“September 2–8. 1 Corinthians 14–16: ‘God Is Not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace’” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2019 (2019)
“September 2–8. 1 Corinthians 14–16,” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: 2019
September 2–8
1 Corinthians 14–16
“God Is Not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace”
Record your impressions while you read 1 Corinthians 14–16. Pray about what the Spirit has taught you, and ask Heavenly Father if there is more He would like you to learn.
Record Your Impressions
Because the Church and its doctrines were relatively new in Corinth, it’s understandable that Corinthian Saints encountered confusion. Paul had previously taught them the fundamental truth of the gospel: “That Christ died for our sins … and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). But some members soon began teaching that “there is no resurrection of the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:12). Paul implored them to “keep in memory” the truths they had been taught (1 Corinthians 15:2). When we encounter conflicting opinions about gospel truths, it is good to remember that “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Listening to the Lord’s appointed servants and holding to the simple truths they repeatedly teach can help us find peace and “stand fast in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
I can seek the gift of prophecy.
Have you ever wondered what the gift of prophecy is? Is it the ability to predict the future? Can anyone receive this gift? Or is it just for prophets?
The President of the Church is the only person who can prophesy for and receive revelation on behalf of the whole Church; however, the Guide to the Scriptures defines prophecy as “divinely inspired words or writings, which a person receives through revelation from the Holy Ghost. … When a person prophesies, he speaks or writes that which God wants him to know, for his own good or the good of others” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Prophecy,” scriptures.lds.org; see also D&C 100:5–8). Revelation 19:10 also defines the spirit of prophecy as the “testimony of Jesus.”
What do you learn about this spiritual gift from 1 Corinthians 14:3, 31, 39–40? What might Paul have meant when he invited the Corinthians to “covet to prophesy”? (1 Corinthians 14:39). How can you accept this invitation?
See also Numbers 11:24–29; Jacob 4:6–7; Alma 17:3; Doctrine and Covenants 11:23–28.
Why did Paul say women should keep silent in church?
Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 may seem confusing, since earlier in this same epistle he wrote that women prayed and prophesied (see 1 Corinthians 11:5). The Joseph Smith Translation replaces the word speak in verses 34 and 35 with the word rule. This clarification suggests that Paul could have been referring to women who were trying to usurp authority in Church meetings. (See also 1 Timothy 2:11–12.)
See also “Women in the Church” Gospel Topics, topics.lds.org.
Jesus Christ gained victory over death.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is so fundamental to Christianity, one might say that without it there is no Christianity—to use Paul’s words, “then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14). Yet some of the Corinthian Saints were teaching that there would be “no resurrection of the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:12). As you read Paul’s response in 1 Corinthians 15, take a moment to ponder how your life would be different if you did not believe in the Resurrection. How has it blessed you? What blessings will come to you because Jesus Christ was resurrected? (see 2 Nephi 9:6–19; Alma 40:19–23; Doctrine and Covenants 93:33–34). What does the phrase “If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain” mean to you? (verse 17).
Resurrected bodies are different from mortal bodies.
Have you ever wondered what a resurrected body is like? According to 1 Corinthians 15:35, some of the Corinthians wondered the same thing. Read Paul’s answer in verses 36–54, and note words and phrases that describe the differences between mortal bodies and resurrected bodies. For instance, verses 40–42 teach that resurrected bodies will shine in glory in varying degrees, just as the sun, moon, and stars differ in brightness (see also Joseph Smith Translation, 1 Corinthians 15:40; D&C 76:50–112).
See also Alma 11:43–45; Luke 24:39.
“There is one glory of the sun” (1 Corinthians 15:41).
Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening
As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family. Here are some suggestions:
We learn from verse 29 that ancient Saints participated in baptisms for the dead, just as we do in the Church today. How are we doing as a family in preparing the names of our ancestors for temple ordinances? See also “Baptisms for the Dead,” Gospel Topics, topics.lds.org.
What objects or pictures could you show to help your family understand some of the terms Paul uses to describe how mortal bodies are different from resurrected bodies? For instance, to demonstrate the difference between corruptible and incorruptible (see verses 52–54) you could show metal that has rusted (such as iron) and metal that doesn’t rust (such as stainless steel). Or you could contrast something weak with something powerful (see verse 43).
A discussion about these verses can be especially meaningful if your family knows someone who has passed away. Family members could bear testimony of how Jesus Christ takes away “the sting of death” (verse 56). Elder Paul V. Johnson’s message “And There Shall Be No More Death” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 121–23) could be a good addition to your discussion.
To help your family members relate to this verse, you could draw a circle on the ground and instruct a family member to “stand fast” inside it while blindfolded as others try to remove him or her from the circle. What difference does it make when the family member in the circle is not blindfolded and can “watch”? What can we do to “stand strong” in our lives when we are tempted to make bad choices?
For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.
Improving Personal Study
Look for patterns. In the scriptures we find patterns that show how the Lord does His work. What patterns do you find in 1 Corinthians 14 that help us understand how to teach and edify one another? See also D&C 50:13–23.
Why Weepest Thou? by Simon Dewey