1 Corinthians 13
August Memory Verse: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
Read: 1 Corinthians 13
What does true leadership look like? We live in a generation that is seeking leadership and influence around every turn. But true leadership is hard to find… Most of us just want to be in charge.
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul is addressing leadership. Yes, he is. Most of us think of marriage when we think of this chapter but this chapter has so much more to provide. In chapter 12, Paul is addressing spiritual leadership and spiritual gifts and how this works together for the good of the church. In chapter 14, Paul talks more about leadership in the church - what it is and what it isn’t. Paul did not just take a break for chapter 13 to talk about marriage… He is talking about leadership (and it just so happens to be applicable to marriage). Here is what we see…
TRUE LEADERSHIP IS ROOTED IN SERVANTHOOD & LOVE.
These themes run all throughout Scripture (Mark 10:45, Philippians 2) but Paul again reminds us of this here. Look at what he says in verses 1-3 about leadership…
1) IF YOU ARE THE BEST COMMUNICATOR IN THE WORLD, BUT DON’T LOVE, IT DOES NOT MATTER (v.1)
2) IF YOU ARE THE WISEST IN THE WORLD, BUT DON’T LOVE, IT DOES NOT MATTER (v.2)
3) IF YOU ARE THE BEST EXAMPLE, BUT DON’T LOVE, IT DOES NOT MATTER (v.3)
Then Paul goes on to define love. Love is not a noun in Scripture… it is a verb.
First thing I think: how can we do that? That is too much. That is hard. That is impossible. And it is, apart from walking with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. But this is what true leadership looks like - love and servanthood.
If you think back to the person who had the biggest influence on your life, my bet is they modeled this kind of love as best as they could. We have the same opportunity to influence and lead others. Leadership is not a position. It is influence. We all have influence with those around us.
Think back to your job, your family, your friends, your marriage - How are you doing this well? How are you not doing this well? How does God need to re-shape your perspective on leadership? If you did this well, what would be the impact and influence that you would have?
By: Nick Parsons
Read: 1 Corinthians 13
What does true leadership look like? We live in a generation that is seeking leadership and influence around every turn. But true leadership is hard to find… Most of us just want to be in charge.
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul is addressing leadership. Yes, he is. Most of us think of marriage when we think of this chapter but this chapter has so much more to provide. In chapter 12, Paul is addressing spiritual leadership and spiritual gifts and how this works together for the good of the church. In chapter 14, Paul talks more about leadership in the church - what it is and what it isn’t. Paul did not just take a break for chapter 13 to talk about marriage… He is talking about leadership (and it just so happens to be applicable to marriage). Here is what we see…
TRUE LEADERSHIP IS ROOTED IN SERVANTHOOD & LOVE.
These themes run all throughout Scripture (Mark 10:45, Philippians 2) but Paul again reminds us of this here. Look at what he says in verses 1-3 about leadership…
1) IF YOU ARE THE BEST COMMUNICATOR IN THE WORLD, BUT DON’T LOVE, IT DOES NOT MATTER (v.1)
2) IF YOU ARE THE WISEST IN THE WORLD, BUT DON’T LOVE, IT DOES NOT MATTER (v.2)
3) IF YOU ARE THE BEST EXAMPLE, BUT DON’T LOVE, IT DOES NOT MATTER (v.3)
Then Paul goes on to define love. Love is not a noun in Scripture… it is a verb.
- Patient.
- Kind.
- Does not envy.
- Does not boast.
- Is not arrogant.
- Is not rude.
- It is not self-seeking.
- It is not irritable.
- It is not resentful.
- Holds no record of wrongs (NIV)
- It does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth.
- It always protects.
- It always hopes.
- It always trusts.
- It always perseveres.
- Loves never fails.
First thing I think: how can we do that? That is too much. That is hard. That is impossible. And it is, apart from walking with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. But this is what true leadership looks like - love and servanthood.
If you think back to the person who had the biggest influence on your life, my bet is they modeled this kind of love as best as they could. We have the same opportunity to influence and lead others. Leadership is not a position. It is influence. We all have influence with those around us.
Think back to your job, your family, your friends, your marriage - How are you doing this well? How are you not doing this well? How does God need to re-shape your perspective on leadership? If you did this well, what would be the impact and influence that you would have?
By: Nick Parsons
4 Comments
12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.
Verse 12 grabbed my attention this morning. I'm the type of person who likes to gain an understanding of things as much as I possibly can. Scripture is clear that God's ways are higher than man's ways. Sometimes things happen that make no sense to us in the moment but then we look back and see the hand of God at work. As we kick off the fall season with students returning to school, college students returning to campus & church, Connect Groups resuming, it may seem like the worst possible time for our lead pastor to be hospitalized. God has equipped our church with very capable staff members and leadership to rise to the occasion. Perhaps God is preparing us for a great season of growth and spiritual maturity if we only keep our eyes fixed on Him rather than the storm around us. I'm grateful for a church that embraces the truth of Romans 8:28.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Thanks for the commentary today Nick.
That was very encouraging Mike!
I too was hit with the end of the chapter this morning.
10 But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[c] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
Praying for our CPC leaders and their families and our church during these times of sadness and uncertainty.
Father God, you will be glorified. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that you are Lord. Comfort your people and strengthen your church.Thank you for your blessings and your good gifts. Amen
I'd never thought of this chapter as being about leadership before. Thanks for that fresh take today Nick!