Lesson 474: 1 Corinthians 13:12
1 Corinthians 13:12
The Blueprint — The Verse
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
1 Corinthians 13 is the famous love chapter, placed between teaching on spiritual gifts. Corinthian believers prized spectacular gifts while neglecting love that builds the community.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Paul showed love's superiority to tongues, prophecy, knowledge, and sacrifice. He described love's character, then contrasted childhood seeing with mature face-to-face knowledge that awaits the eternal state.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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1 Corinthians 13:11
11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (1 Corinthians 13:11) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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1 Corinthians 13:13
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (1 Corinthians 13:13) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- How does 'seeing through a glass darkly' describe our current knowledge?
- What will it mean to know fully when we see God face to face?
- How does eternal hope change how you handle partial understanding now?