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The Greatest of These Is Love

1. READ

   1 Corinthians 8-14; 16; 2 Corinthians 1-3; 8; 9

2. CONNECT

   10min
   Congratulations for reaching the final session of The Heart of Paul’s Theology. Through these twelve lessons you’ve explored background and overarching theology of the apostle Paul, you’ve seen how he applied his theology to the specific needs of the Christians in Galatia, Thessalonica, and Corinth, and we hope you’ve also discovered the relevance of Paul’s theology for your own life and community today.

3. Reflection

   What is something new you have learned about Paul and his theology as a result of this Study at Home series?

4. WATCH

   20min

5. DISCUSS

   10min
   • Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-24. How does this perspective address the relational problems in the Corinthian church?
   • Dr. Reggie Kidd says, “Christian love now is our greatest participation in the blessings of the age to come.” What activities or events have allowed you to participate in Christian love?
   • Speaking about the Lord’s Supper, Rev. Dan Hendley says, “We are seated at the table of the Father, partaking of the riches of his grace together as the family of God. And to do that worthily, we do it with grateful hearts, with humble hearts, with an acceptance and embrace of one another.” In a few minutes of silent reflection, choose a word, phrase, image, or object you can use to remind yourself of this perspective next time you partake of the Lord’s Supper. Share this with the group.
   • Which spiritual gifts are held in highest esteem in your community? Why do you think that is?

6. Straight from the Heart

   15min
   Love Expressed In Galatians 5:6 Paul wrote, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” In his two existing letters to the Corinthian believers, Paul talks about an opportunity they have to express their faith through practical love. As the Thirdmill video Paul and the Corinthians explains, “The Christians in Jerusalem were in great need at this time because of a famine in Judea. In response to this crisis, the Corinthian church, along with many other churches, had committed to sending aid to them. But the Corinthians had failed to finish collecting their contribution.”

   • Summarize what we learn about “how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24) from the way Paul exhorted the Corinthians in the following verses:
     • 1 Corinthians 6:1-4
     • 2 Corinthians 9:1-2
     • 2 Corinthians 9:3-7
     • 2 Corinthians 9:8-11
     • 2 Corinthians 9:12-15
   • Which of these principles could you use in your own life and in your sphere of influence? How?

7. APPLY

   Take some time to consider the following questions:

   • What are some situations where you need God’s help to live out 1 Corinthians 10:23-24: “’All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.”
   • Where has this study encouraged you in your faith?
   • Where has it challenged you? What do you want to do as a result?

   Session 12 Handout

   Word  PDF