"For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away." 1Corinthians 13:9-10
Once again Paul speaks of the gifts being done away with but he even goes a step further in saying, "For we know in part and we prophesy in part". Why did he say this? We have to look at the chapters before and after chapter thirteen to really gain an understanding of what Paul is saying and why he is saying it. In chapter twelve Paul is exhorting the Corinthian Church to work together and he explains how each person has a part and how the whole body needs to work together to make the body effective. By the tone of his writing it is obvious there were divisions in the church and probably a lot of infighting and prideful actions by the members of the church. Sound familiar?
Look at what he says in 1 Corinthians 12:20-26 to confirm this is what was happening. "But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it."
The word schism means: the division of a group into opposing factions. Paul spoke against division in the body in many of his writings and in Matthew 12:25b Jesus warned what happens to a house that is divided when He said, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand." So we know that division is wrong but what does that have to do with this verse of Scripture? In the context of what Paul is writing about in chapter thirteen he is trying to tell us that the more excellent way is love because when we are rooted and grounded in love we are bonded together and there is no division.
If I would have written verses nine and ten I would have written something like this, "People do you not understand? The gifts you are operating in are amazing but they will one day be gone. Don't think you are better than somebody else just because you have a different gift because you're not! Love each other because love is greater than the gifts and it is the only thing that will be present after Christ comes back! Quit majoring on the minors! Grow up and quit acting like little kids arguing on the playground and fighting about who is stronger or prettier! Enough is enough!" Aren't you glad I didn't write the Bible? Paul says it so much more eloquently, but now maybe this will help you understand what he is saying in this verse.
In chapter fourteen Paul is exhorting the Corinthians to gain an understanding of the spiritual gifts. He gives a detailed outline of how and why they gifts are to be used. In verse 20 he says, "Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature." Once again he is saying to them and to us today that we are to grow up in our understanding so that we do not harm others with our limited understanding. Love is the more excellent way because God is love and Jesus said, ""I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6a) which confirms that love is the more excellent way!
I will say what I have said in the past again if we are love motivated, grace filled, and purpose driven our lives will become a reflection of Jesus Christ! We will not become boastful or proud in how we interact with people and we will know when, where, and how to use the gifts of the Spirit that have been given to us and they will produce lasting fruit in our lives and in the lives of those we minister to.
And when Jesus who is "That which is perfect has come" we will hear Him say, "'Well done,good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'" (Matthew 25:21) The gifts and talents we have been given, whether they are the spiritual gifts, individual talents, money, etc., are temporal things that have been entrusted to us. For the person who becomes mature in their understanding they will use those wisely and for them there is a great and mighty reward.
It is so important for us to become mature people who live Christ centered lives so that from the center of that life His love flows from us and we use His gifts for His Kingdom work! There is no other way to be effectual in ministering His Gospel! Tomorrow we will expand on this topic even more when we look at what Paul meant when He said, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things." (1 Corinthians13:11)
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