September 3 Sunday School
What stood out to you? What do you want to share or discuss?
A little bit of background:
Written sometime around 55 AD. Paul had preached the gospel in Corinth around AD 50 during his missionary journeys (see Acts 18). He had some success in the Jewish synagogues, but he also experienced conflicts there. He then taught Gentiles and many were converted. He stayed in Corinth for 18 months, living with Priscilla and Aquila and working as a tentmaker. Some of the Jews opposed Paul and forced him to stand before the Roman officer Gallio, but Gallio dismissed their charges. Paul left Corinth. As he was out on his third missionary journey, he received communications from Saints in Corinth and he responded. He sought to give them counsel, guidance, and hope. Most of Corinth was a wicked city with much idol worship, fornication, and adultery. And like other places, there had been contention among the members.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Why would all of these other things be nothing without charity? Why is charity a Christlike attribute that is so critical to our development?
Quote #1 President Dallin H. Oaks said, “We know from these inspired words [in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3] that even the most extreme acts of service—such as giving all of our goods to feed the poor—profit us nothing unless our service is motivated by the pure love of Christ.
If our service is to be most efficacious, it must be accomplished for the love of God and the love of his children. The Savior applied that principle in the Sermon on the Mount, in which he commanded us to love our enemies, bless them that curse us, do good to them that hate us, and pray for them that despitefully use us and persecute us. (See Matt. 5:44 He explained the purpose of that commandment as follows:
“For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
“And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?” Matt. 5:46–47
This principle—that our service should be for the love of God and the love of fellowmen rather than for personal advantage or any other lesser motive—is admittedly a high standard. The Savior must have seen it so, since he joined his commandment for selfless and complete love directly with the ideal of perfection. The very next verse of the Sermon on the Mount contains this great commandment: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Elder Robert D. Hales gave a beautiful talk on discipleship in 2017. It is one that I have read and pondered many times. He said some similar things to President Oaks.
Quote #2 Elder Robert D. Hales said, “I testify that the efforts we make to become disciples of our Savior are truly added upon until we are “possessed” of His love.21 Moroni 7:47 This love is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ:
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”22 1 Corinthians 13:1–2
It is faith, hope, and charity that qualify us for the work of God.23 [See Doctrine and Covenants 4:5 “And now abideth … these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”24 1 Corinthians 13:13
Brothers and sisters, now more than ever, we cannot be a “part-time disciple”! We cannot be a disciple on just one point of doctrine or another. The constellation of characteristics that result from faith in Christ—including the ones we have talked about today—are all necessary to our standing strong in these last days.
As we earnestly strive to be true disciples of Jesus Christ, these characteristics will be interwoven, added upon, and interactively strengthened in us. There will be no disparity between the kindness we show our enemies and the kindness we bestow on our friends. We will be as honest when no one is looking as when others are watching. We will be as devoted to God in the public square as we are in our private closet.
I testify that everyone can be a disciple of the Savior. Discipleship is not constrained by age, gender, ethnic origin, or calling. Through our individual discipleship, we, as Latter-day Saints, build up a collective strength to bless our brothers and sisters throughout the world. Now is the time to recommit ourselves to being His disciples with all diligence.”
I admit that I have a lot of work to do. Because I think there is probably a large disparity between the kindness I show my enemies—or even just random strangers—and the kindness I show my friends. I want to have a constellation of Christlike chaacteristics woven into the fiber of my being...but I don’t think I’m there yet.
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 Who do you know that possesses one or more of these elements of charity? I’d love for you to tell us about them. OR if you feel like you possess one of these elements, describe what that looks like and how you’ve developed it.
Quote #3 President Nelson, in April conference, plead with us to be peacemakers. He said, “Brothers and sisters, the pure love of Christ is the answer to the contention that ails us today. Charity propels us “to bear one another’s burdens”16[ Mosiah 18:8] rather than heap burdens upon each other. The pure love of Christ allows us “to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things”17[ Mosiah 18:9]—especially in tense situations. Charity allows us to demonstrate how men and women of Christ speak and act—especially when under fire.
Now, I am not talking about “peace at any price.”18[Being a peacemaker does not require us to agree with the ideas or beliefs of others.] I am talking about treating others in ways that are consistent with keeping the covenant you make when you partake of the sacrament. You covenant to always remember the Savior. In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would. As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers.”
1 Corinthians 13:8, 13 How and why does charity never fail?
Quote #4 President Eyring said, “You are all witnesses, as I am, of the truth of the inscription on the pin my mother wore for more than 20 years as a member of the Relief Society general board. It read, “Charity Never Faileth.”9 1 Corinthians 13:8 I still do not know the full meaning of those words. But I have caught a glimpse as I saw her reach out to those in need. The scripture tells us this truth: “Charity is the pure love of Christ.”10 Moroni 7:47
His love never fails, and we never will cease to feel in our hearts the urge “to mourn with those that mourn … and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.”11 Mosiah 18:9 Nor will the peace He promises ever leave us as we serve others for Him.”
1 Corinthians 13:9-12 Why do we only know and see in part? What does it mean to see through a glass darkly? What implications might that have for us?
We all have gifts. The Come Follow Me manual says, “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”.
Quote #5 Part of that Gospel Topics article “Spiritual Gifts” says: “Spiritual gifts are blessings or abilities given by God to His children through the power of the Holy Ghost. Gifts of the Spirit are given to bless and benefit those who love the Lord and seek to keep His commandments. (See Doctrine and Covenants 46:9.)
Each faithful member of the Church has at least one spiritual gift, and the Lord encourages His children to “seek … earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:8). The scriptures teach of many gifts of the Spirit.”
The Gospel Topics article on Spiritual gifts explains these two gifts this way: “Knowledge of “the differences of administration” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:15; see also 1 Corinthians 12:5). This gift is used in administering and leading the Church.
Knowledge of “the diversities of operations,” which helps individuals discern whether a teaching or influence comes from God or from some other source.”
I like how the Follow Him podcast explained the first gift:
Latter-day Saint scholar, Sidney B. Sperry defined the gift of knowing the differences of administration is meant, he said, "The distinctive varieties of service." In other words, there are different ways that an individual serves in any capacity, in any calling. I think of my friend who was called to be a young women's president and she's in her 60s. She's going, "Okay, I need more energy. I got to be able to hike." It's just not going to happen. But her way of serving is so needed by those young women in her ward. And she has made a much different impression than she would've if she would've been called in her 30s or 20s. There's a unique style, and the Lord honors that. He accepts the way in which each of us fulfill our callings, even though it might be so different. You look at our prophets, Joseph Smith restoring the great prophet of restoration, but I'm not sure he had the gifts that would've brought the saints across the plains and colonized the great basin, like Brigham Young did. Even in my lifetime, I look at Spencer W. Kimball, who I call the great prophet of change and so many things that he did. And then, I'm not sure he could have got The Book of Mormon into the lives of the church like Ezra Taft Benson did. So, it's that differences of administration, but it's the same Lord.
Even something like John Bytheway shared in the podcast that when he was a Bishop, he took notes on what people said in their testimonies. At a funeral, he was able to go into his journals and share what that brother had said in his testimony. What a beautiful gift that would be for that family! Does that mean that every bishop needs to do that? No, because there are differences in administration.
For the differences in operations, the Follow Him podcast said, “I think as you're looking at the Greek, the ideas of activities are different kinds of things that go on. And so, if you have that gift, then you understand what is going on around you and you can decipher what an activity really is. 51:15 You have eyes to see the reality of works, manifestations, trends and events that are going on around you, and you have that lens to know whether it's Satan's counterfeit.”
Who do you know that possesses one of these gifts? Would you tell us about them? How have their gifts blessed your life?
Now we all have spiritual gifts. And this chapter only names a few. Can you think of other spiritual gifts that you possess or that others you know possess?
Quote #6 John C. Pingree said in a talk in 2017: “A number of spiritual gifts are documented in scripture (see 1 Corinthians 12:1–11, 31 Moroni 10:8–18 D&C 46:8–26 but there are many others. Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: “Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety. Those listed in the revealed word are simply illustrations of the boundless outpouring of divine grace that a gracious God gives those who love and serve him” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 371). Some might include having compassion, expressing hope, relating well with people, organizing effectively, speaking or writing persuasively, teaching clearly, and working hard.”
Quote #7 Elder Marvin J. Ashton said, “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.”
One thing that I LOVE to know is that if we don’t currently have a spiritual gift but we desire it, we can ask for that gift!
Quote #8 Elder George Q. Cannon said, “How many of you … are seeking for these gifts that God has promised to bestow? How many of you, when you bow before your Heavenly Father in your family circle or in your secret places, contend for these gifts to be bestowed upon you? How many of you ask the Father, in the name of Jesus, to manifest Himself to you through these powers and these gifts? Or do you go along day by day, like a door turning on its hinges, without having any feeling upon the subject, without exercising any faith whatever, content to be baptized and be members of the Church and to rest there, thinking that your salvation is secure because you have done this? …
… I know that God is willing to heal the sick, that He is willing to bestow the gift of discerning of spirits, the gift of wisdom, of knowledge and of prophecy, and other gifts that may be needed. If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections. If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which suffereth long and is kind. Am I an envious man? It is my duty to seek for charity, which envieth not. So with all the gifts of the gospel. They are intended for this purpose. No man ought to say, “Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.” He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them. If a man lack wisdom, it is his duty to ask God for wisdom. The same with everything else. That is the design of God concerning His Church. He wants His Saints to be perfected in the truth. For this purpose He gives these gifts and bestows them upon those who seek after them, in order that they may be a perfect people upon the face of the earth, notwithstanding their many weaknesses, because God has promised to give the gifts that are necessary for their perfection.”
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend an event put on by Deseret Book called “Questions Worth Exploring”. They had 3 speakers. ONe of the speakers was an author named Barbara Morgan Gardner. She wrote a book called, “The Priesthood Power of Women” that I highly recommend for everyone. Her talk was on accessing power through temple covenants. One of the things she talked about was the power we can receive through the priesthood as we keep our covenants. Some of these powers include the power of testimony, enlightenment and knowledge, the power to thwart the forces of evil, the power that allows us to use our gifts with increased effectiveness, the power of protection, the power of godliness, the power of increased love, the power of spiritual refinement, the power to strengthen our family, the power of the fulness of the Holy Ghost. Don’t you want these powers? One thing she said is that the specific priesthood power that we receive through covenant keeping is determined by our role in saving souls. What power do you need to save yoru family? That’s the power that God will give you. What power do you need so you can be saved? God will give it to you. What power might your son or daughter need while serving a mission to save souls there? God will give it to them. What power do you need to participate in the work of salvation for your deceased ancestors? God will give it to you! I just really love that thought. Whatever we need in our individual circumstances...if we pray, if we ask for it, and if we keep our covenants, God will give us the spiritual gifts and the priesthood power to allow us to fulfill the mission He has for us.
Any thoughts or comments on spiritual gifts?
Why is the sacrament so important? How has partaking of the sacrament blessed your life?
Examine yourself. All of us would do well to take time daily to examine ourselves and to repent and to turn back to God.
1 Corinthians 9: 10 Plow in hope
Quote #1 President Dallin H. Oaks said, “We know from these inspired words [in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3] that even the most extreme acts of service—such as giving all of our goods to feed the poor—profit us nothing unless our service is motivated by the pure love of Christ.
If our service is to be most efficacious, it must be accomplished for the love of God and the love of his children. The Savior applied that principle in the Sermon on the Mount, in which he commanded us to love our enemies, bless them that curse us, do good to them that hate us, and pray for them that despitefully use us and persecute us. (See Matt. 5:44 He explained the purpose of that commandment as follows:
“For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
“And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?” Matt. 5:46–47
This principle—that our service should be for the love of God and the love of fellowmen rather than for personal advantage or any other lesser motive—is admittedly a high standard. The Savior must have seen it so, since he joined his commandment for selfless and complete love directly with the ideal of perfection. The very next verse of the Sermon on the Mount contains this great commandment: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Quote #3 President Nelson, in April conference, plead with us to be peacemakers. He said, “Brothers and sisters, the pure love of Christ is the answer to the contention that ails us today. Charity propels us “to bear one another’s burdens”16[ Mosiah 18:8] rather than heap burdens upon each other. The pure love of Christ allows us “to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things”17[ Mosiah 18:9]—especially in tense situations. Charity allows us to demonstrate how men and women of Christ speak and act—especially when under fire.
Now, I am not talking about “peace at any price.”18[Being a peacemaker does not require us to agree with the ideas or beliefs of others.] I am talking about treating others in ways that are consistent with keeping the covenant you make when you partake of the sacrament. You covenant to always remember the Savior. In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would. As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers.”
Quote #2 Elder Robert D. Hales said, “I testify that the efforts we make to become disciples of our Savior are truly added upon until we are “possessed” of His love.21 Moroni 7:47 This love is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ:
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”22 1 Corinthians 13:1–2
It is faith, hope, and charity that qualify us for the work of God.23 [See Doctrine and Covenants 4:5 “And now abideth … these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”24 1 Corinthians 13:13
Brothers and sisters, now more than ever, we cannot be a “part-time disciple”! We cannot be a disciple on just one point of doctrine or another. The constellation of characteristics that result from faith in Christ—including the ones we have talked about today—are all necessary to our standing strong in these last days.
As we earnestly strive to be true disciples of Jesus Christ, these characteristics will be interwoven, added upon, and interactively strengthened in us. There will be no disparity between the kindness we show our enemies and the kindness we bestow on our friends. We will be as honest when no one is looking as when others are watching. We will be as devoted to God in the public square as we are in our private closet.
I testify that everyone can be a disciple of the Savior. Discipleship is not constrained by age, gender, ethnic origin, or calling. Through our individual discipleship, we, as Latter-day Saints, build up a collective strength to bless our brothers and sisters throughout the world. Now is the time to recommit ourselves to being His disciples with all diligence.”
Quote #4 President Eyring said, “You are all witnesses, as I am, of the truth of the inscription on the pin my mother wore for more than 20 years as a member of the Relief Society general board. It read, “Charity Never Faileth.”9 1 Corinthians 13:8 I still do not know the full meaning of those words. But I have caught a glimpse as I saw her reach out to those in need. The scripture tells us this truth: “Charity is the pure love of Christ.”10 Moroni 7:47
His love never fails, and we never will cease to feel in our hearts the urge “to mourn with those that mourn … and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.”11 Mosiah 18:9 Nor will the peace He promises ever leave us as we serve others for Him.”
Quote #5 Part of that Gospel Topics article “Spiritual Gifts” says: “Spiritual gifts are blessings or abilities given by God to His children through the power of the Holy Ghost. Gifts of the Spirit are given to bless and benefit those who love the Lord and seek to keep His commandments. (See Doctrine and Covenants 46:9.)
Each faithful member of the Church has at least one spiritual gift, and the Lord encourages His children to “seek … earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:8). The scriptures teach of many gifts of the Spirit.”
Quote #6 John C. Pingree said in a talk in 2017: “A number of spiritual gifts are documented in scripture (see 1 Corinthians 12:1–11, 31 Moroni 10:8–18 D&C 46:8–26 but there are many others. Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: “Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety. Those listed in the revealed word are simply illustrations of the boundless outpouring of divine grace that a gracious God gives those who love and serve him” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 371). Some might include having compassion, expressing hope, relating well with people, organizing effectively, speaking or writing persuasively, teaching clearly, and working hard.”
Quote #7 Elder Marvin J. Ashton said, “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.”
Quote #8 Elder George Q. Cannon said, “How many of you … are seeking for these gifts that God has promised to bestow? How many of you, when you bow before your Heavenly Father in your family circle or in your secret places, contend for these gifts to be bestowed upon you? How many of you ask the Father, in the name of Jesus, to manifest Himself to you through these powers and these gifts? Or do you go along day by day, like a door turning on its hinges, without having any feeling upon the subject, without exercising any faith whatever, content to be baptized and be members of the Church and to rest there, thinking that your salvation is secure because you have done this? …
… I know that God is willing to heal the sick, that He is willing to bestow the gift of discerning of spirits, the gift of wisdom, of knowledge and of prophecy, and other gifts that may be needed. If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections. If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which suffereth long and is kind. Am I an envious man? It is my duty to seek for charity, which envieth not. So with all the gifts of the gospel. They are intended for this purpose. No man ought to say, “Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.” He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them. If a man lack wisdom, it is his duty to ask God for wisdom. The same with everything else. That is the design of God concerning His Church. He wants His Saints to be perfected in the truth. For this purpose He gives these gifts and bestows them upon those who seek after them, in order that they may be a perfect people upon the face of the earth, notwithstanding their many weaknesses, because God has promised to give the gifts that are necessary for their perfection.”
