THE DOMINANCE of LOVE             	 Pastor Bob Chroninger Trinity C.U. 2-7-99 P.M.  
                 1 Corinthians 13:1-3   			
How richly endowed were the Corinthian believers... yet so very carnal, immature, and 
 lacking in love.  This chapter is set in the context of Spiritual Gifts and their abuse. 
 The major issue is "tongues".. that is the speaking in languages that have not been 
 earned... or just plain "gibberish".  In the light of the gifts.. the Bible shows the 
 Dominance of Love.... 
I.  ELOQUENCE WITHOUT LOVE IS JUST NOISE...
 - The simplest description of God..."is love"  1Jn.4:16
 - The most profound description of Christian character.. 
  A. The "Gift" of Languages.. of all men and of angels 
    1. This is hyperbole... a great exaggeration.. 
    2. This is a highly sought after "gift" 
    3. This can hold an audience "spellbound"
    4. This can produce a boastful, proud, arrogant attitude. 
  B. The Necessity of Love.. 
    1. Here is the "more excellent way"
	- Pagan rituals included ecstasy, "tongues", loud sounds or "music" 
    2. The greatest truths in the greatest way without love... 
	- Is just "noise" 
    3. Love is Dominant...
	- Spiritual living is not manifest in "gifts" but in "fruit" - Gal.5:16, 22,23 
II.  PROPHECY, KNOWLEDGE, AND FAITH WITHOUT LOVE IS NOTHING... 
  A. The Abilities.. 
    1. Prophets..
	- Balaam.. knew God's Word, spoke God's Word, feared God in a self-protecting way...but.. no 
	  	    love for God or His people. Nu.22
 	- Jeremiah.. on the other hand.. the "weeping" prophet. Jer.8:18,21 
	- Paul.. ministered with tears.. Acts20:19; Rom.9:1-3 
    2. Knowledge.. 
	- If you have a comprehension of the Creator & His Creation 
	- If you have the ultimate of human knowledge.. "all" 
    3. Faith.. 
	- That could move mountains... strong, confident, active 
	- Jonah was a Great prophet with Great Faith... but.. Jon.4:1-3 
  B. But.. Without Love.. we are "Nothing".. a zero with no rim... 
III. GIVING AND SACRIFICE WITHOUT LOVE IS NOTHING... 
  A. Your Action.. 
    1. You give away ALL you have to feed the poor.. 
	- This is certainly commendable.. but could profit you nothing 
	- The motives may be wrong... "Little things do matter"
 	   - Could be from a legalistic obligation.. or for "works" 
	   - Could be from a desire for recognition and praise 
		- Jesus said.. "they have their reward"  Mt.6:2,5,16 
	   - Could be from an effort to salve a guilty conscience 
    2. You give your body to be burned.. 
	- "agape" is always self sacrificing... but self sacrifice does not necessarily come from love.. 
	   Many cults and isms... Terrorists.. Muslim and otherwise
	- Some early Christians sought martyrdom.. 
  B. But.. Without Love... profits me nothing 
    1. A lot of people may have been fed and clothed... but 
	- I have not gained a thing.. precisely nothing 
SEE HOW IMPORTANT LOVE IS... 
   MORE THAN ELOQUENCE, PROPHECY, KNOWLEDGE, FAITH OR THE SACRIFICE OF  
	POSSESSIONS OR PERSON. IT'S EASIER TO BE ORTHODOX THAN LOVING.  Rev.2:4