1 Corinthians
Author:
Paul is the author of 1 Corinthians. He had already written at least one other letter to the Corinthian Saints (see 1 Corinthians 5:9). Unfortunately we have no record of the earlier letter.
Audience:
Paul established the Church in Corinth during his second missionary journey around A.D. 50. While there he received a revelation directing him to speak openly and fearlessly to the people God had prepared to receive the gospel.
He remained there a year and a half proclaiming the gospel and organizing the Church. However, the Corinthian Saints became divided and combined pagan beliefs and rituals with some of the true gospel principles and ordinances Paul had taught them.
Paul had a sincere concern for the Saints in Corinth, so when specific needs and requests came to his attention, he responded by writing them this letter.
Historical Background:
Corinth is situated on an isthmus connecting mainland Greece with the Peloponnesian peninsula. This choice location allowed for a flow of commerce, philosophy, and religion from the East and the West. Idol worship dominated Corinth’s religious culture.
People worshiped in twelve temples throughout the city. They engaged in ritual prostitution in the temple of Aphrodite, and their leaders encouraged immoral behavior. Paul wrote to these members from Ephesus during his third missionary journey between A.D. 55–57.
Unique Features:
Paul addressed several issues and doctrines in 1 Corinthians that set this letter apart. He taught that the body is a temple for the Holy Spirit, he gave instructions regarding missionaries and marriage, he explained the gifts of the Spirit, he expounded on the virtues of charity, and he testified of the doctrines of resurrection and baptism for the dead.
Theme:
Paul encouraged the Corinthian Saints to be unified. He taught that this could be achieved through the gospel of Jesus Christ, the influence of the Holy Ghost, and the spiritual maturity of each member.
1 Corinthians 1
Situation:
• Have you ever been in a church class or quorum in which some students were more popular than others?
• What is that like for those who are left out?
• What does it do to the class or the quorum as a whole?
• How does it affect the class or quorum members’ service in the Church?
Doctrine and Covenants 38:25–27
Because members of the Church in Corinth had a problem with contention, Paul had to remind them how the Lord wants us to treat one another.
1 Corinthians 1:10–13
1 Corinthians 3:3
• What do these verses teach about unity?
• What impact would the members being divided have on missionary work?
• Why do division, jealousy, and contention make living the gospel difficult? (3 Nephi 11:29).
• How can Church members be united in doctrine?
• What are other ways we can unite as a Church?
From 1 Corinthians 1:2–9:
Who sanctifies us, calls us to be Saints, and gives us grace?
What did Jesus Christ do that has the power to change and unify us?
(He provided the Atonement.)
The following scriptures can teach us about unity:
• D&C 61:8 Repentance will help prepare us to be unified with others.
• Moses 7:18 We must be unified in order to build Zion.
• John 17:20–23 Jesus Christ prayed for and expects His followers to be one.
• 1 Corinthians 1:9–10 We should be unified and bound together in our beliefs.
A statement by President Marion G. Romney, who was a member of the First Presidency:
“The way to unity is for us to learn the will of the Lord and then to do it. . . . The power of the Church for good in the world depends upon the extent to which we, the members thereof, observe this principle”. (in Conference Report, Apr. 1983, 22; or Ensign, May 1983, 17)
• What can you do to help bring greater unity to their church classes and quorums?
• Are there people you know who are often left out or shunned by their peers?
• What specific things could you do to help them?
• What would create unity among your peers at school or among your family members?
1 Corinthians 2
If I were to need a competent professional because:
My truck will not start
I need a new job
My wife has chest pains
• How would you decide who to call?
• Why is it important that the person you go to for help is experienced in treating your problem?
God is the source of the knowledge that will lead us to celestial glory.
• Do you typically ask God what to wear each day, what you should eat for lunch, or for the correct answers on your homework? Why or why not?
• To whom would you go for answers to these questions?
• What kinds of information should we ask God for?
• In 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, what was Paul’s faith based on?
• In what ways do we sometimes let our faith “stand in the wisdom of men”?
• Why do we sometimes allow our faith to do this?
• How can we keep from doing this?
Can hearing the voice of God help us build on the foundation of Christ?
• Why do you think it is important to seek the Lord’s Spirit to guide our lives?
• Why might one have difficulty learning spiritual truths?
• How does the natural man tend to regard the gospel?
• How do we obtain the “mind of Christ”? (see also 2 Nephi 32:2–3).
1 Corinthians 2:11–16
A statement by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith and testify of its truthfulness:
“Only by the aid of the Holy Ghost, and through obedience to the principles of the gospel, will a man eventually attain to the knowledge of all truth. In other words, those who will not make their lives conform in every particular to the Divine Life; who will not adjust their lives through faith and repentance and obedience to all divine law, will never be in a position to comprehend truth in its fulness”.
(Doctrines of Salvation, 1:298)
New Testament Video presentation 19: “The Body Is a Temple”
• What would happen if you fed a baby some meat?
• What does milk provide until the child can eat meat?
1 Corinthians 3:1–2
What do you think the phrase “babes in Christ” means?
The milk can be compared to a basic understanding of the gospel and the meat to more advanced gospel understanding.
If you were teaching a nonmember friend:
• Why is it be important to teach basic gospel principles first rather than the deeper truths of the gospel?
• What harm might come if we teach people deeper doctrines first?
• What do basic gospel doctrines provide for people who are learning about the Church?
2 Nephi 28:30
How does the Lord teach His children?
How we gain an understanding of gospel doctrines today? …
A statement by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:
“God’s earthly kingdom is a school in which his saints learn the doctrines of salvation. Some members of the Church are being taught elementary courses; others are approaching graduation and can do independent research where the deep and hidden things are concerned. All must learn line upon line and precept upon precept”
(Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 2:324; see also D&C 78:17–18; Alma 12:9–11).
From 1 Corinthians 3:3–15:
The Corinthians were still like infants who needed milk.
What is the foundation upon which gospel knowledge must be built? …
A statement by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:
“Paul, ‘as a wise master-builder,’ laid the foundation for the Corinthian Church on Christ and his atoning sacrifice. Similarly, in this day, Joseph Smith said:
‘The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the apostles and prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that he died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.’
(Teachings [of the Prophet Joseph Smith], p. 121.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 2:325)
1 Corinthians 3 & 4
• What can you do to make the Savior the foundation of your life?
• How can you build on that foundation?
1 Corinthians 5-7
Before 1 Corinthians, Paul had written an earlier letter to the Corinthian Saints.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained:
“The contentious souls in the Corinthian congregation wrote a reply [to this first letter], taking issue with some of the doctrines of the Apostles and asking detailed questions about his teachings. Thereupon, with vigor and true apostolic zeal, Paul wrote a second epistle, canonized and known as First Corinthians, which answered the points raised by his detractors and further amplified the teachings of the original letter.
“Unfortunately we do not know what was said in Paul’s prior epistle to the Corinthians, nor in their reply to him. All that has come to us is his reply to the reply. We have, thus, only a few comments about certain aspects of the doctrines they were considering”.
Given this background, it is easy to see why some have misunderstood some of Paul’s writings. However, as you carefully read 1 Corinthians 5–7 and look for the doctrines of the gospel, you will find them. In these chapters Paul explained doctrines relating to marriage, church discipline, legal questions, bondage to sin, and missionary work.
1 Corinthians 5
The spoilage in rotten fruit will spread to good fruit.
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
1 Corinthians 5:1
• How could fornication be compared to “rotten fruit”?
• In verses 2–5, What did Paul want to do to protect the Saints?
Therefore, removing the wicked people would be a blessing to the righteous.
A statement by Elder Neal A. Maxwell:
“Do not [keep] company with fornicators—not because you are too good for them but, as C. S. Lewis wrote, because you are not good enough. Remember that bad situations can wear down even good people. Joseph had both good sense and good legs in fleeing from Potiphar’s wife”.
(“The Stern but Sweet Seventh Commandment,” in Morality [1992], 29)
1 Corinthians 5:6–8
Leaven is _________. yeast.
• Why is the effect of yeast on a loaf of bread a good analogy to sin?
This analogy relates to the rotten apple amount the good fruit. The leaven affects all the dough, just as the bacteria in the rotten fruit can spoil the good fruit. Likewise unrepentant sinners can influence those around them to sin.
1 Corinthians 5:9–13
• What can we do to avoid the effects of those who commit sin?
• How can we help those who commit sin without becoming tainted ourselves?
Be wise in your choice of friends so you will have a better chance of living the gospel.
We should not avoid those who are not members of the Church.
We have a duty to help others through our example and through proclaiming the gospel.
1 Corinthians 6 & 7
Ask the teen, the missionary and the 25 year old returned missionary:
• Do you think you have already met the person you will eventually marry?
• How much time do you spend thinking about marriage?
• How soon do you think the Lord wants you to be married?
The questions regarding marriage may be different depending on one’s circumstances.
1 Corinthians 7:1–24 deals with some delicate questions regarding marriage. Verses 25–40 deal specifically with issues facing those involved in missionary or other priesthood service requiring extended periods of time away from home.
1 Corinthians 7:1, 7–9, 27, 32–34, 38
• Why might these verses be difficult to understand?
• Could some of them seem contrary to our beliefs regarding marriage?
1 Corinthians 7:1, 7–9, 27, 32–34, 38
1 Corinthians 7: 7. Was the Apostle Paul a Married Man?
It is possible that Paul, who had once been married, was a widower at the time of his writing of First Corinthians. His heart was thoroughly set on missionary work, and thus he might have chosen not to remarry. Hence his counsel to those in similar circumstances was "I would that all men were even as I myself."
Aside from the fact that marriage is an eternal command of God, which Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, would know as well as anyone, there are some other compelling reasons why the answer to the question Was Paul married? Should be yes.
In the first place, Paul's writings indicate a positive attitude toward marriage. Some of the finest counsel given in scripture on the subject comes to us from Paul. It would be presumptive indeed for Paul to give such counsel if he had not obeyed the law of God himself.
In 1 Corinthians 9: 5 Paul argues that apostles have as much right to marry as anyone else, "Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?" But marriage is more than a right; it is a solemn duty. Hence Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11: 11: "Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." The need for all to marry if they would find approval "in the Lord" is thus undisputed.
Faithful Jews regarded marriage as a religious obligation and a condition of extraordinary importance. It was the custom for Jewish men and women to marry at an early age, generally between sixteen and eighteen but sometimes as early as fourteen. Paul, a strict Pharisee (Acts 26: 5) was "taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God" (Acts 22: 3), as faithful Jews were enjoined to be. Thus "there would seem to be no good reason .. . why Paul, a trained and ardent Pharisee, should fail to honor an obligation esteemed so sacred in the eyes of his people." (Sperry, Paul's Life and Letters, p. 9.) When a list of 613 precepts contained in the law of Moses was first drawn up, marriage was listed as number one. If Paul "lived unmarried as a Jerusalem Pharisee, his case was entirely exceptional." (Farrar, The Life and Work of St. Paul, p. 46.)
Most scholars acknowledge that Paul was either a member of the Jewish ruling body, the Sanhedrin, or a close associate thereof (Acts 8: 3; 9: 1, 2; 22: 5; 26: 10). If he were indeed a member of the Sanhedrin, Paul would have been expected to be in compliance with the special requirements for membership in the body, one of which was marriage. If he were not a member, Paul would still, as an official representative of the ruling group, be expected to be in harmony with all accepted Jewish customs. Only such a condition would prevent his being charged with advocating obedience to laws with which he himself was not in strict compliance.
What, then, of those who contend that Paul was unmarried and taught others to be likewise? The passage cited as evidence is 1 Corinthians 7:7,8 wherein Paul says: "For I would that all men were even as I myself. ... I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I." Elder Spencer W. Kimball has commented on this passage as follows: "Taking such statements in conjunction with others [Paul] made it is clear that he is not talking about celibacy, but is urging the normal and controlled sex living in marriage and total continence outside marriage. (There is no real evidence that Paul was never married, as some students claim, and there are in fact indications to the contrary.)" (Miracle a/Forgiveness, p. 64.)
I Corinthians 7:9. What Did Paul Mean by "It Is Better to Marry Than to Burn"?
The meaning of Paul's counsel is not entirely clear. The Greek word which the King James translators have rendered burn is a passive infinitive used to convey the idea of being inflamed with passion, lust, or anger. The Prophet Joseph Smith's inspired account is even more explicit than the King James: "But if they cannot abide, let them marry; for it is better to marry than that any should commit sin."
I Corinthians 7:25-40. Paul's Views on Marriage in Light of the Inspired Version
Clearly Paul is here wrestling with difficult problems presented to him by the Corinthian saints. On some things he can reply authoritatively; on others he renders a personal judgment. Verses 25-40 deal with special questions to those involved in missionary or other priesthood service requiring absence from home for prolonged periods. Carefully compare the following changes as found in Joseph Smith's Inspired Version with your King James translation.
26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, for a man so to remain that he may do greater good.
28 But if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless, such shall have trouble in the flesh. For I spare you not.
29 But I speak unto you who are called unto the ministry. For this I say, brethren, the time that remaineth is but short, that ye shall be sent forth unto the ministry. Even they who have wives, shall be as though they had none; for ye are called and chosen to do the Lord's work.
30 And it shall not be with them who weep, as though they wept not; and them who rejoice, as though they rejoiced not, and them who buy, as though they possessed not;
31 And them who use this world, as not using it; for the fashion of this world passeth away.
32 But I would, brethren, that ye magnify your calling. I would have you without carefulness. For he who is unmarried, careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord; therefore he prevaileth.
33 But he who is married, careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife; therefore there is a difference, for he is hindered.
36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin whom he hath espoused, if she pass the flower of age, and need so require, let him do what he hath promised, he sinneth not; let them marry.
38 So then he that giveth himself in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth himself not in marriage doeth better.
"It is clear from the Inspired Version corrections and additions that ministerial service of a missionary nature was involved, and the main questions seemed to be: Should engaged persons who are called on missions marry first, or go out on the Lord's errand while single? And if they should serve while single, should certain ones who were already married, receive divorces prior to such service?
"In our day when an elder who is engaged to be married is called on a mission, more often than not he fulfills his mission prior to his marriage; occasionally he marries first and leaves his wife for the assigned period of ministerial service.
In the earlier days of this dispensation recently married brethren were frequently called to leave their wives and perform missionary service. Obviously the same rule need not and should not apply in every case. A host of personal circumstances and situations are always involved. Ordinarily, and Paul specified this as his opinion, marriage should be deferred." (McConkie, DNTC, 2:346-47.)
1 Corinthians 7:32. What Does Paul Mean by "I Would Have You Without Carefulness"?
A similar expression is found in Philippians 4: 6 in which Paul is represented as saying, "Be careful for nothing." It means "Have no anxiety about anything." Paul was in fact counseling his readers to refrain from anxieties and tensions rather than from carefulness as we know it today.
Commentaries for 1 Corinthians 7 in The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles (pp. 288–90)
1 Corinthians 8-11
The plan of happiness includes instructions regarding what we must do to become like God. Paul’s teachings clarify many important doctrines about God and His plan. One analogy Paul used involves an athlete whose training and discipline allow him to win the prize. We need to be as disciplined as athletes in order to gain “an incorruptible” crown, the reward of eternal life.
1 Corinthians 8
• How did the obstacle in the doorway make it difficult to come to class today?
• What effort did it take to remove the obstacle?
Alma 4:10
• If we compared the door of the classroom to the gateway to the Church, what would
the obstacle in the doorway represent?
Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish thing; suffer not the devil to lead away your heart again after those wicked harlots. Behold, O my son, how great iniquity ye brought upon the Zoramites; for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words. Alma 39:11
• What effect did the example of Corianton have on others?
• How can we avoid being affected by the bad examples of others?
From 1 Corinthians 8:1–6
• What problem was Paul addressing. (Eating food that had been offered to idols.)
• How might it have appeared to a member of the Church to see another member
eating something that he felt was forbidden?
• In what ways may nonmembers become offended by the unrighteous actions of
members of the Church today?
• What forbidden things do some members partake of that could hinder a weaker
Church member or a nonmember from learning more about the gospel?
From 1 Corinthians 8:7–13:
• What was Paul’s solution to the problem?
• What did Paul say he would rather do than offend a brother?
• How can we better follow the spirit of Paul’s teachings?
1 Corinthians 9 & 10
A statement by Elder M. Russell Ballard:
“Let me explain why you young men and women must keep your covenants you have made with God. In the premortal world before we left the presence of Heavenly Father, He warned and cautioned us about new experiences we would have in mortality. We knew that we each would have a physical body of flesh and bone. Never having been mortal before, we had no experience dealing with the temptations of mortality. But Heavenly Father knew and understood. He charged us to control our mortal bodies and to make them subject to our spirits. Our spirits would have to master the physical temptations that our bodies would encounter in a temporal world. Spiritual power over the influence of Satan comes to us by keeping the commandments of our Lord, Jesus Christ”.
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, 5; or Ensign, May 1993, 6)
Describe or explain the power of the adversary.
• How does Satan entice us to sin?
• Can Satan make you sin?
• How may Satan have power or influence with us?
• What strategies does he use to trap you in sin?
A statement by the Prophet Joseph Smith:
“All beings who have bodies have power over those who have not. The devil has no power over us only as we permit him”. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 181)
• What does this add to your understanding of Satan’s power to entice us to sin?
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; …
1 Corinthians 10:13
• How does this scripture support Joseph Smith’s statement?
We do have power over Satan.
A story from President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve:
“The story is told of a king who was choosing between two drivers for his coach. He ordered each of them to drive his coach down a steep, winding road cut into a high cliff. “The first driver came down slowly, hugging the wall of the cliff. The second driver demonstrated great talent and ability. He raced down the mountain, with the coach so close at times that half the wheel was off the edge of the cliff.
“The king was very thoughtful, then wisely chose the first man to drive his coach. It is best to stay on the safe side of things”.
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 22; or Ensign, May 1996, 18)
According to this story, what is one good way to avoid Satan’s power?
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
What does the last part of this verse add to our understanding?
The Prophet Joseph Smith continued:
“The moment we revolt at anything which comes from God, the devil takes power”. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 181)
As we flirt with temptation we lose power to resist it.
Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 1 Corinthians 10:14
What does 1 Corinthians 10:14 teach about resisting temptation?
Insight from Elder Neal A. Maxwell:
“God has given us a guarantee that there will always be a way to escape, and/or that we will not be tempted above that which we are able to bear. This truth, echoed by different prophets in different dispensations, is vital to us; the very prophetic repetition is reassuring”. (Things As They Really Are, 88)
This does not mean that we can encourage temptations in our lives and expect God to rescue us. Our Father helps those who are humble and prayerful.
Elder Maxwell offered this option:
“As to temptation, most of the time there is an obvious way to escape, but prevention—not being enticed in the first place—is more sure and is part of having sufficient faith”. (Not My Will, But Thine [1988], 75)
President George A. Smith, who served as a member of the First Presidency, said:
“There is a line of demarcation well defined between the Lord’s territory and the devil’s territory. If you will remain on the Lord’s side of the line, the adversary cannot come there to tempt you. You are perfectly safe as long as you stay on the Lord’s side of the line. But . . . if you cross onto the devil’s side of the line, you are in his territory, and you are in his power, and he will work on you to get you just as far from that line as he possibly can, knowing that he can only succeed in destroying you by keeping you away from the place where there is safety”.
(in George Albert Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1945, 118)
1 Corinthians 11
Does it matters what emblems (food) we use in the sacrament?
The scriptures identify bread and wine as the appropriate emblems but that we commonly use water instead of wine. In time of emergency or when those items are not available, an appropriate substitute item may be used. For example, potatoes or potato peelings were sometimes used for the sacrament by European Latter-day Saints during World War II.
(see Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1952, 120)
The Sacrament is the only ordinance we experience for ourselves more than once.
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith taught:
“The partaking of these emblems constitutes one of the most holy and sacred ordinances in the Church”. (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:339)
The sacrament has the power to help us perfect our lives if we take it worthily.
Elder Melvin J. Ballard, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, explained:
“If we have sincerely repented and put ourselves in proper condition, we shall be forgiven, and spiritual healing will come to our souls. . . . You feel the wounds of the spirit being healed, and the load being lifted. Comfort and happiness come”.
(“The Sacramental Covenant,” New Era, Jan. 1976, 8)
1 Corinthians 12-14
Paul taught the Corinthian Saints the principle of unity by telling them about the gifts of the Spirit. He told them that God gives us these gifts not only to bless our individual lives but also to give us the opportunity to bless one another.
Every gift of the Spirit comes from the same source, the Holy Ghost. Paul compared these gifts to the parts of the body. Each part works independently but in a common cause. Likewise, the Saints were to use their gifts to benefit one another and be as one.
Paul taught that of the spiritual gifts of faith, hope, and charity, the greatest is charity. He reminded the Saints that if they did not have charity, the other gifts would be of no value.
1 Corinthians 12-14
1 Corinthians 12:1–4
• What is described in this scripture that can be compared to the keys of a piano or
the words of a sentence?
• According to verse 3, what important knowledge comes as a gift of the Spirit?
• What are some of the other gifts of the Spirit?
A statement by Elder Marvin J. Ashton, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve:
“Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost”.
(in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20)
• Are all the gifts equally useful?
1 Corinthians 13:1–3
• How is charity like a battery?
• Why do you think charity is a most important gift of the Spirit?
In 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 we read about the seven elements that describe how charity is manifest and the eight elements that describe what charity is not.
Definition of charity in the Bible Dictionary:
The highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection; the pure love of Christ. It is never used to denote alms or deeds of benevolence, although it may be a prompting motive.
A statement by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:
“Above all the attributes of godliness and perfection, charity is the one most devoutly to be desired. Charity is more than love, far more; it is everlasting love, perfect love, the pure love of Christ which endureth forever. It is love so centered in righteousness that the possessor has no aim or desire except for the eternal welfare of his own soul and for the souls of those around him”. (Mormon Doctrine, 121)
Praying for charity is like praying for other blessings—we must also work hard to receive this blessing.
Seek after charity, the most important of all the gifts of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 15-16
Paul concludes 1 Corinthians by testifying of the reality of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection and declaring himself and others as witnesses. Christ’s Resurrection
opened death’s doors and assured that all mankind will be raised from the grave.
All will be judged and receive a reward according to their faithfulness.
Look in 1 Corinthians 15:53–58 for the testimony and promise the Lord has extended to everyone (the sting of death can be removed through the hope of a glorious resurrection).
Finally Paul urges the Saints to have faith and charity as their standard
1 Corinthians 15
death
• What concerns you most about death?
• Who is the person closest to you who has passed away?
• In what ways was the death of this loved one painful for you?
• How did you get over the pain or “sting” of the passing of this loved one?
A statement by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith:
“In the resurrection there will be different kinds of bodies; they will not all be alike. The body a man receives will determine his place hereafter. There will be celestial bodies, terrestrial bodies, and telestial bodies, and these bodies will differ as distinctly as do bodies here. . . . Some will gain celestial bodies with all the powers of exaltation and eternal increase. These bodies will shine like the sun as our Savior’s does, as described by John. Those who enter the terrestrial kingdom will have terrestrial bodies, and they will not shine like the sun, but they will be more glorious than the bodies of those who receive the telestial glory”.
(Doctrines of Salvation, 2:286–87)
What must we do to avoid the sting of death?
A testimony by President Gordon B. Hinckley:
“The pain of death is swallowed up in the peace of eternal life. . . . Whenever the cold hand of death strikes, there shines through the gloom and the darkness of that hour the triumphant figure of the Lord Jesus Christ, He, the Son of God, who by His matchless and eternal power overcame death. . . . He is our comfort, our only true comfort, when the dark shroud of earthly night closes about us as the spirit departs the human form”.
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 92; or Ensign, May 1996, 67)
Although everyone will be resurrected because of Jesus Christ, death may still have a sting. See sting of death in 1 Corinthians 15:55–56
How can sin sting?
President Spencer W. Kimball’s warning:
“Paul says, ‘The sting of death is sin,’ meaning that if men die in their sins, they will suffer the prescribed penalty and gain a lesser glory in the realms ahead.
(1 Cor. 15:56)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1978, 109; or Ensign, Nov. 1978, 72; see also D&C 42:44–48).
Quiz: Of the following people, who will not be resurrected?
A. Cain
B. Hitler
C. Judas Iscariot
D. Laman and Lemuel
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
What does the phrase “firstfruits of them that slept” mean?
(Jesus Christ was the first person to be resurrected.)
President Joseph F. Smith’s insight:
“Every creature that is born in the image of God will be resurrected from the dead . . . by the power of Jesus Christ. It matters not whether we have done well or ill, whether we have been intelligent or ignorant, or whether we have been bondsmen or slaves or freemen, all men will be raised from the dead”.
(“The Second Death,” in Brian H. Stuy, ed., Collected Discourses: Delivered by President Wilford Woodruff, His Two Counselors, the Twelve Apostles, and Others, 5 vols. [1987–92], 4:224–25)
• Why do we perform baptisms for the dead?
1 Corinthians 15:29
The Prophet Joseph Smith said:
“Every man that has been baptized and belongs to the kingdom has a right to be baptized for those who have gone before; and as soon as the law of the Gospel is obeyed here by their friends who act as proxy for them, the Lord has administrators there to set them free”.
(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 367)
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith said:
“Salvation for the dead was understood in the days of the primitive Christian Church, and to some extent baptisms for the dead continued to be performed until A.D. 379, when the Council of Carthage forbade any longer the administration of this ordinance and ‘holy communion’ for the dead”.
(Doctrines of Salvation, 2:163)
What do you say when a friend asks whether all people go to heaven or hell?
There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial , and bodies telestial; but the glory of the celestial, is one, and the glory of the terrestrial, is another; and the telestial, another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption … 1 Corinthians 15:40-42 JST
The three degrees of glory are celestial, terrestrial, and telestial.
Celestial D&C 76:50–70
Terrestrial D&C 76:71–80
Telestial D&C 76:81–90
If we will faithfully make and keep our covenants, we will inherit the greatest happiness in the celestial kingdom.
1 Corinthians 16
[This part of Seminary was taught on online – Information available on Facebook Group Page.]
2 Corinthians 8-9
Because Paul was accused of taking money that had been gathered for the Saints in Jerusalem, he sent Titus and two other brethren to collect the remaining contributions. He asked the Corinthian Saints to give generously, for “God loveth a cheerful giver”.
2 Corinthians 8-9
• If money were no object, what would you buy?
What if a neighbor family experienced a tragedy. Their home recently burned to the ground and they have no insurance.
• How could you help this needy family?
• How hard would it be to part with the amount of money on the check? Why?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:7 looking for what it takes to live the gospel:
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
• Why does it take faith to give to those in need?
• How can we give to the needy today?
A statement by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:
“Some of the tests incident to man’s mortal probation involve his instinctive love for money, his pursuit of riches in general, his desires for the power, influence, and ease that grow out of great wealth. When ‘he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit,’ however, ‘and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord’, he then becomes subject to a higher law. Money is no longer his master; it is his servant to do good and work righteousness; he becomes a cheerful giver”. (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 2:435)
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
• What does this verse teach about giving?
• How does the Lord want us to give?
Paul was asking the Corinthian Saints to help those in Jerusalem who were less fortunate.
But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. 2 Corinthians 8:14–15
• How did Paul want them to accomplish this?
A statement by President Marion G. Romney:
“The Lord claims the earth as His; . . . it is not yours and mine to own and manage independently of Him. No matter how many stocks and bonds or how much
land and other properties we possess, they are not wholly ours. They are His”.
(in Glen L. Rudd, Pure Religion [1995], 291)
Everything on the earth belongs to the Lord, so we should cheerfully share what we have according to His principles of caring for the poor.
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6
What is the promise the Lord made to those who give with a willing heart?
We should regularly contribute to the fast offering fund as well as paying our tithing.
From the day of his conversion while on the road to Damascus, Paul was devoted to the Savior and His cause. Though beaten and stoned, imprisoned and rejected, in peril and physical discomfort, he gladly gave all he had to the Lord. He did so with the firm testimony that all things are insignificant compared to “the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus”. Through all of his trials and challenges God did not leave Paul without comfort. Paul received visions and revelations that left him firm in the belief that God would strengthen him in his weakness.
Second Corinthians Chapters 10-13
• What would it be like to have a thorn puncture your side?
• How would it affect you if for some reason it could not be removed?
• What would it be like to live with it?
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians 12:7
• What is a “thorn in the flesh”?
President Brigham Young, commenting on these verses, said:
“We find a pure spirit inhabiting the tabernacle of the creature which is always prompting the individual to good, to virtue, to truth and holiness; all of which emanate from that source of purity from which this spirit came. And here the evil that came through transgression that is in this tabernacle, is warring with this pure spirit, it seeks to overcome it, and is striving with all its power to bring this spirit into subjection. . . . This is the warfare which Paul refers to when speaking of the ‘thorn in the flesh,’ which is no more or less than the spirit contending against the flesh, and the flesh against the spirit”.
(in Journal of Discourses, 18:258)
• What types of “thorns” do we have today?
And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. Ether 12:27
Paul asked for his affliction to be taken away:
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 2 Corinthians 12:8
The Lord answered:
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
• Why do you think the Lord didn’t remove Paul’s thorn?
• Since trials and afflictions are a part of life, what effect do they have on the soul?
• How familiar was Paul with affliction?
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
2 Corinthians 11:23–27
• How committed was Paul to the gospel?
• What do you think gave Paul the strength to endure?
• How can we feel this same strength in our lives?
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10
Paul’s suffering strengthened his faith in Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. 2 Corinthians 13:5, 9
• How can we examine our own faith?
• How might our weaknesses make our faith stronger?
Elder Neal A. Maxwell’s remarked:
“As it must be with anyone who seeks sainthood, Paul had to be ‘willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him’”.
(All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience, 31)
If we are humble and learn to rely on our God, We will be strong enough to endure any trial, persecution, or weakness of the flesh.