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Expanded Comments | Additional Comments |
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| 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. |
Though I speak – The conferring of the gifts marked the apostles as the special servants or representatives of the Lord in the work of founding the Church. F635
The possession of an unknown tongue did not imply that a man had reached a higher attainment and relationship of God. R4732:4, 4443:2
Miraculous gifts does not imply any greater favor of God to the primitive Church than to his people of a later day; it was possible for some to have the gifts without much of the real spirit of the Lord. R2820:5, 2203:1, 375:6
The period of the gifts of tongues and miracles was the period of the infancy of the Church. R2205:4
The gift of tongues ceased shortly after the death of the apostles. R4444:2
Ability to speak fluently on gospel themes, even, might not be a proof of our relationship to the Lord as new creatures. R3150:3
Men and of angels If the Apostle could speak all the languages known among men and the angelic tongue as well. SM282:2
These would still not constitute a proof of his harmony with God and his acceptance of life eternal. R4443:2
Have not charity – Greek, agape, true, disinterested character love. R2807:5
Godlikeness in the heart, tongue, hands and thoughts, supervising all the human attributes and seeking fully to control them. R3150:2
One might do these good works to have the honor of men. R5819:4
Where love is lacking results are more or less evil. R2203:3
The word charity is coined from the pure Latin word caritas, the h being inserted to make it appear as if the Apostle had used the Greek charis. The translators accepted charitas as Latin for Greek caris--charity. Caritas is from caras, dear, costly; and careo, to want. The only sense in which there is even a remote equivalent in caritas for agape is the love we have for things dear, scarce, costly. R2223:6*
As a brass horn will make a noise when it is blown, yet have no appreciation of itself, so some possessing the gifts might exercise these in a perfunctory manner and be lacking of the real Spirit. HG404:6; SM572:1
Sounding brass He might still have no heart in the matter. R4443:2
Lack the evidence of being new creatures, making a noise, but having no acceptable feeling or virtue in ourselves in connection with our words. R3150:2, 2446:4
God has not glory, honor and immortality for brass horns and cymbals. SM282:2
Tinkling cymbal Paul testified that he might have gifts, or be acted upon by the Spirit, and yet be almost destitute of the Spirit of love and sacrifice itself. R375:6
A mere empty professor, lacking the all-important gift of love. R1433:5
The miraculous gifts conferred upon the early Church are not proofs of spirit-begotten conditions; a greater proof is the possession of the spirit of love. R2675:5, 2820:6, 375:6; SM337:1; NS350:5
The power to work miracles might be there and operate through them, and yet they might have no more relationship to it than the cymbals have to the power which strikes them. HG404:6; SM572:1
The gifts of the Spirit in no sense hindered or took the place of the fruits. F213
Since Cornelius, there have been no such outward manifestations of God's favor; but instead, the inward witness of the Spirit of the truth. R375:6
Ananias and Sapphira were illustrations of sounding brass and tinkling cymbals. NS350:6
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| 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, and have not love, I am nothing. |
I have the gift – Given for a special purpose in connection with the establishment of the Church. R4872:2, 4732:1, 4444:2
Because the Church did not then have the Bible; the Old Testaments were in the synagogues. R4732:1, 5668:2, 4443:1, 1890:2
Many in the early Church who possessed the gifts lacked the seal and witness of the Spirit. E247; R5786:3, 2203:2
It might be that those having the gifts had merely come into relationship with God in an outward, formal way, and had made no real progress in spiritual things. R5549:6
The gifts of the Spirit died out with the death of the apostles, and of those on whom they conferred the gifts. R5093:3, 5225:4; E207
The gifts of the Spirit might be imparted instantaneously; but the fruits of the Spirit could only be had by growth. R2961:2, 2203:2
Gift of prophecy – Oratory. R4443:3, 3150:3, 2446:4
Teaching. R3831:4
Foretelling future events; will cease, because the necessity for prophecy would cease. R2205:4,3
Mysteries – Secrets. (Diaglott) R182:6
If Paul's knowledge of divine mysteries and all other mysteries were very great, superior to those of all other men. SM282:2
Knowledge – The Apostle seemingly points out the dangers of those of large knowledge. R2446:4
The Lord still continues to provide knowledge in the Church. R2205:4
Knowledge without love would be an injury; and to consider it otherwise would imply that real knowledge has not yet been secured. R4920:2, 3145:1
We might have a great deal of knowledge and yet not know God and not be known or recognized by him. R4920:2, 50:1*
If the knowledge does not produce the fruitage. NS505:6
There is a kind of knowledge that cannot be gained from books, but comes by experience as a fruit of the indwelling of the Spirit of God. R78:5
The leading characteristic to be looked for in every one accepted as a servant of the Church, should be first of all the spirit of love. Knowledge and ability should be considered secondary. R2446:5
Knowledge is a power for good or for evil, and if a man does not obey the truth, the more knowledge he has the worse man he is. R85:5*
Faith – That could cure all manner of diseases. R2203:3
The foundation of hope. R74:3*
Remove mountains – Our Lord's illustration of the largest degree of faith. (Matt. 21:21) R2203:3
Charity – Greek, agape, true, disinterested character love. R2807:5, 3949:4
The great fruit of the Spirit. R5225:4; HG405:1; SM572:2
Permeating the heart and extending through all the course of life, and actuating and operating our mortal bodies; the real proof of our divine relationship. R2446:4, 2203:3
We should measure ourselves by growth in love, rather than by growth merely in knowledge. R4920:2, 3145:1
We should steer clear of two extremes: (1) Laying all the stress upon the heart and feelings and ignoring study; (2) Studying the Bible from curiosity or a desire to shine before others, and ignoring heart-development and a sympathetic entrance into the divine plan. R4578:1
One could not have a knowledge of the deep things of God without being begotten by the spirit of love; but one might lose the spirit before losing the knowledge it brought him. R3150:3, 2446:4
I am nothing As respects a share in the Body of Christ. R3153:4, 4443:3, 2961:2
A mere cipher, not a member of the new creation at all. R3150:3
Those who have received the gifts of God before coming into a proper relationship; if they lose the spirit of Christ are "none of his." (Rom. 8:9) R2446:4
One might have the gifts, but if devoid of love, is without Christ's spirit. R1998:3
Far from the condition of heart which would be fit for the Kingdom. If love be not the motive power, the greatest zeal and richest rhetoric and eloquence would pass for nothing in God's estimation. R2203:2; HG404:5; SM572:2
John and Paul had this quality through visions and revelations. R364:6
Any or all of these abilities would have no value whatever, would profit us nothing, unless mixed with and based on love. R4443:3
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| 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing. |
Though – The Apostle says this in connection with the contrast between the gifts and fruits of the Spirit. R5786:5
Bestow all my goods – The giving of all of one's possessions. R2203:3
Keeping back nothing. R3150:4
Even generosity is not sufficient. SM572:2; R5127:1; HG405:1; SM572:2; NS564:4
God would be more pleased with us if we did not sacrifice and merely maintained our relationship to the Golden Rule, than that we should manifest ever so much zeal in sacrifice and yet violate the rule of justice. R5430:3
To feed the poor – Most of those who give to the poor have some love. R5786:6
It is still more important to feed the spiritually hungry and assist in clothing the spiritually naked. R5786:6
Body to be burned – As martyrs at the stake. R4443:3, 5127:1, 3150:4, 2203:3; SM283:T; NS564:4
In some worthy cause. R5370:1, 5127:1
In the interests of righteousness. R5348:4
In faithfulness to the Lord. HG405:1; SM572:2
For loyalty to our convictions. NS564:4
Have not charity – The great fruit of the Spirit. SM572:2; R5348:4; HG405:1; SM572:2
The principal thing of Christian character, the crown of all Christian graces. R2807:6; F406
The spirit of Christ and of the Father developed in us as the ruling principle of life. R5127:1, 5787:4, 4443:3, 3546:1, 3150:4
Proper love as the mainspring to the conduct. R3150:4
Before we can "put on love, the bond of perfection" we have many enemies to put out. R5127:1
Before we can make much development in the cultivation of sacrificial love, we must learn to have love of justice, righteousness. R5430:5, 5603:2
To whatever extent an act of benevolence is prompted by selfishness and a desire for vainglory, it will bring no blessing. R5786:6, 2203:3
All of these things might be done from selfish motives--to be seen of men, to be highly esteemed by men, for ostentation, for pride, or because of a comabtive disposition. R2203:3, 5786:6
Profiteth me nothing – As respects membership in the heavenly Kingdom, as a member of the Body of Christ. HG405:1; SM572:2
Would not count in God's sight. R5370:4, 5348:4, 5127:1
All sacrifices and self-denials would be valueless in God's esteem, but with love as the inspiring motive our feeblest efforts are acceptable through Christ. R2807:6; SM283:T
If the motive behind the giving were not love, there would be no reward. R4443:3, 2203:3; SM572:2
A man might have some miraculous gifts and still be a castaway. R5786:3
If it is done from love it will be rewarded in heaven; and it profiteth also in character development for the Kingdom. R5787:4
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| 4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, |
Charity – Greek: agape, true, disinterested character love. R2807:5, 3949:4
Love is sympathetic, helpful; the Spirit of God. R2590:2
Enumerating nine ingredients: patience, kindness, generosity, humility, courtesy, unselfishness, good temper, guilelessness and honesty. R4443:3, 2203:4*
The Apostle, in this spectrum of love is delineating the various parts of the one great lesson of Christ-likeness, which is God-likeness. R4443:6, 3831:4, 3233:5
Love represents the full standard of the Golden Rule and the full character of God; for "God is love." (1 John 4:8). R5308:6
St. Paul's exhortation is to the Church, that special class called out. Their call is to a sacrifice with Jesus of all earthly rights and claims, and to a full submission to the divine will. R5308:5
Suffereth long – Is patient with the weaknesses and imperfections of those giving evidence of good intentions; even with those who are out of the way. R2204:1, 4918:1, 2203:4
It cannot be quick, irascible. SM283:1
"Consider him that endured such contradictions of sinners against himself, lest ye be weary and faint in your minds." (Heb. 12:3) R2203:4, 2204:2, 4918:1
And is kind – To the wrong-doer. F406
Even to the unthankful and the unholy, endeavoring to show them by example a more excellent way. R1330:5
Love is always kind, and cannot wilfully injure another. R5124:3
Sometimes kindness is prompted by motives other than love. R5124:3
A Christian should be kind, courteous, gentle, in his home, in his place of business, in the Church--everywhere. R4918:1, 3150:6
Kind methods, seeking to guard manner and tones, knowing that they have much to do with every affair of life. R4918:1, 2204:2
Our Heavenly Father is "kind to the unthankful and the evil." (Luke 6:35) R3150:6, 2203:4
Love might sometimes be regarded as unkind--it might be misunderstood. R5124:3
It is well to remember the motto of the old Quaker: "I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it, nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." R2204:2
Envieth not – True generosity, the very reverse of jealousy. R4918:2, 3150:6, 2204:2, 2203:4
The success of others; seeks not to detract from their honor or to pull them back from it. F406; R2204:2, 1330:5; SM283:1
So that I can see others prosper and rejoice in their prosperity, even if for the time my own affairs be not so prosperous. R4918:1, 3150:6
The root of envy is selfishness: envy will not grow on the root of love. R4918:2, 3150:6, 2204:2
But the old spirit in us "lusteth to envy." (James 4:5) E200
Vaunteth not itself – To be a general critic, fault-finder and "accuser of the brethren." (Rev. 12:10) R2590:2
Is humble. R2204:3, 1330:5
Cannot be boastful and proud. SM283:1; R4918:2, 3151:1, 2204:3, 1330:5
Love that tends to humility, is not boastful; "saves a man from making a fool of himself by consequential conduct and by thrusting himself into positions which betray incompetence." R4918:2, 3150:6, 2204:3
Is not puffed up – Not lifted up. R4918:2
To see the faults of others and to be blind to his own. R2590:2
Never seeks to make self shine by contrast over others. F406
Knowledge puffs up because of selfishness of heart, because we are more likely to be conscious of our own good qualities than of those of others. R5124:5
Divine Revelation was intended, not to puff us up with mere knowledge of divine mysteries, but to build us up in the character-likeness of our Redeemer and of our Father. R4578:1
All giving evidence of lording it over God's heritage, should be passed by as servants. They are unsafe teachers, and are likely to do more harm than good with whatever knowledge they may possess. R2446:5
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| 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; |
Itself unseemly – Discourteously, impolitely. R3151:1, 2204:3
Immoderately. It has no extreme and selfish desires and avoids extreme methods. F406
Unbecomingly. It is consistent with its profession in all its actions. R1330:5
Will not be ungracious, unkind, rude. SM284:T; R1330:5
Politeness has been defined as love in trifles; Courtesy love in little things. R4918:2, 3151:1, 2204:3
Pride is the root out of which grows most of the unseemly conduct and boorishness so common to those who think themselves somebody either intellectually or financially. R4918:2, 2204:3
Seeketh not her own – Greek: heautou, as in "Shall not speak of himself." (John 16:13) In our common version heaneuter genders. E170, E171
Rights. R3862:5, 3151:1
Her own interests, exclusively. R4918:3, 3151:1, 2204:3
He who is full of the Spirit of love will not be selfish, grasping, neglectful of the interests of others. SM284:T; R4785:6, 3862:5, 2203:4, 1330:5
Not take unjust advantage of others, and rather suffer a wrong than do a wrong. R4918:3, 3151:1
Does not covet the honors and wealth or fame of others, but delights to see them blessed, and would rather add to than detract from these blessings. F406
Put into exercise, this element of love would have a great influence upon all the affairs of life, inside as well as outside the home and family. R4918:3, 2204:3
Not easily – Not unjustly. R5603:2
Easily is not in the original. R3151:1
Provoked – Irritated, roused to anger, exasperated, worked up into a passion where evil looks, words and sentiments are involved. R3151:2, 5604:1, 5603:1, 5125:5, 4918:2, 2204:4; SM284:T
Not bad tempered, fretful, bad humored, touchy, quick to take offense. R4918:4, 2204:4
Endeavors to make due allowance for the weaknesses of others. R1330:5
Is longsuffering, not unjustly provoked, will not readily take offense, but will think kindly and sympathetically of others. R5604:1, 5979:5, 5603:1
Is very patient with others. R5124:6, 5125:2
Kind and forbearing one with another, seeking to put the kindest construction upon the words, actions and natural tendencies of others, remembering our own peculiaries and foibles. R5603:5
Remembering the present distress of the entire race through the fall, it is sympathetic rather than angry. F406
However much natural depravity and heredity and nervous disorders may tend toward the spirit of fretfulness, taciturnity and touchiness, we must oppose this disposition to evil in our flesh. R4918:4, 2204:4
Righteous anger--a just indignation aroused by our love for the principles of righteousness--is not incompatible with love. R5603:1, 5978:5, 4918:4, 3151:2
It required the act of intentional disobedience on the part of father Adam to provoke God to anger. R5978:6, 5603:2
Thinketh no evil – Guilelessness. R2203:4, 4918:5, 3151:2, 2204:4
Not suspicious of evil or looking for faults in others, not attributing to them evil motives. R4918:5, 5123:2, 3151:3, 2204:5; SM284:T
Is slow to impute evil motives, and anxious to see and to foster every good intent. R1330:5
Love filling our hearts will not only hinder evil conduct and injurious words, but will prevent evil thoughts. R5123:2
It not only will not invent and imagine evil, but is so disposed to give the benefit of any doubt that "evil surmisings" are foreign to it. F406
"Taketh not account of evil." (Revised Version) Holds no grudges, does not charge up the wrong against the evil-doer; but may, however, withhold cordiality in the interests of the wrong-doer. R3151:3, 4918:5
It is an old adage that "faults are thick where love is thin." R3151:2, 4918:5, 2204:5
Evil has been surmised against people without a shadow of proof. R5266:4
Love does not surmise evil--not that love is blind to evil. R5266:3
It does not treasure up animosities and suspicions, nor manufacture a chain of circumstantial proofs of evil intentions out of trivial affairs. R2204:5
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| 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; |
Not in iniquity – In in-equity. R4918:3
Is sincere. R2204:5
It is grieved by evils wherever encountered, sympathizes with all who fall into evil, or who are beset by temptations. So opposed to the wrong that it would not encourage it even if it brought advantage. R4918:6, 3151:4, 2204:5
He who has the Spirit of love will have no satisfaction in the adversities coming upon those who are even his enemies. SM284:1
Has no pleasure in either hearing or telling evil tidings, or evil of any kind. R1330:5, 2204:6
An opposite course of action from that of Balaam who "loved the reward of iniquity." (Acts 1:18) Some Balaams are in the me friendship of wealthy Balaks. R2204:5
In the truth – Truth upon every subject, and especially in the truth of Divine Revelation. R2204:6
With rightness; delighting to uncover and make known noble words or acts, taking no pleasure in, but avoiding exposing ignoble words or deeds. F406
Even to the upsetting of some of our preconceived opinions, or to the disadvantage of earthly interests. R4918:6, 3151:4
To share loss, persecution, distress or whatever may come against the truth or its servants. R4919:1, 2204:6
Delights in God's truth and its fruitage of developed holiness. R1330:5
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| 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. |
Beareth all things – Is impregnable against the assaults of evil; resists impurity, sin and everything contrary to love. Willing to endure, for the cause of God, reproaches, reproofs, insults, losses, misrepresentations and death. R4919:1, 3151:4, 2205:1
Enduring pressure on every side without being crushed. R4444:1
The elements of patience and gentleness are love in the sense of willingness to bear, to endure under all sorts of opposition. R4443:6
We are not able to read the heart, and hence we are to think kindly and generously of God's family. R5843:2, 5430:3
Covers all things. Makes due allowance for the weaknesses of the flesh. R1330:5, 5843:2
Covereth; as with a mantle of sympathy--for nobody and nothing is perfect, so as to stand full inspection. F406
In all persons there are certain qualities that may be esteemed and appreciated; even as the old lady said that she could wish that others had as much perseverance as Satan. R5843:2
Believeth all things – Is not disposed to dispute claims of good intention, but rather to accept them. F406
Believes in the conquering power of love to help the weak and erring in the struggle against sin. R1330:6
That would rather believe good than evil about everybody. R3151:4; SM284:1
It is not suspicious, but on the contrary disposed to be trustful. R2205:1, 4443:6, 1269:4
Unwilling to impute evil to another unless forced to do so by indisputable evidence. R4919:1, 5123:1, 3151:4; F407
It acts on the principle that it is better to be deceived a hundred times, than to go through life soured by a distrustful suspicious mind; far better than to wrongly accuse or suspicion even one person unjustly. R2205:1, 5123:1, 4919:2
Full of faith in the divine promises and arrangement, doubting nothing. R4444:1
Not absolutely all things; not falsehood, hypocrisy and deceit. R1777:6, 1269:4
Hopeth all things – Hoping always for the best outcome in respect to all with whom he may have to do. SM284:1; R4919:4
Love's hopefulness knows no despair, for it is anchored to the Rock of Ages. R4919:4, 2205:1
Persevering in unfavorable conditions, and continuing to hope and labor for those who need help. R4919:4, 3151:4, 2205:1
Desires a blessing for all, and is continually striving to do good. R4443:6
Perfect love toward God enables the heart to be full of confidence toward the Almighty One, in whose love it reposes. R4444:1
Disputing the thought of total depravity as long as possible. F406
Not absolutely all things; but favorably in all that we can so far as we are ignorant of the matter in question. R1269:4
Endureth all things Endures under all sorts of opposition. R4443:6
Endures the necessary reproach and trials of faith and patience in the careful endeavor to build up and strengthen the weak. R1330:6
Continues to hope for the best in regards to all and to strive for the best and that with perseverance; not easily discouraged. R3151:4, 4919:4
It is impossible to fix a limit where it would refuse the truly repentant one. F406
It cannot be quenched wherever there is anything that it can properly exercise itself upon. R4443:6
It is ready to submit to many unkindnesses and to credit these largely to weakness or poor judgment or fallen nature. SM284:T
The soul that is united to God by the link of love cannot be crushed or overcome because this is the divine arrangement. God will not suffer such to be tempted, above that they are able to bear. R4444:1
"This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4) R2205:1
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| 8 Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. |
Charity – Greek: agape, true, disinterested character love. R2807:5, 3949:4
Never faileth – Will never cease; whoever attains this glorious character of love has a thing of beauty and a joy forever. SM284:2
The most excellent thing, the most enduring. R3151:5
Other graces and gifts may serve their purposes and pass away; but love is so elemental that, attained, it may always be ours--throughout eternity. Love is the principal thing. F406; R5370:1
A growth, a fruitage which must be developed in the garden of our souls and be tended with much care. Infinitely higher than any of the gifts in which the early Church rejoiced. R4444:1, 2205:3; HG404:5
Love will only enlarge and deepen; it is a characteristic of God himself, and every perfect being will be an embodiment of this glorious quality. R5786:5, 5668:6
The Apostle institutes a comparison between love and some of the gifts, which would lose their value as changing conditions would do away with their necessity. R4444:1
But Seeking to discourage a too great appreciation of the gifts and to encourage an appreciation of the higher things, the Apostle contrasts the two. SM278:T
After the first introduction of Christianity, the miracle-working power gradually left the Church, because no more needed as an introduction. R1722:2, 5265:3, 1890:2, 605:3
When the Church was thoroughly established and the Gospel message in its completeness had gone abroad, there was no longer any need for the "signs" or miraculous gifts of the spirit. Q768:T
All of the gifts were evidently necessary at the inauguration of the Church, but became unnecessary after the Church had been established and the canon of the inspired writings had been completed. E179
The Apostle distinctly foretells the discontinuance of these gifts. HG404:3; SM570:2
Miraculous gifts imparted through the laying on of the hands of the Apostles necessarily ceased when the last of the Apostles had died and when those died who had received these special gifts through them. SM278:T; E207
The gifts were given by the "laying on of the hands of the Apostles." (Acts 8:18) The fruits of the Spirit and those who received the gifts died. R4872:3, 5786:3, 4877:6; E207
Many of the gifts would fail, vanish away: it was necessarily so when, all the apostles having died, all those upon whom they had conferred those gifts also died. E207; 5786:3, 5831:2, 4877:6, 732:6
Simon Magus and Philip the Evangelist, though granted gifts, could not confer them to others. E207
These gifts were necessary to the Church in its incipient stage, but were not intended to be continued beyond the days of the apostles. R1558:4
Prophecies – The power of oratory. R4444:1
They shall fail – Greek, katarego, cease. R2001:5
Pass away. R3151:5
Because the necessity would cease. R2205:3; SM278:T
They shall cease – The value and necessity would cease. R3151:5; Q768:T
Being superseded by education in the truth, in the knowledge of the Lord and in the graces of the Spirit. F238
The Apostle distinctly foretells the discontinuance of these gifts. SM570:2; R4877:6
No intimation is given anywhere that the Lord's people were to expect a repetition or continuance of tongues, etc. SM574:1
It is no loss to the Church of today that the gifts have passed away. R1433:5
Some today have the faculty of speaking in unknown tongues, but this is of the evil one. Q768:T
There be knowledge – Special inspirations of knowledge. E179
Of mysteries and the ability to expound the deep things of God. R2205:3
Miraculous ability to understand. R5786:3
Shall vanish away – As greater knowledge would come. SM278:T
The imperfect knowledge of the present time will cease to be valuable when the perfections of the new dispensation are fully ushered in. R3151:5
As the perfect light gradually comes to all men. R2205:3
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| 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
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Know in part – The very best informed now know only in part. R3151:5
None but the watchmen of Zion will "see eye to eye" (Isa. 52:8) until that that which is p R344:2
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| 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. |
But – As. HG404:4; SM571:T
The Church would gradually come into a more developed condition, in which the gifts would no longer be necessary, but would give place to a higher, nobler, more certain manifestation of the indwelling of the Spirit. HG404:3; SM571:T
Which is perfect – When perfection would come in; all our gifts and talents are imperfect. R4444:2
Perfect spiritual bodies, like Christ's glorious body. A227; R4558:1
In the first resurrection. HG404:4; SM571:T
When perfection shall be attained in the Kingdom, and under its ministration, all the partial and imperfect conditions of the present time will have been superseded. R3151:5
Then that – That spirit of love, the begotten condition. A227; E250; R5095:4
Which is in part – Which was at first more or less selfish, cumbered with the various hindrances of the flesh. A227; E250
Earthly education and wisdom do not enter into the Lord's call because much of it is error. HG746:4
Shall be done away – Greek, katargeo, cease. R2001:5
With our "change" in the first resurrection, our conditions would be so different that many things highly esteemed in the lesser light and under the unfavorable conditions of the present would be valueless. R4444:2
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| 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. |
When I was a child – Comparing the gifts of the spirit with the fruitage of the spirit; the former in contrast with the latter were as the toys of childhood in comparison with the valuables of manhood. R4444:2
Contrasting the gifts of the Spirit belonging to the kindergarten stage of the school of Christ and the fruits of the Spirit belonging to the further developed stage of the school of Christ. NS350:6
An illustration of the growth which we must expect as between the present knowledge and attainments and those of the future, is of the child and the growth to manhood. R3151:5
Having converted from sin to God, learned of Christ, put off the old man and put on the new man, (Eph. 4:24) and having been renewed is in Christ. R1906:6
As children of God we have a period of infancy. R5151:3
Let us not be content to remain children long. Let us rapidly grow in grace and knowledge and love. R5151:3, 2205:4
To be a child in guilelessness and simplicity is one thing, while to be a child in understanding and development of character is another. R1972:2
"Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit, in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men." (1 Cor. 14:20) R1972:4
As a child – The child in Christ has its own childish understanding, thoughts and ways, and his brethren in Christ should not expect from him the wisdom of the sage. R1907:1
I became a man – Paul had rapidly passed from the early stages of Christian character to higher degrees of development. R1906:6
The milk and the strong meat of the Word were intended to develop the Body members until they all come to the stature of manhood in Christ. R4444:4
The maturer growth should find our first love deepened into a more steady, constant and enduring thing, not characterized with the gush and fluster of youth, but with the mellow benedictions of a more nearly ripened character. R1907:5
By exercise of the strength gained in active service of the Lord, we are prepared to receive more and more of the fullness of his grace, and so go from one degree of advancement to another. R1907:3
Ripe in character and learned in the wisdom of God. R1972:4
I put away – The gifts of tongues, interpretation, etc., were given to the Church in its infancy and served useful purposes then, but might well be put away as the Church emerged from infancy. R4444:2, 3151:6, 2205:5
He puts away his immature conceptions, and becomes educated and advanced in the deep things of God. R5689:4
Childish things – As members of the Lord's Body, we properly have made progress from the infantile condition at the beginning of the age. SM571:T; HG404:4
The more advanced the Christian, the more would he know that the gifts of the Spirit were merely like a childish plaything to be supplemented by the fruits of the Spirit, more valuable to the developed Church. R4444:4
We need to exercise ourselves to counteract the results of childishness and the mistakes of our earlier experiences in the family of the Lord. R5151:3
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| 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. |
For now we see – By faith. CR38:5
With all the light, privileges, and opportunities which we enjoy, both as respects the representatives of God through the Law and the prophets, and through the leadings of the Spirit in the present. R2833:6
This is still true, though, as it is a little lighter, this much farther along we can see better. R518:3*
Through a glass darkly – We now see these glorious things of the future through a smoked glass, obscurely. R3267:5, 5804:1, 4444:4, 3285:2, 2345:4, 2205:4, 1536:3; CR38:5
Dimly. F113
The old-time mirrors gave but imperfect reflections. R3151:5
There is nothing to indicate that every matter of which the Bible treats will be seen clearly by the Church this side of the veil. R5804:1, 67:1*
Whatever clearness of sight we have at the present time we shall then find to be but darkness in comparison. R4444:4
Face to face – We shall see clearly, for we shall then be like our Lord. R5804:1
But then – Beyond the veil. R5804:1, 109:3*
When we get our spiritual bodies. R5560:5, 106:6*
We are nearing that glorious Millennial day. R546:2
Know in part – Our anointing does not permit us to know all things at the present time. SM597:2
Shall I know – With the perfections of the new condition we will see perfectly, know perfectly, understand perfectly. R3151:5
Including future recognition of friends. R2345:4, 678:4; Q592:2
There will be no barriers between, no misunderstandings, no false doctrines to separate into sectarian divisions. CR463:2
The gifts will all pass away in time, for when the Church complete is perfected, there will no longer be use for them as a means for edifying the Body. R733:1
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| 13 And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. |
And now abideth – All through the age. Until the Millennial morning we shall need faith, hope and love. R4444:5; CR424:3*
They will continue forever because they are the three principal elements of a Godlike character. CR424:3*; R5225:4
Not the miraculous gifts, but the growths, the fruits of the Spirit. E207; R2205:2; SM278:T
High developments of divine favor were to be expected. All three the Church is to cultivate and to esteem as fruits of the Spirit, far above the gifts. R3151:6, 2203:2,5
Faith – A correct faith, faith in God, faith in the precious blood, faith in the Bible. SM278:1; R4731:3,6
Faith may be viewed from two standpoints; belief and trust. R4731:3
A heart-quality of trust in the Lord; something that has been acquired through the knowledge of God. R4731:3
"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Rom. 10:17) R471:4*
When faith shall be swallowed up in sight, there will not be the need of its exercise as it now exists. R5786:3, 4732:5, 3151:6, 2205:5; SM284:2
We shall continue to exercise faith in that we shall never lose confidence in the Lord and his goodness and faithfulness or in one another, but it will not be necessary in the same sense as now. R5786:5
Hope – Faith in activity; well anchored in the hopes and promises given by our Lord. SM278:2
Hope springs from faith, and waits for the accomplishment of faith's object. Hope comes by experience. R471:4*
Hope will reach a glorious consummation, for instead of hope for the things God has promised us we shall then have them. SM284:2; R5786:5, 4732:4, 4444:5, 4042:6
When hope is lost in full fruition, we shall not need it as now. R5786:3, 4732:5, 3151:6, 2205:5
We shall continue to have hope in that we shall always be looking forward to glories to come, but it will not be necessary in the same sense as now. R5786:5
Charity – The greatest attribute in the world. R3862:5, 5093:3, 3949:4, 2205:3; SM573:T, 280:T
It will never fail, never fade, never grow dim. R2205:5, 5668:5
No other quality of character is so lovely, so beautiful, so productive of happiness and joy, so great a blessing to all upon whom it operates. R5668:5
Love and righteousness are inseparable. R5668:6
Love includes every kind of gentleness and kindness imaginable, and love must be the basis of such conduct in order that it may have value in God's sight. SM282:1
Whoever would be God-like must have love as the dominating quality of his character and his life. R5668:6
In our hearts, we must love the Lord supremely, love the brethren, our neighbors, our enemies. SM280:1
Love is not a gift, but a growth, a fruitage which must be developed in the garden of our souls and tended with much care, in order to its proper development. R4444:1
These three – Whoever has these three, with what they include, is rich in grace beyond all comparison with those who had the gifts of the Spirit at the beginning of this Gospel age. SM278:T
We cannot make any progress in the footsteps of Jesus without these. R4444:5
The Church had faith even before it partook of the spirit of love. Subsequently, the "work of faith: became a "labor of love." R4750:4
Faith and hope in the Lord lead us to earnest endeavor to develop the fruitage of love in all its varied and beautiful phases. R5668:3
Without faith, neither hope nor love would be possible; but love, by which faith now works, will continue when faith in ended in sight, and hope has been realized. R74:3*
All three are essential to vital Godliness. There can be no religious experience without these. Faith is foundational; hope and love resultant. R471:1*
Three of the chief graces. R438:6
The patience of hope will continue to be necessary until the works of faith and labors or love meet their reward. R4750:4
Three essential gifts of the Spirit were always to remain in the Church. R1433:5
Throughout eternity all of God's intelligent creatures will exercise faith in his four attributes; will continue to hope for his marvelous favor to them; and will love him, his righteous laws, and his people. CR434:3*
Greatest of these – Chiefest. R4444:5, 2205:5
The most important of all. HG405:2; SM573:T
The principal thing, the greatest thing in the world. SM280:T, 573:T; R5370:1; HG405:2
Because it is the divine quality without which, with all the other qualities possessed, we should still be unsatisfactory to God. R4444:5
Is charity – Greek, agape, true, disinterested character love. R2807:5, 3949:4
"Love is the fulfilling of the law." R4042:6, 3831:1, 2202:2; SM280:T
Love excels all other virtues, because it is the most enduring. R4732:4, 3151:5
Faith and hope are temporal, but love is eternal. R74:3*
It will endure throughout eternity. R4042:6, 5668:6, 4732:4, 4444:5; HG405:2; SM573:T
The most important thing to the Christian is the love which Paul has described. R4444:4
God is love. Since God was without beginning, so love was without beginning; and as God endureth forever, so love will endure forever. R4732:4, 3151:6
This love-standard of character, which is now being developed in the saints in the few short years of the present trial time, must be developed also in the world of mankind, but they will have a thousand years. SM285:1
Next to the Great Teacher's sermon on the mount stands this discourse upon Love by the great Apostle Paul. Both teach the same lesson; but they approach it from different standpoints. R2202:2
Suggestion to read Matt. 5:1-16 and 1 Corinthians 13 on R2205:6, 2234:5, 2240:1
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