"But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known."
~1 Corinthians 13:8b-12 (NKJV)
February has the distinction of being the month when people from many countries worldwide celebrate Love. On "The Christian Woman Chronicles" page of this website, our Winter Bible Study Blog has been celebrating the topic of Love since Feb. 2nd! Our mission? Falling in Love with Jesus. We were created first and foremost to Love The Lord, and we were Saved to help others Love Him as well. Ironically, when we do the first, the second tends to be an automatic consequence. Even more ironic is that, by helping others (showing them how) to Love Jesus, we end up fulfilling the whole Law which is, "Love The Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."
But as we will see in our study passages, we can often confuse what we do for others, and how spiritual we appear to others, with how much we Love others...and The Lord. This could not be further from the truth! In this Study we will focus on learning how to relate to God and others, and minister out of our Love for Jesus above all else. We will prayerfully learn to keep the whole purpose of Salvation at the forefront of all we do and say: Love.
I welcome you to join in on a sweet and simple journey, already in progress, to breaking down into basics, the growing into an authentic and intentional Love relationship with Jesus that will spill over into everything you do, and everyone you meet. Won't you join us over the next few weeks as we grow in our, "Mission: Falling in Love with Jesus!"
Blessings,
Dawn~
~Pouring my life out in worship, like Costly Oil~
But as we will see in our study passages, we can often confuse what we do for others, and how spiritual we appear to others, with how much we Love others...and The Lord. This could not be further from the truth! In this Study we will focus on learning how to relate to God and others, and minister out of our Love for Jesus above all else. We will prayerfully learn to keep the whole purpose of Salvation at the forefront of all we do and say: Love.
I welcome you to join in on a sweet and simple journey, already in progress, to breaking down into basics, the growing into an authentic and intentional Love relationship with Jesus that will spill over into everything you do, and everyone you meet. Won't you join us over the next few weeks as we grow in our, "Mission: Falling in Love with Jesus!"
Blessings,
Dawn~
~Pouring my life out in worship, like Costly Oil~
Week Three : True Spiritual Maturity Operates from a Position of Love
A parent is never more the epitome of a parent than when they are giving or allowing consequences or reward out of a heart of Love. Parents also know that as a child matures, there are some rewards and consequences that must end, or cease; they grow out of them. Children eventually grow out of other things as well. They grow out of their bottle, their walker, their training wheels, depending on mom and dad to drive them everywhere, and eventually mom and dad’s house. It is a parent’s job to help that process along. If they have been loved and trained properly, even tough Love at times will help children grow out of child-like character traits, habits, and behaviors.
So, also, should we Believers mature and grow out of being dependent on certain aspects of spiritual immaturity that primarily define how we relate to one another. That is what this week’s passage is about; and it is shocking where this Biblical call away from spiritual immaturity is found : The Love Chapter! In reading this week’s passage, even more than the first three verses, I am reminded that people don’t see Christ in all the “special effects,” as much as they see Him in the love they feel, even in the midst of difficult interactions. Love is never easy. Neither is Love for the weak. Love is a grown man and woman’s approach to life, relationships, and ministry.
It’s time to grow up. Love is a more excellent way.
Reflective Questions
What do you think it means that prophecies will fail, tongues will cease, and knowledge will vanish away?
Explain verse 9 in your own words.
What is Paul referring to by, “that which is perfect?” “That which is in part?” Scripture references?
What are some common practical examples of doing away with that which is “in part” when “that which is perfect” comes?
What is the implication of verse 11 in relation to spiritual gifts, Love, and what we are learning in our study?
In reading verse 12, how do you think relating to others through just our spiritual gifts keeps us from really relating, knowing one another, and being transparent? How does relating to one another out of Love make it possible for us to have just the opposite?
How has Love made a difference in how you relate to God and others?
So, also, should we Believers mature and grow out of being dependent on certain aspects of spiritual immaturity that primarily define how we relate to one another. That is what this week’s passage is about; and it is shocking where this Biblical call away from spiritual immaturity is found : The Love Chapter! In reading this week’s passage, even more than the first three verses, I am reminded that people don’t see Christ in all the “special effects,” as much as they see Him in the love they feel, even in the midst of difficult interactions. Love is never easy. Neither is Love for the weak. Love is a grown man and woman’s approach to life, relationships, and ministry.
It’s time to grow up. Love is a more excellent way.
Reflective Questions
What do you think it means that prophecies will fail, tongues will cease, and knowledge will vanish away?
Explain verse 9 in your own words.
What is Paul referring to by, “that which is perfect?” “That which is in part?” Scripture references?
What are some common practical examples of doing away with that which is “in part” when “that which is perfect” comes?
What is the implication of verse 11 in relation to spiritual gifts, Love, and what we are learning in our study?
In reading verse 12, how do you think relating to others through just our spiritual gifts keeps us from really relating, knowing one another, and being transparent? How does relating to one another out of Love make it possible for us to have just the opposite?
How has Love made a difference in how you relate to God and others?
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