1 Corinthians 14–16

You could begin class by sharing the following statement from President Joseph Fielding Smith:

All members of the Church should seek for the gift of prophecy. (Church History and Modern Revelation [1953], 1:201)

• Why do you think we should seek the gift of prophecy?

Explain that in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul talked about the importance of the gift of prophecy by comparing it to the gift of tongues. Invite students to read “1 Corinthians 14:1–6. What is the gift of prophecy?” and “1 Corinthians 14:2–22. What is the gift of tongues?” in Scripture Helps: New Testament. Ask them to explain in their own words each of these gifts to a partner.

• What did these entries clarify or correct in your understanding of these gifts?

Ensure that students understand that while the Lord’s prophets, seers, and revelators are the only people who can receive revelation for the entire Church, individuals can experience the gift of prophecy for their own benefit (see Dallin H. Oaks, “Spiritual Gifts,” Ensign, Sept. 1986, 71).

Invite students to read 1 Corinthians 14:1–6, 22–26, 39, looking for why we should seek the gift of prophecy:

• Why is the gift of prophecy greater than the gift of tongues?

• According to Paul, how can the gift of prophecy bless your life? (Students may identify a truth like the following: The gift of prophecy can bring edification, encouragement, and comfort [see verse 3].)

• Why might it be important for you to covet (eagerly seek) the gift of prophecy?

Consider sharing the following insight from President Dallin H. Oaks about the gift of prophecy:

As we read in the Book of Revelation, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10.) The Prophet Joseph Smith relied on this scripture in teaching that “every other man who has the testimony of Jesus” is a prophet [in Elders’ Journal, July 1838, 43]. Similarly, the Apostle Paul states that “he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.” (1 Cor. 14:3.) Thus, in the sense used in speaking of spiritual gifts, a prophet is one who testifies of Jesus Christ, teaches God’s word, and exhorts God’s people. …

… In our day, Elder Joseph Fielding Smith declared that “all members of the Church should seek for the gift of prophecy, for their own guidance, which is the spirit by which the word of the Lord is understood and his purpose made known.” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 3 vols., Salt Lake City, Deseret Book Co., 1953, 1:201.) (“Spiritual Gifts,” 71)

• What did you learn from President Oaks and President Smith about the gift of prophecy?

• How can seeking the gift of prophecy draw you and those you influence closer to the Savior?

Have students think of times they have felt the Holy Ghost and testified of Jesus Christ, taught the gospel, encouraged others, or better understood the purposes of the Lord. Invite students who are willing to share their experiences with the gift of prophecy.

Invite students to follow Paul’s counsel and seek and exercise the gift of prophecy in their lives.

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If students have questions about 1 Corinthians 14:34–35, have them turn to “Approaching Difficult or Confusing Passages” in Scripture Study Skills and read the “Define” section together. Then have students form small groups and do the following:

• Read “Questions to Ask When You Find Confusing or Difficult Passages” in “Approaching Difficult or Confusing Passages” (Scripture Study Skills). Students could discuss how they might answer one or more of the questions.

• Read “1 Corinthians 14:34–35. Why did Paul say women should keep silent in church?” in Scripture Helps: New Testament for additional help with the passage.

After time for study, invite students to share what they learned about how to approach a difficult passage.

Remind students that Paul was addressing a culture and circumstances very different from our own. It might be important to take a few minutes and discuss women’s voices in the Lord’s Church in our day. Consider sharing the following statement by President Russell M. Nelson:

My dear sisters, whatever your calling, whatever your circumstances, we need your impressions, your insights, and your inspiration. We need you to speak up and speak out in ward and stake councils. We need each married sister to speak as “a contributing and full partner” [Spencer W. Kimball, “Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters,” Ensign, Nov. 1978, 106] as you unite with your husband in governing your family. Married or single, you sisters possess distinctive capabilities and special intuition you have received as gifts from God. We brethren cannot duplicate your unique influence. (“A Plea to My Sisters,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 97)

• What does President Nelson teach about women’s voices? (Help students identify the truth that women’s contributions and voices are essential to every aspect of the Savior’s work.)

• How have women’s voices strengthened your faith in Jesus Christ? How have they drawn you closer to the Savior?

You could invite students to think about a recent talk, lesson, or testimony by a sister that has strengthened their faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel. They could share their thoughts with one another in small groups.

Encourage the sisters in your class to trust the Spirit when prompted and speak up in their families, wards, and other settings. You could end by watching “Women’s Voices” by President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President (1:39).

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Invite students to identify challenges we face because we have mortal bodies. You could write their answers on the board. (Ensure they identify death as one of the challenges.) Now have students imagine all these challenges as if Jesus Christ had not been resurrected.

• What would that mean for the world and for you personally?

Explain that it had been reported to Paul that some individuals in Corinth were teaching that there was no Resurrection of the dead. Paul responded with truths that can help us know and feel the reality and importance of the Savior’s Resurrection.

Write the following incomplete phrases on the board:

• If Jesus had not risen from the dead, then …

• Since Jesus did rise from the dead, then …

Invite half the class to read 1 Corinthians 15:12–19, looking for what would have happened if Jesus Christ had not risen from the dead. Invite the other half to read 1 Corinthians 15:20–28, looking for blessings that come because Jesus Christ overcame death. After sufficient time, allow students to share what they discovered.

• According to Paul, what would result if Jesus Christ had not been resurrected?

• What doctrine is Paul teaching in these verses? (Students may identify a truth like the following: Because Jesus Christ was resurrected, everyone will be resurrected.)

• What feelings do you have for Jesus Christ, knowing He has prepared the way for you to overcome death and every physical infirmity you have or will ever face?

Return to the list of challenges on the board. Reflecting on these challenges, read together 1 Corinthians 15:51–58 and the following statement by President Jeffrey R. Holland:

I testify of the holy Resurrection, that unspeakable cornerstone gift in the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ! With the Apostle Paul, I testify that that which was sown in corruption will one day be raised in incorruption and that which was sown in weakness will ultimately be raised in power. I bear witness of that day when loved ones whom we knew to have disabilities in mortality will stand before us glorified and grand, breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. What a thrilling moment that will be! I do not know whether we will be happier for ourselves that we have witnessed such a miracle or happier for them that they are fully perfect and finally “free at last.” Until that hour when Christ’s consummate gift is evident to us all, may we live by faith, hold fast to hope, and show “compassion one of another” [1 Peter 3:8]. (“Like a Broken Vessel,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 42)

• How can faith in the Savior’s Resurrection help you to live with hope as you face challenges associated with a physical body?

You could also watch “The Good News” (2:18) and allow students to ponder and write their feelings about the blessings they will receive because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

2:18

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You could begin by displaying the following image and ask students to share what this might be teaching about the Resurrection.

Explain that in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul taught important truths about the Resurrection. Read together 1 Corinthians 15:40–44, and invite students to look for what the image has do to with Paul’s teachings about the Resurrection.

• What truths does Paul teach about the nature of resurrected bodies? (Students may identify truths like the following: Resurrected bodies will be glorious and incorruptible. Resurrected bodies will have different degrees of glory.)

• Why do you think there will be differences in glory among resurrected beings?

Point out that we have few passages of scripture that describe a resurrected body from one of these kingdoms. Students could read Joseph Smith—History 1:17 and Doctrine and Covenants 110:2–4 to read about the Savior’s glorified, resurrected body.

• What inspires you as you read about the resurrected Christ?

To help students deepen their understanding of why there are differences in the glory of resurrected bodies, invite them to work with a partner and see what they can learn from Doctrine and Covenants 88:22–31.

• What do these verses teach us about the Resurrection? (Students may identify a truth like the following: In the Resurrection, we will receive a glorified body according to the divine law we choose to obey.)

• How can this knowledge influence the choices you make today?

Consider reading together the following statement by President Russell M. Nelson:

Because of Jesus Christ’s infinite Atonement, our Heavenly Father’s plan is a perfect plan! An understanding of God’s fabulous plan takes the mystery out of life and the uncertainty out of our future. It allows each of us to choose how we will live here on earth and where we will live forever. …

… Your choices today will determine three things: where you will live throughout all eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will live forever. …

Thus, if we unwisely choose to live telestial laws now, we are choosing to be resurrected with a telestial body. We are choosing not to live with our families forever.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, how and where and with whom do you want to live forever? You get to choose. (“Think Celestial!,” Liahona, Nov. 2023, 117–18)

Provide students time to record their thoughts about President Nelson’s question: “How and where and with whom do you want to live forever?” Encourage them to reflect on the choices they are making and if those choices are leading to celestial glory. Students could also record their thoughts and feelings about the Savior’s infinite Atonement and the Father’s perfect plan of salvation that make celestial glory possible.

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