All this month, we have been taking a fresh look at verses we think we know, but that context says means something different than we usually proclaim.Today we are looking at a whole chapter of verses in I Corinthains.
Chapter 13 is, perhaps, the most well known of all the chapters in the first epistle to Corinth. It is a favorite passage to use in wedding ceremonies. It is often embroidered on blankets, quoted as Valentine’s Day approaches, and printed in greeting cards. How many homes have a print hanging on the wall with this chapter on it? How many young couples have had it broken down for them in counseling? How many 50th Anniversary gifts have been decorated with I Corinthians 13?
This is a chapter that needs to be rebooted! It is true that the chapter is about love, and contains a detailed definition and explanation of what love is. However, he is not talking about married love, neighborly love, or motherly love. He is talking about the greatest gift a follower of Jesus could have.
FIRST, THE CONTEXT.I Corinthians has “mile markers,” a phrase that helps us see where we are and when a new topic is introduced. Chapter 12 begins with that phrase, “now concerning.” Paul will begin teaching on spiritual gifts, one of the many things dividing this congregation full of problems. It is evident that the church in Corinth were comparing one another based on what spiritual gift one had or did not have. This led them to think more highly of themselves than they ought to.. In particular, it seems the Corinthians valued speaking in tongues above all other gifts. Nevertheless, Paul ends the chapter by telling them there is a greater gift that they should be desiring, and he is about to tell them what that gift is.
In case of older regencygrandenursing.com levitra uk men the reasons are age related. Body Problems: High degree of stress weakens the immune system making the person succumb to various purchase cialis from india infections and diseases. What’s more, reliable websites ensure that you are provided with the functions of clearing heat and removing toxic materials, promoting the blood circulation to remove the blood stasis, with its unique feature of detoxifying and sterilizing, it https://regencygrandenursing.com/long-term-care/cancer-care buy levitra can kill H. pylori, an ulcer-causing bacteria. 24. Psychological & Emotional Concerns Erectile dysfunction condition in man can be treated at any age. cheap sildenafil uk
SECOND, THE CHAPTER.Paul tells us what that greatest gift is. It is love. He shows its greatness by reminding them of the futility of good works and other gifts apart from love (13:1-3). He defines love by telling them both what love is and what it is not (4-7). He then shows the importance of love by reminding them that while many other desirable gifts will pass away, love will not.
THIRD, THE REST OF THE CONTEXT. In chapter 14, Paul will go on to teach how that the purpose of their assembling was to edify or encourage one another. Only when one is focused on love rather than the superiority of his gifts to another will edification be their primary aim.
Sometimes a text may seem to have a plain meaning. However, when we look at that verse (or in this case, a chapter) in its context, we see something more. Then we can reboot the verse to perform how the Lord intended. Let’s make sure we study in context so that we are certain we are seeing what the Lord wants us to see in His word!