Charity, The Bond of Perfectness

Temple Baptist Church - 11-1-2017

1 Peter 5:13-14

Introduction: 

A.  In our text for tonight, I find the phrase “holy kiss” of interest. 

B.  Four times (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26), Paul used the words “holy kiss” but here the Holy Spirit said, “A kiss of charity.” 

1.  The change needs to be examined because of its importance.  The word “charity” has been changed by many to the word “love.”  This is a major theological mistake!  If words are important, and they are, then we have no right to change, add, or take them away.  God says what He means and means what He says. 

2.  Many times, we greet one another with a “holy kiss” or, in our day a handshake or hug of holiness.  This expression shows no animosity and our love for one another.  I still say that I had rather people spend extra time shaking hands during our services than extra time fighting!

3.  Charity is a strong word and is a specific type of love.  1 Corinthians 13 contains a Full Mention Principle about charity.  In other words, if the Bible said nothing more on the subject, it said enough. 

C.  Charity Examined.  Charity - brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence.

1 Corinthians 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.  (The greatest gift given to the church is charity!)

D.  Charity, the Bond of Perfectness!  Colossians 3:14  And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. (A spiritual maturity that brings unity.)

1.  Charity, the Bond of Perfectness, is a sign of the maturity of the believer.  The Holy Spirit calls it “the bond of perfectness.”  This Biblical definition of charity spells out two things.

2.  Charity, the Bond of Perfectness, shows that spiritual maturity has its love right.  To love God supremely; to love the Bible; to love the church; and to love one another.

3.  Charity, the Bond of Perfectness, shows the effect of spiritual maturity.  Charity is a sign of spiritual maturity where others matter more than self, and God’s will become supreme in our lives.  A lack of maturity is “My will and not thine be done!” 

2 Thessalonians 1:3  We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

E.  What does Charity, the Bond of Perfectness, do?

1.  Charity, the bond of perfectness, Edifies The Body - 1 Corinthians 8:1  Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.  (Edify – to build up; to strengthen.)

Ephesians 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

2.  Charity, the bond of perfectness, Profits The Body - 1 Corinthians 13:1-3  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

3.  Charity, the bond of perfectness, Unifies the Body - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

4.  Charity, the bond of perfectness, Encourages The Body– Hebrews 13:1  Let brotherly love continue.  (Hebrews 10:22-25 – Satan hates us; the world hates us; we must love one another.)

5.  Charity, the bond of perfectness, Defines The Body - John 13:34-35  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  (35)  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.  (Spiritual maturity manifests itself to those around us.  “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men.”)