Introduction
Context of 1 Corinthians 13 in Paul’s letter.
The importance of faith, hope, and love in Christian life.
1 Corinthians 13:11-13 NIV
[11] When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. [12] For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. [13] And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Faith – The Foundation
Scripture Cross-Reference: Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Key Points:
Faith is the foundation of a Christian’s relationship with God. It is through faith that believers accept God’s grace, trust in His promises, and commit to following Jesus Christ. Faith acts as the doorway to salvation and a life in alignment with God’s will.
- The role of faith in understanding God’s plan.
- Faith as a response to God’s grace.
Life Application: Trusting in God’s plan even when it’s not fully understood.
Hope – The Anchor
Scripture Cross-Reference: Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Key Points:
Hope in Christianity is a confident expectation of what God has promised, based on faith. It provides strength and perseverance, especially during challenging times. Hope keeps believers anchored in their trust in God’s goodness and ultimate plan for their lives and the world.
- Hope as a confident expectation of God’s promises.
- The sustaining power of hope in difficult times.
- The Holy Spirit as a source of hope.
Life Application: Cultivating hope through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Love – The Greatest Gift
Scripture Cross-Reference: John 13:34-35 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Key Points:
Love is the greatest virtue in Christianity because it reflects the very nature of God (1 John 4:8). Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). Christian love is about selfless, sacrificial giving and serves as the hallmark of true Christian discipleship.
- Love as the greatest commandment.
- The example of Christ’s sacrificial love.
- Love as an action, not just a feeling.
Life Application: Practicing love in daily interactions.
Conclusion
[13] And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.