How many churches have suffered through carnal fights? n Without exception these battles come from men who want to pervert the gifts of God to draw attention

How many churches have suffered through How many churches have suffered through carnal fights?carnal fights?

Without exception these battles come from Without exception these battles come from men who want to pervert the gifts of God men who want to pervert the gifts of God to draw attention to themselves. to draw attention to themselves. (1 Cor 4:6-7)(1 Cor 4:6-7)


1 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NKJV) - Now these - Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. the other.


7 For who makes you differ 7 For who makes you differ from another?from another? And what do you have that you did not And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive receive? Now if you did indeed receive it,it, why do you boast as if you had not received why do you boast as if you had not received it?it?


God’s plan is to draw our attention away God’s plan is to draw our attention away from ourselves and make us like Him.from ourselves and make us like Him.


God’s plan is to draw our attention away God’s plan is to draw our attention away from ourselves and make us like Him.from ourselves and make us like Him.

The change of our hearts takes time. Satan The change of our hearts takes time. Satan will not give up, especially with Christians. will not give up, especially with Christians. (Jas 3:13-18)(Jas 3:13-18)


James 3:13-18 (NKJV) James 3:13-18 (NKJV) - Who - Who isis wise and wise and understanding among you? Let him show understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct by good conduct thatthat his works his works are doneare done in in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but above, but isis earthly, sensual, demonic. earthly, sensual, demonic.


16 For where envy and self-seeking 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist,exist, confusion and every evil thing confusion and every evil thing areare there. 17 there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.by those who make peace.


Where does God place the value? Where does God place the value? (1 Cor 12:31)(1 Cor 12:31)


1 Corinthians 12:31 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 12:31 (NKJV) - But - But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.show you a more excellent way.


The Corinthians were seeking the gift of The Corinthians were seeking the gift of tongues and placing a great value on it. tongues and placing a great value on it.


Why did they place the value here? This Why did they place the value here? This was a mistake. They were not interested was a mistake. They were not interested in the work of God but in self- in the work of God but in self-advancement. advancement.

Things that have less value than love (13:1-3)Things that have less value than love (13:1-3)

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV) - Though I - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have have the gift ofthe gift of prophecy, and understand all prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.


3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,the poor, and though I give my body to be and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.nothing.


EloquenceEloquence


EloquenceEloquence This has a value. What was the strength of This has a value. What was the strength of

Apollos? Apollos? (Acts 18:24)(Acts 18:24)


Acts 18:24 (NKJV) Acts 18:24 (NKJV) - Now a certain Jew - Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man eloquent man andand mighty in the Scriptures, mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. came to Ephesus.


EloquenceEloquence This has a value. What was the strength of This has a value. What was the strength of

Apollos? Apollos? (Acts 18:24)(Acts 18:24) Paul lacked this, but was he useful to God? Paul lacked this, but was he useful to God?

(2 Cor 10:10; 11:6)(2 Cor 10:10; 11:6)


2 Corinthians 10:10 (NKJV) - 2 Corinthians 10:10 (NKJV) - “For “For hishis letters,” they say, “letters,” they say, “are are weighty and weighty and powerful, but powerful, but hishis bodily presence bodily presence isis weak, weak, and and hishis speech contemptible.” speech contemptible.”


2 Corinthians 10:10 (NKJV) - 2 Corinthians 10:10 (NKJV) - “For “For hishis letters,” they say, “letters,” they say, “are are weighty and weighty and powerful, but powerful, but hishis bodily presence bodily presence isis weak, weak, and and hishis speech contemptible.” speech contemptible.”

2 Corinthians 11:6 (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 11:6 (NKJV) - Even though - Even though I amI am untrained in speech, yet untrained in speech, yet I amI am not in not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.manifested among you in all things.


How does God view eloquence without How does God view eloquence without love? Where are you?love? Where are you?


WisdomWisdom


WisdomWisdom Wisdom has a value depending on its Wisdom has a value depending on its

source. source. (1 Cor 1:18-22; 2:6-7, 13)(1 Cor 1:18-22; 2:6-7, 13)


1 Corinthians 1:18-22 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 1:18-22 (NKJV) - For the - For the message of the cross is foolishness to those message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” understanding of the prudent.”


20 Where 20 Where isis the wise? Where the wise? Where isis the scribe? the scribe? Where Where isis the disputer of this age? Has not God the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; wisdom;


1 Corinthians 2:6-7 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 2:6-7 (NKJV) - However, - However, we speak wisdom among those who are we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7But we speak the wisdom of God nothing. 7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden in a mystery, the hidden wisdomwisdom which God which God ordained before the ages for our glory, ordained before the ages for our glory,


1 Corinthians 2:13 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 2:13 (NKJV) - These things - These things we also speak, not in words which man’s we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.spiritual.


WisdomWisdom Wisdom has a value depending on its Wisdom has a value depending on its

source. source. (1 Cor 1:18-22; 2:6-7, 13)(1 Cor 1:18-22; 2:6-7, 13) Is this wisdom enough? What does God Is this wisdom enough? What does God

say? say? (1 Cor 8:1)(1 Cor 8:1)


1 Corinthians 8:1 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 8:1 (NKJV) - Now - Now concerning things offered to idols: We concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.


FaithFaith


We need to feed our faith and have it We need to feed our faith and have it increase. increase. (Heb 11:6; Eph 6:16)(Heb 11:6; Eph 6:16)


Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) - Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) - But without faith But without faith it isit is impossible to please impossible to please Him,Him, for he who for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and comes to God must believe that He is, and thatthat He is a rewarder of those who He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.diligently seek Him.


Ephesians 6:16 (NKJV) - Ephesians 6:16 (NKJV) - above all, taking above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.wicked one.


We need to feed our faith and have it We need to feed our faith and have it increase. increase. (Heb 11:6; Eph 6:16)(Heb 11:6; Eph 6:16)

What is faith without a foundation? What is faith without a foundation? (Eph 3:17)(Eph 3:17)


Ephesians 3:17 (NKJV) - Ephesians 3:17 (NKJV) - that Christ may that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,being rooted and grounded in love,


MartyrdomMartyrdom


MartyrdomMartyrdom We need men and women who have the We need men and women who have the

courage to stand! The testing and exposing courage to stand! The testing and exposing of false teachers takes great courage.of false teachers takes great courage. (Rev 2:10; Eph 6:10-11)(Rev 2:10; Eph 6:10-11)


Revelation 2:10 (NKJV) - Revelation 2:10 (NKJV) - Do not fear any Do not fear any of those things which you are about to of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw somesome of you into prison, that you may be of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.you the crown of life.


Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV) - Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV) - Finally, my Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.against the wiles of the devil.


Still this alone is without value to God. The Still this alone is without value to God. The Ephesians learned this. Ephesians learned this. (Rev 2:2-4)(Rev 2:2-4)


Revelation 2:2-4 (NKJV)Revelation 2:2-4 (NKJV) - “I know your works, - “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3and you have persevered and found them liars; 3and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have have thisthis against you, that you have left your first against you, that you have left your first love.love.

The components of God’s love (13:4-7)The components of God’s love (13:4-7)

Love suffers longLove suffers long - “an element of - “an element of constraint be patient or forbearing.” constraint be patient or forbearing.”



Do you help others to grow or hate them for Do you help others to grow or hate them for their weaknesses? their weaknesses?




How can love do this? You are not in the How can love do this? You are not in the center of things. center of things. (Rom 15:1)(Rom 15:1)




How can love do this? You are not in the How can love do this? You are not in the center of things. center of things. (Rom 15:1)(Rom 15:1)

Love is kindLove is kind - “gentleness”. - “gentleness”.


This a must in the work of God. This a must in the work of God. (2 Tim 2:24-26)(2 Tim 2:24-26)



Love will show this kindness that builds Love will show this kindness that builds others? Who do you go to for help?others? Who do you go to for help?



Love will show this kindness that builds Love will show this kindness that builds others? Who do you go to for help?others? Who do you go to for help?

Love does not envy - Love does not envy - “of hostile emotion “of hostile emotion based on resentment (be moved with) envy, based on resentment (be moved with) envy, be filled with jealousy, be jealous of be filled with jealousy, be jealous of (Acts 17.5).”(Acts 17.5).”


Love does not parade itself, is not puffed Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up - up - “as speaking arrogantly boast, brag; “as speaking arrogantly boast, brag; behave as a braggart or windbag.” Also as: behave as a braggart or windbag.” Also as: “puff up, blow up; only fig. in the NT make “puff up, blow up; only fig. in the NT make proud or arrogant, cause to become haughty proud or arrogant, cause to become haughty (1Cor 8.1);(1Cor 8.1); become conceited or proud become conceited or proud (1Cor 4.6).(1Cor 4.6).


Love does not behave rudely - Love does not behave rudely - “as defying “as defying moral standards act disgracefully, behave moral standards act disgracefully, behave improperly; as defying social standards be improperly; as defying social standards be ill-mannered or rude ill-mannered or rude (1Cor 13.5). (1Cor 13.5).



Love does not seek its own - Love does not seek its own - “to strive for” “to strive for” and “to one’s own interest or advantage.”and “to one’s own interest or advantage.”



Love does not seek its own - Love does not seek its own - “to strive for” “to strive for” and “to one’s own interest or advantage.”and “to one’s own interest or advantage.”

Here is the acid test to see if God’s love is Here is the acid test to see if God’s love is really in our lives?really in our lives?


Can we do the work of the Lord with this Can we do the work of the Lord with this attitude? attitude? (Phil 2:19-21(Phil 2:19-21))


Love is not provoked Love is not provoked (is not irritable or (is not irritable or resentful RSV) - “as keeping a mental resentful RSV) - “as keeping a mental record take into account, keep in mind, record take into account, keep in mind, count (up)”count (up)”


Love thinks no evil - Love thinks no evil - “denoting a lack of “denoting a lack of something...bad, not as it ought to be”something...bad, not as it ought to be”


Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth - rejoices in the truth - “rejoice, be glad, be “rejoice, be glad, be delighted” and as: “disregard for what is delighted” and as: “disregard for what is right; (1) as disregard for divine law, “ and right; (1) as disregard for divine law, “ and as: “of what has certainty and validity, of as: “of what has certainty and validity, of the real state of affairs, esp. as divinely the real state of affairs, esp. as divinely disclosed truth”disclosed truth”


Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth - in the truth - “rejoice, be glad, be “rejoice, be glad, be delighted” and as: “disregard for what is right; delighted” and as: “disregard for what is right; (1) as disregard for divine law, “ and as: “of (1) as disregard for divine law, “ and as: “of what has certainty and validity, of the real state what has certainty and validity, of the real state of affairs, esp. as divinely disclosed truth”of affairs, esp. as divinely disclosed truth”

Are you glad when evil comes upon those who Are you glad when evil comes upon those who have hurt you.have hurt you.


We must guard our hearts here. We must guard our hearts here. (Rom 1:32; 2 John 4)(Rom 1:32; 2 John 4)



Love bears all things, believes all things, Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.hopes all things, endures all things.




God’s love is all encompassing. God’s love is all encompassing. (Gal 5:14)(Gal 5:14)




God’s love is all encompassing. God’s love is all encompassing. (Gal 5:14)(Gal 5:14) Is your life empty? What is in your heart?Is your life empty? What is in your heart?

God’s Comparison of Love Verses Spiritual God’s Comparison of Love Verses Spiritual Gifts (13:8-13)Gifts (13:8-13)

Love will long outlast spiritual giftsLove will long outlast spiritual gifts (V8) (V8)


Love will long outlast spiritual giftsLove will long outlast spiritual gifts (V8) (V8) Spiritual gifts were only a partial Spiritual gifts were only a partial

knowledge verses the full knowledge God knowledge verses the full knowledge God is giving.is giving. (V9-10) (V9-10)


Love will long outlast spiritual giftsLove will long outlast spiritual gifts (V8) (V8) Spiritual gifts were only a partial Spiritual gifts were only a partial

knowledge verses the full knowledge God knowledge verses the full knowledge God is giving.is giving. (V9-10) (V9-10)

When will that which is perfect come?When will that which is perfect come? (Jas 1:25)(Jas 1:25)


Love will long outlast spiritual giftsLove will long outlast spiritual gifts (V8) (V8) Spiritual gifts were only a partial knowledge Spiritual gifts were only a partial knowledge

verses the full knowledge God is giving.verses the full knowledge God is giving. (V9-10)(V9-10)

When will that which is perfect come?When will that which is perfect come? (Jas 1:25)(Jas 1:25)

Spiritual gifts were only a temporary Spiritual gifts were only a temporary measure.measure.


True maturity would look to things that are True maturity would look to things that are really valuable.really valuable. (V11-12) (V11-12)


True maturity would look to things that are True maturity would look to things that are really valuable.really valuable. (V11-12) (V11-12)

Even among things of great importance, Even among things of great importance, Love will outlast them too.Love will outlast them too. (V 13) (V 13)

Where does love come from?Where does love come from?

This love is learned.This love is learned. (Luke 7:40-43; 1 John 4:18,10)(Luke 7:40-43; 1 John 4:18,10)


Luke 7:40-43 (NKJV) Luke 7:40-43 (NKJV) - - And Jesus answered And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” 41 say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” 41 “There was a certain creditor who had two “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?”love him more?”


43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the oneone whom he forgave more.” And He said whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” to him, “You have rightly judged.”


1 John 4:18 (NKJV) 1 John 4:18 (NKJV) - - There is no fear in There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. not been made perfect in love.


1 John 4:10 (NKJV) 1 John 4:10 (NKJV) - - In this is love, not In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son sent His Son to beto be the propitiation for our the propitiation for our sins.sins.


We choose to love. But How? We choose to love. But How?


God has chosen to identify Himself by this.God has chosen to identify Himself by this. (1 John 4:8) (1 John 4:8) (Ex. How many abilities does (Ex. How many abilities does God have? What has He emphasized?) God have? What has He emphasized?)


1 John 4:8 (NKJV) 1 John 4:8 (NKJV) - - He who does not He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.love does not know God, for God is love.


Do we give the emphasis that God does?Do we give the emphasis that God does?


Do we give the emphasis that God does?Do we give the emphasis that God does? Our relationship with God is identified by Our relationship with God is identified by

it.it. (1 John 4:8; John 17:23, 26) (1 John 4:8; John 17:23, 26)


Our relationship with both the world and Our relationship with both the world and other Christians are described by it. other Christians are described by it. (John 13:34-35)(John 13:34-35)



Our growth and faithfulness is measured by Our growth and faithfulness is measured by it.it. (Eph 3:14, 17-19) (Eph 3:14, 17-19)



Our growth and faithfulness is measured by Our growth and faithfulness is measured by it.it. (Eph 3:14, 17-19) (Eph 3:14, 17-19)

When God gives this kind of emphasis, we When God gives this kind of emphasis, we had better open our eyes.had better open our eyes.


Our relationship with both the world and other Our relationship with both the world and other Christians are described by it. Christians are described by it. (John 13:34-35)(John 13:34-35)

Our growth and faithfulness is measured by it.Our growth and faithfulness is measured by it. (Eph 3:14, 17-19)(Eph 3:14, 17-19)

When God gives this kind of emphasis, we had When God gives this kind of emphasis, we had better open our eyes.better open our eyes.

It is possible to have good knowledge and be It is possible to have good knowledge and be fighting God.fighting God. (1 Cor 8:1-3) (1 Cor 8:1-3)


Does the love of God describe your life?Does the love of God describe your life?


Does the love of God describe your life?Does the love of God describe your life? Be honest, are the fruits of God’s love in Be honest, are the fruits of God’s love in

your life?your life?



your life?your life? Why does love last over other things? Why does love last over other things?



your life?your life? Why does love last over other things? Why does love last over other things? Jesus knew it would, His kingdom is built Jesus knew it would, His kingdom is built

upon it.upon it.


Does the love of God describe your life?Does the love of God describe your life? Be honest, are the fruits of God’s love in your Be honest, are the fruits of God’s love in your

life?life? Why does love last over other things? Why does love last over other things? Jesus knew it would, His kingdom is built Jesus knew it would, His kingdom is built

upon it.upon it. Are you ready to begin serving God? You Are you ready to begin serving God? You

cannot remain in isolation!cannot remain in isolation!

Documents

How many churches have suffered through carnal fights? n Without exception these battles come from men who want to pervert the gifts of God to draw attention