1 Corinthians 13:13 – Faith

A few weeks ago, I started this little mini series on 1 Corithians 13:13. I had good intentions for posting for several Wednesdays on the row on the verse. As you can see, it didn’t happen. I must hang my head sheepishly and admit I let the business of life get in the way of continuing. It’s back this week though! If you want to catch up, you can find the first two posts here and here

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (NKJV). Faith is important for Christians. Faith is our belief in God and His Word, but it is also so much more than that.

These are some characteristics of Faith.

  1. Faith is a necessity. Hebrews 11:6
  2. Faith comes from God’s Word. Romans 10:17
  3. Our faith is in God. Mark 11:22
  4. Faith is active. Faith must be coupled with works. James 2:14-26
  5. We are to live by faith. Romans 1:17
  6. Faithfulness is a requirement of stewards 1 Corinthians 4:2

In many ways, faith is a way of life. Because we have faith in God, we act on our faith and do our best to live for Him. I’m thankful today that God gives us the opportunity to love, obey, and serve Him!

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1 Corinthians 13:13 – Abide

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

The King James version uses the word abideth in this verse. The Greek word for abideth here means “to continue to be, not to perish, to last, endure”. Abide is a very important word in 1 Corinthians 13:13! It tells us that we can count on faith, hope, and love. Unlike the spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13, faith, hope and love are still present. They will always be here. If you have faith, hope, and love, these things will help you endure through many trials. Faith can help you endure temptation. Hope can help you endure despair. Love can help you endure just about anything! Faith, hope, and love are a Christian’s source of lasting, longsuffering strength.  

The world is always changing. Life passes so quickly! I can’t believe it is already May. Yet, faith, hope, and love are three things that will always abide. They stay the same when so many things change!

Next week we will talk about faith in more detail. I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions!

1 Corinthians 13:13

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

I love this verse. To me, it sums up the greatest three things that exist here on this earth. In a world so full of evil, it is comforting to think of the good things that can still be found. Faith, hope, and love are blessings to Christians and also commands. We are to walk by faith while looking toward the hope of Heaven and living a life full of love (for God and our neighbors).

I’m studying this verse right now along with faith, hope, and love. I am looking forward to learning more about each of these things and sharing some more thoughts from this study over the next few Wednesdays.

What verses bring a smile to your face?

Saturday Scripture (on a Sunday)! Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Because it’s been a while since I’ve done one of these and because this passage is on my mind this morning, I wanted to share it.

“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. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV)

Women in the Word Wednesday: Priscilla

When I think of Priscilla, I think of a worker. Priscilla was the wife of Aquilla, who was a Jew and a tentmaker. The couple had moved to Corinth from Rome, and Paul went to visit them when he arrived in Corinth (Acts 18:1-2). Paul stayed with them and worked with them because they were all tentmakers (Acts 18:3). This couple became a part of Paul’s work. Whenever Aquilla is mentioned, his wife Priscilla is also mentioned. To me, this speaks volumes about the character of Priscilla and her role as a woman and wife.

Aquilla and Priscilla are probably best known for their role in teaching Apollos. Apollos was speaking about the baptism of John in the synagogue because that was all he knew. They took him aside and taught him “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26-27). This implies that Priscilla was knowledgable about the truth. It’s important to note that they took him aside. This shows that she was not teaching publicly in the synagogue. She knew what her role was as a Christian woman.

In Romans 16:3, Paul calls Aquilla and Priscilla “my fellow workers in Christ Jesus”. Verse 4 of that chapter tells us they risked their lives for Paul and that Paul was grateful to them. We don’t know specifics about what happened, but it seems as though that this couples faith was so strong that they did everything they could to help Paul and serve God. I Corinthians 16:19 tells us that a church met in their home. Aquilla and Priscilla were workers in the New Testament church.

Aquilla and Priscilla were a couple who served God together. This is something we should strive for in our marriages. We have a great example in Priscilla!

Saturday Scripture: Exodus 33:14

“And He said, My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

I am in the book of Exodus right now in my personal Bible study. God lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt. He promised to always be there, and He was present with them. They had Moses, who was blessed to be able to speak with God. Yet, they disobeyed him time after time. – Beth

 

Saturday Scripture: Galatians 6:7-10

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. :” Galatians 6:7-10

Just a Martha Trying to be a Mary

38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus[a] entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary.[b] Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

This is a story that probably resonates with many women. I definitely see myself as a Martha. I am very much a type A person. I am a perfectionist, and I seem to always be busy. The problem is that I want to be a Mary. I want Christ to be my main focus with all the “to dos” of life to come second. This is a struggle every day. I have been working on it this year.

Do you see yourself as a Martha or a Mary?

PS – Next week I am beginning a series of posts on productivity, organization, and finding balance. Keep an eye out for it! In many ways, it will tie in with the spirit of this post. – Beth

Saturday Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

   
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:13-16

You never know what kind of influence you will have on people – Beth