August 21–27 - 1 Corinthians 1–7 “Be Perfectly Joined Together”
Weekly Message
I can’t help but notice a recurring theme in the writings of Paul to the saints in the early Christian church. He seems to, more often than not, always correcting the members away from division and toward unity in Christ. His words to the Roman’s dealt heavily with seeking to find peace among the church members and those outside of the church as well. The same happens in 1 Corinthians, though each message of unity comes with a different flavor—as Paul gives his teachings based on the actions or questions from the church members. I can’t imagine how difficult it was for Paul and the other apostles to try and keep the whole church unified without our modern technology.
This same message is echoed often by our current Church leaders today. Several talks in the last few general conferences have dealt with the topic of unity among the Saints. There is ever a growing need for members of the church to be unified and there is only one way to make that happen, as Paul says, “We are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” The only way to unity among the Saints is through Christ. As we build our foundation on Christ’s teachings we will be unified as the Body of Christ.
Just Watch
Watch or read Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s talk “One in Christ” from the April 2023 General Conference. Then discuss.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/41christofferson?lang=eng#p10
Just Do
Read 1 Corinthians 1:10–17 and 3:1–11 as a family.
Then pick a meal to cook together. Find a meal with recipes that everyone can participate in making together. Assign each family member a task in the recipe and make sure everyone has something important to do. When you have cooked and eaten your meal talk about the importance of unity in your family. What would have happened if someone didn’t do their part for the meal? Or if someone tried to do something by not following the directions in the recipe?
Just Learn
I think it is absolutely necessary to read the JST of 1 Corinthians Chapter 7. There are more details here:
With that context his words in Chapter 7 make a lot more sense, especially since Paul seems to contradict not only modern and ancient doctrine on marriage, but his own words as well in the very same letter (1 Corinthians 11:11-12).
Read 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and then think about this quote from Elder Holland:
“Please, never say: ‘Who does it hurt? Why not a little freedom? I can transgress now and repent later.’ Please don’t be so foolish and so cruel. You cannot with impunity ‘crucify Christ afresh’ [see Hebrews 6:6]. ‘Flee fornication’ [1 Corinthian 6:18], Paul cries, and flee ‘anything like unto it’ [D&C 59:6] the Doctrine and Covenants adds. Why? Well, for one reason because of the incalculable suffering in both body and spirit endured by the Savior of the world so that we could flee [see especially Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–20]. We owe Him something for that. Indeed, we owe Him everything for that.”
I recommend reading 2 Nephi 28 (specifically v. 8). Then discuss or ponder why it is that we shouldn't just sin all our life and then have so-called "deathbed repentance"? How does our actions demonstrate our love for Christ and our dedication to him?
Weekly Challenge
Plan one way this week you can “flee fornication”. Think of one thing (big or small) that hinders you from having the Spirit with you. Then make a plan to drive that one thing from your life for this week.