A father and son drive across town for one particular tool and come home with it like a trophy, and then it sits in the garage, taken out only when there is a collection to show off. A tool is worth no more than the purpose it serves, and that is precisely the mistake the church in Corinth makes with its spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 13). The gifts will end, even faith and hope will end, and only love will remain. Listen and ask whether what you are good at is serving anyone, or simply sitting in a display case.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Paul writes to the Corinthians, who had many spiritual gifts yet put their emphasis in the wrong place. According to 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, what loses its meaning when love is missing?
- In 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 Paul says gifts, and even faith and hope, will one day pass away. What does the speaker say "the perfect" means, and why will only love remain?
- The speaker compared spiritual gifts to tools that are only as valuable as the purpose they serve. What gifts or talents do you have, and do you tend to show them off or actually use them for others?
- The sermon pointed out that Jesus had all power, yet used it with love and discernment. What does His example teach you about when and how to use your gifts in the church community?
- The speaker asked: do I do things so others will see how spiritual I am, or to show that God is among us? How do you recognize these motivations in yourself?
- The story of the speaker's father-in-law, separated from his family for years, showed that no day spent loving others is wasted. Who specifically do you want to show love to this week instead of focusing on your own goals?
