The Eternal Trio: Faith, Hope and Love

It’s an incredibly bold claim that Paul makes at the end of what is one of the most beautiful passages of Scripture. In it Paul confidently asserts: “These three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor 13:13).

In many ways it’s a surprising statement, especially given the wider context of his first letter to the Corinthians. Prior to the stunning hymn about love found in chapter 13, Paul has been dealing with far less lofty matters – some were downright sordid.

Let’s face it, in many ways 1 Corinthians is heavy going, reminding us that those who lament we are not more like the early church are really rather silly. After all, the early church in Corinth was dealing with squabbles over leadership (chp 3), the nature of true apostleship (chp 4), incest in the church (chp 5) and lawsuits between believers (chp 6). It needed guidance about marriage, including marital collapse, and is given a little plug for singleness (which we usually ignore) (chp 7). Paul provides guidelines about eating food previously offered to idols (chp 8), and discusses the rights of apostles (chp 9). In addition he gives various warnings (chp 10), before discussing head covering and appropriate conduct at the Lord’s supper (including a reprimand for the gluttony and drunkenness sometimes present) (chp 11). Paul then teaches about spiritual gifts – apparently to correct spiritual competitiveness and some related excesses present in Corinth (chp 12).

Helpful though Paul’s teaching is (and please don’t hear that as being dismissive), it reads all too much like some hints and helps for church leaders working with exceptionally difficult congregations – as well as some catharsis for Paul’s own sense of hurt that many of the churches had been less than appreciative of his ministry. You don’t get to the end of chp 12 and think, “Yup, that’s what we should all aspire towards – churches just like they had at Corinth.” In fact, I get to the end of chp 12 and am immensely grateful that the churches I pastored were definitely easier!

So how is it that in the midst of this depressing discussion of the shortfalls of the church in Corinth, we suddenly stumble upon some of the loveliest sentiments in all of Scripture – a passage that inspires both those who believe as well as many who don’t.

The change comes in 1 Cor 12:31 (and of course the original doesn’t have chapter divisions or verse numbers). Paul marks the shift by writing, “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way…”

And yet I will show you the most excellent way…

It is as though Paul, overwhelmed by the pettiness and silliness of much of church life, comes up for breath and as he does, has a perspective defining moment. Perhaps his inner voice had been quietly grumbling within him as he wrote the earlier parts of the letter. It might have gone like this. “Why do I have to write this? Surely they should know better? Why do I have to fight for recognition. And what are they thinking – having lawsuits among themselves? And incest in the church – seriously, I know so many people who don’t believe but have far better morals. And all the spiritual immaturity about food offered to idols, and the squabbles about spiritual gifts and oh my goodness, is this really what it is about? Rules and regulations for a shallow and unappreciative people. There has to be more…”

There has to be more…

Paul knows there is… “I will show you the most excellent way…”

It comes tumbling out of him in chapter 13. It’s the way of love – love that is patient and kind and not envious or boastful (v4). Love that is not gossipy or self seeking or quickly angered (v5). Love that rejoices in truth, that protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres (v6-7).

It is love that is part of a trio of virtues that last forever – faith, hope and love. It is faith flowing from the life of Jesus. It is hope based on the resurrection of Jesus. It is love caught from the model of Jesus. These are the things that remain.

We often ask which of our labours will stand the test of time. Paul has a clear answer: “There are three things that remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (v13)

If we want to know if the work we do will stand the test of time we should simply ask: Has it been birthed from faith? Is it an expression of hope? Is it about love? If these three questions are answered in the affirmative – well, listen to Paul – there are three things that remain: faith, hope and love. So yes, and yes, and yes, they will remain.

And then Paul goes back to the more ordinary. Chp 14 talks about orderly worship. But it is almost as though Paul self corrects in chapter 15 – he wants to finish with us lifting our eyes. He reminds us of the resurrection of Jesus: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (v20). He triumphantly asks: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (v55). Because of the resurrection we are to “stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.”

Perhaps he could have finished the letter there. But he wouldn’t have been Paul if he had. Though his theology is both prophetic and poetic, he finishes with the pastoral. He reminds them of a collection for God’s people in need, provides some updates on his ministry, and commends by name some who are serving faithfully. He wishes all his readers the grace of the Lord Jesus.

So why have I written this post?

I sense that some of us have got discouraged by the kinds of issues discussed in 1 Corinthian 3-11. Is there anything more depressing that leadership squabbles, or immorality, or endless immaturity? It can be overwhelming and leave us drained and depressed.

But there is a more excellent way. Don’t let yourself become too discouraged to see it. There is a trio of virtues that last forever. So build with faith, and hope and love – and remember, “your labour in the Lord is not in vain.”

Nice chatting…

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