Sabbath School

First and Second Corinthians 

Spiritual Gifts

Lesson 6 - Friday Further Thought 

The Greater Gift: Prophecy That Builds the Church

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 14

The church in Corinth had received many spiritual gifts, but they struggled with understanding how those gifts should be used. Some believers placed great importance on the gift of tongues, but Paul wanted them to understand that every spiritual gift must be evaluated by its ability to strengthen and encourage the church. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul explains why prophecy is more beneficial than speaking in tongues when tongues are not interpreted: prophecy communicates God’s message in a way that people can understand.

Paul is not saying that the gift of tongues has no value. In 1 Corinthians 14:5, he acknowledges that speaking in tongues can be a genuine spiritual gift. However, he emphasizes that “he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men” (1 Corinthians 14:3, NKJV). The purpose of prophecy is to build up believers, encourage them in their faith, and bring spiritual understanding. A message that cannot be understood does not accomplish the same purpose for the gathered church.

Paul’s argument is based on the importance of clear communication. He explains that even musical instruments must produce distinct sounds in order for people to recognize a message (1 Corinthians 14:7–8). Likewise, words spoken in a language that others do not understand cannot effectively teach or encourage them. This is why Paul says, “I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue” (1 Corinthians 14:19, NKJV). The goal of worship is not simply to demonstrate a gift but to help people know God more deeply.

Prophecy is especially valuable because it reveals God’s message in a way that brings conviction, encouragement, and growth. Paul writes that if an unbeliever enters a gathering where prophecy is being spoken, “the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God” (1 Corinthians 14:24–25, NKJV). True prophecy points people toward repentance, faith, and worship. It helps believers understand God’s will and strengthens their relationship with Him.

The Bible repeatedly shows the importance of prophetic ministry. God sent prophets throughout Scripture to guide His people, call them back to obedience, and remind them of His promises. Amos 3:7 says, “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” Prophecy is a gift of God’s love because He desires His people to have guidance and encouragement as they follow Him.

This principle also applies today. God’s gifts should never become a source of pride or competition. The question should not be, “Which gift makes me appear more spiritual?” but rather, “How can God use my gift to bless others?” A gift that strengthens the church and leads people closer to Christ fulfills its purpose.

As believers, we should seek gifts that help us serve others and advance God’s mission. Whether through teaching, encouragement, service, or prophecy, the Holy Spirit equips His people to build one another up. The greatest evidence of spiritual maturity is not the gift we possess, but the love and humility with which we use it.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts of the Holy Spirit that You give to build and strengthen Your church. Help us understand the purpose of these gifts and use them in ways that honor You. Give us hearts that seek encouragement, wisdom, and spiritual growth rather than recognition or praise. Help us value clear communication of Your truth and use our words and actions to point others to Jesus. May Your Spirit guide our church and prepare us to faithfully serve You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More on Lesson 6:  Spiritual Gifts  

3rd Quarter Sabbath School: 1st and 2nd Corinthians 

The Gift of Prophecy

 Sabbath School

First and Second Corinthians 

Spiritual Gifts

Lesson 6 - Thursday 

The Gift of Prophecy: A Message to Build Up God’s People

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:11–13 and 1 Corinthians 14:3, 4

God has always desired to guide, strengthen, and encourage His people. Throughout Scripture, He has provided spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit so that the church can grow and fulfill its mission. In Ephesians 4, Paul explains that Christ gave different gifts—including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—for the purpose of equipping believers for ministry and bringing the church into spiritual maturity. These gifts are not given for personal recognition but to prepare God’s people to serve and to help the body of Christ grow in unity and faith.

Among these gifts, Paul gives special attention to the gift of prophecy. In 1 Corinthians 14:3, he explains that prophecy is given “for edification and exhortation and comfort” (NKJV). The purpose of true prophecy is not to elevate the prophet but to communicate God’s message in a way that strengthens His people. A prophetic message calls people back to faithfulness, provides encouragement during difficult times, and helps believers understand God’s will more clearly.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church believes that the biblical gift of prophecy was manifested through the ministry of Ellen G. White. Adventists believe there are several reasons for recognizing her prophetic gift. They point to her agreement with Scripture, her Christ-centered writings, her emphasis on the Bible as the ultimate authority, the spiritual guidance and encouragement her messages have provided, and the lasting influence her ministry has had in areas such as health, education, publishing, and worldwide mission. Adventists also note that her writings consistently encouraged people to study the Bible, accept Jesus Christ, and prepare for His soon return.

Adventists believe Ellen G. White’s writings are not a replacement for Scripture. She herself stated that the Bible is the supreme standard by which all teaching and experience should be tested. Her role is understood as a prophetic gift that points people back to the Bible and helps apply biblical principles to the challenges facing God’s people. Like the prophets of Scripture, her purpose was to encourage faithfulness and draw people closer to God.

At the same time, important questions remain regarding the role and authority of Ellen G. White. Believers may ask how her writings should be used, how they relate to Scripture, and how to understand difficult passages or statements in her writings. It is important to remember that she never claimed to be perfect, infallible, or without error. The Adventist Church teaches that prophetic authority belongs ultimately to God’s Word, and all prophetic claims must be examined in harmony with Scripture.

The lesson for every believer is that spiritual gifts are given for the strengthening of God’s people. Whether through prophecy, teaching, encouragement, service, or another gift, God desires to use His people to bring hope and truth to the world. The greatest evidence of any spiritual gift is not the attention it receives, but the way it leads people closer to Jesus.

As we study spiritual gifts, we should seek not only to understand them but to receive their purpose: becoming a stronger, more faithful, and more loving body of Christ. God continues to guide His church, and He calls each of us to use whatever gifts we have been given to encourage others and prepare the world for His kingdom.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the spiritual gifts You have given to guide and strengthen Your church. Help us understand these gifts according to Your Word and use them in the way You intended. Give us wisdom and humility as we study the gift of prophecy and seek to follow Your truth. Help us test all things by Scripture and remain focused on Jesus, the center of our faith. May our lives and ministries encourage others, strengthen Your church, and prepare hearts for Your coming kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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The Gift of Tongues

 Sabbath School

First and Second Corinthians 

Spiritual Gifts

Lesson 6 - Wednesday 

The Gift of Tongues: A Gift for Mission

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:5, 13, 26, 27 and 1 Corinthians 12:10, 30

The early church in Corinth was blessed with many spiritual gifts, but these gifts were sometimes misunderstood and misused. Among the gifts that caused confusion was the gift of tongues. Some believers placed too much importance on speaking in tongues, viewing it as a sign of greater spirituality. Paul addressed this issue by teaching that every spiritual gift must serve a greater purpose: building up the church and helping others come closer to God.

Paul’s instruction concerning tongues was clear: the gift was valuable, but it needed to be used properly. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul explains that speaking in tongues should not be done simply for personal benefit or public display. If someone speaks in another language that others do not understand, there must be interpretation so that the church can be edified. Paul’s concern was not to dismiss the gift, but to emphasize that spiritual gifts should always bring encouragement, understanding, and growth to God’s people.

This teaching reveals an important principle: God’s gifts are given for ministry, not for personal status. A person may possess a remarkable ability, but if that ability does not help others, it is not being used according to God’s purpose. The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people, and every gift has value when it is used in love and humility. The goal is not to draw attention to ourselves but to point others to Jesus.

The ability to speak another language can be a powerful tool for sharing the gospel. Many people around the world speak languages other than our own, and believers who have the ability to communicate in those languages can reach communities that might otherwise be difficult to reach. A person who can speak Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, or another language can use that ability to teach Scripture, build relationships, encourage believers, and share the hope of Christ with others.

This also helps us better understand the true nature of the gift of tongues that Paul was addressing. Throughout Scripture, when God gave people the ability to speak in other languages, it was connected with communicating His message to people who could understand it. On the day of Pentecost, the disciples spoke in languages they had not previously learned, allowing people from many nations to hear the gospel (Acts 2:6–11). The purpose was clear: to spread God’s message and reach people with the truth.

The lesson for us today is that every ability God gives should be dedicated to His mission. Whether our gift is teaching, serving, encouraging, giving, or communicating across language barriers, God wants us to use it to bless others. The greatest evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work is not simply the gifts we possess, but the love, humility, and willingness to use those gifts for Christ’s glory.

Ask God today how you can use the abilities He has given you to reach others. Your gifts, experiences, and opportunities may be exactly what God wants to use to touch someone’s life and lead them closer to Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many gifts You give to Your people through the Holy Spirit. Help us understand that these gifts are not for our own recognition but for serving others and sharing the gospel. Teach us to use our abilities with humility, wisdom, and love. Show us how we can use our talents, including our ability to communicate and connect with others, to reach people for Jesus. May everything we do bring encouragement to Your church and help others discover the hope found in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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 Sabbath School

First and Second Corinthians 

Spiritual Gifts

Lesson 6 - Tuesday 

Love: The Greatest Gift

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1–7 and 1 Peter 4:8–11

Spiritual gifts are a wonderful blessing from God. Through them, the Holy Spirit equips believers to serve, encourage, teach, and strengthen one another. However, Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 13 that even the greatest spiritual abilities are meaningless without love. A person may have the ability to speak powerful words, understand deep truths, or perform great acts of service, but without love, those gifts lose their true purpose. Love is what gives spiritual gifts their value and directs them toward God’s intended purpose.

The Corinthians had many spiritual gifts, but they struggled with pride, competition, and division. Some believers viewed certain gifts as more important than others. Paul reminds them that gifts are not given to elevate ourselves but to bless others. Love transforms spiritual gifts from a means of personal recognition into a ministry of selfless service. A gift used without love can hurt others, but a gift guided by love reflects the character of Christ.

Peter also emphasizes the importance of love among believers, writing that we should “have fervent love for one another” (1 Peter 4:8). He connects love with the use of spiritual gifts, reminding Christians that whatever gift they have received should be used to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace. Whether someone teaches, serves, encourages, leads, or shows mercy, the motivation should always be love. The question is not simply, “What gift do I have?” but also, “How can I use my gift to show the love of Jesus?”

Love is central to our faith because love reveals the very heart of God. The Bible tells us that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Jesus demonstrated the greatest expression of love by giving His life for humanity. Christianity is not merely about knowing truth or practicing religious duties; it is about experiencing God’s love and allowing that love to transform how we treat others. When we receive God’s love, we become able to extend that same love to those around us.

One of the greatest ways to experience the reality of God’s love is by intentionally seeking opportunities to reflect it. When we forgive someone who has hurt us, encourage someone who is discouraged, serve someone in need, or show kindness to someone who cannot repay us, we experience the joy of becoming channels of God’s grace. Love becomes more than a belief—it becomes a living testimony of Christ working through us.

The world does not need a church that only demonstrates knowledge or abilities. It needs a church that demonstrates the love of Jesus. Spiritual gifts may reveal what God has given us, but love reveals who God is. When love becomes the foundation of our service, our gifts become a powerful witness that draws others closer to Christ.

Today, ask God to fill your heart with His love. Ask Him to remove pride, selfishness, and indifference so that your words and actions reflect the character of Jesus. When love guides our gifts, the church becomes a place where people experience the reality of God’s grace.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts You have given each of Your children. Help us remember that every gift is meant to serve others and glorify You. Forgive us when we use our abilities for recognition, pride, or personal gain. Fill our hearts with the love of Christ so that everything we do is motivated by compassion and humility. Teach us to love others as You have loved us, and help us reflect Your character through our words, actions, and service. May our lives become a testimony of Your grace and love to the world around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Unity Through Diversity

 Sabbath School

First and Second Corinthians 

Spiritual Gifts

Lesson 6 - Monday

Many Parts, One Body

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12–31

Paul paints one of the most beautiful pictures of the church in all of Scripture by comparing it to the human body. A body has many different parts, each with a unique purpose, yet every part is necessary for the body to function properly. The eye cannot replace the hand, nor can the foot do the work of the ear. Though each part is different, they all belong to one body. In the same way, the church is made up of believers with different personalities, backgrounds, abilities, and spiritual gifts, but all are united in Christ. God never intended His people to compete with one another. Instead, He calls us to work together, appreciating the unique role each believer plays in His kingdom.

The lists of spiritual gifts found in 1 Corinthians 12:8–10, 28, Romans 12:6–8, and Ephesians 4:11 remind us that God equips His people in many different ways. Some are gifted to teach God's Word with clarity. Others have gifts of encouragement, leadership, generosity, mercy, wisdom, service, evangelism, or shepherding. No single believer possesses every gift, and no gift is unimportant. Every ability God gives is designed to strengthen, encourage, and build up the church. These gifts are not rewards for spiritual maturity but gracious tools entrusted to believers so they can serve others and glorify Christ.

This truth challenges us to ask an important question: What has God gifted me to do? Discovering your spiritual gift often begins by faithfully serving wherever there is a need. As you pray, study God's Word, and become involved in ministry, the Holy Spirit often reveals where He has uniquely equipped you. Other believers may also recognize gifts that you do not immediately see in yourself. The goal is not to seek impressive abilities but to become a willing servant through whom God can work.

Whatever your gift may be, remember that it was never intended for personal recognition or status. Spiritual gifts exist to edify the body of Christ. A word of encouragement can strengthen a discouraged believer. An act of mercy can reveal the compassion of Jesus. Faithful teaching can deepen someone's walk with God. Quiet service behind the scenes can make ministry possible in ways few people ever notice. Every act of service, whether public or private, becomes significant when it is done for Christ.

As members of Christ's body, we need one another. When one believer suffers, the whole body feels the pain. When one rejoices, everyone shares in the blessing. Unity grows as we stop comparing ourselves to others and instead celebrate the unique ways God is working through each member. The church becomes healthiest when every believer joyfully uses the gifts God has given them, allowing Christ to be seen through a body that works together in love.

Take time today to ask God to reveal how He has equipped you. Then look for opportunities to use those gifts—not to draw attention to yourself, but to encourage others and strengthen His church. When every believer faithfully serves, the body of Christ becomes exactly what God designed it to be.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for making each of us a unique part of the body of Christ. Thank You for giving spiritual gifts that allow us to serve one another and advance Your kingdom. Help us never to compare ourselves with others or think our role is unimportant. Show us how You have gifted us, and give us willing hearts to use those gifts faithfully. May our words, actions, and service encourage others, strengthen Your church, and bring glory to Jesus. Unite us in love so that the world may see Christ through His people. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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