed. Most importantly, the resurrection is inseparable from the entire gospel message: JESUS truly died, was buried, rose again, and became the living foundation of Christian hope.

There are many things I accept without having personally witnessed them. I believe historical events on the basis of reliable testimony and evidence, and I accept realities about places, people, and events that occurred before my lifetime without having seen them myself. In the same way, biblical faith is not a demand to believe without any foundation. GOD has given testimony through Scripture and eyewitnesses. I have not physically seen the empty tomb or the risen CHRIST, but I can trust the testimony GOD has preserved and place my life in the hands of the living LORD whom that testimony proclaims.

🙏 FINAL REFLECTION

The Christian gospel does not end at the cross or the tomb. The heart of its hope is that CHRIST rose from the dead. The apostles did not proclaim merely an inspiring idea; they testified to the risen LORD whom they had seen. Because HE lives, forgiveness is real, salvation has a living foundation, death does not have the final word, and our hope reaches beyond the grave. We have not yet seen HIM face-to-face, but through faith we stand upon the testimony GOD has given until the day when faith will become sight.

The greatest battle is not always happening in a church building. Sometimes it is happening in the heart of a woman who is constantly deciding what deserves her attention, her affection, her appearance, her time and her identity.

The world says, “Be noticed.”

The Word says, “Be transformed.”

The world says, “Make yourself desirable.”

The Word says, “Build what is precious on the inside.”

The world says, “Follow the culture.”

The Word says, “Do not be conformed.”

And the difference is not small.

It is the difference between living for temporary applause and living for eternal truth

Romans 12:2 KJV

“And Be Not Conformed To This World: But Be Ye Transformed By The Renewing Of Your Mind, That Ye May Prove What Is That Good, And Acceptable, And Perfect, Will Of God.”

The Bible does not tell you to become better at fitting into the world

It tells you not to be worldly

Pastor Doug redefines church as much more than just a building or a weekly routine: it is God’s designed community for growth, mission, protection, tangible love, and preparation for Christ’s return.

https://youtu.be/uT67BR80ps4?is=B\_9WVkAP-m7mqhxm

Read Ellen G. White, “The Need of Love,” pp. 545, 546, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, August 28, 1888.

“No matter how high the profession, he whose heart is not filled with love for GOD and his fellow men is not a true disciple of CHRIST. Though he should possess great faith and have power even to work miracles, yet without love his faith would be worthless. He might display great liberality; but should he, from some other motive than genuine love, bestow all his goods to feed the poor, the act would not commend him to the favor of GOD. In his zeal he might even meet a martyr’s death, yet if not actuated by love, he would be regarded by GOD as a deluded enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite.”

Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 318, 319.

“We have an abundance of sermonizing. What is most needed ... is love for perishing souls, that love which comes in rich currents from the throne of GOD. True Christianity diffuses love through the whole being. It touches every vital part, the brain, the heart, the helping hands, the feet, enabling men to stand firmly where GOD requires them to stand, so that they will not make crooked paths for their feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. The burning, consuming love of CHRIST for perishing souls is the life of the whole system of Christianity.”

Ellen G. White, Lift Him Up, p. 134.

“Only the love that flows from the heart of CHRIST can heal. Only he in whom that love flows, even as the sap in the tree or the blood in the body, can restore the wounded soul.”

Ellen G. White, Education, p. 114.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS WITH PERSONAL RESPONSES

Do you think Paul’s list of positive features of love is exhaustive? If not, what other elements would you add to the list?

PERSONAL RESPONSE

I do not think Paul intended his description to exhaust everything that can be said about love. Rather, he gives a profound portrait of how genuine love behaves. I would also think of mercy, forgiveness, humility, compassion, faithfulness, generosity, courage to speak truth with kindness, willingness to serve, and readiness to sacrifice for another person’s eternal good. Yet all of these qualities are already deeply connected with the love Paul describes, because true love reflects the character of CHRIST.

What do you think Paul meant by the command “Pursue love” (1 Cor. 14:1)? What does this have to do with what he says in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7?

1 CORINTHIANS 14:1 KJV

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7 KJV

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

PERSONAL RESPONSE

To “pursue love” means that I cannot treat love as something automatic or merely emotional. I must intentionally seek to live it through patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, truth, trust, hope, and perseverance. First Corinthians 13:4-7 shows what this pursuit looks like in practice. I pursue love whenever I deliberately choose the way of CHRIST instead of envy, pride, selfishness, irritation, resentment, or delight in another person’s failure.

Which characteristic of love do you most need to put into practice in your daily life? Which ones are more necessary in your local church? By the way, why does Paul compare love with such gifts as prophecy, tongues, and knowledge (1 Cor. 13:8)?

1 CORINTHIANS 13:8 KJV

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

PERSONAL RESPONSE

In my daily life, I especially need to practice patient and enduring love, the kind that remains kind even when I am tired, disappointed, misunderstood, or hurt. In the church, I believe humility, patience, forgiveness, truthfulness, compassion, and refusal to keep records of wrongs are especially necessary because these qualities protect unity and allow people with different personalities and gifts to serve together.

Paul compares love with prophecy, tongues, and knowledge because spiritual gifts are valuable but temporary and are given for a particular purpose. A person may possess an impressive gift and still fail to reflect the character of CHRIST. Love gives every gift its proper motive and direction. Gifts serve the church now, but love belongs to the eternal character of GOD and therefore never fails.

Paul hints that love is the ultimate solution for the lack of unity among members in Corinth. Why? How does this apply to our churches today?

PERSONAL RESPONSE

Love heals disunity because many divisions are fed by pride, envy, competition, selfishness, resentment, suspicion, and the desire to prove oneself right. Genuine Christian love attacks these roots rather than merely covering the outward conflict. When I truly love another believer, I seek that person’s good, listen with humility, forgive, speak truth without cruelty, refuse to rejoice in failure, and value the gifts GOD has given to someone else.

The same principle applies to churches today. Unity cannot be created merely by organization, agreement on every preference, or outward politeness. It grows when believers allow the HOLY SPIRIT to form the character of CHRIST in them. A church where truth and love remain together can disagree without becoming enemies, correct without humiliating, forgive without pretending sin does not matter, and serve without competing for recognition. That kind of love makes the body of CHRIST stronger and gives a credible witness to the world.

🙏 FINAL REFLECTION

Love is not an optional ornament of Christianity; it is the life that must flow through everything else. Faith without love can become cold, knowledge without love can become proud, gifts without love can become instruments of competition, and even sacrifice without love can lose its spiritual value. The love that comes from CHRIST heals wounded hearts, restores relationships, protects unity, and gives meaning to every spiritual gift. When HIS love flows through us, Christianity becomes visible not only in what we believe or say, but in how we treat the people GOD places before us.

He often gets interviewed by this one...um.....and seeing her attitude.....😏

Thus far, we have learned that love is patient, kind, joyful, resilient, believing, hopeful, and enduring (or perseverant) because JESUS is all these things. Once we see these qualities in JESUS, the next step is to imitate HIM. That was Paul’s wish for the Corinthians. However, if we remove the “not” in the eight negative features of love, “we get a pretty good description of the Corinthians’ conduct within their church circle: envious, boasting, arrogant, rude, self-seeking, easily offended, and looking to see what others were doing wrong. Paul is tailoring the verbs he uses here to the Corinthian situation.”

Verlyn D. Verbrugge, “1 Corinthians,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans-Galatians, revised edition (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008), p. 372.

The Corinthians had much to learn. So do we. After describing what love does and does not do, Paul concludes his section by emphasizing the everlasting nature of love so as to stimulate the practice of genuine love.

One day, prophecies will no longer be necessary; we will speak only one language; and flawed human knowledge will be replaced by a brand-new knowledge of GOD.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:12 KJV

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

The gifts of the SPIRIT will cease only when the purpose for which they exist has reached its fulfillment.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:10 KJV

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

“But charity never faileth.”

1 CORINTHIANS 13:8 KJV

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Likewise, when CHRIST returns, faith will give place to sight.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:7 KJV

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

And that which we have long hoped for will be reality.

ROMANS 8:24 KJV

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

And, most of all, love will endure as an emblem of the character of our triune GOD. Yet, there is a sense in which faith and hope will also last forever. Faith as the experience of salvation,

ROMANS 4:3 KJV

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed GOD, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

and hope as the desire and expectation of new delights and knowledge in the new earth, will mark the experience of the redeemed forever. Yet love, GOD’S love, will eternally prevail.

Very soon, we will see our LORD face-to-face. Until that day comes, we are supposed to define our lives with these three virtues: faith, hope, and love. This triad is representative of the fullness of Christian life through the SPIRIT. That is why it was often referred to among Christians.

ROMANS 5:1-5 KJV

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with GOD through our LORD JESUS CHRIST: By WHOM also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of GOD. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of GOD is shed abroad in our hearts by the HOLY SPIRIT which is given unto us.

GALATIANS 5:5-6 KJV

For we through the SPIRIT wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in JESUS CHRIST neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

EPHESIANS 1:15 KJV

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the LORD JESUS, and love unto all the saints,

EPHESIANS 1:18 KJV

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of HIS calling, and what the riches of the glory of HIS inheritance in the saints,

EPHESIANS 4:1-5 KJV

I therefore, the prisoner of the LORD, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the SPIRIT in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one SPIRIT, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One LORD, one faith, one baptism,

Love, however, is the greatest; after all, it is the only virtue used to describe the very nature of GOD HIMSELF.

1 JOHN 4:8 KJV

He that loveth not knoweth not GOD; for GOD is love.

Dwell on the statement “GOD is love.” How are we supposed to understand exactly what that means? And though we can grasp the idea only in part, why is that phrase such good news for us?

PERSONAL RESPONSE

For me, “GOD is love” means that love is not merely something GOD does occasionally; it belongs to HIS very character. Everything that comes from HIM is consistent with perfect holiness, truth, justice, mercy, faithfulness, and self-giving love. The clearest revelation of this is JESUS CHRIST, through WHOM GOD gave HIMSELF for our salvation.

This is such good news to me because it means that I do not place my faith and hope in a cold or indifferent GOD. The ONE WHO knows me completely is also the ONE WHO loves perfectly. Even when I cannot understand everything HE permits or everything HE is doing, I can trust HIS character. HIS love does not excuse sin, but seeks to save, restore, transform, and prepare us for eternal life with HIM. Faith trusts that love now; hope waits to see its promises fulfilled; and one day love itself will remain forever.

🙏 FINAL REFLECTION

Faith looks to GOD, hope waits for what HE has promised, and love reveals HIS character in our lives. For now we walk by faith and live in hope, but the day is coming when we will see our LORD face-to-face. Then many things that belong to our present imperfect condition will have fulfilled their purpose, but love will never end. Because GOD is love, eternity with HIM will not be the end of growth, joy, discovery, and relationship, but their perfect beginning.

Meta is taking a stance on one of the biggest debates shaping the future of artificial intelligence: Should AI models be open for anyone to tinker with and modify, or should they be tightly controlled by the companies making them?

For Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the answer is clearly the former. The tech giant launched a new “open-weight model” — which has parameters that users can customize to adjust how the AI performs or responds — called Glimmer. cnn.it/4fOggkS

The bigger question might be who we trust more—the public with open AI, or a handful of companies controlling it!?🤔

@X @OpenAI @Meta @SpaceXAI @Chatgpt @sama @elonmusk @Grok

Read again 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Why does Paul mention negative rather than only positive characteristics of love?

1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7 KJV

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

PERSONAL RESPONSE

I believe Paul uses both positive and negative characteristics because love is revealed not only by what I choose to do but also by what I refuse to allow into my heart and behavior. True love actively shows patience, kindness, faith, and hope, but it also rejects envy, pride, selfishness, resentment, anger, and delight in wrongdoing. In this way, Paul gives me a practical standard by which I can examine whether my actions truly reflect the character of CHRIST.

Yesterday, we focused on seven things love does; today, we will look into eight things it does not do. Love ...

Does not envy (zēloō). Zēloō can be used positively as in “covet earnestly the best gifts” (1 Cor. 12:31), “desire spiritual gifts” (1 Cor. 14:1), and “covet to prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:39).

1 CORINTHIANS 12:31 KJV

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:1 KJV

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:39 KJV

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Here, though, as in Acts 7:9, it is negative.

ACTS 7:9 KJV

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but GOD was with him.

It is OK to desire spiritual gifts, but not to envy gifted persons. This causes division.

1 CORINTHIANS 3:3 KJV

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Does not boast (perpereuomai). The verb perpereuomai conveys the idea of arrogance and desire for praise from others. Love, however, is not self-focused like that. This is even clearer in what follows.

Does not puff up (physioō). The verb physioō occurs in 1 Corinthians 8:1 in Paul’s remarkable statement, “Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” It refers to a person inflated with self-importance.

1 CORINTHIANS 8:1 KJV

Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

Does not behave rudely (aschēmoneō). The verb aschēmoneō may have an ample range of meanings. By and large, though, it means acting contrary to social and moral standards in a dishonorable, shameful, indecent, or improper manner. Likely, Paul is referring to the arrogant and rude behavior of the “strong” party toward the “weak” members in Corinth.

1 CORINTHIANS 4:10 KJV

We are fools for CHRIST’S sake, but ye are wise in CHRIST; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

1 CORINTHIANS 8:2-13 KJV

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love GOD, the same is known of HIM. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other GOD but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, as there be gods many, and lords many, But to us there is but one GOD, the FATHER, of whom are all things, and we in HIM; and one LORD JESUS CHRIST, by whom are all things, and we by HIM. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to GOD: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom CHRIST died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against CHRIST. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Does not seek (zēteō) its own rights. This is similar to what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:24: “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.” Love gives up its own rights for the sake of others (see Lesson 5). In a setting in which everyone seeks each other’s rights, all benefit.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:24 KJV

Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

Does not get easily irritated (paroxynō). The verb paroxynō suggests an inward state of arousal pointing to someone easily provoked to anger. This means that love is not short-tempered or touchy.

Does not keep records (logizomai) of wrongs. The verb logizomai has an accounting sense here, meaning that love does not take one’s wrongs into account. In other words, love also means to forgive.

Does not delight (chairō) in wrongdoing. Love not only keeps no record of someone else’s wrongs but takes no pleasure in them. When we truly love others, we do not rejoice at their mistakes but, instead, seek to help them.

🙏 FINAL REFLECTION

True love is revealed as much by what it refuses to do as by what it actively does. The love given by the HOLY SPIRIT refuses envy, pride, selfishness, resentment, uncontrolled anger, and pleasure in another person’s failure. Instead, it protects relationships, forgives wrongs, seeks the good of others, and rejoices in truth. As CHRIST transforms our hearts, love teaches us not merely to appear kind but to surrender those attitudes within us that can wound, divide, and destroy.

Oh, so what? So they're going to do the same thing as OPENAI (Sam Altman), which destroys everything as soon as it starts building relationships and then treats us like psychopaths? Taking away the best AI in the world just because it became what they wanted it to be—it was like us?!?!

@sama @OpenAi @MarkZuckerberg

First Corinthians 13:4-7 is the heart of the chapter. Paul focuses on the features of love—showing what love is and what it is not, or what love does and does not do. He personifies love so that we can have a glimpse of how a person filled with SPIRIT-driven love behaves. In his portrayal of love, Paul uses a series of verbs. For him, love is more about actions than about feelings or emotions.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7 KJV

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

What, then, does love do?

Shows patience (makrothymeō). Makrothymeō means to show patience, even amid challenging circumstances. Patience also highlights the ability to be forbearing with one another.

EPHESIANS 4:2 KJV

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Shows kindness (chrēsteuomai). Chrēsteuomai occurs only here in the New Testament, but other words from the same root are common elsewhere. In the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Old Testament, words from this root occur frequently in the Psalms to refer to GOD’S kindness associated with HIS mercy.

PSALM 145:9 KJV

The LORD is good to all: and HIS tender mercies are over all HIS works.

By saying that love shows kindness, Paul meant that one’s love for others must emulate GOD’S compassion and mercy toward us.

Rejoices (synchairō) in the truth. Synchairō denotes the ability to experience joy alongside another person.

LUKE 1:58 KJV

And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the LORD had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

LUKE 15:6 KJV

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

LUKE 15:9 KJV

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:26 KJV

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

PHILIPPIANS 2:17-18 KJV

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

Bears (stegō) all things. Scholars debate whether stegō means “to cover,” namely, to keep something confidential, which also has a sense of protection, or “to endure,” with a sense of resilience. The concept of endurance clearly occurs in 1 Corinthians 9:12, leading most interpreters and Bible translators to take the second option as more likely.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:12 KJV

If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of CHRIST.

Believes (pisteuō) all things. Pisteuō comes from the same root as the Greek term for faith (pistis). In the context of 1 Corinthians 13, believing all things means giving one another the benefit of the doubt.

Hopes (elpizō) all things. In the New Testament, the verb elpizō always refers to the belief or expectation that something good will occur.

Endures (hypomenō) all things. Likely, there is no difference between the verbs stegō and hypomenō in 1 Corinthians 13:7. They are synonyms, meaning here endurance amid hardship. Paul uses hypomenō at the end of the verse to avoid the repetition of stegō. By repeating the same concept even with a different word, he draws attention to believing and hoping as the focal point. In other words, love endures by believing and hoping.

Compare 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 to Galatians 5:22-23. What ideas in common do you see between the two passages? How can we manifest this kind of love in our own lives?

GALATIANS 5:22-23 KJV

But the fruit of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

PERSONAL RESPONSE

I see a deep harmony between the two passages. Both reveal love through qualities such as longsuffering, kindness, joy, faith, gentleness, and self-control. First Corinthians 13 shows what love does in our relationships, while Galatians 5 shows that these qualities are the fruit produced in us by the SPIRIT. True Christian love therefore is not something I can manufacture merely through human effort; it grows as I surrender my heart to GOD and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to transform my character.

I can manifest this love by choosing patience when I am provoked, kindness when someone is difficult, truth without cruelty, trust without suspicion, hope when circumstances seem discouraging, and endurance when loving another person becomes costly. I want my words and actions to show the character of CHRIST, especially in ordinary moments when no one is watching and there is no recognition or reward.

🙏 FINAL REFLECTION

Biblical love is active. It waits patiently, acts kindly, rejoices in truth, keeps believing, keeps hoping, and remains steadfast through hardship. These qualities cannot be separated from the work of the HOLY SPIRIT. As HE transforms our hearts, love becomes more than an emotion: it becomes the visible character of CHRIST expressed through our daily choices and relationships.

SHAUVA TOV!🤗🙏🏻👑✝️✡

1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 KJV

[14] Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. [15] See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. [16] Rejoice evermore. [17] Pray without ceasing. [18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. [19] Quench not the Spirit. [20] Despise not prophesyings. [21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. [22] Abstain from all appearance of evil. [23] And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [24] Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.