Bible Study - Sabbath School Podcast

Epizode

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  Episode 2856 - Lesson 8 - Wednesday August 19 - The Resurrected Body 19.08.2026 11min

  The Resurrected BodyIn 1 Corinthians 15:35-39, Paul turns to a brief discourse on the resurrected body. He begins this section by positing two questions: " 'How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?' " (1 Cor. 15:35, NKJV). These questions are answered in 1 Corinthians 15:36-49.Read 1 Corinthians 15:36-41. How does this passage answer the questions in 1 Corinthians 15:35?Paul applies three analogies to help his readers understand what happens in the resurrection. The first analogy (1 Cor. 15:36-38) remarks that the body is like a seed that must first die (or cease to be a seed) in order to miraculously become a plant. The teaching is clear: resurrection is a miracle of God. Second, the analogy of the bodies (1 Cor. 15:39-40) highlights that, in this world, God provided different types of bodies for animals and for humans appropriate to the current environment. Likewise, our bodies will be suitable for the new circumstances in the heavenly world. This idea is taken a step further with the third analogy of a glorious body (1 Cor. 15:40-41), which emphasizes that the glory of the resurrected body enormously exceeds that of the body that came before, our earthly fallen ones.This idea can also be seen through four contrasts between our earthly body here and now, and the resurrected body. The former is terrestrial, perishable, weak, and natural. In turn, the latter is heavenly, imperishable, powerful, and spiritual (1 Cor. 15:40-44). This does not mean there is no continuity between the two. Paul's use of the Greek term sōma ("body") for both the buried body and the resurrected body shows continuity. Conversely, the four contrasts above also show discontinuity. Our new bodies (thank the Lord) will not be the same as the decaying ones we have now.Paul does not relate the term "spiritual" to an immaterial existence. Elsewhere, he says that Jesus "will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body" (Phil. 3:21, ESV). We will have real bodies, but they will not wear down or decay. Because all we know now is decay, sickness, and death, it's hard to imagine life without these things, but that is what we are promised in Jesus.How does the assurance that our bodies will be transformed into perfection help us be resilient regarding our physical limitations today?
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  Episode 2855 - Lesson 8 - Tuesday August 18 - Christ, the 🥝Firstfruit🍓s 18.08.2026 11min

  Christ, the FirstfruitsIf Jesus were not alive, any expectation about the future would be only delusion (1 Cor. 15:12-19). "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead" (1 Cor. 15:20, ESV). His resurrection is a historical event. Consequently, we can be sure that all who have died in Christ will be resurrected at His coming (1 Cor. 15:20-23).Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-23. What does it mean to say that Jesus is the "firstfruits"?The end of the present evil age will be marked by the bodily resurrection of those who died in Christ (1 Cor. 15:24; Rev. 20:5-6). As the last Adam, Christ will deliver the kingdom back to the Father by bringing the rulership of this world back to Him (1 Cor. 15:25-28). Christ's subjecting Himself to God (1 Cor. 15:28) must be understood in terms of how Adam and Christ are depicted in relationship to each other. As the ultimate Adam in the plan of redemption (1 Cor. 15:45), Jesus submits Himself entirely to the will of the Father, something that the first Adam failed to do.In 1 Corinthians 15:29-34, Paul resumes his thought about the foolishness of denying Christ's resurrection. He uses the illustration of baptism because it is itself a symbol of a believer's union with Christ in His death and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:12); it makes no sense to deny the reality of the resurrection. What is difficult to grasp, however, is what Paul meant by the expression "baptized for the dead" (1 Cor. 15:29)."Different suggestions have been offered, but it is better to interpret the expression as referring to the decision of some to be baptized so that they would be able to be reunited with dead loved ones at the resurrection. It could also be that the decision to be baptized was a response to the exemplary life of those who had died in Christ. This case would refer to people not being baptized in place of the dead but because of the dead."--Carl P. Cosaert, "1 Corinthians," Andrews Bible Commentary: New Testament (Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press, 2022), p. 1652.Second, risking death would be pointless if there were no resurrection (1 Cor. 15:30-32). It would be better, instead, to delight in the pleasures of this world (1 Cor. 15:32).Reflect on Paul's words in 2 Timothy 1:12. How could he be so sure about the future? How can we?
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  Episode 2854 - Lesson 8 - Monday August 17 - The Risen Christ, Our Only Hope! 17.08.2026 12min

  The Risen Christ, Our Only Hope!In 1 Corinthians 15:9-19, Paul explains how severe and dreadful the consequences of denying the resurrection are. Without the resurrection, believers have no hope in the present, much less in the future.Read 1 Corinthians 15:9-19. What do we lose if Christ has not been raised?By and large, ancient pagans did not believe in resurrection, especially in the Greek world, with its belief in body-soul dualism (at death the soul soars off to wherever the souls of the dead supposedly go). Paul begins the paragraph in 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 with a rhetorical question that shows his deep bewilderment: "What? How can some of you say that there is no such thing as the resurrection of the dead?" (1 Cor. 15:12, author's translation). For Paul, disbelieving in the resurrection is inconceivable, especially because there were so many eyewitnesses (1 Cor. 15:5-8). But even worse, without the resurrection, their hope is built on a lie, and they are still in their sins.He says, in fact, that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then (1) Christ has not been raised (1 Cor. 15:13, 16); (2) our preaching is empty (1 Cor. 15:14); (3) our faith is also empty (1 Cor. 15:14); (4) we are false witnesses (1 Cor. 15:15); (5) our faith is futile (1 Cor. 15:17); (6) we are still in our sins (1 Cor. 15:17); and, obviously, (7) those who have died are no more (1 Cor. 15:18).Without the resurrection, both preaching and faith are empty (1 Cor. 15:14). The Greek term rendering the word "empty" is kenos. This is a good translation, but it is too broad. Interpreters debate whether kenos means "empty" in the sense of lacking truth (so, "untrue") or lacking results (so, "without result or effect") or lacking purpose (so, "without purpose," "in vain").Whatever the specific meaning, in a scenario in which resurrection does not exist, faith is portrayed as futile, from the Greek mataios (1 Cor. 15:17). Although mataios is not much different from kenos, the idea is that if Jesus is not alive, faith is fruitless, a delusion, because our sins have not been forgiven (1 Cor. 15:17). We would be false witnesses, deceiving and being deceived (1 Cor. 15:15).How does one make sense of 1 Corinthians 15 if the dead soar off to heaven (or to hell) immediately? Why, then, is understanding that the dead sleep such an important teaching?
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  Episode 2853 - Lesson 8 - Sunday August 16 - Proclaiming the Resurrection of Christ 16.08.2026 15min

  Proclaiming the Resurrection of ChristPaul begins 1 Corinthians 15 by focusing on the gospel. He speaks about the gospel: (1) which he preached to the Corinthians; (2) which they received; (3) in which they stood; and (4) by which they were saved (1 Cor. 15:1-2, NKJV). This opening prepares the reader for what comes next in the chapter and shows how essential Christ's resurrection is for our salvation (see also Rom. 10:9-10). His resurrection is such a vital part of the gospel message that denying it contradicts one's faith in Christ.Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Luke 24:44-47, and Romans 1:1-4. What do these passages have in common?In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, one can find a summary of Paul's message. Whether the phrase "according to the Scriptures" refers to particular Old Testament passages or to the Old Testament as a whole doesn't matter. Jesus' death and resurrection fulfill God's promises found in the Old Testament.Read 1 Corinthians 15:2, 11. Why do these verses place the concepts of believing and preaching side by side? What is the relationship between the two?All who proclaim that Christ is risen must first believe that His resurrection is a historical event. In this case, 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 plays a critical role in the New Testament. This passage provides solid scriptural evidence that Christ was seen by numerous people after His resurrection, many of whom were still alive by the time Paul wrote the letter (1 Cor. 15:6).Basically, Paul is saying, Go ask them for yourselves what they saw. That is how confident he was in the reality of Christ's resurrection.These people were eyewitnesses. They were what Jesus said they would be, namely, "witnesses of these things" (Luke 24:48).What reasons do we have for believing in Christ's resurrection? Also, what other things, secular or sacred, do we believe even if we haven't seen them ourselves?
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  Episode 2852 - Lesson 8 - Saturday August 15 - The Power of Christ's Resurrection 15.08.2026 7min

  Read for This Week's Study: 1 Corinthians 15; Luke 24:44-47; Rev. 20:5-6; Col. 2:12; 2 Tim. 1:12; 1 Thess. 4:13-17Memory Text: "And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. . . . And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!" (1 Corinthians 15:14-17, NKJV).How fascinating that, even in his time, Paul had to deal with those who denied the resurrection of the dead. After all, people back then saw what death did to the human body. They knew how the corpse liquifies, then dries up into dust, and then becomes almost nothing. And they knew that people have been dead for a long time, too. In fact, most people have been dead a lot longer than they were alive.The resurrection of the dead seemed no more plausible to them back then than it does to us now, at least from a human standpoint. And that must have been an issue that Paul was addressing.And it was crucial, too. If Jesus is not risen, He is not who He said He was, the Cross had no effect, and our sins have not been paid for. Despair is really all we would have remaining. But our Lord is risen, ascended into heaven, and will return to take us home!This week we will focus on 1 Corinthians 15 and its teaching on the resurrection of Christ. Influenced by the surrounding pagan worldview, some in Corinth were saying that there is no resurrection. In response, Paul affirms the resurrection of Christ as our only hope of salvation.* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 22.
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  Episode 2851 - Lesson 7 - Friday August 14 - Further Thought 14.08.2026 9min

  Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, "The Need of Love," pp. 545, 546, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, August 28, 1888."No matter how high the profession, he whose heart is not filled with love for God and his fellow men is not a true disciple of Christ. Though he should possess great faith and have power even to work miracles, yet without love his faith would be worthless. He might display great liberality; but should he, from some other motive than genuine love, bestow all his goods to feed the poor, the act would not commend him to the favor of God. In his zeal he might even meet a martyr's death, yet if not actuated by love, he would be regarded by God as a deluded enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite."--Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 318, 319."We have an abundance of sermonizing. What is most needed ... is love for perishing souls, that love which comes in rich currents from the throne of God. True Christianity diffuses love through the whole being. It touches every vital part, the brain, the heart, the helping hands, the feet, enabling men to stand firmly where God requires them to stand, so that they will not make crooked paths for their feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. The burning, consuming love of Christ for perishing souls is the life of the whole system of Christianity."--Ellen G. White, Lift Him Up, p. 134."Only the love that flows from the heart of Christ can heal. Only he in whom that love flows, even as the sap in the tree or the blood in the body, can restore the wounded soul."--Ellen G. White, Education, p. 114.Discussion Questions:Do you think Paul's list of positive features of love is exhaustive? If not, what other elements would you add to the list?What do you think Paul meant by the command "Pursue love" (1 Cor. 14:1, NKJV)? What does this have to do with what he says in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7?Which characteristic of love do you most need to put into practice in your daily life? Which ones are more necessary in your local church? By the way, why does Paul compare love with such gifts as prophecy, tongues, and knowledge (1 Cor. 13:8)?Paul hints that love is the ultimate solution for the lack of unity among members in Corinth. Why? How does this apply to our churches today?
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  Episode 2850 - Lesson 7- Thursday August 13 - Faith, Hope, and Love ❤️ 13.08.2026 8min

  Faith, Hope, and LoveThus far, we have learned that love is patient, kind, joyful, resilient, believing, hopeful, and enduring (or perseverant) because Jesus is all these things. Once we see these qualities in Jesus, the next step is to imitate Him. That was Paul's wish for the Corinthians. However, if we remove the "not" in the eight negative features of love, "we get a pretty good description of the Corinthians' conduct within their church circle: envious, boasting, arrogant, rude, self-seeking, easily offended, and looking to see what others were doing wrong. Paul is tailoring the verbs he uses here to the Corinthian situation."--Verlyn D. Verbrugge, "1 Corinthians," in The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Romans--Galatians, revised edition (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008), p. 372.The Corinthians had much to learn. So do we. After describing what love does and does not do, Paul concludes his section by emphasizing the everlasting nature of love so as to stimulate the practice of genuine love.One day, prophecies will no longer be necessary; we will speak only one language; and flawed human knowledge will be replaced by a brand, new knowledge of God (1 Cor. 13:12). The gifts of the Spirit will cease only when the purpose for which they exist has reached its fulfillment (1 Cor. 13:10). "But love will last forever!" (1 Cor. 13:8, NLT).Likewise, when Christ returns, faith will give place to sight (2 Cor. 5:7), and that which we have long hoped for will be reality (Rom. 8:24). And, most of all, love will endure as an emblem of the character of our triune God. Yet, there is a sense in which faith and hope will also last forever. Faith as the experience of salvation (Rom. 4:3), and hope as the desire and expectation of new delights and knowledge in the new earth, will mark the experience of the redeemed forever. Yet love, God's love, will eternally prevail.Very soon, we will see our Lord face-to-face (1 Cor. 13:12). Until that day comes, we are supposed to define our lives with these three virtues: faith, hope, and love. This triad is representative of the fullness of Christian life through the Spirit. That is why it was often referred to among Christians (Rom. 5:1-5; Gal. 5:5-6; Eph. 1:15, 18; 4:1-5). Love, however, is the greatest; after all, it is the only virtue used to describe the very nature of God Himself (1 John 4:8).Dwell on the statement "God is love." How are we supposed to understand exactly what that means? And though we can grasp the idea only in part, why is that phrase such good news for us?
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  Episode 2849 - Lesson 7 - Wednesday August 12 - A Portrait of Jesus 12.08.2026 11min

  A Portrait of JesusAs we read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we may feel frustrated at realizing that, to a lesser or greater degree, we fall short of displaying all those features of love. Likely, Paul had the person of Jesus in mind when writing 1 Corinthians 13. Indeed, only Christ perfectly revealed all those characteristics of love. Thus, ultimately, Paul's portrayal of love is a portrait of Jesus.Read John 13:1, 34; John 15:9, 12; 1 Timothy 1:14; 2 Timothy 1:7, 13; 1 John 3:16; and 1 John 4:7-12, 19-21. What can we learn about love from these passages?God is love (1 John 4:8). He loves us so much that He gave His only Son (John 3:16). Jesus is the full expression of this love (Heb. 1:3). If we want to know how love expresses itself, we must take a long look at Jesus. If we pay close attention to the portrayal of Jesus in the New Testament, we will realize that all the positive features of love in 1 Corinthians 13 are seen in Him.Jesus is patient. "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience [makrothymia]" (1 Tim. 1:16, NIV).Jesus is kind. The Bible says that "the Lord is kind" (1 Pet. 2:3, LEB). The word "Lord" in this passage refers to Jesus. The term "kind" renders the Greek word chrēstos, which comes from the same root as the verb chrēsteuomai ("to show kindness") in 1 Corinthians 13:4.Jesus rejoices in the truth. Jesus experienced joy as He followed the will of the Father and felt His love for Him (John 15:9-11, John 17:12-14).Jesus bears/endures all things. Hebrews 12:2-3 says that Jesus "endured the cross. ... [He] endured such hostility from sinners against Himself" (NKJV). Nobody has endured so much as Jesus (Phil. 2:8). He did this for the joy set before Him!Jesus believes all things. When Ananias questioned the genuineness of Paul's conversion (Acts 9:13-14), Jesus answered, "He is a chosen instrument of mine" (Acts 9:15, ESV). Jesus sees people not only as they are but as they will become through His power.What are other ways that Jesus reveals to us what true love really is?
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  Episode 2848 - Lesson 7 - Tuesday August 11 - What Love Does Not Do 11.08.2026 11min

  What Love Does Not DoRead again 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Why does Paul mention negative rather than only positive characteristics of love?Yesterday, we focused on seven things love does; today, we will look into eight things it does not do. Love ...Does not envy (zeloō). Zeloō can be used positively as in "desire [zeloō] the higher gifts" (1 Cor. 12:31, ESV), "desire [zeloō] the spiritual gifts" (1 Cor. 14:1, ESV), and "desire [zeloō] to prophesy" (1 Cor. 14:39, ESV). Here, though, as in Acts 7:9, it is negative. It is OK to desire spiritual gifts, but not to envy gifted persons. This causes division (1 Cor. 3:3).Does not boast (perpereuomai). The verb perpereuomai conveys the idea of arrogance and desire for praise from others. Love, however, is not self-focused like that. This is even clearer in what follows.Does not puff up (physioō). The verb physioō occurs in 1 Corinthians 8:1 in Paul's remarkable statement, " 'Knowledge' puffs up, but love builds up" (ESV). It refers to a person inflated with self-importance.Does not behave rudely (aschēmoneo). The verb aschēmoneo may have an ample range of meanings. By and large, though, it means acting contrary to social and moral standards in a dishonorable, shameful, indecent, or improper manner. Likely, Paul is referring to the arrogant and rude behavior of the "strong" party toward the "weak" members in Corinth (1 Cor. 4:10, 1 Corinthians 8).Does not seek (zēteo) its own [rights]. This is similar to what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:24: "No one is to seek his own right, but rather that of others" (author's translation). Love gives up its own rights for the sake of others (see Lesson 5). In a setting in which everyone seeks each other's rights, all benefit.Does not get easily irritated (paroxynō). The verb paroxynō suggests an inward state of arousal pointing to someone easily provoked to anger. This means that love is not short-tempered or touchy.Does not keep records (logizomai) of wrongs. The verb logizomai has an accounting sense here, meaning that love does not take one's wrongs into account. In other words, love also means to forgive.Does not delight (chairō) in wrongdoing. Love not only keeps no record of someone else's wrongs but takes no pleasure in them. When we truly love others, we do not rejoice at their mistakes but, instead, seek to help them.
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  Episode 2847 Lesson 7 - Monday August 10 - What Love does 10.08.2026 14min

  What Love DoesFirst Corinthians 13:4-7 is the heart of the chapter. Paul focuses on the features of love--showing what love is and what it is not, or what love does and does not do. He personifies love so that we can have a glimpse of how a person filled with Spirit-driven love behaves. In his portrayal of love, Paul uses a series of verbs. For him, love is more about actions than about feelings or emotions.What, then, does love do?Shows patience (makrothymeō). Makrothymeō means to show patience, even amid challenging circumstances. Patience also highlights the ability to be forbearing with one another (Eph. 4:2).Shows kindness (chrēsteuomai). Chrēsteuomai occurs only here in the New Testament, but other words from the same root are common elsewhere. In the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament), words from this root occur frequently in the Psalms to refer to God's kindness associated with His mercy (Ps. 145:9). By saying that love shows kindness, Paul meant that one's love for others must emulate God's compassion and mercy toward us.Rejoices (synchairō) in the truth. Synchairō denotes the ability to experience joy alongside another person (Luke 1:58; Luke 15:6, 9; 1 Cor. 12:26; Phil. 2:17-18).Bears (stegō) all things. Scholars debate whether stegō means "to cover," namely, to keep something confidential (which also has a sense of protection), or "to endure," with a sense of resilience. The concept of endurance clearly occurs in 1 Corinthians 9:12, leading most interpreters and Bible translators to take the second option as more likely.Believes (pisteuō) all things. Pisteuō comes from the same root as the Greek term for faith (pistis). In the context of 1 Corinthians 13, believing all things means giving one another the benefit of the doubt.Hopes (elpizō) all things. In the New Testament, the verb elpizō always refers to the belief or expectation that something good will occur.Endures (hypomenō) all things. Likely, there is no difference between the verbs stegō and hypomenō in 1 Corinthians 13:7. They are synonyms, meaning here endurance amid hardship. Paul uses hypomenō at the end of the verse to avoid the repetition of stegō. By repeating the same concept even with a different word, he draws attention to believing and hoping as the focal point. In other words, love endures by believing and hoping.Compare 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 to Galatians 5:22-23. What ideas in common do you see between the two passages? How can we manifest this kind of love in our own lives?
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  Episode 2846 -Lesson 7 - Sunday August 9 - The Essentialness of Love 09.08.2026 13min

  The Essentialness of LoveLast week we touched on the theme of love, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13. We need to explore Paul's words here in even more depth.Read 1 Corinthians 13. Summarize what he is telling us about love.Paul is not saying that tongues (1 Cor. 13:1), prophecy, understanding, knowledge, faith (1 Cor. 13:2), and benevolence (1 Cor. 13:3) are useless. They are useless only if not driven by love.The kind of love Paul is talking about is not expressed in such sentences as "I love strawberries" or "I love my friends" or even "I love my spouse and children." Neither is he talking about the kind of love that one sees in movies. And no, it is not erotic love, although this passage has been commonly used in wedding sermons.This love cannot be reduced to affection, or charity, or virtue, or benevolence. Yet, they all represent it to a lesser or greater degree. This love is a special grace bestowed upon us by the Spirit. Indeed, love in 1 Corinthians 13 is the Spirit-given motivation that leads us to act with affection, charity, virtue, and benevolence. It is a total commitment of our actions, feelings, and thoughts toward Christ and our neighbors.Read Matthew 24:12. What warning does Jesus give us here?That is why agapē love is so essential and necessary. In the power of Christ, we cannot let love grow cold in our homes, churches, and neighborhoods. We have the example of Christ on the cross, dying for us. What better and more powerful expression of this kind of love could there be? Though of course we could never equally express that kind of love, by God's grace we should strive to reveal it in our own lives to whatever degree we can.What are some times when, indeed, an expression of this kind of love could have made a powerfully positive impression on someone who needed this love more than anything else?
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  Episode 2845 - Lesson 7 - Saturday - August 08 - A Portrait of Love 08.08.2026 9min

  Sabbath AfternoonRead for This Week's Study: 1 Corinthians 13; Matt. 24:12; Gal. 5:22-23; 1 Tim. 1:14; 1 John 4:8Memory Text: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV).Love can conquer all. That's why Paul had so much to say about it. The word family of agapaō--the most common Greek word in the New Testament to express the concept of love--occurs more than 135 times in his letters. This represents almost half of all occurrences in the New Testament. This should tell us something about the central theme of Paul's letters to the Corinthian church.There are many remarkable passages about love in the New Testament--such as Romans 8:35-39, 1 Corinthians 2:9, 1 Corinthians 8:3, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 1:13, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, and more.But nothing compares to 1 Corinthians 13.Last week, we saw that without love, all things, even spiritual gifts, are worthless. This week, we will look more deeply into 1 Corinthians 13 and its marvelous portrait of love.As we will see, love is not so much an emotion as an attitude, an attitude that must be expressed in the life, in deeds, and in words; otherwise, it means nothing.What love really is, and does, has been fully revealed in the life of Jesus.* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 15.
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  Episode 2844 - Lesson 6 - Friday - TGIF🎉 - August 7 - Further Thought 💭 07.08.2026 7min

  Further Thought: Read Roswell F. Cottrell, "Spiritual Gifts," pp. 5-16, in Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1."Let men go forth to labor, trusting in the Lord, and He will go with them, convicting and converting souls. One worker may be a ready speaker, another a ready writer, another may have the gift of sincere, earnest, fervent prayer, another the gift of singing. Another may have special power to explain the word of God with clearness. And each gift is to become a power for God because He co-operates with the worker. To one God gives the word of wisdom, to another knowledge, to another faith. But all are to work under the same head. The diversity of gifts leads to a diversity of operations, 'but it is the same God which worketh all in all' (1 Cor. 12:6)."Let no man despise the supposed lesser gifts. Let all go to work. Let no one fold his hands in unbelief because he thinks that he can do no mighty work. Cease looking at self. Look to your Leader. In meekness, sincerity, and love do what you can."--Ellen G. White, in The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, April 12, 1906."We each need the help we can receive from other minds. God will work in other minds than ours. The various gifts given to different ones are to blend for the 'perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ' (Eph. 4:12). . . ."There will always be obstacles before us, but we are to follow our Leader, and meet our difficulties unitedly, hand in hand."--Ellen G. White, The Upward Look, p. 141.Think a bit more about the gift of prophecy. Why is prophecy more important than tongues if they are not interpreted? If necessary, read 1 Corinthians 14 again in order to recap Paul's arguments.In class, talk about the life and ministry of Ellen G. White and why we, as a church, believe that she did indeed manifest the gift of prophecy. What great blessings come to the church from this gift? What also are the challenges in knowing how best to use this gift?Think of three to five people who genuinely love you. How do you know their love for you is true? What does this tell you about why Paul spoke so much about love in his discussion on spiritual gifts?However important love is, why must that not be the only criterion in judging whether or not someone is speaking truth and is worthy of being listened to?Discussion Questions:
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  Episode 2843 - Lesson 6 - Thursday August 06 - The Gift of Prophecy 06.08.2026 16min

  The Gift of ProphecyThe gift of prophecy occupies a prominent place in Paul's discussion on spiritual gifts. Interestingly, the gift of prophecy is usually mentioned before the gift of tongues (1 Cor. 12:10, 28; 1 Cor. 13:8). When the gift of tongues is mentioned first, this is only to emphasize its relative unimportance compared to the gift of prophecy (1 Cor. 14:4-5, 6, 22).Read Ephesians 4:11-13, and 1 Corinthians 14:3-4. What do these passages say about the purpose of spiritual gifts in general and the gift of prophecy in particular?The gift of prophecy is meant to provide edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3; compare with Acts 15:32). This suggests that prophecy is not so much about predicting the future as it is about how to live in the present. The Greek verb prophēteuō can mean either "to say something in advance" or "to say something on behalf of someone else." For instance, the first sense is seen in Acts 2:29-31 (compare with Amos 3:7), where the idea that David is a prophet is explained as "foreseeing." The second sense is seen in Acts 15:32, where Judas and Silas are identified as prophets. Their "prophecy," however, consisted in encouraging and strengthening "the brothers with many words" (ESV).From Ephesians 4:11-13, we learn that the spiritual gifts did not cease in the apostolic era. They should remain until the end (Acts 2:39). However, if someone claims to be a prophet, he/she must be evaluated based on the Scriptures. Broadly speaking, four rules should be satisfied. First, the unconditional prophecies always come true (Deut. 18:22; Jer. 28:8-9). Second, the message agrees with that of previous prophets (Deut. 13:1-3, Isa. 8:20). Third, the daily life demonstrates a commitment to Christ (1 John 4:1-3). Fourth, Jesus said false prophets would be known by their fruits (Matt. 7:15-20). This is also true concerning true prophets.The book of Revelation indicates that the gift of prophecy is a distinctive characteristic of the remnant church (Rev. 12:17, Rev. 19:10). As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe that the gift of prophecy was bestowed upon Ellen G. White and is reflected in her writings.
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  Episode 2842 - Lesson 6 - Wednesday August 05 - The Gift of Tongues 05.08.2026 18min

  The Gift of TonguesWhat about the gift of tongues? In line with the manifestation of the gift elsewhere in the Bible (Mark 16:17, Acts 2:1-13, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:6), the gift of tongues in 1 Corinthians is most likely the Spirit-granted ability to speak in foreign languages.Paul mentions the gift of tongues in the list of gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (see also 1 Cor. 12:28, 30; 1 Cor. 13:1, 8). However, he refers to it repeatedly in 1 Corinthians 14. Indeed, the Greek word glōssa ("tongue") appears more than twenty times in 1 Corinthians 12-14, with fifteen occurrences in 1 Corinthians 14 alone. Besides these, the Greek word heteroglōssos ("another tongue") also occurs, in 1 Corinthians 14:21. This high number of references to the gift of tongues suggests that this matter is of particular concern for Paul. The misuse and abuse of this gift by the church in Corinth caused disorder and confusion in public worship (1 Cor. 14:23, 27, 33, 40).Read 1 Corinthians 14:5, 13, 26, 27, and 1 Corinthians 12:10, 30. What particular instruction did Paul give concerning the gift of tongues?The reason the gift of speaking in tongues must go hand in hand with that of interpreting them is that tongues must be intelligible (1 Cor. 14:9); otherwise, there is no benefit in using the gift (1 Cor. 14:6). This explains why Paul put so much emphasis on interpretation and understanding. Obviously, he is criticizing not the gift of tongues itself, but, as we will see tomorrow, the excessive prominence the Corinthians attributed to it, which led to the neglect of the gift of prophecy.At this point, it is important to notice that although Paul desired that all the Corinthians could speak foreign languages (1 Cor. 14:5), he did not expect that to happen (1 Cor. 12:10). Thus, the thought that "all must speak in tongues before claiming baptism in the Holy Spirit is a perversion of Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14."--Raoul Dederen, Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology, electronic ed., vol. 12 of Commentary Reference Series (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 2001), p. 620.Are there people in your church who speak other languages? How can they use this ability to reach other people for Christ? How can this fact help us understand the true nature of tongues that Paul is addressing?
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  Episode 2841 - Lesson 6 - Tuesday August 04 - "A More Excellent Way" 04.08.2026 7min

  "A More Excellent Way""Love is not one gift among many. It is the means through which all of the gifts reach their ultimate purpose."--Carl P. Cosaert, "1 Corinthians," Andrews Bible Commentary: New Testament (Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press, 2022), p. 1643.Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, and 1 Peter 4:8-11. What is the role of love as far as spiritual gifts are concerned?First Corinthians 13 teaches that only through love can the spiritual gifts be used appropriately. Paul begins 1 Corinthians 13 by alluding to gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12, only to stress their lack of value if not driven by love. Thus, knowledge (1 Cor. 12:8) and faith (1 Cor. 12:9), even a faith "so as to remove mountains" (1 Cor. 13:2, ESV), are nothing without love (1 Cor. 13:2). Without love, the ability to speak in tongues (1 Cor. 12:10, 28, 30) is reduced merely to "a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal" (1 Cor. 13:1, NIV). Likewise, even the important gift of prophecy is nothing without love (1 Cor. 13:2).In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul focuses on what love is and what it is not; more particularly, what love does and what it does not do. The verbs he chose to characterize love indicate that love is not so much something that we feel as it is something that we practice. Thus, Paul mentions that love (1) shows patience; (2) shows kindness; (3) rejoices in the truth; (4) bears all things; (5) believes all things; (6) hopes all things; and (7) endures all things. Conversely, love (1) does not envy; (2) does not boast; (3) does not inflate with arrogance; (4) does not behave rudely; (5) does not seek its own [rights]; (6) does not get easily irritated; (7) does not keep record of wrongs; and (8) does not delight in wrongdoing.This total of 15 verbs provides solid guidance for appropriate behavior in the practice of gifts. Notably, this discussion on the true nature of love lies precisely between 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, where Paul deals with the conflict regarding spiritual gifts. Indeed, love is the key to the wise use of spiritual gifts. Love is also placed side by side with faith and hope, "but the greatest of these is love" (1 Cor. 13:13, NKJV).Why is love so central to our faith? What better way to experience the reality of God's love than by prayerfully seeking to reflect that love to others?
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  Episode 2840 - Lesson 6 - Monday August 03 - Unity through Diversity 03.08.2026 15min

  Unity Through DiversityThe language of oneness introduced in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ("the same Spirit," "the same Lord," and "the same God") is developed in the rest of 1 Corinthians 12. This is evidenced by Paul's use of phrases such as "one and the same Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:11, NKJV), "the body is one" (1 Cor. 12:12), "one body" (1 Cor. 12:12-13, 20), "one Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:13 [two times]), and "the same care for one another" (1 Cor. 12:25, NKJV).Alongside the concept of unity, Paul highlights the diversity of members in the body of Christ through such expressions as "many members" (1 Cor. 12:12, 20), "we were all baptized" (1 Cor. 12:13, NKJV), "not one member but many" (1 Cor. 12:14, NKJV), "the whole body" (1 Cor. 12:17), "each one of them" (1 Cor. 12:18, NKJV), "members of the body" (1 Cor. 12:22-23), and "all the members" (1 Cor. 12:26). This emphasis on both unity and diversity indicates that spiritual gifts aim to promote unity through diversity.This unity amid diversity must reflect the character of God. The Father is one person, the Son is another person, and the Holy Spirit another. The three maintain their individualities while working together to edify the church and empower it for mission (1 Cor. 12:4-6, Eph. 4:11-13).Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. Why is the analogy of a body with its many parts appropriate to represent the church and its members?One central thought in 1 Corinthians 12 is that although the body's members are individually so different from one another (1 Cor. 12:15-20), they are all dependent on each other (1 Cor. 12:21-26). The feet depend on the eyes to see where they must walk; in turn, the eyes can't touch anything--only the hands can. Also, the idea that some members are weaker (1 Cor. 12:22) or less honorable (1 Cor. 12:23) than others is only an impression, for all are necessary (1 Cor. 12:22).Unfortunately, there was a tendency among the Corinthians to value some gifts to the neglect of others. To rectify this mistake, Paul called their attention to love, which is "a more excellent way" (1 Cor. 12:31, NKJV). In other words, no matter what the gift is, if practiced wisely and with love, it is pleasant to God.See the lists of gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28; Romans 12:6-8; and Ephesians 4:11. What is your gift? How can you use it to edify the body of Christ?
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  Episode 2839 - Lesson 6 - Sunday August 02 - Varieties of Gifts 🎁 02.08.2026 11min

  Varieties of GiftsPaul introduces a new topic in 1 Corinthians 12:1, with the formula "now concerning." Scholars discuss whether he is talking about "spiritual gifts" or "spiritual people" because the Greek phrase tōn pneumatikōn allows both interpretations. "Spiritual gifts" is preferable in light of 1 Corinthians 12:4, where Paul clearly refers to spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12:2-3, Paul points out that the Spirit's first gift is the bold confession that Jesus is Lord. In New Testament times, to say that Jesus is Lord is to say that Caesar is not (Acts 17:7; also John 19:12, 15). This was seen as sedition against the imperial power and, hence, was punishable by death.Jesus and Paul emphasized that faith in God--even in the face of persecution and the threat of death--is a gift of the Spirit. Actually, faith is the most basic gift. Not surprisingly, faith is first on the list in 1 Corinthians 13:13. That faith is a spiritual gift is clear by Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 12:9. However, there are many other gifts. The fact that the Holy Spirit distributes the different types of gifts "to each one individually as He wills" (1 Cor. 12:11, NKJV) proves that all of them are necessary.Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-6. What is the emphasis of this passage?The repetition of "varieties" emphasizes the multiplicity of gifts. What Paul names as "spiritual gifts" in 1 Corinthians 12:1 is developed in verses 4-6, through three different angles: "gifts" (charisma), "services" or "ministries" (diakonia), and "activities" (energēma). Although these words mean different things, it is important not to draw a fine distinction between them because of the parallelism of the passage. One should also notice that the spiritual gifts are designed to promote unity based on the triune character of God (see also Eph. 4:8-11). While the Spirit grants gifts to believers, it is God who empowers them to serve Christ in the community of believers (1 Cor. 12:5-6). Each believer is granted gifts individually (1 Cor. 12:11), but they all are to benefit the community of believers as a whole.Notice again Paul's emphasis on unity. Why is this so important to the church?
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  Episode 2838 - Lesson 6 - Saturday August 1 - Spiritual Gifts 🕊️🎁 01.08.2026 8min

  Read for This Week's Study: 1 Corinthians 12, Eph. 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Pet. 4:8-11, 1 Cor. 14:27, Amos 3:7Memory Text: "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy" (1 Corinthians 14:1, ESV).Like a human body, the church is one but has many members, each with different roles, functions, and gifts. Practiced with love, these spiritual gifts promote a sense of unity that reflects the character of the triune God.This week we will survey 1 Corinthians 12-14 and its teaching on spiritual gifts. This section is part of a slightly larger unit, where Paul deals with the expected Christian behavior in religious settings (1 Corinthians 11-14). Paul's primary concern has to do with the problem of disorderly gatherings. His answer to this problem is that the church is a body whose parts have different functions that contribute to "the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:12, NKJV). In short, God gave the church spiritual gifts in order to promote unity through diversity.Certainly, Paul still has in mind the factionalism problem addressed in the first four chapters of 1 Corinthians, where the answer to the lack of agreement among church members is unity in Christ. Now, he develops that idea by presenting his understanding of the role of spiritual gifts. According to Paul, unity in Christ and the Spirit is the only means of avoiding schisms.* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 8.
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  Episode 2837 - Lesson 5 - Friday - TGIF - July 31 - Further Thought 31.07.2026 9min

  Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, "Idolatry at Sinai," pp. 315-330, in Patriarchs and Prophets."How much good might be done if we would make a right use of our associations with one another! Every one who has received of the heavenly benefits is under obligation to shed some light on the pathway of others. . . . Then all those who truly love God will cease their idolatry of self."--Ellen G. White, in The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, November 18, 1884, p. 730."Paul urged his brethren to ask themselves what influence their words and deeds would have upon others and to do nothing, however innocent in itself, that would seem to sanction idolatry or offend the scruples of those who might be weak in the faith. 'Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. . . .'"The apostle's words of warning to the Corinthian church are applicable to all time and are especially adapted to our day. By idolatry he meant not only the worship of idols, but self-serving, love of ease, the gratification of appetite and passion."--Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 316, 317."If you see that by doing certain things which you have a perfect right to do, you hinder the advancement of God's work, refrain from doing those things. Do nothing that will close the minds of others against the truth. . . . All things may be lawful, but all things are not expedient."--Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 215.Discussion Questions:According to Paul, the behavior of a mature Christian can sometimes inhibit the growth of an immature Christian. Think of situations in which this may happen. Why is the principle of loving God above all, and the other as oneself, the only way to deal with this challenge?What are some idols that even Christians can end up worshiping, if not careful? What are some even good things that we can turn into idols? Also, how do you know if something that you care greatly about has become an idol?Paul says he disciplined his body and brought it into subjection so he would not become disqualified when preaching the gospel (1 Cor. 9:27). Based on this week's study, think about what can disqualify a person as a preacher of the gospel.In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul addresses the dangers of idolatry and says, "Flee from idolatry" (1 Cor. 10:14). Why is idolatry so bad?