I Corinthians 13:1-3 NKJV
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 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, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”
In continuation of yesterday's teaching, it is crucial that we delve in a little further to really affirm the fact that faith can only work by love. The Bible had said that the just shall live by faith. Meaning that you must be justified for faith to work for you. Now, how did we get justified? We accepted Jesus into our lives and then He sent His Spirit into our lives to enable us live the Christian life.
When His Spirit came in, He brought love, power and sound mind (or self-control) 2Timothy 1:7. So if you fail to love, it means you have denied the presence of the Holy Spirit with His love in your life, and you automatically say that you are, or were not justified, which means faith should not work for you.
Secondly, according to our text, love is what gives you power and access in the realm of the spirit. God says no matter the level of faith or good works you may have, it will profit you nothing without love. As a matter of fact, the word says you are nothing without love. That reminds me of the sons of Sceva in Acts 19:14 who attempted to cast out a demon, and the demons in the man replied "Jesus I know, Paul I know, but who are you"?
This was a typical case of people who were nothing but were trying to wield power and practice faith. They were nothing, there was no love in their hearts, they were doing it for show. Without love you are nothing in the spirit.
Lastly, to prove to you that faith only works by love, you will notice in serval occasions when Jesus was confronted with a bad case of infirmity or ailment, the Bible would say that he was filled with compassion for the person; and then He would pray for them and heal them. Faith plus compassion equals explosive results of divers miracles. This was the secret of Jesus, this should be your pursuit too. May the Lord baptize you with the spirit of love in Jesus Name.
Assignment/Prayer
-Take a three day fast within the next one month and ask God to fill your heart with love in Jesus Name.
-Make moves to who love by forgiveness, giving and other acts of kindness.
Nugget
Faith plus compassion (love) equals explosive results of divers miracles; go for love, because without it, you are nothing in the realm of the spirit.
No comments: