August 28–September 3

1 Corinthians 8–13

“Ye Are the Body of Christ”

As you prayerfully read 1 Corinthians 8–13, the Holy Ghost may speak to you in subtle ways (see 1 Kings 19:11–12). Recording these impressions will help you recall the feelings and thoughts you had during your study.

Record Your Impressions

In Paul’s time, Corinth was a wealthy trade center with residents from all over the Roman Empire. With so many different cultures and religions in the city, Church members in Corinth struggled to maintain unity, so Paul sought to help them find unity in their belief in Christ. This unity was to be more than just peaceful coexistence; Paul wasn’t asking them merely to tolerate each other’s differences. Rather, he taught that when you join the Church of Jesus Christ, you are “baptized into one body,” and every body part is needed (1 Corinthians 12:13). When one member is lost, it’s like losing a limb, and the body is weaker as a result. When one member suffers, we should all feel it and do our part to relieve it. In this kind of unity, differences are not just acknowledged but cherished, because without members of diverse gifts and abilities, the body would be limited. So whether you feel like you’ve always been at home in the Church or find yourself wondering if you truly belong, Paul’s message to you is that unity is not sameness. You need your fellow Saints, and your fellow Saints need you.

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

1 Corinthians 10:1–13

God provides a way to escape temptation.

Spiritual experiences, even miraculous ones, do not exempt us from temptations that are “common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13). That may be one reason Paul wrote about how the Israelites in Moses’s day struggled with temptation, even though they witnessed mighty miracles (see Exodus 13:21; 14:13–31). As you read 1 Corinthians 10:1–13, what warnings in the Israelites’ experiences seem applicable to you? What kinds of “escape” from temptation has Heavenly Father provided for you? (see also Alma 13:27–30; 3 Nephi 18:18–19).

1 Corinthians 10:16–17; 11:16–30

The sacrament unifies us as members of Christ’s Church.

Although the sacrament involves a personal commitment between you and the Lord, it is also an experience you share with others. We almost always partake of the sacrament together, as a body of Saints. Read what Paul taught about the sacrament, and think about how this sacred ordinance can help “many” become “one” in Christ (1 Corinthians 10:17). How does partaking of the sacrament help you feel closer to Christ and other believers? How do these verses influence your feelings about the sacrament and the way you prepare for it?

1 Corinthians 11:11

In God’s plan, men and women need each other.

In 1 Corinthians 11:4–15, Paul referred to cultural customs that we do not follow today. However, Paul also taught an important truth that applies eternally, found in verse 11. What do you think this verse means, and why is it important? Elder David A. Bednar taught, “The man and the woman are intended to learn from, strengthen, bless, and complete each other” (“We Believe in Being Chaste,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 42). How should this truth influence a marriage? How should it affect the way we serve in the Church?

See also Jean B. Bingham, “United in Accomplishing God’s Work,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 60–63.

1 Corinthians 12–13

Spiritual gifts are given to benefit all of Heavenly Father’s children.

The list of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12–13 is not exhaustive. But it is a good place to start as you identify and ponder the spiritual gifts Heavenly Father has given you. The article “Spiritual Gifts” in Gospel Topics (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) may help you understand these gifts better. As you read Paul’s list of gifts, you might add some you have noticed in others, in yourself, or in people in the scriptures. If you have a patriarchal blessing, it may mention some of your spiritual gifts. How do these gifts help you bless others? Consider how you can seek “earnestly the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31).

See also 1 Corinthians 14; Moroni 10:8–21, 30; Doctrine and Covenants 46:8–26; Articles of Faith 1:7.

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

1 Corinthians 9:24–27.Since Paul compared living the gospel to running a race, you could have a family race to illustrate his point. Award a crown to everyone who finishes the race, and discuss how all who are diligent in following Jesus Christ in this life will win the “incorruptible” prize (1 Corinthians 9:25; see also 2 Timothy 4:7–8). What does a runner do to prepare for a race? What can we do to prepare to return to Heavenly Father?

Paul compared living the gospel to running a race.

1 Corinthians 12:1–11.After reading these verses together, consider giving everyone a piece of paper with the name of another family member at the top. Ask everyone to list the spiritual gifts they notice that person has. You could then pass the papers in a circle until everyone has had a chance to write about each family member’s gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:3.Why is the Holy Ghost necessary to gain a testimony of Jesus Christ? What can we do to invite the Holy Ghost to strengthen our testimonies of Him?

1 Corinthians 12:12–27.Paul’s analogy of a body could be a memorable way to discuss family unity. For example, family members could try drawing a body made only of eyes or ears (see verse 17). What do these verses suggest about how we should treat each other as family members?

1 Corinthians 13:4–8.Paul’s definition of charity might make an inspiring motto for your family. You could assign each family member to study a phrase in verses 4–8 and teach the rest of the family what it means using definitions, examples, and personal experiences. How is the Savior an example of these attributes? You could also make posters together for each of these phrases and display them throughout your house. Be creative!

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “Love Is Spoken Here,” Children’s Songbook, 190–91.

Improving Our Teaching

Display a scripture. Display a verse you find meaningful in a place where family members will see it often. Invite other family members to take turns selecting a scripture to display.

“The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body” (1 Corinthians 10:16–17).