Sermon Snippet – Leaning on and Leaning into Our Love for Our Lord
INTRODUCTION – For the past three weeks, we have been considering different aspects of love. These have been lengthy messages. Today, from I Corinthians 13:1-3, let us hope for a shorter sermon on the subject of our motives for love. Wrong motives lead to “nothing” (verses 2 and 3).
1. WITHOUT OUR LORD’S LOVE, OUR ABILITIES BECOME NOTHING
In verse 1, Paul employs hyperbole (there is no Biblical example of an angelic language; angels always speak in the Bible in a human language). Even if he had these extraordinary abilities, he would sound no better than a one-note gong or a clanging, cacophonous cymbal. The best in me becomes harsh and discordant, hard and divisive, if I do not lean on and lean into Jesus’ love. The sad story of the gifted rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23) is a warning of the valueless void of ability separate from love. Ability minus love equals zero.
2. WITHOUT OUR LORD’S LOVE, OUR INTELLECTS BECOME NOTHING
Verse 2a focuses on human intellect. Paul was a noted scholar in a culture that exalted human intelligence. The Pharisees were particularly noted for their preening pride in this regard, but they should have heeded the Old Testament Scripture: “Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct Him?” (Job 40:2a); at least Job responded with humility. Paul reminds us that “not many wise men after the flesh… are called [to salvation]” (I Corinthians 1:26), for their intellectual arrogance precludes repentance. Intellect minus love equals zero.
3. WITHOUT OUR LORD’S LOVE, OUR FAITH BECOMES NOTHING
We must be orthodox in what we believe, of course. The objective truth of the Word of God is the foundation of our “faith” (verse 2b). However, James 2:19 reminds us, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils [demons] also believe, and tremble.” Satan certainly believes in the existence of God, but our loveless adversary refuses to trust in Him and follow Him. Faith minus love equals zero.
4. WITHOUT OUR LORD’S LOVE, OUR GIVING BECOMES NOTHING
We know that we cannot buy a stairway to heaven. However, ministry that costs nothing has no value (verse 3a). In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus lavishes commendation upon a poor widow for her willingness to give lavishly. Giving minus love equals zero.
5. WITHOUT OUR LORD’S LOVE, EVEN MARTYRDOM BECOMES NOTHING
Verse 3b speaks of the ultimate sacrifice – and calls it “nothing” if love is not the motivation for enduring martyrdom. Such a demise becomes an ignoble death wish fulfilled. Martyrdom minus love equals zero.
CONCLUSION – Omnipotent, omniscient, the Originator of faith (Hebrews 12:2), the Offerer of all good things (James 1:17, the Offerer of Himself on the Cross (an offering far beyond even martyrdom) – Jesus does all motivated by love. To speak of Jesus without including love is impossible; to speak of love without Jesus is to turn even love into “nothing.” Let us trust in Him for eternal salvation, and let us be motivated by His love to truly love Him and others.