In the sermon "Earnestly Desire Love" from 1 Corinthians 12:28-13:3, Jeffrey Johnson begins by drawing on a personal story from his youth, where he passionately pursued greatness in basketball. He wanted to be the best, not just on his team but on the opposing team as well. This desire to excel motivated him, much like the way many Christians desire to be great in their faith, whether as preachers, theologians, or in acts of service.

Johnson connects this youthful drive for greatness to the way many believers approach their spiritual lives, often aspiring to be prominent figures like Charles Spurgeon, John Calvin, George Müller, or Adoniram Judson. These historical figures are revered for their preaching, theological insight, faith, and sacrificial service. However, Johnson points out that while it's natural to desire greatness in our Christian walk, the Apostle Paul redirects us to a more excellent way—love.

The Corinthian church, much like many today, was caught up in the pursuit of the more visible and seemingly important spiritual gifts, such as prophecy and tongues. They, like the disciples of Jesus, often debated about who among them was the greatest. But Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13, provides a profound correction to this mindset. He teaches that without love, even the most impressive gifts and achievements amount to nothing. Johnson elaborates on this, emphasizing that love is not self-seeking or concerned with personal glory. Instead, true greatness in the eyes of God is found in the humility and selflessness of love.

Johnson walks through the text, explaining that the various spiritual gifts, while valuable, are not the ultimate markers of a great Christian life. He notes that you can have the eloquence of the greatest orators, the theological understanding of the most esteemed scholars, the faith to perform miracles, or even the sacrificial spirit of the most devoted missionaries, but without love, these count for nothing in God’s kingdom.

He stresses that love is the one thing all Christians can aspire to, regardless of their gifts or calling. It’s the glue that holds the Christian life together, transforming our gifts into something that glorifies God and serves others. Johnson explains that love is patient, kind, humble, and selfless. It doesn’t seek its own advantage but is always oriented toward the good of others.

Furthermore, Johnson encourages his listeners to earnestly desire love with the same zeal they might pursue other gifts or achievements. He acknowledges that this kind of love is challenging and countercultural, especially in a world that often equates greatness with power, recognition, and personal success. Yet, he argues, this is precisely the kind of love that reflects the heart of Jesus, who exemplified the greatest love by laying down His life for humanity.

In the final part of his sermon, Johnson offers practical advice on how to grow in love. He suggests that the key to developing this kind of love is to continually meditate on the love of Christ, who loved us unconditionally and sacrificially. By focusing on Christ’s love, we are empowered to love others in the same way, even when it is difficult or when we receive nothing in return. This Christ-like love is the true path to greatness, as it aligns our hearts with God’s and allows us to serve others selflessly.

Johnson closes the sermon with a prayer, asking God to fill His people with more love so that they might reflect Christ’s love to the world. He reminds his listeners that true greatness in the Christian life is not about the gifts we possess or the recognition we receive, but about how well we love God and others.