Our study of First and Second Corinthians continues in Third Quarter 2026 with the center of everything Paul preached in Corinth: the message of the cross.

In this episode, we look at why Paul refused to let go of the cross as the focus of his preaching, even in a city that valued eloquence, human wisdom, and success. Drawing on 1 Corinthians 1 and 2, we talk about Paul's own words that he came not with superior wisdom but resolved to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and we consider what the cross meant to people in that time, when it stood for torture and shame rather than comfort.

We also work through a question worth bringing to any class: why is the cross foolishness to some and the power of God to others? Part of the answer is that the kingdom of God values sacrifice and humility in a way that turns the world's priorities upside down, and that spiritual things are understood only when the Spirit opens our eyes. The cross stays at the center of our lives and our witness when our hearts have first been changed by the grace shown there.

If you teach or prepare a Sabbath School class, here is a practical tip from this episode: instead of reading only from the lesson, have class members read the Scripture passages aloud, then ask short, open questions about Paul's meaning and steer the conversation back to the text when it wanders. The lesson is studied July 4 to July 11 and taught the following Sabbath, July 11.

If you enjoy this, please subscribe and share. Next week we continue with "Unity in Christ."

Executive Producer: Carolina Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Producer: Henrique Gomes
Editing: Henrique Gomes
Logo: Becky Carpenter