Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8 (NKJV)
Discussion Questions:
- How can we remain humble and guard our hearts from pride when using the spiritual gifts God has given us? How can we faithfullysteward our gifts and appreciate the different gifts in the body of Christ so that the church grows in unity and love? (1 Cor 13:1-8)
2. In what ways can we discern and cultivate the gifts the Holy Spirit gives us, especially those that may not be our natural strengths, so that we become effective channels of God’s blessing? When considering our service and work, how can we ensure that our motives align with God’s glory and love, so that what we build will endure the test of fire and be like gold, silver, and precious stones rather than wood, hay, or straw? (1 Cor 12:7-11; 1 Pet 4:10; 1 Cor 3:12-15)
3. How does God’s unconditional, self-giving Agape love challenge the way we naturally love others in our church, family, and workplace? In what practical ways can we cultivate this love through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit? What hinders us from fully yielding to God’s use of our gifts, and how can we cultivate a heart of obedience and humility to allow His Spirit to flow through us freely? (1 Cor 8:1-3)
Sermon Summary
This week’s sermon explores the theme of faithful stewardship, emphasizing that all gifts, resources, and acts of service must flow from Agape love—God’s unconditional, self-giving love. We are called to steward our spiritual and practical gifts humbly, avoiding pride and self-glorification, and to serve others with motives aligned to God’s glory. The Holy Spirit equips us with diverse gifts for the building up of the church and blessing of others, both inside and outside the church. True stewardship requires yielded hearts, discernment, and the cultivation of love so that our work endures and becomes a channel of God’s blessing to the world.