Love, the Most Excellent Way

Sermon Summary

Paul’s renowned discourse on love in 1 Corinthians was not intended for wedding ceremonies, but rather as a critique of the Corinthian church’s deficiency in patience, kindness, and humility. The essence of this scripture is the characteristics of a heart transformed supernaturally. It emphasizes the idea that without divine intervention, human nature is resilient and unchanging, and that numerical growth is insignificant without genuine life transformation.

1. What a supernaturally changed heart isn’t

The importance of character over talent, particularly in ministry, is stressed, with a focus on the necessity of a transformed heart. The dangers of conflating talent or ministry with genuine heart change are spotlighted, along with the crucial role of love and humility in leadership. The qualities of love – patience, kindness, humility, and selflessness – are described, stressing that true transformation stems from a heart supernaturally changed by love, not merely superficial acts of goodness.

2. What a supernaturally changed heart is

Love, as depicted in 1 Corinthians 13, is personified and not merely an abstract principle or a set of practices. It is an active force, a love that always protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres, and never fails, a love that can only be embodied by Jesus Christ. Christianity, therefore, is about encountering this transformative love, not mistaking gifts for grace, and never settling for less than a supernaturally changed heart.