What is the purpose of spiritual gifts, and why does the Holy Spirit give different gifts to different believers? In this episode, part of our Third Quarter 2026 study of First and Second Corinthians, we look at 1 Corinthians 12 and the question of how the gifts of the Spirit are meant to work in the church.

Continuing the theme of unity in Christ, we talk through how Paul uses the picture of the body to show that diversity is not a problem to be solved but a design to be celebrated. No one person has every gift, which keeps us humble and reminds us that we need each other. We also consider why gifts like tongues and prophecy are given for service rather than self-promotion, and we give attention to the quieter gifts that are often overlooked, such as generosity and faithful service behind the scenes.

We close with a distinction worth remembering: while spiritual gifts are distributed among different members, the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, and self-control, is meant to grow in every believer.

For Sabbath School leaders, this episode offers a practical word of encouragement. Spend time reflecting on why you teach. Since knowledge puffs up but love builds up, aim to help your class experience the love of God, so that your group becomes a community that prays for one another and cares for one another.

This lesson is studied during the week of August 1 to August 7, 2026, and will be taught in Sabbath School on Sabbath, August 8, 2026.

Next time, join us for Lesson 7, "A Portrait of Love."

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

What do you do when a sincere question has no simple answer? In this episode of the Leader's Lesson, part of our Third Quarter 2026 study of First and Second Corinthians, we look at the question the Corinthian believers brought to Paul about eating food that had been offered to idols.

Much of the meat sold in Corinth's market was tied to pagan temples, so it was hard to know what had been sacrificed and what had not. Paul's answer, found in 1 Corinthians chapters 8 through 10, is more pastoral than a simple rule. He speaks about conscience, about the weaker brother or sister, and about the difference between having the right to do something and choosing the loving thing to do. In chapter 9 he uses his own example, giving up rights he truly held for the sake of the people he served.

We talk through how this reaches into everyday life: relating to neighbors who do not share our convictions, responding gently to someone acting out of zeal, and remembering the principle that whatever we eat or drink, we should do all to the glory of God. We also reflect on Daniel's choice to refuse the king's delicacies and on love as the motive that holds it all together.

For teachers, there is a simple reminder in this episode: less is more. You do not have to cover every page of the lesson. Pick what resonates, prepare well, and give your class room to think.

This lesson is studied July 25 to July 31 and will be taught in class on Sabbath, August 1.

Join us next time for Lesson 6: Spiritual Gifts.

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

Some lessons are harder to teach than others, and this one is among them. In this episode of our Third Quarter 2026 study of First and Second Corinthians, we work through Lesson 4, "Sin in the Church," focusing on 1 Corinthians chapters 5, 6, and 7.

Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers about real and painful situations: a case of sexual immorality the church was tolerating, members suing one another in public courts, and questions they had raised about marriage and singleness. Through these chapters, we talk about why the gospel never gives permission to sin, and why sin always carries a corrosive effect. We also reflect on the example of David, whose later years were marked by consequences that followed his sin, as a reminder of how lasting the effects of sin can be.

Yet the heart of this conversation is grace. Drawing on 1 Corinthians 6:11, we discuss how believers were washed, sanctified, and justified in Christ, receiving a new identity and a new way of life. We also consider how a congregation can address sin in a way that aims at restoration rather than damage, keeping the wellbeing of the person and the church in view.

For those who teach, we offer a practical thought: handle this subject with care, since class members may be quietly wrestling with shame. Lean on open ended questions that invite reflection and personal experience rather than questions that expect a single answer.

Next week we continue with Lesson 5, "All to the Glory of God."

This lesson is studied during the week of July 11–17 and taught in class on Sabbath, July 18.

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