The Judges of Israel
1. Othniel (Judah) Son of Kenaz the younger brother of Caleb
Judges1:11-15; 3:1-11; Joshua 15:16-19; 1Chron. 4:13
Othniel was the nephew of Caleb (Judges 3:11) and became his son-in-law after the capture of Kirjath Sepher (Judges 1:12-13)
40 years (Judges 3:11)
2. Ehud (Benjamin) Son of Gera
Judges3:12-30
Ehud was a left-handed Benjamite who personally killed Eglon the fat king of Moab (Judges 3:21-22) He led in the slaying of 10,000 Moabites (3:29).
80 years (Judges 3:30)
3. Shamgar (?) His name is not Hebrew. Son of Anath
Judges3:31-5:6
He killed 600 Philistines with an oxgoad (Judges 3:31).
Not given
4. Deborah /Barak (Ephraim and Naphtali)
Judges 4:1-5:31; 1 Samuel 12:11; Hebrews 11:32
Deborah was a prophetess and a judge. She was the wife of Lapidoth (Judges 4:4; 5:7). Deborah and her general, Barak, defeated Sisera, the general of the Army of Canaanite King Jabin of Hazor at the Battle of Kishon on Mt Tabor (4:13-16).
40 years
5. Gideon (Manasseh) Son of Joash the Abiezrite.
Judges6:1-8:32 Hebrews 11:32
The Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon at Ophrah (Judges 6:11-18). Gideon destroyed the altar of Baal (Judges 6:25-27). Seeking God's will Gideon put out a fleece twice for a sign (6:36-40) On God's command he reduced the size of his army from 32,000 to 10,000 to 300 (7:2-8), and successfully routed the Midianite army (17:16-22).
40 years (Judges 8:28)
*Abimelech (Manasseh). Son of Gideon by a concubine (*He usurped power and should not be counted as a judge)
Judges 8:33-9:57 2Samuel 11:21
Abimeleck killed all his half brothers with the exception of Jotham, the youngest (Judges 9:5). He defeated Gaal (Judges 9:26-41), captured and then razed the city of Shechem (Judges 9:42-49). He was severely injured when a Thebezen woman threw down a millstone from the besieged city wall, which struck him on the head. He then had his armorbearer kill him with a sword (Judges 9:50-54).
ruled 3 years (Judges 9:22)
6. Tola (means worm)
Son of Puah (means blast)
Grandson of Dodo (means loving)
Judges10:1,2
Tola was in stark contrast to the former ruler of Israel – Abimelech, whose rule was not according to God’s pattern of setting up Judges.
Tola must have ruled effectively and with little incident as little is said of him.
He judged Israel 23 years (Judges 10:2)
7. Jair (Gilead-Manasseh)
Judges 10:3-5
Jair distinguished himself by delegating his authority effectively. He had 30 sons who were itinerant judges (10:4). They evidently carried out his ruling from 30 different villages without incident.
Perhaps he capitalized on the effectiveness of Tola’s rule and improved it by delegating.
He judged Israel 22 years (Judges 10:3)
8. Jephthah (Gilead-Manesseh) Son of Gilead by a harlot (Judges 11:1)
Judges 10:6-12:7; Hebrews 11:32
Jephthah was the son of Gilead by a harlot (Judges 11:1); he was driven away by his half brothers (Judges11:2, 3). The Elders of Gilead brought him back and made him their chief at Mizpah (Judges 11:4-11).
Showing posts with label Sunday Morning Teaching Notes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunday Morning Teaching Notes. Show all posts
Friday, May 23, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
A Mother's Example
A Mother’s Example
For Good or Evil
Rebekah
Genesis 27:6-45
• Rebekah lacked faith in God.
– She didn’t trust God’s promise.
– She didn’t trust God’s timing.
– She took matters into her own hands.
• Rebekah undermined authority.
– She went against the authority in her life.
– She led her son against the authority in his life.
• Rebekah practiced deception.
– She insisted deception was the proper course of action.
– She reinforced the tendencies toward deception in Jacob’s life.
Hannah
I Samuel 1:9-28
• Hannah prayed for a child.
– She promised to commit her child to God.
– She trusted God’s answer to her prayer.
– She was grateful to God for her child. (2:1-10)
• Hannah worshipped God faithfully.
– She had a deep personal relationship with God.
– She was accustomed to joining in public worship at the temple.
• Hannah gave her son to the Lord.
– She fulfilled her commitment to do so.
– She fulfilled her responsibility to support Samuel while he served the Lord. (2:19)
For Good or Evil
Rebekah
Genesis 27:6-45
• Rebekah lacked faith in God.
– She didn’t trust God’s promise.
– She didn’t trust God’s timing.
– She took matters into her own hands.
• Rebekah undermined authority.
– She went against the authority in her life.
– She led her son against the authority in his life.
• Rebekah practiced deception.
– She insisted deception was the proper course of action.
– She reinforced the tendencies toward deception in Jacob’s life.
HannahI Samuel 1:9-28
• Hannah prayed for a child.
– She promised to commit her child to God.
– She trusted God’s answer to her prayer.
– She was grateful to God for her child. (2:1-10)
• Hannah worshipped God faithfully.
– She had a deep personal relationship with God.
– She was accustomed to joining in public worship at the temple.
• Hannah gave her son to the Lord.
– She fulfilled her commitment to do so.
– She fulfilled her responsibility to support Samuel while he served the Lord. (2:19)
Monday, May 5, 2008
Decently and in Order 2
The Practice of the Gifts
• Is Mandatory
– We must desire spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 14:1
– We must pray for spiritual gifts. I Cor. 14:13
– We must allow the exercising of the spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 14:39 (in keeping with Scripture)
• Is in Accordance With the Rules that Apply
– Some gifts were temporary in nature. 13:8-10
– Edification must be the goal. I Corinthians 14:12, 26; Ephesians 4:29
– Deference must be given. I Corinthians 14:27-31
– Self-control must be exercised. I Cor. 14:32, 33
– God’s ordained authority must be recognized. I Corinthians 14:34-39
– All things must be done decently and in order. Verse 40
• Is Mandatory
– We must desire spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 14:1
– We must pray for spiritual gifts. I Cor. 14:13
– We must allow the exercising of the spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 14:39 (in keeping with Scripture)
• Is in Accordance With the Rules that Apply
– Some gifts were temporary in nature. 13:8-10
– Edification must be the goal. I Corinthians 14:12, 26; Ephesians 4:29
– Deference must be given. I Corinthians 14:27-31
– Self-control must be exercised. I Cor. 14:32, 33
– God’s ordained authority must be recognized. I Corinthians 14:34-39
– All things must be done decently and in order. Verse 40
Sunday, April 27, 2008
DECENTLY AND IN ORDER
DECENTLY AND IN ORDER
I CORINTHIANS 14
The Purpose of the Gifts
• The Purpose of The Sign Gifts
– To lend authority and proof to the institution of the Gospel and its primary proclaimer, the Local Church. (Acts, I Corinthians 13:10)
– To serve as a sign to the unbeliever of the veracity of the Gospel. I Corinthians 14:22
• The Purpose of The Ministry Gifts
– To be used in the ministry of the gospel and to the saints. I Corinthians 14:12
The Person of the Gifts
• The Holy Spirit of God
– Whose particular concern is the exaltation of Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 12:3
– Who works in many different ways but never works against Himself. I Corinthians 12:4-11
– Who works for the unity of the body of Christ. I Corinthians 12:12-27
– Whose authority is reflected in the ministers of the church as they hold to His Word. I Corinthians 12:28
I CORINTHIANS 14
The Purpose of the Gifts
• The Purpose of The Sign Gifts
– To lend authority and proof to the institution of the Gospel and its primary proclaimer, the Local Church. (Acts, I Corinthians 13:10)
– To serve as a sign to the unbeliever of the veracity of the Gospel. I Corinthians 14:22
• The Purpose of The Ministry Gifts
– To be used in the ministry of the gospel and to the saints. I Corinthians 14:12
The Person of the Gifts
• The Holy Spirit of God
– Whose particular concern is the exaltation of Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 12:3
– Who works in many different ways but never works against Himself. I Corinthians 12:4-11
– Who works for the unity of the body of Christ. I Corinthians 12:12-27
– Whose authority is reflected in the ministers of the church as they hold to His Word. I Corinthians 12:28
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Where is the Love? Part 4
The Preeminence of Love
I Corinthians 13:8-13
Ø Love outlasts the sign gifts
Ø The Sign Gift of Prophecy
Ø The Sign Gift of Tongues
Ø The Sign Gift of Knowledge
Ø Love outperforms the sign gifts
Ø The sign gift of knowledge was incomplete.
Ø The sign gift of prophecy was incomplete.
Ø The Scripture made the sign gifts obsolete.
Ø Love outgrows an immature faith
Ø Immature Speech
Ø Immature Understanding
Ø Immature Thoughts
Ø Love out-sees the lack thereof
Ø We see God now only dimly.
Ø In Heaven we will see Him face to face.
Ø We know God now only partly.
Ø In Heaven we will know Him as He knows us.
Ø For now, we will see and know God best if we love one another. I John 4:7,8
Ø Love outshines other virtues.
Ø Faith is required to please God. Hebrews 11:6
Ø Hope is the virtue to which we are born again. I Peter 1:3
Ø Love is greater than either of these.
I Corinthians 13:8-13
Ø Love outlasts the sign gifts
Ø The Sign Gift of Prophecy
Ø The Sign Gift of Tongues
Ø The Sign Gift of Knowledge
Ø Love outperforms the sign gifts
Ø The sign gift of knowledge was incomplete.
Ø The sign gift of prophecy was incomplete.
Ø The Scripture made the sign gifts obsolete.
Ø Love outgrows an immature faith
Ø Immature Speech
Ø Immature Understanding
Ø Immature Thoughts
Ø Love out-sees the lack thereof
Ø We see God now only dimly.
Ø In Heaven we will see Him face to face.
Ø We know God now only partly.
Ø In Heaven we will know Him as He knows us.
Ø For now, we will see and know God best if we love one another. I John 4:7,8
Ø Love outshines other virtues.
Ø Faith is required to please God. Hebrews 11:6
Ø Hope is the virtue to which we are born again. I Peter 1:3
Ø Love is greater than either of these.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Where is the Love?
Where is the Love?
I Corinthians 13
The Personality of Love
I Corinthians 13:4-7
Ø Love is longsuffering
- makrothumei implies a longevity of forbearing under duress without showing signs of irritation or dislike.
- It holds up under many and repeated offenses without becoming indignant or resentful.
- This love lasts through much hardship without ever failing
- 2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
- 2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Ø Love is kind
- creisteuoami means to show one’s self useful. It implies a benevolent spirit, a desire to help with whatever means are at your disposal.
- Lu 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Ø Love is not envious
- zeilo-o speaks of a warmth of feeling towards something, but not in a good way. It is a burning desire for something that is not yours or for a position in life that God has not granted.
- The worst kind of envy is envy of the world. We must take great care to love the world with a selfless love that sees preciousness in them and not be distracted by the sin in which they live.
- We must also be happy to see the success and well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Envy will kill our relationships with each other and strain our relationship with God.
- Php 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Ø Love is not self-promoting
- perpereuetai this Greek word indicates a boastful attitude which spurs a person to constantly speak of themselves and their own spiritual prowess.
- This type of self promotion stems from an insecurity that a person has in themselves. A lack of love and concern for others will lead an insecure person to constantly speak of their own goodness and spirituality.
- Remember this was a specific problem that the people of the church at Corinth had. Many were promoting themselves instead of God with their gifts.
Ø Love is not proud
- ou fusioutai literally means to be full of one’s self and is rightly translated, “puffed up.” This is simply pride.
- Pride indicates a lack of understanding of our real inadequacy. We are not “all that,” and if we loved as we ought, we would realize that.
- Pride works against love because it puts self first instead of those around us.
- 1Co 8:1 ¶ Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Ø Love is not rude - verse 5
- ouk aschmonei is a Greek term that means to behave in a disgraceful or improper way.
- In short, love produces good manners.
- If we recognize the preciousness of the object of our love we will want to give the greatest deference to that person, not argue with them or offend them.
_____________________
Ø Love is not selfish
- ou zeitei ta eauteis The Greek phrase is translated exactly and needs no further explanation.
- Even Phileo love has a tendency to seek it own pleasure. Agape love is invested in others.
- Such was Christ’s love when He went to the cross – unselfish and generous, seeking the profit of others.
- It is this love that motivates us to tell others about Jesus.
- Php 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
- 1Co 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
Ø Love is not prone to anger
- ou paroxunetai means to not be easily stirred to wrath. It implies that while we are loving the way we should we cannot be angry at the object of our love.
- Since anger is a feeling of animosity, it cannot co-exist with Agape love. How can we hold bitter feelings toward something that is precious to us?
- The solution to a quick temper is to recognize the preciousness of those for whom we are feeling anger.
- Beginning with what we know to be true about God’s investment in us, we should be able to logically transfer that same value to others, for truly, Christ died for all.
Ø Love does not assume evil intent
- oulogizetai to kakon the first word means to impute. The implication is clear: when we love as we should we assume the best of people.
- This is not a blind ignorance of sin nature, we know that man is not essentially good, but we need not assume that everyone is out to get us.
- Assuming evil intention puts the focus back on ourselves – this is not love.
- The happiest, relationship-rich people are those who assume good intent before evil intent. These people are loving.
Ø Love does not find joy in sin Verse 6
- ou cairei epi tei adikia the Greek phrase means to find no pleasure in falsehood. Love does not necessitate an acceptance of sin.
- We must constantly hate the sin while loving the sinner. It is a danger of being in the world and loving as we should to become tolerant of sin – this must never happen.
- If all we have is Phileo love we will end up enjoying the sin as much as the sinner.
- Ro 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
- Here we see the balance of love maintained where so often it is lost.
Ø Love rejoices in the truth
- sugchairo aleitheia this is in contrast to the former phrase and means to rejoice in the truth.
- Agape love never compromises – it is greater than Satan’s counterfeit love so often called tolerance. It see the value of a person and recognizes the horridness of their sin.
- So we are commanded by scripture to judge sin and not people. God judges people.
- Love is not blind and accepting of all ways of life. It is much greater than that. The truth must never be compromised by our brand of love.
- Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
_____________________
Ø Love carries on without offense
- panta stegei the picture that is painted for us here is of a burro that just keep on going regardless of how much is laid on its back.
- So we as Christians should be so motivated by love that regardless of the offenses laid on us, we never turn back, We never quit, we never take offense.
- When we are living in the power of love there is no proverbial “last straw.” We bear all things.
- Isa 53:4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
- 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Ø Love trusts without undue suspicion
- panta pisteuei with similar construction to the first phrase, this one is in regards to trust.
- It hearkens back to “love does not assume evil intent” as it simply means that Love is not full of suspicion about everyone’s motives.
- If we would take the focus off ourselves for a moment, we might stop worrying about what everyone is “really” thinking.
- Love is too busy trying to see the value in a person to suspect every move they make and every word they say as having an evil motive.
- It may be true that love opens us up to hurt by those whom we love, so Christ did for us without a second thought.
Ø Love looks forward without fear
- panta elpizei “always hoping” He who lives in love live in hope.
- This is actually a product of love. Our outlook on life becomes brighter, and we begin to see the world the way God sees it, with innumerable opportunities to glorify Him.
- When we love without undue suspicion we remove a dark pall from the day and let the sun shine in and give us hope.
- Love looks forward to tomorrow with no fear of what it might bring forth.
Ø Love endures without complaint
- panta upomenei this is similar to the first in this verse and means to endure all things.
- We can and must endure because Jesus endured.
- We cannot break now because there is too much hope in today and tomorrow.
- Fanny Crosby exemplified this kind of love at the age of 8:
Oh, what a happy soul I am,Although I cannot see!I am resolved that in this worldContented I will be.
How many blessings I enjoyThat other people don't,To weep and sigh because I'm blindI cannot, and I won't!
So we must endure without complaint, because we are living in love.
I Corinthians 13
The Personality of Love
I Corinthians 13:4-7
Ø Love is longsuffering
- makrothumei implies a longevity of forbearing under duress without showing signs of irritation or dislike.
- It holds up under many and repeated offenses without becoming indignant or resentful.
- This love lasts through much hardship without ever failing
- 2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
- 2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Ø Love is kind
- creisteuoami means to show one’s self useful. It implies a benevolent spirit, a desire to help with whatever means are at your disposal.
- Lu 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Ø Love is not envious
- zeilo-o speaks of a warmth of feeling towards something, but not in a good way. It is a burning desire for something that is not yours or for a position in life that God has not granted.
- The worst kind of envy is envy of the world. We must take great care to love the world with a selfless love that sees preciousness in them and not be distracted by the sin in which they live.
- We must also be happy to see the success and well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Envy will kill our relationships with each other and strain our relationship with God.
- Php 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Ø Love is not self-promoting
- perpereuetai this Greek word indicates a boastful attitude which spurs a person to constantly speak of themselves and their own spiritual prowess.
- This type of self promotion stems from an insecurity that a person has in themselves. A lack of love and concern for others will lead an insecure person to constantly speak of their own goodness and spirituality.
- Remember this was a specific problem that the people of the church at Corinth had. Many were promoting themselves instead of God with their gifts.
Ø Love is not proud
- ou fusioutai literally means to be full of one’s self and is rightly translated, “puffed up.” This is simply pride.
- Pride indicates a lack of understanding of our real inadequacy. We are not “all that,” and if we loved as we ought, we would realize that.
- Pride works against love because it puts self first instead of those around us.
- 1Co 8:1 ¶ Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Ø Love is not rude - verse 5
- ouk aschmonei is a Greek term that means to behave in a disgraceful or improper way.
- In short, love produces good manners.
- If we recognize the preciousness of the object of our love we will want to give the greatest deference to that person, not argue with them or offend them.
_____________________
Ø Love is not selfish
- ou zeitei ta eauteis The Greek phrase is translated exactly and needs no further explanation.
- Even Phileo love has a tendency to seek it own pleasure. Agape love is invested in others.
- Such was Christ’s love when He went to the cross – unselfish and generous, seeking the profit of others.
- It is this love that motivates us to tell others about Jesus.
- Php 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
- 1Co 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
Ø Love is not prone to anger
- ou paroxunetai means to not be easily stirred to wrath. It implies that while we are loving the way we should we cannot be angry at the object of our love.
- Since anger is a feeling of animosity, it cannot co-exist with Agape love. How can we hold bitter feelings toward something that is precious to us?
- The solution to a quick temper is to recognize the preciousness of those for whom we are feeling anger.
- Beginning with what we know to be true about God’s investment in us, we should be able to logically transfer that same value to others, for truly, Christ died for all.
Ø Love does not assume evil intent
- oulogizetai to kakon the first word means to impute. The implication is clear: when we love as we should we assume the best of people.
- This is not a blind ignorance of sin nature, we know that man is not essentially good, but we need not assume that everyone is out to get us.
- Assuming evil intention puts the focus back on ourselves – this is not love.
- The happiest, relationship-rich people are those who assume good intent before evil intent. These people are loving.
Ø Love does not find joy in sin Verse 6
- ou cairei epi tei adikia the Greek phrase means to find no pleasure in falsehood. Love does not necessitate an acceptance of sin.
- We must constantly hate the sin while loving the sinner. It is a danger of being in the world and loving as we should to become tolerant of sin – this must never happen.
- If all we have is Phileo love we will end up enjoying the sin as much as the sinner.
- Ro 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
- Here we see the balance of love maintained where so often it is lost.
Ø Love rejoices in the truth
- sugchairo aleitheia this is in contrast to the former phrase and means to rejoice in the truth.
- Agape love never compromises – it is greater than Satan’s counterfeit love so often called tolerance. It see the value of a person and recognizes the horridness of their sin.
- So we are commanded by scripture to judge sin and not people. God judges people.
- Love is not blind and accepting of all ways of life. It is much greater than that. The truth must never be compromised by our brand of love.
- Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
_____________________
Ø Love carries on without offense
- panta stegei the picture that is painted for us here is of a burro that just keep on going regardless of how much is laid on its back.
- So we as Christians should be so motivated by love that regardless of the offenses laid on us, we never turn back, We never quit, we never take offense.
- When we are living in the power of love there is no proverbial “last straw.” We bear all things.
- Isa 53:4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
- 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Ø Love trusts without undue suspicion
- panta pisteuei with similar construction to the first phrase, this one is in regards to trust.
- It hearkens back to “love does not assume evil intent” as it simply means that Love is not full of suspicion about everyone’s motives.
- If we would take the focus off ourselves for a moment, we might stop worrying about what everyone is “really” thinking.
- Love is too busy trying to see the value in a person to suspect every move they make and every word they say as having an evil motive.
- It may be true that love opens us up to hurt by those whom we love, so Christ did for us without a second thought.
Ø Love looks forward without fear
- panta elpizei “always hoping” He who lives in love live in hope.
- This is actually a product of love. Our outlook on life becomes brighter, and we begin to see the world the way God sees it, with innumerable opportunities to glorify Him.
- When we love without undue suspicion we remove a dark pall from the day and let the sun shine in and give us hope.
- Love looks forward to tomorrow with no fear of what it might bring forth.
Ø Love endures without complaint
- panta upomenei this is similar to the first in this verse and means to endure all things.
- We can and must endure because Jesus endured.
- We cannot break now because there is too much hope in today and tomorrow.
- Fanny Crosby exemplified this kind of love at the age of 8:
Oh, what a happy soul I am,Although I cannot see!I am resolved that in this worldContented I will be.
How many blessings I enjoyThat other people don't,To weep and sigh because I'm blindI cannot, and I won't!
So we must endure without complaint, because we are living in love.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Where is the Love? Part 1
I Corinthians 13:1-3
Ø “agape” vs. “filew” Love
Ø “Phileo – [a love] that arises from a sense of pleasure found in the object loved”
Ø “Agape – [a love] that arises from a sense of the preciousness of the object loved”
Kenneth S. Wuest
I Corinthians 13:1-3
Ø “agape” vs. “filew” Love
Ø “Phileo – [a love] that arises from a sense of pleasure found in the object loved”
Ø “Agape – [a love] that arises from a sense of the preciousness of the object loved”
Kenneth S. Wuest
I Corinthians 13:1-3
Ø Above speaking in tongues
A temporary gift that only a few had to show the authority of God upon the church and to evidence His work among the Gentiles.
It was especially a sign to the unbelieving Jew until the word of God was compiled as absolute proof of God’s authority and as evidence of His work among the Gentiles.
Ø Above the gift of prophecy
The temporary sign gift of Foretelling the future as evidence of God’s authority and to prepare God’s people for coming events when the Bible was not yet written to do so.
Ø Above understanding all mysteries
The Mystery of the Kingdom of God – Mark 4:11
The Mystery of the Gentile position in the Bride of Christ – Romans 11:25
The Mystery of God’s wisdom in man’s heart – I Corinthians 2:7
The Mystery of the Rapture of the saints – I Corinthians 15:51
The Mystery of the will of God – Ephesians 1:9
The Mystery of the Bride of Christ – Ephesians 5:32
Etc….
Ø Above having all knowledge
Although we must study – 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Ø Above mountain-moving faith
Without which one cannot please God.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Ø Above well-placed generosity
Your gifts mean nothing if you do not give out of love.
Your sacrificial generosity is to no avail if you do not love those to whom you give, recognizing their preciousness to God.
Ø Above a martyr’s courage
Surely something is to be said for the courage to go to the stake like Huss or Tyndale and not deny the faith.
Without Love? – Nothing
A temporary gift that only a few had to show the authority of God upon the church and to evidence His work among the Gentiles.
It was especially a sign to the unbelieving Jew until the word of God was compiled as absolute proof of God’s authority and as evidence of His work among the Gentiles.
Ø Above the gift of prophecy
The temporary sign gift of Foretelling the future as evidence of God’s authority and to prepare God’s people for coming events when the Bible was not yet written to do so.
Ø Above understanding all mysteries
The Mystery of the Kingdom of God – Mark 4:11
The Mystery of the Gentile position in the Bride of Christ – Romans 11:25
The Mystery of God’s wisdom in man’s heart – I Corinthians 2:7
The Mystery of the Rapture of the saints – I Corinthians 15:51
The Mystery of the will of God – Ephesians 1:9
The Mystery of the Bride of Christ – Ephesians 5:32
Etc….
Ø Above having all knowledge
Although we must study – 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Ø Above mountain-moving faith
Without which one cannot please God.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Ø Above well-placed generosity
Your gifts mean nothing if you do not give out of love.
Your sacrificial generosity is to no avail if you do not love those to whom you give, recognizing their preciousness to God.
Ø Above a martyr’s courage
Surely something is to be said for the courage to go to the stake like Huss or Tyndale and not deny the faith.
Without Love? – Nothing
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