What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (1Cor 13:13). These three instruments of Christianity remain hallmarks of maturity, maturity of his Church and maturity of his disciples. Consider three things about the greatest of these, charity. First that 1Cor 13 supremely depicts charity. It shows its supreme value (vr.1-3), character (vr.4-7), and endurance (vr8-13). In good English the word “charity” is larger than the word “love,” as much as the Greek word “agapos” is larger than “phileo.” (see John 21:15a&b) One is selfless, the other still holds some measure of selfish. This chapter delineates the purest and most selfless of Godly love, and it is rightly translated “charity.” Second, consider that charity motivates our action. The believer is to be the ambassador for Christ, with a ministry of reconciliation (2Cor5:20, 17-19). In 2Cor 5 Paul describes why we labor for Christ while still in the flesh. These motivations seem to follow a progression of maturity: #1 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (vr.10), #2 “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord” (vr. 11), and #3 “For the love of Christ constraineth us” (vr.14). What does this love constrain us to do? To preach the gospel to every creature. Lastly, consider that charity tells who we are. “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another.... By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.... If ye love me keep my commandments.... This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you.... Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 13:34-35, 14:15, 15:12-14). The pure love of Christ indwells us, involves us, and identifies us. Awesome!
An Essay for week #4 Jan 25, 15
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