Discipleship Postures: The Excellent Way of Love

1. Pursuit of perfect Love
2. Powerlessness without Love
3. Portrait of Christlike Love
4. Permanence of True Love

Reflection Questions:

In your own words, define the Christian concept of love Paul reflects on in 1 Corinthians 13.

Why does Paul call love “the most excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31)? How does this way of living reflect the life of Jesus? Where else in scripture do you see this “way” displayed?

Read 1 Corinthians 11:2-14:40. How does 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 fit into the broader context of Paul’s argument on unity and church praxis?

Read 1 Corinthians 13 again. Now go back and read 1 Corinthians 11-12. What does love have to do with women covering their heads to pray? What does love have to do with the way Christians eat and drink the Lord’s Supper? What does love have to do with gifts?

To the best of your understanding, describe the major issues Paul addresses in Chapters 11-14. How does Paul’s exhortation of love provide a solution to each of these issues?

Read 1 Corinthians 13:11. Paul describes growing up and putting away childish ways. How does this fit with the concept of love? Is immaturity a hindrance to practicing love as Paul defines it? Explain.

Think concretely about your life and the life of our congregation. How might you personally make improvements in practicing love? How might our congregation improve in the practice of love? Be specific.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. I have argued that, “to live this type of love out takes courage and integrity.” Explain what that means. How does Paul’s description of the character of love push against behaviors of gossip, slander, and aspersions? How does Paul’s description of love move us toward direct speech, encouragement, and truth? Why might this take courage?