In Romans 1:17 Paul emphasizes as did Habakkuk that the person who is justified by faith is the one who truly lives. 3:11) and once by the author of Hebrews (Heb. So important was this text that it was cited three times in the New Testament, twice by Paul (Rom. Such was expressed and maintained long ago by the prophet Habakkuk: “The righteous one will live by his faith” (Hab. It is not only the inspiration of all religion but is also a moral excellence. Put technically and linguistically, ‘faith’ is both active and passive in sense. In the vocabulary of Christians is not only belief and trust, but also faithfulness and loyalty. In viewing the many emphases of faith throughout the Scriptures, whether in the Old Testament or New Testament, one thing is certain: faith is a basic and necessary quality of the believer. In the following study we shall examine the nature and high quality of faith, hope, and love before making some concluding applications for living a more rewarding Christian life. He now brings that discussion to its climax by declaring that love is indeed vastly superior to faith and hope (v. 2) and hope (v.7), while emphasizing the subject of love. In the midst of his discussion in chapter 13 Paul has touched on the subjects of faith (v. These are the three great permanent Christian graces, as opposed to the mere temporary gifts of prophecy, miracles and tongues. What Paul wishes to impress upon the Corinthians is, that the gifts in which they so much prided themselves, were small matters compare to what is in reserve for the people of God…faith, hope and love. Paul then goes on to assure his readers of the permanence and superiority of love (vv. 4-6), Paul concludes that love, “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things: (v.7). Having then discussed some of the characteristics of love (vv. Paul begins by pointing out the necessity of love, declaring that underlying the successful use of spiritual gifts and their great value is the character quality of love (13:1-3). Having pointed out the diversity of gifts available to believers and the necessity of maintaining unity among themselves (ch.12), before moving on to a discussion concerning the superiority of prophecy to the gift of tongues (ch.14), Paul turns to the key subject of love (chs.12:31-13:13). 13:12-13) 1Ĭhapter 13 of First Corinthians lies in the midst of a discussion concerning spiritual gifts and godly living (chs.12-14).

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known. But the greatest of these is love.While giving instructions and important advice to the believers at Corinth because of their many and varied disorders, Paul reminds them of the high value and necessity of faith, hope and love, the last of these being the most significant:įor now we see in a mirror indirectly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know in part then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.ġ3And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.ġ2For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror then we shall see face to face. But where there are prophecies, they will cease where there are tongues, they will be stilled where there is knowledge, it will pass away.ĩFor we know in part and we prophesy in part,ġ0but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.ġ1When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.ĥIt does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.ĦLove does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.ħIt always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.ĨLove never fails. Of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.ĢIf I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.ģIf I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,ĤLove is patient, love is kind.

Faith hope and love scripture