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Sermon | 1 Corinthians 12:31–13:3 | 2026 March 15
Title: Sermon | 1 Corinthians 12:31–13:3 | 2026 March 15
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:31–13:3 (ESV)
Date: 2026 March 15
Speaker: Rev. John Chen
Translated by: Joseph Wang (Yufan)
Theme Sentence: We must clarify the most excellent way in the church, so that we may not fall into mistaken pursuits.
Question Sentence: In church life, what is not the most excellent way?
Transition Sentence: We may consider this from the following aspects.
Key Word: Aspects.
Introduction: Today we continue the sermon series “The Church Loving One Another.”
I. Clearly Understanding the True Holy Life
1. We must know that there are two kinds of holy living.
That is to say, holy living also has the true and the false.
False holy living is very similar to true holy living, but it goes in the opposite direction.
In false holy living, there are two situations.
One situation is this: when a person lives a holy life by his own personal strength, such a person strives to live a holy life for his own private benefit, or to obtain the praise or recognition of others, or because he wants to enter the kingdom of heaven through his own behavior, or for some other personal purpose.
Another situation is this: after a person, with the help of God's grace, has produced holy behavior, he immediately forgets God's grace, steals God's glory, and attributes the glory to himself.
Holy behavior that comes out from oneself, or holy behavior that forgets God's grace, is a loveless, dry, and merely outward holy life.
These people appear outwardly godly, but in their hearts they despise others and take pride in their own behavior.
These people's lives have no peace and they live in tension, and this is what we often call legalists.
2. This kind of holy life that seeks justification by one's own behavior only has an outward appearance.
They possess the following manifestations of “holy living” that we will speak about today.
But in the eyes of outsiders, in this kind of holy living there is no presence of “love.”
However, we must still emphasize that these behaviors themselves have no problem.
Some Christians, not understanding the matter clearly, set the following behaviors in opposition to love.
It is as if the following behaviors should not exist, and only love should exist.
This understanding of the Scripture is wrong.
The apostle Paul did not criticize these behaviors themselves.
Even the whole Bible encourages us to have such a life.
We must rely well on God's grace and seriously practice the following beautiful godly life.
The problem lies in this: these people perform such holy behavior with the old man and the old self within themselves.
Or after they have these behaviors with the powerful help of the Holy Spirit, they immediately forget God's grace and attribute the credit to themselves.
Just like Saul, in the end they fall.
In fact, I personally think the second possibility is greater.
Because relying only on the ability of natural man, it is not very possible to accomplish the following things.
After these people have these behaviors, they begin to steal God's glory.
They attribute these things to their own power.
Then their attitude toward others becomes problematic.
They show pride and self-righteousness.
They even use these behaviors as the reason to claim reward before God.
Our human problem is this: when we are strict with ourselves, we are also strict with others; and when we are lenient with ourselves, we are also lenient with others.
But God requires us to be strict with ourselves and lenient with others.
This typical pursuit of justification by works, pursuing it oneself and treating it as righteousness, is what Paul opposes and what God hates.
3. Of course, there is another kind, which is the true holy life.
This kind of holy life not only has the following manifestations, but also lives out a life of love.
This is what God desires and what pleases Him.
Many people cannot correctly distinguish between these two kinds of holy living, the true and the false.
Therefore they fall into the trap that they themselves have dug.
Either they think that they have love, yet they live an antinomian life.
Or they think that they do well, yet they live a legalistic life.
What God desires is that we have both outward holiness and inward holiness.
In fact, all the following behaviors, in essence, are given by God.
But after God gives them to us, we easily remove God and replace Him with ourselves.
Then we steal God's glory.
This is the most dangerous thing and the most provoking to God's anger.
II. It Is Not the Gift of Tongues
1. The following gifts are not unimportant.
They are not unable to edify the church.
The point is that if there are only these gifts, but they are not exercised with love, then they are useless.
2. Paul first mentions the gift of tongues.
Possessing the gift of tongues is very attractive.
Being able to speak the language of angels is also very attractive.
These can edify the church.
But if there are only these things and there is no love operating within the person, then it is a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
Because it only produces sound but has no usefulness.
3. The use of any gift and the exercise of any function, if there is no love accompanying it and if there is no gentleness and humility within them, produces no benefit.
This is Paul's viewpoint.
Therefore we must both possess the gift of tongues in Christ and also have a gentle and humble heart.
III. It Is Not the Knowledge of Preaching
1. Possessing abundant theological knowledge, biblical knowledge, and understanding the mysteries in the Bible is good and has no problem.
But if a person who has knowledge does not have love in his heart, but instead takes this knowledge as his own possession and uses it as the basis for pride, then it counts for nothing.
2. In Christ we must learn and understand more knowledge of the Bible.
We must possess learning in preaching.
We must understand how to analyze this world with a Christian worldview.
We must seriously study God's Word and knowledge.
3. Then we must closely rely on God.
We must give glory to God.
We must not become proud and self-righteous.
Our hearts must be full of gentleness and humility.
Thus both the brothers and sisters and we ourselves may be edified.
Then we give all praise and glory to God.
IV. It Is Not Personal Faith
1. Christians must have actions of faith.
In personal life there must be testimony.
This kind of faith that can move mountains is something we must practice.
It is also extremely beautiful.
2. In one's obedience to the law, even being blameless, these are all good things.
But if the person who exercises faith only uses his behavior as the capital for pride, completely forgetting that this is the grace given by God, and thinks that it is accomplished by himself, and even uses this to claim reward before God, this is what God hates.
3. In Christ we must possess heavenly faith.
We must not compromise with the world.
We must firmly walk the path of being set apart as holy.
At the same time we must tolerate those members whose faith is weak.
Because all this strength does not come from ourselves but from God.
Otherwise it counts for nothing.
V. It Is Not Self-Sacrificial Giving
1. Christians should be willing to give financially.
Financial giving is a very important test for Christians.
2. Being willing to offer oneself for the Lord is good behavior.
But a person should not take pride in this behavior.
Instead he should humble himself and give glory to the Father.
But if there are only these risks and one even treats this as righteousness, then it becomes dangerous and unprofitable.
3. In Christ we must give financially.
At the same time we must tolerate those whose faith is temporarily weak.
VI. It Is Not the Passion of Martyrdom
1. Christians should have a heart willing to suffer martyrdom for the Lord.
This kind of heart of martyrdom can truly express our faith.
2. Being willing to pay the price for faith is good behavior.
But this is not capital for our pride.
Instead it is God's great mercy toward us.
We must humble ourselves and give glory to the Triune God.
We must connect the passion of martyrdom with love.
Our hearts must be gentle and humble.
We must become like the Lord Jesus.
Otherwise this passion of martyrdom is of no benefit to us.
3. In Christ we must possess the resolve of martyrdom.
It is not for ourselves.
It is not to obtain reputation.
It is for the glory of Christ.
Conclusion: May God lead us away from this false faith and bring us into true faith.
Questions:
1. What are the two kinds of holy living?
2. What are the manifestations of false holy living?
3. What weaknesses does false holy living have?
4. How can we avoid false holy living?
I. Understanding True Holy Living (All of the preceding content falls under this first point.) There are two kinds of holy living: true and false. The difference lies only in the heart — outwardly, they can appear identical. Paul's point is that the conduct described in verses 1–3 ought to be prese… Read more
I. Understanding True Holy Living (All of the preceding content falls under this first point.)
There are two kinds of holy living: true and false. The difference lies only in the heart — outwardly, they can appear identical. Paul's point is that the conduct described in verses 1–3 ought to be present, and so should what is described in verses 4–8. One is outward; the other is inward. This does not mean that verses 1–3 are unnecessary — they are essential — but the heart must contain what verses 4–8 describe. Verses 4–8 do not merely define "love"; rather, they describe what love's outward expression looks like (as seen in verses 1–3).
How do we distinguish true holy living from false? False holiness has only outward behavior, without the inward reality of "love."
Two reasons for this:
These behaviors are the product of one's own striving. A person disciplines himself in love through his own effort and ability, making himself appear holy.
God grants special grace so that such behavior is produced in a person's life — but that person attributes the cause of this holy conduct to himself, forgetting that it is the grace of God. He begins to look down on others, becomes proud, and despises them. (This is the more likely reason.)
Among any group of people, there are those who are gifted learners. Their ability is usually given by God — it is not simply the result of their own hard work that they grasp knowledge so quickly. Yet they will attribute that ability to themselves and look down on others. There are also those who are naturally strong physically — a gift from God — but rather than using that strength to protect the weak, they use it to bully them. It is human nature to dominate others through force.
In the world, some succeed in business while others fail. Some teach others how to do business, but those who truly excel at it possess a certain gifting. What does not work for one person works for another — this too is a gift. Speaking in terms of common grace, God endows each person with particular abilities; yet people tend to use their strengths to oppress those who have less — the wealthy exploit the struggling, the strong overpower the weak. Some people are born attractive — entirely apart from any effort of their own — yet they will still look down on those who are not.
Within the church, even a person who has the ability to speak in all human languages will instinctively claim that ability as his own and use it to look down on others. This is the nature of sin. The same applies to understanding all mysteries.
When I was in seminary, God granted me special grace to learn quickly. When I saw others who learned more slowly, how was I to treat them? The moment we possess something, we tend toward pride. And when others tell us how capable we are, we are pleased.
During the Roman Empire, Christians faced persecution. Under that persecution, many believers denied the faith. When the pressure of Roman persecution eased, some of them sought to be reinstated into the church. This became especially pressing after Constantine came to faith — the question of whether these weaker members could return to the church sparked two major ecclesiastical controversies. Both Novatianism and Donatism (the prevailing views) insisted that such weakened members could not be received back. Augustine, however, maintained that their baptism remained valid — a position grounded in precisely the principle Paul sets forth here. So while outward behavior matters (we ought to care for the poor and such conduct is genuinely beneficial), toward weaker members the call is to be gentle, accepting, and patient.
What should you do when your spouse fails to meet your expectations? Paul pushes the moral capacity to keep the law to its absolute limit — precisely to demonstrate that without love, all such capacity and conduct profits nothing. We are to bear with and receive one another. This is not to encourage complacency, but to exercise a love that leads and guides toward sanctification — a love that draws others to Christ.
God first gives you a gift, and then watches what you will do with it. It is a kind of test. The people of this world are in a pitiable condition — they do not even know what they are being tested on. God's test is this: when you have been given a certain gift, what is your response?
II. This Is Not About the Gift of Tongues
Tongues are human languages; spiritual speech is the language of angels. Without love, they amount to nothing at all. God gives every person certain gifts, and the purpose is to edify others and to guide them with love. If you have intelligence, talent, or wealth, the only thought should be how to use them for the glory of God. Without discipline and diligent effort, God is not pleased. Be zealous for God's Word — pursue Him earnestly, read the Scriptures, pray, seek Him wholeheartedly — so that your relationship with God grows ever closer. And from that place, the response is not pride but humility, serving others well.
III. This Is Not About Preaching or Knowledge
As a pastor, I have academic credentials and I hold ordained office — surely that is reason enough to be proud. I always remind my students: when others praise you, you may feel glad, but never let it sink into your heart. For those in ministry — preachers and pastors — the moment it sinks in, you begin to think, I'm actually pretty good. That is when Satan's lie enters. You start seeking the pleasure of being praised. Words of flattery are like poison.
Why did people in China want to be emperor? Because everyone would prostrate before you, crying "Long live the Emperor!" The emperor's word was absolute law — even when it made no sense, those beneath him would still offer praise. When a creature falls in love with that feeling, he begins to demand that everything go his way. Anyone who speaks against him, he will destroy. This is exactly what Satan did — and people praised him for it. You will find yourself craving praise more and more; pride rises up, and then comes the fall.
Every gift is always given by God. If another person has less than you, it is because God has not given it to him.IV. This Is Not About Personal Faith
If a person has a faith that can move mountains, he may begin to look down on those whose faith is weak and pass judgment on them. Those weaker believers may indeed need to repent, but your role is to use your own faith to help them — not to be proud.
V. This Is Not About Self-Sacrificial Giving
There was a bishop whose family were wealthy merchants. He sold all his possessions, distributed the proceeds to the poor, and became a monk. Yet whatever you do, you must immediately give the credit back to God.
VI. This Is Not About the Passion for Martyrdom
When others seek to burn you at the stake, even if you allow them to do it, you still must not be proud.
Of course, we must not be weak. There was a bishop who, under persecution, handed over the Scriptures. Afterward he was tormented by intense inner anguish — the reproach of a guilty conscience is unbearable. We encourage you to be strong. In daily life, if we fail to walk in obedience to God's law, He will discipline us. What we thought might save us a little money may end up costing us far more. We must repent immediately and walk in obedience.
Jesus did indeed fulfill the law and bore the full curse on our behalf. But as covenant people, we have the responsibility to follow His teachings.
(Insert Deuteronomy 6:4–9, ESV)
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
This passage is known as the Shema. The one Lord commands us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength. Salvation does not require a perfect score — you need only give your all. God endows each person with different capacities: for some, scoring 95 comes easily; for others, great effort still falls short of that. All that is required is your best.
We are also to teach our children diligently — wherever we are, in whatever condition, walking, lying down, rising up. Every moment of every day, in any situation, we are to speak of these things. They are to be bound on our hands and set between our eyes; everywhere we look, everywhere we go, we are to keep and obey the law. The law is to be kept unconditionally, for He is the one Lord. It is a constant reminder to walk in obedience to God's law.
When all is done, you must know that it is God who gave it. All glory and praise belong to Him alone. Be humble, and toward weaker members have love — not to excuse their failings, but to encourage and guide them toward obedience to the law. Do not abandon good conduct in a false pursuit of "love." We must never indulge others in their sin — this is the reason many churches have fallen into decline. What God desires is wholehearted, earnest pursuit: serious study, serious seeking after Him. But in doing all of this, you must know that it is God's gift. In humility and compassion, help others in their pursuit. Never be proud or self-righteous, as though what you have came from yourself.
The church ultimately declared both movements — those that refused to receive weaker members back — as heresy. You must repent and pursue God with all your strength. Love is what connects those who have good conduct with those who do not. It bears with them, receives them, encourages them, and spurs them on to continual growth in their walk with God.
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