Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 13:11–13
God had Paul give a great illustration for all Christians, as we read in 1 Corinthians 13:11–13, “When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” In light of God having Paul talk about the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit and what they look like without God’s love, God then had Paul address spiritual maturity. The point that God makes through Paul is that if we’re spiritually mature we won’t overemphasize spiritual gifts, especially at the expense of love—that is what many of the believers in Corinth had been struggling with. Also, a day is coming when we all will see Jesus face to face. The reason spiritual gifts won’t be needed is that we’ll be in the presence of our Lord and King. It’s like needing lights at night, because without them we stumble in the dark but when the sun rises, the sun is enough to see clearly. One day, we will have face-to-face fellowship with our Lord. God tells us in 1 John 3:2 that when Christ returns, we’ll see Him as He is—no more barriers to our fellowship with Him in His perfect love.
Challenge & Application
Why is it important to grow and mature as a follower of Christ?
How will our fellowship with our Lord be changed once we’re in His presence and see Him as He is?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!