Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

May the Spirit of God work His wonderful love deep into our heart. 1 Corinthians 13:1-6  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  2)  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  3)  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.  4)  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  5)  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;  6)  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  The apostle Paul is teaching us that the operating principle of spiritual gifts administered in the church by the H...

Paul connects the love of God poured into us by His Spirit, with how spiritual gifts should be used. In this great chapter on the love of God, we learn what God's love will do and what it will not do.  Thus, our Christian walk should align with this clear teaching.  God's love in us leads us to love one another and keep His commandments. John 15:10-12  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  11)  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.  12)  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.  Remember the words of Jesus our Lord. He commanded us to love one another. Just as we are to abide in Christ because He is the life sustaining vine, so we must abide in His love. Jesus tells us that the world will see a bright and clear witness for Christ when we love one another (See John 13:3...

Spiritual gifts must be guided by the love of God in us. 1 Corinthians 13:1-4  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.  4  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  Paul began teaching us about spiritual gifts by reminding us to remember that these gifts are administered by the Spirit of God. If we use our gifts without having the love of God pouring in and through us, then it is nothing in the sight of God.  Anything exercise of spiritual gifts without the love of...

God's love must shape us or all that we do is valueless. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  2)  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  In our last post we defined the word "charity" and noted that it is the same word translated "love" seventy five percent of the time this word is used. The word "charity" accurately conveys what it means to love God with all our strength and to love others as ourselves.  Without the love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, our service for God means nothing. Jesus commanded us to love one another because it is a powerful and persuasive testimony to a lost and dying world. Paul compares speaking in tongues without the love of God, to pagans...

The love of God flowing in and through us is the more excellent way.   1 Corinthians 12:31  But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.  The last chapter concluded with Paul telling the Corinthians to covet in a good sense, the best spiritual gifts. Then, the apostle told the church that he was going to show them a more excellent way, that puts the focus upon heart transformation rather than upon spiritual gifts. Speaking in tongues without love is as foolish as banging cymbals.  1 Corinthians 13:1  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  The connection between the end of chapter twelve and the beginning of this chapter is readily apparent. The Corinthians were so distracted by coveting prominent spiritual gifts that jealousy and division were destroying the unity of the Spirit within the church (See Ephesians 4:3). The word "speak...