September 4–10

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

1 Corinthians 14

I can seek the gift of prophecy.

What is the gift of prophecy? Is it the ability to predict the future? Is it just for prophets? Or can anyone receive this gift?

Ponder these questions as you study 1 Corinthians 14:3, 31, 39–40. You could also read Revelation 19:10 and “Prophecy, Prophesy” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Based on what you learn, how would you define the gift of prophecy? 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 Joel 2:28–29; Alma 17:3; Doctrine and Covenants 11:23–28.

1 Corinthians 14:34–35

How does the statement about women in these verses apply today?

In Paul’s day, there were different expectations about how women participated in society, including in church meetings. Whatever the teachings in 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 meant in Paul’s day, they shouldn’t be understood to mean that women cannot speak and lead in the Church today (see Joseph Smith Translation, 1 Corinthians 14:34 [in 1 Corinthians 14:34, footnote b]). President Russell M. Nelson said to the women of the Church today: “We … need your strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom, and your voices. The kingdom of God is not and cannot be complete without women who make sacred covenants and then keep them, women who can speak with the power and authority of God!” (“A Plea to My Sisters,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 96).

1 Corinthians 15:1–34, 53–58

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 (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).

It is also worth noting that Paul referred to baptism for the dead as evidence for the reality of the resurrection (see 1 Corinthians 15:29). How has temple and family history work strengthened your faith in the doctrine of resurrection?

See also Doctrine and Covenants 138:11–37.

1 Corinthians 15:35–54

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. As you do, you might compare verses 40–42 with Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–112. What does this revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith add to your understanding? (see also Joseph Smith Translation, 1 Corinthians 15:40 [in 1 Corinthians 15:40, footnote a]). Why are these truths valuable to you?

See also Luke 24:39; Alma 11:43–45; Doctrine and Covenants 88:14–33.

“There is one glory of the sun” (1 Corinthians 15:41).

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

1 Corinthians 15:29.We learn from verse 29 that ancient Christians participated in baptisms for the dead, just as we do today. How would we explain to others why we are baptized for our ancestors? (see “What Are Baptisms for the Dead?” [video], ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What are we doing as a family to provide temple ordinances for our deceased ancestors who need them? You can find more resources on this topic in the Gospel Topics article “Baptisms for the Dead” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and at FamilySearch.org.

What Are Baptisms for the Dead?

1 Corinthians 15:35–54.What objects or pictures could you show to help your family understand some of the terms Paul used 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 and metal that doesn’t rust. Or you could contrast something weak with something powerful (see verse 43).

1 Corinthians 15:55–57.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).

1 Corinthians 16:13.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 with his or her eyes closed. Then others could try to push or pull him or her from the circle. What difference does it make when the person in the circle has his or her eyes open and can “watch”? What can we do to “stand strong” when we are tempted to make bad choices? (see also “Stay in the Boat and Hold On!” [video], ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Stay In The Boat

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

Suggested hymn: “He Is Risen!,” Hymns, no. 199.

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 edify one another?

Why Weepest Thou, © Simon Dewey 2021. Used with permission from Altus Fine Art/www.altusfineart.com