1 Corinthians 12:31 - 13:1-3

31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts.And I will show you a still more excellent way.13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.Discussion questions:Read 1 Corinthians 12:4 -13:3From your reading of 1 Corinthians 12:4-31 what conclusions can you draw about the issues the Corinthianchurch was struggling with?Have you ever witnessed those kinds of issues in a church before? If so how did the leaders of the church address the situation?In 1 Corinthians 12:31 Paul says "earnestly desire the higher gifts". What would you consider to be the 'higher gifts' and why? If spiritual gifts are given by God it means that they can't be earned nor can they be taught, so what do you think Paul means when he says 'earnestly desire the higher gifts'?Different denominations seem to 'pedestal' or put greater value on different gifts. Some may prefer the more 'charismatic' gifts (tongues, prophecy, gifts of healings, gifts of miracles) others prefer the more 'academic' gifts (preaching, teaching, wisdom, knowledge). Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being on either side of the gift pendulum. In chapter 13 verses 1-3 Paul says "but have not love" 3 times. Who is the focus of the love, God or man or both? Why do you say that?What makes the gift of tongues, expressed without love, like a clanging gong or a crashing symbol? How could the gift of tongues be 'used' with love? If you feel like entering into a well debated topic, do you think the gift of tongues still exists today? (remember we are Christians so be nice :D )How can prophecy, knowledge, wisdom, the understanding of mysteries, and great faith be expressed without love? How can someone who has all these great qualities be 'nothing'? Paul says that even if he gives all he has to the poor or gives his body to be burned, without love he gains nothing. Is it ok to have a reward or the thought of gain as a reason to do things out of love? Why?Are there any areas in our church or in your own life where you think love is lacking? How might you be able to use your gifts in a more loving way within the church?Send us Fan Mail