Theological Emphasis
Look at each quality and see CHRIST. He was patient—enduring contradiction. He was kind—healing even enemies. He did not seek his own—but gave himself. Christ embodies love; united to him, we love with his love.
Application Themes
- 1See Christ in every quality
- 2Our love is participation in his
- 3United to him, we love with his love
Preaching Angles
Christ IS patient, kind, self-giving
The chapter describes him before us
His love flows through us by union
Key Textual Observations
ἀγάπη (agape) in Greek was uncommon before Christians gave it new meaning
μακροθυμεῖ (patient) is literally "long-tempered"
τέλειον (perfect/complete) in v.10 points to eschatological fullness
Recommended Commentators for This Tradition
- Edmund Clowney
- Graeme Goldsworthy
- Bryan Chapell
- Michael Reeves
Ready to Preach 1 Corinthians 13?
Generate a full Christocentric-informed sermon outline in seconds — complete with structure, illustrations, and application points.
Generate This Sermon Now1 Corinthians 13 in Other Traditions
Discover how other Christian traditions approach this passage.
Related Reading for Preachers
Looking for sermon illustrations on this passage? Browse illustrations at illustratetheword.com