September 4–10

1 Corinthians 14–16

“God Is Not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace”

Before reviewing this outline, read 1 Corinthians 14–16. Record your initial impressions about what truths will help your class members, and continually seek additional guidance from the Spirit as you prepare to teach.

Invite Sharing

Provide a few minutes for class members to review 1 Corinthians 14–16 and find a verse they feel is especially meaningful. Invite them to find someone in the class with whom they can share their verse and explain why they chose it.

Teach the Doctrine

1 Corinthians 14

When we gather together, we should seek to edify one another.

• Consider using Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 14 to remind class members that we can all edify—or support and uplift—each other at church. A simple way to review this chapter might be to write a question on the board, such as What should be our goal when we gather together? Invite class members to search for possible answers in 1 Corinthians 14. Other ideas could be found in Moroni 6:4–5 and Doctrine and Covenants 50:17–23. As class members share what they find, consider asking them how they feel your class is doing at accomplishing these goals. They could also share experiences in which they felt edified by something a class member shared.

1 Corinthians 15

Because Jesus Christ was resurrected, we will all be resurrected.

• How can you use Paul’s testimony in 1 Corinthians 15 to strengthen your class members’ testimonies of the Resurrection? One way could be to divide the class into two groups and ask one group to look in 1 Corinthians 15 for the consequences we would face if Jesus Christ had not been resurrected. The other group could look for the blessings we receive because of His Resurrection. Each group could then write on the board what they learned. What could they add to their lists after reading the statement by Elder D. Todd Christofferson in “Additional Resources”? To help class members feel the Spirit during this discussion, consider displaying a picture of the resurrected Savior (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families) or playing or singing a hymn about the Resurrection.

• Because Paul was responding to people who did not believe in resurrection, your class might benefit from role-playing a similar situation. For example, how might they strengthen a loved one’s faith in the Resurrection? What do we find in 1 Corinthians 15 that would help us explain the need for and the evidence of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ? What other scriptures could we use? (See, for example, Luke 24:1–12, 36–46; Alma 11:42–45.)

  

  Paul taught about the Resurrection by referring to “celestial bodies” like the sun (1 Corinthians 15:40).

• 1 Corinthians 15 is one of the few places in the scriptures where baptisms for the dead are mentioned (see verse 29; see also Doctrine and Covenants 128:18). Perhaps class members could share the joy they have experienced while performing baptisms or other ordinances for their ancestors. Why might Paul have referred to baptisms for the dead as evidence of the Resurrection? If it would help to discuss why baptisms for the dead are necessary, see the Gospel Topics article “Baptisms for the Dead” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). The video “Glad Tidings: The History of Baptisms for the Dead” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) explains how this principle was restored in our day.

Additional Resources

Significance of the Resurrection.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught:

“Consider for a moment the significance of the Resurrection in resolving once and for all the true identity of Jesus of Nazareth and the great philosophical contests and questions of life. If Jesus was in fact literally resurrected, it necessarily follows that He is a divine being. No mere mortal has the power in himself to come to life again after dying. Because He was resurrected, Jesus cannot have been only a carpenter, a teacher, a rabbi, or a prophet. Because He was resurrected, Jesus had to have been a God, even the Only Begotten Son of the Father.

“Therefore, what He taught is true; God cannot lie.

“Therefore, He was the Creator of the earth, as He said.

“Therefore, heaven and hell are real, as He taught.

“Therefore, there is a world of spirits, which He visited after His death.

“Therefore, He will come again, as the angels said, and ‘reign personally upon the earth.’

“Therefore, there is a resurrection and a final judgment for all” (“The Resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 113).

Improving Our Teaching

Get to know those you teach. No two people are exactly alike; each person you teach has a unique background, perspective, and set of talents. Pray to know how you can use these to engage your learners. As you better understand those you teach, you can create meaningful and memorable teaching moments for them (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 7).