The Consummation Of The Gifts Of The Spirit
II. THE CONSUMMATION OF THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
INTRODUCTION: The word, "charity", appears nine times in this chapter. In 1611, when the King James Translation came forth, the word, "charity," was the strongest word known for "love." The Greek word for "charity" is the noun, "agape." It is the love of God in the believer and exercised toward someone else. Since Chapters 12-14 are dealing with the various gifts and their use EXTERNALLY, Chapter 13 expresses the INWARD motive and attitude with which the believer uses his gifts. A believer may possess a gift, or gifts and abilities, and exercise them in one of two ways. The first, out of a sincere love for others. The second, to draw attention to himself. The first is the "more excellent way" spoken of in Chapter 12:31. "But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet (in Chapter 13) shew I unto you a more excellent way." A love centered on others, and not on one's self.
Chapter 13 tells the believer when tongues will cease and informs us that the "more excellent way" to influence unbelievers is with our actions motivated by the love of God.
A. The Concern of Love (1 Corinthians 13:1-7)
1 Corinthians 13:1 : The people at Corinth admired men who were eloquent and masterful in their rhetoric. Apollos was such a man. In Acts 18:24 he is said to be "an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures." In 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 3:4 he had attracted a following, no doubt because of his ability to speak and his command of the Greek language, along with his knowledge of the Scriptures. Certainly there is nothing wrong with having a command of our language and using good rhetoric in presenting the Word of God. This ability as an orator, when used for God's glory and motivated by love, is of great value to God, the speaker, and the audience. If I spoke the English language in such an exalted and heavenly manner as angels do, but without love, it would be as empty as clanging brass or the continuing tinkling cymbal. An illustration: Recently, a family related to me the circumstances of their visit to a certain church. They said the message was biblically sound and the minister had a great command of the English language, but something was missing. As they left and shook hands with the pastor, they sensed he did not care if they came back or not. This was a family looking for a church. This would certainly lead one to question if this pastor's preaching was motivated by love, or for the purpose of ostentation. People can sense if you have a sincere love and concern for them. The "element" that illuminates the Word of God is the "switch" of love embodied in the presentation. The Word then becomes sweet music to the listener, instead of empty-sounding cymbals and brass.
1 Corinthians 13:2 : "Understanding all mysteries" is referring to the doctrines of the Church which were not revealed to the Old Testament prophets. In Ephesians 3:2-6, for example, the Old Testament prophets never knew that, upon Israel’s rejection of Christ,
"That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, (with the Jews) and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel." (Ephesians 3:6) Also see: Romans 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:51; Colossians 1:25-27; Ephesians 5:23-27; Ephesians 5:32; and 1 Timothy 3:16. A person may possess the understanding of prophecy (foretelling and forth-telling), mysteries (the deep counsels of God, kept secret; but now revealed), and have a complete understanding of all the Scriptures; BUT, without a sincere love for others. One's efforts are then absolutely nothing in God's eyes. The reason: "...knowledge puffeth up (self-exaltation), but charity (love) edifieth (God)." - 1 Corinthians 8:1) This same person may have complete faith and confidence in the power and Person of God, so that he could move mountains. He questions not the omniscience, omni-potence, or omnipresence of God; but, if his actions are motivated by self-exaltation, without love, he is nothing. One may intellectually expound the Word of God and be as cold as a refrigerator!
He would be like a ship in the midst of the ocean without a rudder, or a new car without a motor. The Word of God may be expounded and appear as beautiful as looking at a new car; but, without the motor of love, it is not going anywhere. Just as "faith without works is dead" (James 2:17), so is knowledge and understanding of God's Word, without love.
1 Corinthians 13:3 : This verse would seem to make a Christian complete. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-2, he had a complete understanding of God’s Word with no reservations as to God's abilities; and now, he extends himself to feed the poor and even give his life, if necessary. Yet, all of this would bring him no rewards ("...profiteth me nothing."), if not rendered out of love. This may seem a bit confusing, for he would have to love something in order to do this. That something, of course, is his love of self-exaltation and the admiration of others. He receives the glory for his actions instead of Christ. Even though the poor profited, the giver did not; because the wrong kind of love was the motivation. "Charity" (love) here seeks to glorify Christ with good works, not self. A simple illustration may suffice:
Often Christians defend the Bible and, in doing so, argue, get mad and win the battle; but, lose the person. They brag about how they put the person down and pride themselves in their knowledge and ability to do so. They did defend God's Word; however, they got the glory and nothing was accomplished. Why? The wrong kind of love prevailed. The kind of love spoken of in this chapter would have exhibited patience and kindness to win the person to Christ. Remember, we are rewarded for winning people to the Lord, not winning arguments. This is predicated upon the kind of love we have; either love of self , or the love that glorifies Christ. One has rightly said, "Men will fight for Christianity, and die for Christianity; BUT will not live in its Spirit, which is love."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 : These verses give us a list of what the right kind of love will produce and serve as a mirror with which to examine ourselves:
"Suffereth long" - Maintain our testimony while others are seeking to do us wrong. This is the negative side of love--we restrain ourselves.
"Is kind" - Extend good works to others. This is the positive side of love. It suffers evil and confers blessing.
“Envieth not" - This incorporates jealousy. Where love prevails, envy and jealousy will not be present. Moses (Numbers 11:26-29) and John the Baptist (John 3:26-30) are two good examples.
“Vaunteth not itself" - Refers to the outward actions of self-importance.
"Not puffed up" - Refers to the inward feelings of self-importance.
"Doth not behave itself unseemly" - The Greek word for "unseemly" is "aschemosune", and means "shamefully and indecently." Love controls our dress, our actions, and our tongue.
“Seeketh not her own" - This is seeking to build others up and not always trying to draw attention to one's self. Love is unselfish and happy in the happiness of others.
“Not easily provoked" - Patience is amplified here and means love is not easily provoked to resentment and loss of temper. Love keeps exasperation in check.
"Thinketh no evil" - Means not always jumping to evil conclusions immediately, when circumstances are not clear. Love eliminates memory-filing of evil for the pur-pose of revenge. The contrast: with love I will help you; without it, I will get you!
"Rejoiceth not in iniquity" - Love does not rejoice when another is taken in sin and overcome by the same. It does not portray joy at the mishaps or misfortunes of others.
"Rejoiceth in truth" - If you see someone falsely accused, love will motivate you to speak the truth, not stand idly by. Love can be measured by those who speak out for Christ, not caring what people will think. Others may be too worried about their self image, popularity, etc.
"Beareth all things" - Not always complaining about problems. It endures the wrongs, adversities, troubles and trials of this life, without being a habitual complainer. (1 Corinthians 10:13). These vexations are "common to man" and recognized by the believer.
"Believeth all things" - Looks at situations from the positive side, not the negative. Looks for the good, not the bad. Believes that, even in our trials, something good will come out of them. Love will be looking for it. Love will construct our conduct during trying situations.
"Hopeth all things" - An illustration may suffice. When one observes a person laden with sins and evil, our love should look with eager and hopeful expectations for the day they will accept Christ. With our love we try to lead them to Christ, expecting them to be saved.
"Endureth all things" - "Endureth" is the Greek word, "hupomenoo", and means "to sustain an assault". It is a military term and refers to heavier afflictions than those sustained by the "beareth" in 1 Corinthians 13:7. You resist with love, not hatred, while absorbing the most gross ill treatment, violence and persecution. Our actions reveal the amount of love we possess. This love is produced by the Holy Spirit, as we yield to His will so Christ will be lifted up. Remember what John the Baptist said in John 3:30, "He (Christ) must increase, but I must decrease." The more concerned about ourselves we are, the less Christ will be seen. The less we think of self, the more Christ will be seen as we display these attributes which reveal the TRUE LOVE of Christ in us. It reveals our growth; whether we are spiritual or carnal, a child or an adult Christian.
B. The Contrast of the Gifts (1 Corinthians 13:8-13)
1 Corinthians 13:8 : In this 1 Corinthians 13:4 things are spoken of: three will come to an end, and one will remain. Let us examine each one separately:
"Charity never faileth" - Again, the word "charity" is the Greek word "agape", and was the strongest English word for "love" known at that time. It is God’s love toward the sinner. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) . This same love is given to indwell every believer in the person of the Holy Spirit. Since God is love and God is eternal, He will never die or cease to exist, and neither will His love ever fail. This means it will never drop away, die, or cease to exist. It will transcend and survive all things compared to, plus time itself, and faileth not to remain for everlasting. This is the only one of the four that will remain. It was a permanent gift.
"Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail;" - The prophecies' failing does not mean they will not come to pass. The Greek verb is "katargeo" and has the representative meanings of "abolish, cease, destroy, vanish away, make void and reduce to inactivity." In other words, at some future time prophecies will be reduced to inactivity by being abolished. There is a time coming when no more prophecies will be given. In 1 Corinthians 13:10 we shall examine when that time arrived.
"Whether there be tongues they shall cease" - "Cease" is the Greek verb, "pauo". It means "to cease or to stop completely". It is used in the perfect tense. This means that when tongues do cease, the action of ceasing will never be interrupted, but will continue forever. In plain words, once tongues cease they will never be reactivated again at anytime in the future. The act of ceasing will remain perfect, without interruption, for eternity. We might also add, the Greek word, "pauo", for "cease" is also in the Greek middle voice,, denoting emphasis. Therefore, the most emphatic statement in this verse is "TONGUES SHALL CEASE". We shall discover when they were to cease, shortly.
"Whether there shall be knowledge, it shall vanish away." "Vanish away" is the same Greek word, "katargeo”, translated "fail" referring to the "prophecies" in this verse. It is also translated "shall be done away" in 1 Corinthians 13:10 and "put away" in 1 Corinthians 13:11. The word "knowledge" is the Greek, "gnosis", which is also translated "knowledge" in 1 Corinthians 14:6. It denotes knowledge, especially and absolutely concerning spiritual truth. At this time, when a group of Christians met together, they could not open the Bible to the New Testament as it had not been completely written. God would give, at His discretion, a special knowledge of His word to a believer who, in turn, would relate it to the group. 1 Corinthians 14:26 clarifies this, "How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a revelation... This "revelation" is closely related to "knowledge.” "Revelation" is defined as "an expression of the mind of God for the instruction of the church." "Knowledge" is defined in the Greek as a "knowledge especially and absolutely of a spiritual truth." (Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words)
Until the Word of God was completed, God would give a special knowledge of His word, instantaneously, to a believer who, in turn, would speak it to the assembly. When the written Word of God was completed, there would be no more need for this special knowledge. Therefore, it was to be done away with at that time.
1 Corinthians 13:9 : "We know in part" - This is referring to the Word of God. "In part" is the Greek, "ek-merous", meaning "a part or portion of the whole. (Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.) 1 Corinthians was written about 57 A.D.; while Revelation, the last Epistle, was written about 96 A.D. Since all the Word of God had not yet been given, they only had knowledge of the portion ("part") that had, thus far, been revealed.
"We prophesy in part" - Many more prophecies were yet to be revealed. They could only give forth what they had received thus far. The time was coming when the con-summation of all prophecies would be given. It is the same with other portions of God’s Word. Tongues were sometimes the means of giving forth a portion of the prophecy and knowledge of God's Word. When the end of God's revelation to man, the Book of Revelation, was written, there would be no more prophecies. There would be no additional knowledge outside of the Bible, and tongues would have already ceased.
1 Corinthians 13:10 : The key word in this verse is "PERFECT". Those that endorse tongues today say it is referring to Christ's coming. If that were true, then knowledge, prophecy and tongues would be manifested until He comes. If, on the other hand, "perfect" is referring to the written Word of God; then, what they claim as tongues today must be the working of a counterfeit spirit, and not the Holy Spirit. Since the Book of Revelation was completed, God has never given the gift of tongues to anyone. If tongues, today, were of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit would be contradicting God's Word—and that is impossible! The word "perfect" is the Greek word "teleion" meaning "COMPLETE". Here are the simple facts to consider:
Merrill F. Unger, author of New Testament Teaching on Tongues, earned his A.B. and Ph.D. degrees at Johns Hopkins University and his Th.M. and Th.D. degrees at Dallas Theological Seminary where he was professor of Old Testament Studies. He has authored numerous books which are widely distributed and read, such as:
Unger’s Bible Dictionary
Ungers’ Bible Handbook
Archaeology and the Old Testament
Archaeology and the New Testament
Biblical Demonology
Demons in the World Today
The Haunting of Bishop Pike
I believe that Professor Unger is well-qualified to give the correct teaching from the Greek concerning the word “PERFECT” in 1 Corinthians 13:10. Here are his words from his book, New Testament Teaching on Tongues, Page 95.
“But when that which is perfect is come [Greek, to teleion, the completed and final thing, which means ‘the New Testament Scriptures’; the neuter in the Greek denotes neither Christ nor his advent, both of which thoughts are foreign to the context],”
He continues on Page 96, stating:
“Tongues were to cease because the completed revelation of Scripture in the canonical book of the New Testament would eventually make prophecy, knowledge, and tongues unnecessary and useless.” (1 Corinthians 13:11-12) The noted Greek scholar, A.T. Robertson, defines it as “full grown and mature.”
Charles R. Smith, Th.D., was Assistant Professor of Greek and Theology at Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, IN. In 1972, his book entitled Tongues in Biblical Perspective was published. Here are Professor Smith’s words concerning “that which is perfect” on Page 75.
“The term “that which is perfect” does not refer to the Lord Himself at His coming, because the article translated “that which” is neuter, not masculine in gender.”
Mark G. Cambron, D.D., LITT.D. One of the greatest Bible teachers of the 20th Century. He founded Seaside Mission winning untold numbers of Jewish people to the Lord. He taught at Tennessee Temple Schools in the Bible School at the request of Dr. Lee Roberson, President. He has authored several books, one of which is The New Testament, A Book-by-Book Survey. Here is Dr. Cambron’s teaching concerning the word “perfect” on Page 230 of his book.
“But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (v.10). “That which is perfect” is not speaking of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ; indeed He is the Perfect One, but the Holy Spirit is speaking of the full revelation of God—that which is perfect—and when the full revelation of God is finally given, then these gifts of prophecy, tongues and wisdom will be with-drawn...When the entire New Testament was written, there was no further need of these gifts.”
Dr. Robert G. Gromacki says, "The word "perfect" (teleion) does refer to the end of a process or development ... the Second Coming of Christ is not a process, it is an instantaneous event, the word "perfect" cannot be referring to Christ because "perfect" definitely has reference to the end of a process or development of something. The something, of course, is the Word of God."
Dr. Gromacki further says, "It (the word "perfect", teleion, in the Greek) is never used in the New Testament to depict the (a) Second Coming of Christ, (b) the Millennium, or (c) the Eternal State".
Dr. Gromacki was Professor of Bible and Greek and Chairman of the Division of Biblical Education at Cedarville College in Ohio. He is also the author of several books. The word, "perfect" (teleion), is an adjective which is here used as a noun. In the Greek it is found in the NEUTER gender. The Greek expresses the neuter, feminine and masculine genders, depending on who, or what, is referred to. If "perfect" was referring to a person, it would be found in the feminine or masculine gender. Since it is in the NEUTER gender, it is referring—not to a person, but an object, which is the completed Word of God.
If any person is still in doubt concerning this teaching concerning the word, "perfect", I would advise you to write several reputable Christian colleges and ascertain from their Greek professors the meaning of the word.
Much more could be written concerning the words "perfect" and "in part." However, I feel if these simple facts are not conclusive enough, pages more would make no difference to those who refuse to accept the truth. The Apostle Paul put it as bluntly and simply as it could be stated, "But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” (14:38). Paul wrote this after concluding Chapters 12 through 14. In other words, Paul says, "I have written unto you the commandments of the Lord, (14:37), about tongues. Therefore, if you will not accept it, you will just have to remain deceived (ignorant)."
C. The First Illustration Of "In Part" And "Perfect". (Child to Adult). (1 Corinthians 13:11).
Contextual Reference. Just as it takes time for a child to reach completion, or adulthood, so God, in time, gave us His completed Word. Just as the Church Age was a mystery to Israel, “Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed ..." (Ephesians 3:5). So was God's completed Word to mankind. "Child" is to "in part God's Word" as the "adult" is to "the completed Word of God." When Christ spoke in John 16:12, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.” This would be applicable to the "child" and "in part." When John spoke in Revelation 22:18, "...If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book." This, then, would be applicable to the "perfect" or completed Word of God.
Spiritual Reference. Some of the characteristics of a child are: he pouts, he cries because of little things, he must always have his own way, he throws temper tantrums, he seeks attention, he needs constant care, and etc. How characteristic of some Christians. The length of time one has been a Christian does not necessarily represent his growth. One Christian could grow spiritually, in one year, more than one who has been a Christian for 5 years. In Corinth, they were seeking the gift of tongues, which they thought reflected their spirituality; instead of coveting earnestly the best gift that God had given them. The practical lesson would be: Are we desiring some spiritual gift or office in order to impress others as to how spiritual we are? Are we acting like children, pouting when we do not get our own way? Are we always crying about little things, losing our temper or always seeking attention? Paul is telling the Corinthians that it is time to put away those things of a child, and grow up to be a mature adult in the Lord. As a Christian, where would you place yourself spiritually? As an infant, adolescent, or adult child of God? As the Word of God was completely given, so we should grow to be complete in Him.
D. The Second Illustration Of "In Part" and "Perfect". (Mirror To Clear View.) (1 Corinthians 13:12 a) The word "glass," no doubt, has reference to the mirrors that were used in those days. The mirrors were of "polished" metallic surfaces which reflected objects, but imperfectly, since the figure seems to be behind the mirror--the observer seemed to see "through it". (David Brown) Since the "glass" (mirror) was used metaphorically of the incomplete Word of God; i.e., we could not see the absolute, clear view of things until God's Word was written in its entirety. Since "glass" contrasted to "face to face"; then "face to face" must also be used metaphorically in reference to the completion of God's Word. As one would watch an artist begin to draw the picture of a man, it would first be viewed as incomplete (the mirror). As one stands and watches the artist, he finishes the drawing of the man. You are now standing "face to face" with the completed picture. As we stand today, we can look "face to face" at God's completed picture of this world, because we are looking at it through God's completed Word, the Bible. In 1 Corinthians 13:9, "in part" is a reference to God's Word. In 1 Corinthians 13:10, "perfect" is referring to God's Word. It would then be a gross contextual error to apply "face to face" to Christ, instead of God's completed picture as viewed through His completed Word. Let us be as honest with the context here as we are with the rest of the Word of God.
E. The Third Illustration Of "In Part" and "Perfect". ("Shall Know As I Am Known") (1 Corinthians 13:12 b)
"Now I know in part" is the same as spoken of in 1 Corinthians 13:9, "we know in part and we prophesy in part." That is the incomplete Word of God. Or, I know only the part of God's Word that has been revealed thus far.
"But then" is future tense and is contrasted to "now I know," which is present tense. Since "now I know in part" is referring to God's Word, "but then" is also referring to God's Word at the time it would be completed. When the Bible was completed, one could then know as completely about God as the Bible revealed Him to us.
Just as completely as God knew us, we may know Him as completely from the revelation of Himself to us through His Word. Just as God created me physically, he recreated me spiritually by the new birth. (John 3:3; John 3:7). May I learn of Him and love Him as His child, as much as He loved me while I was yet a sinner. "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." As God has fully revealed Himself to me through His Word, may I fully give myself to Him in this world.
1 Corinthians 13:13 : Three things would remain after God’s Word is complete: faith, hope, and charity (love). We can have faith in Christ, hope for the future; but, the greatest thing we can do is extend the love of God to others as God has given to us. If you are saved you have God’s love within you in the person of the Holy Spirit. The greatest thing you can do is tell someone else what Christ did for you. If you possess this kind of love (charity), the greatest of all—you can then say as Paul in Romans 1:16, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
________
“But when that which is perfect is come [Greek, to teleion, the completed and final thing, which means ‘the New Testament Scriptures’; the neuter in the Greek denotes neither Christ nor his advent, both of which thoughts are foreign to the context],” (Page 95).
He continues on Page 96, stating: “Tongues were to cease because the completed revelation of Scripture in the canonical book of the New Testament would eventually make prophecy, knowledge, and tongues unnecessary and useless.” (1 Corinthians 13:11-12).
- - Merrill F. Unger
New Testament Teaching on Tongues