8.29.21 HUDDLE – Mark Weaver Teaching
INTRO QUESTION
- What do you think is the most popular verse/section of scripture read at weddings?
INTRO
Welcome to week 6 of our POWER series. Last week we explored the more mysterious gifts of tongues and prophecy. Today, we look at what Paul described as something better than all the gifts. Before we get into the text, let’s reflect on the last week or so.
- Did anyone participate in the 24-hour prayer event? Describe your experience?
- Think back on the last week or two. Where have you seen God move? Have you had any moments that could be described as spiritual power (remembering that our working definition of power is God doing through you what only God can do)?
BIBLE ENGAGMENT: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:31-13:7
CONTEXT: Paul is finishing out his instructions on spiritual gifts. It is thought that the church in Corinth was “ordering” the gifts—valuing some over others. I picture my sons football team. One kid brags that he is the quarterback. Another brags about being the running back. In the meantime, they devalue the offensive line . . . the guys that protect both of them. Paul talks about the value and necessity of all the gifts, but even more, the importance of unity. However, he then points to something that is more excellent than all the gifts.
31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
- What stands out to you from the text?
- Verses 4-8 is often read at weddings. In our mind, it describes the type of love that we only reserve for those closest to us. How does it change your understanding of the text when you realize that this was actually directed to a faith community and their relationships with one another?
- Respond to the following quote: “Spiritual gifts are like weapons that God gives us to battle for the hearts of other people.”
- Imagine that you are a part of this congregation/community. You are all bickering with one another over spiritual gifts and a number of other things. Keeping in mind verses 1-7, finish reading the chapter. As a member of the community, what are you being called to? What correction is Paul giving you?
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
- Using 1 Corinthians 13 as a standard, where are you most likely to fall short in loving others?
- What does it mean to love well?
- What is one thing from this chapter that you can focus on this week when it comes to your relationship with others?
CLOSE IN PRAYER