Love Seeketh Not Her Own

Text: 1Co 13:5

A. Love seeks not personal ego.

1. Love does not demand for the execution of one’s will (1Co 10:23). a. The world teaches us to be self-centred: “Have It Your Way” (Burger King). b. Diotrephes wanted his way and cast those who oppose him out of the church (3Jo 9-10). c. Those who think too highly of themselves (Rom 12:3) are deceiving themselves (Gal 6:3-4).

2. Love seeks the interest of others (1Co 10:24). a. The word of God teaches us to esteem others better than ourselves (Php 2:3-4). b. Paul was more concerned about the salvation of others than his own interest (1Co 10:31-33). c. In the church, do we insist on having things our way, or do we consider the good of others?

B. Love seeks not personal equity.

1. Love does not demand for the exercising of one’s rights (Rom 15:1). a. The world teaches us to fight for our rights: “Just Do It” (Nike). b. The Corinthian church wanted to go to court to fight for their rights (1Co 6:6-8). c. Those who stumble the weak in faith are sinning against Christ (1Co 8:10-12).

2. Love seeks the edification of others (Rom 15:2). a. The word of God teaches us not to use our liberty for malice (1Pe 2:16) in becoming a stumbling block to others (1Co 8:9). b. Paul was more concerned about not causing offence to others than his own right (1Co 8:13). c. In the church, do we insist on our liberty, or do we consider the influence on others?

C. Love seeks not personal eminence.

1. Love does not demand for the exaltation of one’s glory (Gal 5:26). a. The world teaches us to seek for recognition: “Because I'm worth it” (L’Oreal). b. The disciples of Jesus argued over who should be the greatest (Mar 9:33-35). c. Those who fight over glory will be consumed one of another (Gal 5:15).

2. Love seeks the service of others (Gal 5:13-14). a. The word of God teaches us that the path to true greatness is through service (Mar 10:43-44). b. Paul was more concerned about the welfare of others than his own glory (1Th 2:6-8). c. In the church, are we concerned about who gets the credit, or about how we can be of service?