By: Robert Serreyn
Question? What was the apostle Paul getting at in 1 Corinthians 13:11, & 12?
1 Corinthians 13:11-12 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (12) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Answer:
The apostle Paul was using a earthly Illustration to teach a spiritual truth in V11, & V12.
In V11… the spiritual application is this… When I (Paul) was a babe (was a child) in Christ, he only understood the milk (the simple things) of the Word of God therefore his understanding, knowledge & Defense of God’s word was limited, (I spake as a child) just like a child is limited in Speech, Reasoning, & Understanding. But as he MATURED in the grace and knowledge of the Word of God (when I became a man) he no longer needed to be feed the basics things (I put away childish things) of the Word Of God.
1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
2 Corinthians 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
Hebrews 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (13) For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age (Mature), even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit.
V12 Back in Paul’s day, they did not have access to all the scriptures (the Bible) like we do today, (For now we see through a glass, darkly) therefore they were dependent upon those revelations of God’s word that he would revel through his Prophets, Apostles, and preachers.
But then face to face: Paul uses the illustration of seeing his own face. Paul uses this illustration to teach us that in heaven we will have Perfect Understanding of all things including God’s Word, in other words it just like if a person sees there own reflection in the mirror for it only projects back (reveals) what is set before it
Now I know in part: Paul draws our attention to the fact of that he knows ONLY what God has revealed to him.
But then shall I know: In other words… in heaven he will have complete understanding of all things spiritual
even as also I am known: Paul is legendary, his name is known through out all of God’s heavenly kingdom.
In Conclusion:
What about you?… Will your name be known as well through out all of Heaven.
The Apostle Paul said WITH boldness and confidence in Romans 1:16…
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
What will be YOUR epitaph, the one thing that people will remember you by?
The MOST IMPORTANT thing to know IS Jesus Christ as YOUR savior, just simply believe that Jesus Christ went to the cross and DIED and shed his blood, was BURIED and three days later RESURRECTED from the dead to pay for your sins.
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou (you) shalt (will) be saved – Acts 16:31
The moment that you do YOU HAVE (at that second and forever) Everlasting Life which WILL NEVER be taken away no matter what.
-Christ DIED for you – Romans 5:8
-Christ PAID your sins in full – 2 Corinthians 5:21,1 Peter 2:24
-BELIEVE (Trust In Completely) in Christ ALONE as the complete payment of sin for salvation – John 3:16, Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8,9
“For the wages(payment) of sin is death (eternal torment in hell); but the GIFT(salvation) of God is eternal life THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord”. Romans 6:23
IT IS THAT SIMPLE – THE GOSPEL TRUTH