Prepared for Sabbath School Class on August 8.
Photograph by William Earnhardt
Key Text: “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:1, ESV).
Read in Class: 1 Corinthians 12:1-2, 27-31.
Study: What is Paul’s main emphasis, and why is the analogy of a body with its many parts appropriate to represent the church and its members?
Apply: How can we use our various gifts in unity, and why is that so important?
Share: Share some examples of how we are all equal but not the same. For a hint, see Equal Gift but not the Same Gifts.
Read in Class: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 4:8-11.
Study: What is the role of love as far as spiritual gifts are concerned?
Apply: 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?
Share: Someone asks, “How can someone give all they have to the poor, and even die for their beliefs and not have love?” What do you tell your friend?
Read in Class: 1 Corinthians 12:10, 20, 1 Corinthians 14:5, 13, 26-27.
Study: What particular instruction did Paul give concerning the gift of tongues?
Apply: Read 1 Corinthians 14:22. How can we use the ability to speak different languages to help spread the Gospel today? Does this passage also tell us to be careful how we use the spirit of prophecy with unbelievers?
Share: Your friend asks, how do we know that speaking in tongues means speaking in a language people can understand? What do you tell your friend? See Acts 2:7-8. See also Speaking in Tongues in the Bible.
Read in Class: Ephesians 4:11-13 and 1 Corinthians 14:3-4
Study: What do these passages say about the purpose of spiritual gifts in general and the gift of prophecy in particular?
Apply: Should we use the Spirit of Prophecy with unbelievers in the same way we use it with believers? Why is it so important that we understand the different roles the Spirit of Prophecy plays in the church and outside of the church?
Share: Share how the Spirit of Prophecy has helped you appreciate the Scriptures more and understand the love of God more clearly.
Mission: Can you affirm the spiritual gifts you see in others this week?
