Purpose
To inspire class members to seek the blessings that come from being unified in Christ, following the Spirit, and being morally clean.
Preparation
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Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:
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1 Corinthians 1:10–13; 3:1–11. Paul exhorts the Saints to avoid contention and be one in mind and judgment.
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1 Corinthians 1:17–31; 2:1–16. Paul counsels the Saints to rely on the Spirit rather than the wisdom and philosophies of the world.
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1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 5; 6:9–20. Paul exhorts the Saints to be morally clean.
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Additional reading: 1 Corinthians 7–10; Bible Dictionary, “Pauline Epistles: Epistles to the Corinthians,” 743–44.
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Suggestion for teaching: Elder Boyd K. Packer counseled: “It is essential for a teacher to understand that people are basically good. It is essential to know that their tendency is to do the thing that is right. Such an exalted thought is productive of faith. It makes all the difference when we stand before our own children or go before a class of young people to teach them” (Teach Ye Diligently [1975], 73).
Suggested Lesson Development
Additional Teaching Ideas
The following material supplements the suggested lesson outline. You may want to use one or both of these ideas as part of the lesson.
1. “The things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
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What is the most wonderful or beautiful thing you have ever seen or experienced?
Have a class member read 1 Corinthians 2:9. Testify that the blessings that God has prepared for us if we love him and keep his commandments are more wonderful than anything we can imagine.
2. “Brother goeth to law with brother” (1 Corinthians 6:6)
Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 6:1–8.
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How did many of the Saints in Corinth resolve their disputes? (See 1 Corinthians 6:1–8.) How did this cause greater disunity? How is this problem evident today? What can we learn from Paul’s counsel?