Closer To Heaven
|
|
|
SANTIAGO, CHILE — The Children’s and Adolescent Ministries Department of the Chile Union Mission has launched a new initiative to help 100 Seventh-day Adventist churches across the country create or refurbish Sabbath School classrooms designed specifically for children and adolescents. Known as “Spaces With Purpose,” the project aims to transform existing rooms adjacent to church […] Source: https://atoday.org/chile-union-launches-spaces-with-purpose-project-for-children-and-teens/
Nel Vangelo di Matteo, Gesù dice ai suoi discepoli: «Voi siete la luce del mondo». Non sottovalutare ciò che hai vissuto: la tua esperienza potrebbe diventare speranza per qualcun altro. 🕯️ Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CRCTWhQgTCI
Introduction: Recently, a member of my church asked me, “Who chose you to teach the Sabbath School class?” It was a good question. I thought back to when I was in law school and my local church asked me to teach a class. 
In every subsequent church, someone in authority asked me to teach. At the same time, no one ever asked me to sing. Just the opposite. The academy teacher who invited me to join the choir disinvited me shortly thereafter. Do you know church members who insist on having a certain role in the church? Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:31 to “earnestly desire the higher gifts.” How should leaders and workers in the church be selected? Does it turn on our understanding of spiritual gifts? Does it turn on our goals? Let’s once again turn to our Bibles and see what we can learn!
I. Holy Spirit Speech
A. Read 1 Corinthians 12:1. What is Paul’s goal for this part of his letter to the Corinthians? (He is going to teach them about spiritual gifts.)
B. Read 1 Corinthians 12:2. Do idols speak? (Paul calls them “mute.” They say nothing.)
1. What contrast is Paul drawing between their former worship and the work of the Holy Spirit? (Their former idols were mute, but the living God speaks and reveals truth through His Spirit.
C. Read 1 Corinthians 12:3. Does the Holy Spirit speak? (Yes, through the members.)
1. It seems odd that the only time a person can say “Jesus is Lord” is through the power of the Holy Spirit. Is that what you think Paul is saying? (I don’t think Paul is thinking simply about the phrase; rather, he is writing about speaking with conviction. It is the convicting power of the Holy Spirit that enables a person sincerely to confess that Jesus is Lord.)
2. Paul writes about those who say “Jesus is accursed.” Who would think that the Holy Spirit would inspire such a statement? The obvious answer is “No one.” If Paul is not stating the obvious, what is he teaching us here? (He is warning about those who claim to be speaking for God, but whose message attacks Jesus.)
3. What overall conclusion would you reach from verse three? (You have clues about whether the Holy Spirit inspires a Christian’s speech by paying attention to what the Christian says.)
II. Holy Spirit Gifts
A. Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. How else does the Holy Spirit manifest Himself through Christians? (Through gifts, service, and activities.)
1. Is everyone expected to have the same gift, engage in the same service, or perform the same activity? (No.)
a. Why do you think Paul makes this point about the differences in what Christians are saying or doing in the church?
B. Look again at 1 Corinthians 12:4–7. What do all these differing manifestations have in common? (They come from the same God and are given for the common good.)
1. Does the lesson of 1 Corinthians 12:3 apply here? (If what is being said or done promotes the “common good,” then it is likely powered by the Holy Spirit.)
C. Read Matthew 6:1 and Matthew 6:5. Have you seen church members engage in this kind of behavior?
1. How does Paul’s statement about the “common good” fit here? (If the gift, service, or activity in the church seems primarily to exalt the person providing it, then that is not a “common good” practice inspired by the Holy Spirit.)
D. Read 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. I count Paul mentioning nine different gifts. How many do you count? How many of those gifts are exhibited in your local church? Less than 50%?
E. Read 1 Corinthians 12:11. Who chooses which gifts, service, or activity a member provides to the church for the common good? (The Holy Spirit.)
1. Paul writes of many gifts, but One Spirit. What does that teach us about division in the church?
III. The Body of Christ
A. Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-13. How does Paul deal with diversity? (He says that those of very different backgrounds are to act as “one body.”)
1. Is the goal diversity? Or is the goal one body? (Diversity is a state of being; it is not a goal.)
B. Decades ago, I began seeing in worldly educational materials a push for diversity. The goal was to highlight the differences among people. The goal was not to focus on unity. Can you think of a Bible story that highlights differences in people?
C. Read Genesis 11:5-8. What does the Bible teach us about diversity as a goal? (When the people are one, including one in language, nothing is impossible according to God. In this account, God created diversity in language and location to make progress more difficult.)
1. What is the lesson for our church today? (The goal must be unity and not diversity in the body of Christ. One Spirit is the goal.)
IV. Coveting in the Body of Christ
A. Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-18. Have you experienced church members who are like this? They say that unless they have a specific position in the church, they will leave the church.
B. Read 1 Corinthians 12:19-21. Paul explains the practical problem with the attitude of demanding a certain office. Is there also a sin problem with that attitude? What about coveting?
1. Who ultimately determines each member’s place and function in the body of Christ? (God.)
2. If you hold a position in the church, how did you come to hold it?
C. Read 1 Corinthians 12:22-24. What answer does Paul give to those who covet the “higher” positions? (The church should fix this by especially honoring those who hold less honorable positions.)
D. Read 1 Corinthians 12:27-31. Paul ranks the spiritual gifts, which would seem to add to the problem of coveting a higher gift. What does Paul say about wanting a higher gift? (He says we should “earnestly desire the higher gifts.”)
1. Does that mean that any suggestion about covetousness is wrong? (No. Paul commends the desire for gifts that build up the church; he does not commend jealously demanding an office, title, or status for yourself.)
V. Tongues
A. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1. This chapter is about love, but we are going to hold that discussion until next week. What is Paul indirectly saying about the gift of tongues? (He calls it “noisy.”)
1. Paul writes about the “tongues of men and of angels.” What are the tongues of angels?
B. Look again at 1 Corinthians 12:10 and the reference to the gift of tongues. Does this sound like Acts 2 where foreign languages were involved?
C. Read 1 Corinthians 14:27-28. Does this sound like Paul is writing about foreign languages?
D. Read 1 Corinthians 14:2. Does this sound like Paul is writing about a foreign language?
1. I asked these questions about tongues because I think it very unlikely it involves only speaking in foreign languages. At a large meeting the speaker and his helpers offered to “lay hands” on anyone who came forward to give them the power of the Holy Spirit. What they really meant was to give the gift of tongues. I’m looking for all available gifts of the Holy Spirit, so I walked up and a helper laid hands on me. And nothing happened. Why not? (The Holy Spirit chose not to share that gift with me. That might be a good thing in that I’m a member of a non-charismatic church.)
E. Read again 1 Corinthians 14:2. Although I was not given the gift of tongues, I am still concerned about missing something important. What is the tongue that “speaks not to men but to God?” What are the tongues of angels (1 Corinthians 13:1)? (I believe the tongue that speaks to God, the tongue of angels, is something used in private prayer.)
1. What do you think? Have you experienced this?
F. Friend, everyone likes gifts. Why not determine, right now, to ask God to make known to you which spiritual gift or gifts God has given you? My challenge to you is to use your gifts to advance the common good rather than your own interests.
VI. Next week: A Portrait of Love.
Copr. 2026, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. If you normally receive this lesson by e-mail, but it is lost one week, you can find it by clicking on this link: http://www.GoBible.org. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you study.
The Biblical Person of the Day
Melchizedek – The King of Peace and Priest of the Most High
Profile
Short StoryMelchizedek appears only briefly in the Bible, yet his significance is extraordinarily great. He meets Abram after Abram’s victory over the kings, when Abram had rescued his nephew Lot.
When Abram returned, Melchizedek came out to meet him. He brought bread and wine and blessed Abram in the name of God Most High, the Creator of heaven and earth.
Melchizedek was not only king of Salem, but also a priest of God. In this way, he united royal dignity and priestly ministry in one person.
Abram recognized the spiritual significance of this man and gave him a tenth of everything. In doing so, Abram showed that Melchizedek held a special position before God.
His name means “King of Righteousness,” and as king of Salem he is also associated with peace. Melchizedek therefore represents righteousness, peace, blessing, and priestly ministry.
Later, Melchizedek is mentioned in the Psalms and interpreted in the New Testament as an important type of Christ.
His story shows that long before the Levitical priesthood, God already had a priest who pointed toward a greater and eternal reality.
The Decisive MomentMelchizedek meets Abram, brings bread and wine, blesses him, and thereby becomes a mysterious pointer to the later priesthood of Christ.
7 Special Facts About Melchizedek
Strengths & Weaknesses
righteous
peaceful
priestly
recognized by Abram
very little is known about his personal life
his identity remains mysterious and is described only briefly
The Failure That Shaped HimThe Bible reports no personal failure of Melchizedek.
His life is primarily characterized by blessing, righteousness, peace, and his priestly significance.
Key Verse“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High.” (Genesis 14:18)
The Life LessonTrue spiritual greatness is revealed not in personal glory, but in blessing others in God’s name and pointing them toward God’s rule.
Application for TodaySeek a life that unites righteousness and peace. Be a person through whom others can experience God’s blessing, encouragement, and nearness.
Question for YouWhere can you be a person of peace today and strengthen others in God’s name?
ContextMelchizedek meets Abram after Abram’s victory over the kings and the rescue of Lot. His brief appearance comes near the beginning of biblical salvation history and points far beyond his own time.
ConnectionMelchizedek is connected with Abram, Salem, the tithe, and the later biblical understanding of Christ’s eternal priesthood.
Melchizedek shows that God’s work is greater than human systems. As king and priest, he becomes a sign of righteousness, peace, and a blessing that points to Christ.
Until tomorrow, with the next biblical person!
The Life Story The Life Story of Melchizedek – King of Righteousness and Priest of the Most High 
A Mysterious FigureMelchizedek is one of the most mysterious people in the Bible. He enters the story suddenly, without any detailed description of his origin, family, or life journey.
It is precisely this brevity that makes his appearance so striking. He does not come with a long biography, but with profound spiritual significance.
His name and ministry point to something greater. Melchizedek stands like a ray of light in the early history of Abraham and shows that God has his servants even where people do not expect them.
Abram Returns from VictoryThe encounter with Melchizedek takes place after a serious conflict. Abram had learned that his nephew Lot had been taken captive, and he went out to rescue him.
With his men, Abram pursued the enemies, defeated them, and brought back Lot together with the stolen possessions.
After this victory, Abram could easily have become the center of attention. Yet at this very moment, Melchizedek appears and directs attention toward God Most High.
Bread and WineMelchizedek came out to meet Abram and brought bread and wine. These gifts were signs of refreshment, hospitality, and peace.
After battle, danger, and exertion, Abram was met not first by another demand, but by an act of blessing and provision.
The bread and wine make this encounter especially meaningful. They remind us that God not only calls his people into conflict, but also strengthens them and gives them peace.
King of SalemMelchizedek was king of Salem. The name Salem is associated with peace, and Jerusalem is later connected with this place.
As king, Melchizedek represents order, dignity, and authority. Yet his rule is not described through violence or pride, but through blessing.
He appears not as a conqueror, but as a king of peace who meets Abram in the name of God.
Priest of God Most HighMelchizedek was not only a king, but also a priest of God Most High. This is remarkable because the Levitical priesthood did not yet exist at that time.
His ministry shows that even before Israel and before the sanctuary service, God had people who knew him and served him.
Melchizedek blessed Abram and spoke of God as the Creator of heaven and earth. In doing so, he made clear that Abram’s victory had not come through his own strength, but had been given by God.
The Blessing upon AbramMelchizedek blessed Abram with words that emphasized God’s greatness and faithfulness. He did not merely speak good things over Abram, but led him toward the worship of the Most High.
He declared that God had delivered Abram’s enemies into his hand. Abram’s success was therefore interpreted correctly: not human strategy, but God’s help stood at the center.
In this way, Melchizedek became a man who did not allow victory to remain attached to human glory, but gave the honor to God.
The TitheAbram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything. This action shows that Abram recognized Melchizedek’s priestly position.
The tithe here was not an external obligation from the law of Moses, because that law had not yet been given. It was a voluntary acknowledgment of God and his authority.
This makes one thing clear: True gratitude recognizes that everything comes from God and honors him also through what one possesses.
A Reference in the PsalmsAfter this encounter, Melchizedek disappears from the narrative, but his name is mentioned again later. The Psalms speak of a priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
This gives his figure prophetic significance. His priesthood is not described as an ordinary succession of office, but as a pointer to a greater and enduring order.
Melchizedek therefore becomes a bridge between the early history of Abraham and the later hope of the Messiah.
A Type of ChristIn the New Testament, Melchizedek is interpreted especially in the book of Hebrews. There it is shown that Christ is not a priest according to the order of Aaron, but according to the order of Melchizedek.
This means that Jesus’ priesthood is greater, more comprehensive, and not bound by the limitations of the Levitical service.
Melchizedek himself remains a human figure from early biblical history, yet his person prophetically points to Christ, the true King of Righteousness and Peace.
The Lasting Message of His LifeMelchizedek shows that God brings together righteousness, peace, and priestly blessing. His brief encounter with Abram makes clear that God’s rule is connected not only with power, but also with blessing.
His story reminds us that spiritual authority does not need to be loud. Sometimes a brief encounter is enough when it is filled with God’s truth, peace, and blessing.
Concluding ThoughtMelchizedek appears only briefly, yet his name remains significant throughout the Bible. He blesses Abram, receives the tithe, and points toward a greater Priest.
As king of Salem and priest of God Most High, he unites peace, righteousness, and worship in one person.
His life story shows: Where God’s righteousness and peace come together, a blessing arises that points far beyond the present moment.
FIRST AND SECOND CORINTHIANS
Lesson 6: Spiritual Gifts
6.3 “A More Excellent Way”
Love as the Heart and Standard of All Spiritual Gifts
1. IntroductionIn the midst of the discussion about spiritual gifts, Paul directs the church in Corinth toward a higher standard: love. The Corinthians were impressed by spectacular gifts, but Paul shows that even the greatest gifts remain empty without love. A person may speak, possess knowledge, believe, serve, and even make great sacrifices—and yet all of it can lose its spiritual value when love is absent. Love is therefore not simply one gift among others, but the way in which every gift is to be used properly. Spiritual gifts are not meant to exalt people, but to make Christ visible and build others up. The more excellent way is therefore the way of love.
2. The Biblical FoundationPaul writes:
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1
“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, but have not love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.” 1 Corinthians 13:4
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
3. Connection to Our TimeSpiritual gifts can still be misused today when they are not guided by love. A person may preach, teach, sing, organize, or lead well and yet hurt others when humility and love are missing. Churches may have many programs, ministries, and activities, but without love they become cold and burdensome. Paul reminds us that spiritual value is measured not only by what is done, but also by the spirit in which it is done. Love makes ministry warm, healing, and Christlike. Where love is absent, even good gifts can become instruments of pride, competition, or division.
4. Central Message of the Lesson
Spiritual gifts fulfill their true purpose only through love, because love directs every gift toward Christ, the building up of the church, and the well-being of others.
5. Theological FocusThe central theological focus of this lesson is that love is God’s standard for all spiritual gifts. Paul does not place 1 Corinthians 13 between chapters 12 and 14 by accident. In chapter 12, he speaks about the diversity of gifts; in chapter 14, he speaks about order and intelligibility in worship. Between them, he places love because it is the heart of the proper use of every gift.
Paul does not say that spiritual gifts are unimportant. They are gifts from God to his church. Yet a gift can lose its spiritual purpose when it is used without love. The gift itself may be genuine, but its use can become wrong, proud, or hurtful.
Paul therefore gives several remarkable examples: speaking in tongues, prophecy, knowledge, faith, and self-sacrifice. These are not small things. They are abilities and actions that can deeply impress people. Yet Paul says: Without love, I am nothing.
This is a serious truth. A ministry may appear great before human beings, but God does not look only at its outward effect. People see the gift; God sees the heart. People hear words; God examines motives. People admire achievement; God asks whether there is love.
Love is therefore not merely a feeling. Paul describes it through concrete attitudes: patience, kindness, humility, truthfulness, forgiveness, hope, and endurance. Love is revealed especially when people are difficult, when recognition is absent, or when conflicts arise.
This is decisive in the context of spiritual gifts. A person who possesses a gift may be tempted to exalt himself. He may seek recognition, react sensitively, or look down on others. It is precisely there that one can see whether the gift is truly shaped by the Spirit of Christ.
Without love, knowledge can become harsh. Without love, prophecy can become hurtful. Without love, leadership can become controlling. Without love, music can become self-promotion. Without love, service can produce bitterness. Without love, even sacrifice can become a source of pride.
Paul also makes clear that love is not opposed to truth. Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. Biblical love is therefore not indifference toward sin. It unites truth with patience, clarity with mercy, and correction with the goal of restoration.
The theological core is this: God’s nature is love, and therefore God’s gifts must be used in the spirit of his love. The Holy Spirit gives not only abilities, but also desires to transform the heart. A gift is used in a truly spiritual way only when it reflects the character of Christ.
6. Spiritual DeepeningThis lesson leads us into honest self-examination. It is possible to be active in ministry and yet become unloving inwardly. It is possible to do much for God while acting harshly, irritably, proudly, or impatiently. Paul therefore calls us not first to greater activity, but to a heart filled with God’s love.
The Corinthians needed this reminder because they apparently viewed spiritual gifts as signs of spiritual superiority. Some wanted to appear visible, important, and impressive. Paul shows them that true spirituality is recognized not first by how spectacular a gift is, but by the love with which it is exercised.
This remains highly relevant for us. In churches, people sometimes quickly ask who is gifted, visible, influential, or especially capable. But God asks deeper questions: Is this person patient? Is he kind? Does he build others up? Does he rejoice in the truth? Does he serve out of love or from a desire for recognition?
Love is the more excellent way because it removes the ego from the center. It does not seek its own. This means that love frees ministry from selfishness. It does not ask, “How do I appear?” but, “How can Christ become visible?” It does not ask, “What will I receive?” but, “How can the other person be blessed?”
This is difficult because our hearts often seek recognition. We want to be seen, appreciated, and affirmed. When this does not happen, we can become hurt, bitter, or envious. Paul shows that love acts differently. It serves even when no one applauds. It remains kind even when it is overlooked. It rejoices when others are used by God.
Love is also patient with the weak. In the church, people have different levels of maturity, backgrounds, and wounds. Without love, these differences become burdensome. With love, they become a space in which growth can take place. Love gives people time without abandoning the truth.
Yet love does not mean approving everything. Paul states clearly that love does not rejoice in wrongdoing. True love may also admonish. But it does so not from pride or harshness, but with the desire to lead the other person back to Christ.
We cannot produce this love from within ourselves. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We may make an effort to be kind, but divine love requires a renewed heart. This lesson therefore leads us into prayer: Lord, fill me with your love so that my gifts do not remain empty.
When we receive God’s love, our view of others changes. We no longer see them as competitors, burdens, or an audience, but as people for whom Christ died. Then our words become more careful, our correction more humble, our service warmer, and our gifts more healing.
Love makes the church a safe place. Not a perfect place, but a healing one. There, people can grow because they are not only judged, but also supported. There, gifts can flourish because no one must constantly fear being overlooked or despised.
Love is therefore not an addition to ministry. It is the heart of ministry. Without love, a gift may be loud, visible, and impressive, yet remain spiritually empty. With love, even a small and quiet act of service can have great value before God.
7. Application in Everyday LifePractical Steps:
8. Reflection QuestionWhich gift, responsibility, or strength in my life needs more love, patience, and humility so that it may truly serve Christ?
9. Concluding ThoughtPaul shows the Corinthians that there is a more excellent way than pride, comparison, and self-promotion. This more excellent way is love. Without love, even impressive gifts lose their spiritual value. With love, however, gifts become instruments of comfort, edification, truth, and healing. Love turns the focus away from personal glory and toward Christ and one’s neighbor. The most important question is therefore not only which gift I possess, but whether that gift is carried by the Spirit of love.
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 
Intercer is a website with biblical materials in Romanian, English, Hungarian and other languages. We want to bring the light from God's Word to peoples homes. Intercer provides quality Christian resources...[Read More]
