193: Fruit is More Excellent than Gifts
In today’s episode, we will discuss the following passages.
"But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way." 1 Corinthians 12:31
"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." 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Thank you for this important teaching on fruitfulness is more excellent than giftedness supported by 1 Corn 13. Without the fruit in a believers life the gift is not being utilized by the Spirit. It truly is noice/distraction from character development.
Talent, gift, and ability vs. Character, fruit and maturity!
You have to have maturity and love for the fruit of the Spirit to be present in our lives.
There is so much in this lesson to chew up so I’m listening to it a few times to really soak up what is being said. Im asking the Lord to speak to me and help me develop a spiritual life and that my character might grow in Him!
Thanks Jeff!!
We make serving God’s people our motive as we utilize our gifts, but we must first have the fruit of Love. Love has always been God’s way. It is an action we are to use Love endures forever, in utilizing our spiritual gifts. The fruit of love inaction is for the benefit of others. Love makes our actions and gifts useful in the ministry. We all have different gifts, but Love is available to everyone when we are involved in the lives of others, as we also share our Love in fellowship with the Lord. It is all a part of the working body.
Very interesting that the Lord would value fruit over gifts. Not surprising given that he is the giver of the gifts. And he wants to see us bear fruit. Again the truth that it must all be done with love speaks to our heart’s motives. Are we seeking his glory or our own?
I never made the connection to compare 1 Corth. 13 and Galatians 5. Flesh vs the Spirit, Paul gives two lists, in Corinthians 13, he gives what Love is and what it is Not and in Galatians 5 we see the list of what the works of the flesh are vs the works of the Spirit. I think the fruits of the Spirit are better explained in Galatians, but what Love is not is greatly explained in 1 Corinthians. The same workings of the flesh and their outworks are the same as described by what love is Not.
While listening to this, I also thought of Jesus’ words in John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
This is the very clear contrast, importance, and emphasis that people in the world will know and see that we are not of this world.
I have always wanted the gift of prophecy, in that, Paul always connects it with the edification of the Body of Christ. I see now, thanks to Jeff, that if I walk in accordance with the Holy Spirit, He will better equip me to do His good and pleasing will. The Fruit of the Spirit will be edifying in-of-themselves to the body as I serve.
Yes, and love in action is the fruit Jesus spoke of, excellent scripture references.
This message is a ‘’heavy truth’. The fruit of the spirit is only exercised by the in dwelling Spirit within our hearts. Paul preached to the Corinthians to desire the more excellent way which is love. In essence our talents, words, abilities & gifts without love are unbearable to others. Love is Christ working in and through us so that others will be blessed when we exercise our gifts. If the gifts are exercised without the fruit it is all for nothing. Love is like the ‘ooey gooey’ center of a cookie. The cookie looks great on the outside but the inside is where the taste and flavor are. It’s a convicting portion of scripture, but Paul wouldn’t have given such weight to it if it wasn’t vital for our growth. Love apart from the spirit is not love but fleshly desires & work so walking in the spirit develops this fruit. This is very important in the counseling setting. As biblical counselors we are to be discerning while discipling others. We want to encourage them to exercise their gifts but fruit development is of greater importance. We encourage them as they grow in love for others to put that to practice by exercising their spiritual gifts. Thank you for the great message!
This podcast (#193) really shines a bright light on the reality that while a person may be skilled, gifted or anointed – that without their leading a life where LOVE is the leading character of their lives, their gifting falls flat. We have all experienced persons who led their whole life by love and yet may not have had any outstanding skill or gift that they were known for, outside of the fruit of love!
It struck me as ironic that so many married couples use 1 Corinthians 13 alongside their vows. And yet when their marriage is in trouble, it can often be attributed to the fact that these very words found in scripture are not being upheld. First Corinthians 13, the love chapter, could be a great place for us Biblical counselors to help marriages that are in trouble.
Amen! I actually used this scripture in our wedding 30 years ago:) Love definitely is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Marriage is beautiful yet challenging and leaning on the love chapter is vital for growth. I usually only read NKJV, NASB or ESV but read this version Easy English Translation today of
1 Corinthians 13 & thought I’d share…
If I love people, I will be patient. I will be kind. I will not be
jealous of other people. I will not be proud and say that I
am great. If I love people, I will be polite. I will not just want
to please myself. I will not quickly become angry. If
someone does a wrong thing against me, I will not keep it
in my thoughts. If I love people, I will not be happy when
bad things happen. Instead, I will be happy when things
happen that are right and true. If I love people, I will always
accept their problems. I will always believe them. I will
always hope for what is best. I will always be patient in
troubles. Love will always continue.