The Greatest of These

1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 13

INTRODUCTION: Charity is the bond of perfectness (Colossians 3:14). It is the end of the commandment (1 Timothy 1:5) and is the only proper motive for Christian service (1 Corinthians 16:14). Yet, it is one of the most neglected virtues in all Christianity. Why?

I. THE VALUE OF CHARITY (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

A. Compared to the Most Sought Out Gifts (1 Corinthians 13:1-2)

1. The presence of gifts (1 Corinthians 13:1-2)
a. Though I speak with tongues (1 Corinthians 13:1)
b. Though I have the gift of prophecy (1 Corinthians 13:2)
c. Though I understand all mysteries (1 Corinthians 13:2)
d. Though I have all knowledge (1 Corinthians 13:2); after all, “knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth” (1 Corinthians 8:1)
e. Though I have all faith (1 Corinthians 13:2)
2. The absence of charity (1 Corinthians 13:1-2)
a. I am as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1).
b. I am nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2).

B. Compared to the Greatest Acts of Sacrifice (1 Corinthians 13:3)

1. The presence of sacrifices
a. Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor
b. Though I give my body to be burned
2. The absence of charity – “it profiteth me nothing”

II. THE TESTIMONY OF CHARITY (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

A. Charity Cares for Others (1 Corinthians 13:4)

1. It suffereth long.
2. It is kind.

B. Charity Envieth Not (1 Corinthians 13:4)

C. Charity Is Humble (1 Corinthians 13:4)

1. It vaunteth (proud boasting) not itself.
2. It is not puffed up (inflated with vanity).

D. Charity Is Selfless (1 Corinthians 13:5)

1. It doth not behave itself unseemly (inappropriate, perverted).
2. She seeketh not her own.
3. She is not easily provoked.
4. She thinketh no evil.

E. Charity Is Righteous (1 Corinthians 13:6)

1. It rejoiceth not in iniquity.
2. It rejoiceth in the truth.

F. Charity Is Faithful (1 Corinthians 13:7)

1. It beareth all things.
2. It believeth all things.
3. It hopeth all things.
4. It endureth all things.

III. THE SUPERIORITY OF CHARITY (1 Corinthians 13:8, 13)

A. Superior to Gifts (1 Corinthians 13:1-2, 8)

1. Superior to tongues (1 Corinthians 13:1, 8)
2. Superior to prophecy (1 Corinthians 13:2, 8)

B. Superior to Understanding (1 Corinthians 13:2, 8)

1. Superior to understanding all mysteries
2. Superior to all knowledge

C. Superior to Virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13; Colossians 3:12-14; 2 Peter 1:5-7)

1. Superior to Faith
2. Superior to Hope

CONCLUSION: Without Christ, ye can do nothing (John 15:5). Without charity, ye are nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2). In many ways, just as Christ serves as the standard for righteousness, so charity is of Christian virtues. If Solomon was blessed for asking for wisdom in the Old Testament, how might we be blessed to ask for charity today?