Love and the Fruit of the Spirit – Gospel in Life
Sermon

Love and the Fruit of the Spirit

Tim Keller |  April 11, 2010

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Topics:
  • Fruit of the Spirit
Duration:
35:38
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
SKU:
RS 321-01

1 Corinthians 13:1–13

The famous passage about love that we often hear at weddings is really about personal transformation. It’s easy to mistake moral behavior for a real, deep change in us, a challenge that even Christians face. This deep change isn’t about being busy or acting moral, but about knowing love as a power and a person.

1. It’s not about being busy serving others

Paul tells us that love is more important than individual talents and abilities, like speaking in different languages or predicting the future. He says that having these skills without love is pointless, and that a heart changed by God is the real way to measure a life of service. He questions the idea that talent and success are the most important things, saying that God values service that comes from a changed heart more than just abilities.

2. It’s not about living a morally committed life

It’s important to understand the difference between living a moral life with a changed heart and one without. We need to remember that love and our reasons for doing things matter in our actions. The fact that negative behaviors and attitudes can still exist in communities and churches, even with moral behavior and acts of charity, shows the need for inner joy and goodness that goes beyond just being moral. It reminds us that love is the key thing that gives our actions spiritual value.

3. It’s about encountering love as a power and a person

Paul’s description of love in verses 4-7 is not just a list of rules or actions. It’s about love as a power that changes us. Love isn’t something we work for, but a gift we receive and experience, growing in our ability to love as we know it more. Jesus Christ, who suffered, forgave, protected, and stayed strong out of love, is the perfect example of this love. When we truly see this love, it removes our fear and pride, and starts to make our hearts new.

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March Book Offer

Is Jesus King of Your Life?

In his book Jesus the King, Tim Keller journeys through the Gospel of Mark to show us how the story of Jesus is at once cosmic, historical, and personal while demonstrating how the life of Jesus helps us make sense of our own.

March Book Offer

Is Jesus King of Your Life?

In his book Jesus the King, Tim Keller journeys through the Gospel of Mark to show us how the story of Jesus is at once cosmic, historical, and personal while demonstrating how the life of Jesus helps us make sense of our own.