Sermons / 1 Corinthians 13:4b-5a // The Supremacy of Love, part 2

Context: Love is the “more excellent way” (12:31) that is essential for the proper use of any spiritual gift, and without which all spiritual gifts become meaningless (13:1-3). Our status as saints (God’s holy ones) is authenticated by our love for one another. Without love, we are nothing, no matter how gifted we may appear. Outline: 1. Love does not boast (4)  - Love does not draw attention to oneself, make much of oneself, or heap praise on oneself - Love does not act like a braggart (windbag) - Q: Where are we inclined to boast? - In our associations with influencial people (1 Cor. 3:3-4; 4:6-7) - In our knowledge (1 Cor. 3:18-23; 8:1-3) - In our strength/ might/ abilities (1 Cor. 12:10, 22; 12:13-26; Jer. 9:23-24) - In our plans (James 4:16; see Jer. 10:23; Prov. 16:9; Ps. 37:5) - In our Christian liberty (1 Cor. 8:9; Gal. 5:13) - In riches (1 Tim. 6:17-19) - Instead, the believer is profoundly humbled by what has been received by grace and boasts in the Giver of every good gift (Jer. 9:23-24; 1 Cor. 1:28-31; 4:7; see James 1:17; Proverbs 27:2) 2. Love is not arrogant (4) - Love is not “puffed up” (see 8:1) - overinflated with self-importance  - Warnings: Proverbs 16:5; 1 Cor. 4:6, 18, 19; 5:2; James 4:6, 16  - Prayerlessness = arrogance - Instead, the believer is humble (Matt. 5:3; Rom. 12:3), “associates with the lowly and is not wise in its own eyes” (Rom. 12:16; see Matt. 11:29; 23:11-12), and trusts God to establish his steps (Prov. 3:5-6) 3. Love is not rude (5) - Love does not act shamefully by disregarding others or treating them indecently (1 Cor. 7:36; 11:2-16, 20-22) - Instead, love seeks to “outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10); it considers others as “more significant” than themselves (Philippians 2:1-5) The experience of the love of God overcomes human pride and eradicates all boasting.  Point:  You cannot at the same time be full of self and full of love. Boasting, arrogance, and rudeness are expressions of self-centeredness. Love rejects these so that it might do all to build others up. Questions for discussion and application: 1. How does the love of God remove with pride and boasting? Spend time meditating on the love of God this week. How has he loved you? Where do you need his love to meet you and heal you? 2. Why are we inclined to feel the need to draw attention to ourselves? What are you prone to boast in? Why is boasting such an offense to God? (See. 1 Cor. 4:7) 3. Where are you prone to become “puffed up” or “overinflated with self-importance”? 4. Have you been rude to anyone that you need to confess to and ask for forgiveness? 5. Who has shown you God’s love in a way that built you up? If you haven’t, tell them and express how God has used them in your life. Who do you need to “esteem as better than yourself” and how can you build them up this week? (Suggestion: Start in your home) 6. Rejoice that God’s perfect love toward us in Christ is both patient and kind, which emboldens us to draw near and confess when we have been unloving toward others.