NT Lessons 123-124 Eph 5-6 and Philip 1-3

https://www.lds.org/manual/new-testament-seminary-teacher-manual?lang=eng

Lesson 123: Ephesians 5–6

Introduction

Paul taught the Saints how to resist evil influences. He also taught them how to strengthen family relationships. Paul concluded his letter by exhorting followers of God to “put on the whole armour of God” (Ephesians 6:11) in order to withstand Satan’s deceptions.

I. Ephesians 5:1–20  Paul teaches the Saints to resist evil influences

---If possible, display something that students would recognize as having been newly made or purchased, and ask:

• How do we typically treat things that are new?

---Remind students that Ephesians 4 contains Paul’s counsel to new Church members to “put off” their “old[,] … corrupt” selves (verse 22) and “put on the new man” (verse 24), or begin a new life as followers of Jesus Christ.

• How could the life of someone who has determined to follow Jesus Christ be considered new?

---Invite students to look for a principle as they study Ephesians 5–6 that can help them “put on the new man” as followers of Jesus Christ.

---Invite a student to read Ephesians 5:1–7 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Paul counseled the Saints to do and not do as followers of Jesus Christ.

• What did Paul counsel followers of Jesus Christ to do? What did he counsel them not to do?
• What truth can we identify from these verses about followers of Jesus Christ? (Students may identify a variety of truths, but be sure to emphasize that followers of Jesus Christ do not partake of the world’s evils.)
• According to verse 5, what will those who partake of the world’s evils forfeit?
• How could partaking of the world’s evils affect someone’s new life in Christ? How could this person’s example affect others?

---In Ephesians 5:8–20  Paul encouraged the Saints to “walk as children of light” (verse 8), to be wise, and to seek to know the Lord’s will by being “filled with the Spirit” (verse 18).

II. Ephesians 5:21–6:9  Paul counsels the Ephesians regarding their family relationships

---Ask students to think about their interactions with their family members during the past 24 hours and whether those interactions were positive or negative. (For example, were these interactions loving or contentious? kind or hurtful? uplifting or degrading?)

• Why can it sometimes be difficult to have positive family relationships?

---Invite students to look for principles as they study Ephesians 5:21–6:9 that can help them strengthen their family relationships.

---Invite a student to read Ephesians 5:21 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Paul encouraged the Saints to do.

• What did Paul encourage the Saints to do? (Explain that “submit yourselves one to another” means we should place others ahead of ourselves and “fear of God” refers to our love and respect for God.)
• In what ways did Jesus Christ exemplify the attribute of submission?
• How can placing others ahead of ourselves help strengthen our family relationships?

---Invite a student to read Ephesians 5:22–29 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Paul counseled husbands and wives to do in their relationships with each other.

• What relationship did Paul counsel wives to pattern their relationships with their husbands after? (Explain that Paul taught that a wife should “submit” herself to her husband [verse 22]. This can be interpreted as sustaining, supporting, and respecting her husband as she does the Lord. A husband’s divinely appointed role is to preside or watch over the family, just as the Savior watches over and leads His Church.)
• What did Paul counsel husbands to do in their relationships with their wives?
• How will a husband who loves his wife as the Savior loves the Church treat her? (He will “[give] himself” for her [verse 25], or place her ahead of himself, and “cherish” her [verse 29].)
• What truth can we identify from Paul’s teachings about what can happen in our families if we use the Savior’s relationship with the Church as our guide? (Using their own words, students should identify a principle similar to the following: When we use the Savior’s relationship with the Church as our guide, we can strengthen our family relationships.)

---Invite a student to read Ephesians 5:30–33 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what husbands and wives become when they are married.

• According to verse 31, what do husbands and wives become when they are married? (They become “one flesh,” or united physically, emotionally, and spiritually.)
• How can following the Savior’s example in their interactions with one another help a married couple (and family) increase love and unity in their relationship?

---Invite a student to read Ephesians 6:1–4 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for how using Jesus Christ’s example as a guide applies to a child’s relationship with his or her parents. Invite students to report what they find.

• How does a child follow Jesus Christ’s example by obeying his or her parents?
• What did Paul counsel fathers to do in regards to raising their children?

---Ask students to ponder how their family relationships would be strengthened if they used their relationship with the Savior as their guide. Invite them to choose one relationship they would like to improve and to write down some ways they can improve this relationship by following the Savior’s example. Encourage them to act on what they wrote.

---In Ephesians 6:5–9 Paul taught about the relationship between a servant and master. In New Testament times, slavery was common throughout the Roman Empire, even among some members of the Church. Paul’s counsel does not imply that he approved of the institution of slavery.

III. Ephesians 6:10–24  Paul counsels the Saints to “put on the whole armour of God”

---Write on the board the following statement by President Ezra Taft Benson. (This statement is found in “The Power of the Word,” Ensign, May 1986, 79.) Invite a student to read this statement aloud.

“Satan is waging war against the members of the Church who have testimonies and are trying to keep the commandments” (President Ezra Taft Benson).

• In what ways does Satan wage war against the youth of the Church?

---Invite a student to read Ephesians 6:10–13 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Paul said the Saints in his day were fighting against. Explain that wiles refers to tricks or stratagems that are used to deceive or ensnare.

• What did Paul say the Saints in his day were fighting against?
• How is what Paul listed in verse 12 the same as what we are fighting against in our day?
• What did Paul tell the Saints in his day to put on so that they could withstand these evils? (After students respond, write the following principle on the board: If we put on the whole armor of God, we will be able to withstand evil.)

(click to view larger)

Put On the Whole Armor of God

© 2015 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

---Provide students with the accompanying handout. Divide the class into five groups, and assign each group one of the pieces of armor mentioned in Ephesians 6:14–17. (Do not assign the “loins girt about with truth” [verse 14]. If your class is small you may need to assign some groups more than one piece of armor.)

---Write the following questions on the board:

1. What is the piece of armor used for?
2. What did Paul call the piece of armor?
3. What could the body part being protected by the armor represent spiritually?
4. How can wearing this piece of spiritual armor help you withstand evil?

---To show students how to complete the handout, invite a student to read Ephesians 6:14 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for the answers to the questions on the board as they apply to “loins girt about with truth” and writing the answers on their handouts.

---Armor “girt about” the loins is a belt that is tied around the midsection of the body. Students may suggest answers similar to the following: (1) It covers the loins (the vital organs dealing with reproduction). (2) Truth. (3) It represents our chastity or moral purity. (4) Knowing the truthfulness of the plan of salvation can motivate us to remain morally pure.

---Invite students to follow this pattern as they read Ephesians 6:14–18 with their groups and complete the part of the handout that corresponds with their assigned pieces of armor. (Explain that having “your feet shod” [verse 15] means wearing shoes or other foot protection.)

---After sufficient time, invite a representative from each group to report what they learned to the class. As each group reports, invite students to record the group’s findings on their handouts.

• Why is it important to protect ourselves with the whole armor of God?

---Invite a student to read aloud the following statement by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and ask students to listen for how we put on and strengthen the armor of God.

“I like to think of this spiritual armor not as a solid piece of metal molded to fit the body but more like chain mail. Chain mail consists of dozens of tiny pieces of steel fastened together to allow the user greater flexibility without losing protection. I say that because it has been my experience that there is not one great and grand thing we can do to arm ourselves spiritually. True spiritual power lies in numerous smaller acts woven together in a fabric of spiritual fortification that protects and shields from all evil” (“Be Strong in the Lord,” Ensign, July 2004, 8).

• What do you do to put on and strengthen the armor of God each day? How has this helped you to withstand evil, temptation, or deception?

---Write the following questions on the board, and invite students to write down their responses:

---Which pieces of your spiritual armor do you consider to be strong?

---Which is your weakest piece of armor?

---What could you do to strengthen each of these pieces of spiritual armor in your life?

---In  Ephesians 6:19–24  Paul concluded his letter by asking the Saints to pray that he would be given “utterance” (verse 19) and be able to preach the gospel with boldness while in prison.

---Share your testimony of the truths students identified in Ephesians 5–6. Encourage students to act on any promptings they may have received during today’s lesson.

Commentary and Background Information

Ephesians 5:25–28; 6:4. “Even as Christ also loved the church”

President Ezra Taft Benson pointed to the Savior’s example as he counseled husbands on how to lead their families:

“We do not find the Savior leading the Church with a harsh or unkind hand. We do not find the Savior treating His Church with disrespect or neglect. We do not find the Savior using force or coercion to accomplish His purposes. Nowhere do we find the Savior doing anything but that which edifies, uplifts, comforts, and exalts the Church” (“To the Fathers in Israel,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 50).

President Spencer W. Kimball taught about the influence a husband can have when he loves his family as the Savior loves the Church:

“Christ loved the church and its people so much that he voluntarily endured persecution for them, suffered humiliating indignities for them, stoically withstood pain and physical abuse for them, and finally gave his precious life for them.

“When the husband is ready to treat his household in that manner, not only the wife but all the family will respond to his leadership” (“Home: The Place to Save Society,” Ensign, Jan. 1975, 5).

Ephesians 6:1. “Obey your parents in the Lord”

“Paul said, ‘Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right’ (Ephesians 6:1; emphasis added), and then immediately thereafter adds, ‘Honour thy father and mother’ (v. 2). This time, however, he added no qualifying statement, describing it only as the ‘first commandment with promise’ (Ephesians 6:2). To obey one’s parents in the Lord means to obey them in righteousness (see McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 2:521). Anytime a child lives righteously he brings honor to his parents, whether those parents are themselves righteous or wicked. The opposite is also true. Anytime a child lives wickedly he brings shame to his parents, whether or not the parents are righteous. So, honoring parents may not always imply obeying them. In those relatively few cases where parents may ask for or encourage unrighteous behavior in their children, the individual brings dishonor to his parents if he obeys them” (Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis–2 Samuel [Church Educational System manual, 2003], 131).

Ephesians 6:11. “Put on the whole armour of God”

President Harold B. Lee explained the importance of putting on the whole armor of God:

“We have the four parts of the body that the Apostle Paul said [are] the most vulnerable to the powers of darkness. The loins, typifying virtue, chastity. The heart typifying our conduct. Our feet, our goals or objectives in life and finally our head, our thoughts” (Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year [Nov. 9, 1954], 2).

Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught what we must first do before we can put on the armor of God:

“The putting off of the natural man makes possible the putting on of the whole armor of God, which would not fully fit before! (see Eph. 6:11, 13)” (“Plow in Hope,” Ensign, May 2001, 60).

President N. Eldon Tanner of the First Presidency taught what we can do to put on the whole armor of God:

“Examine your armor. Is there an unguarded or unprotected place? Determine now to add whatever part is missing. …

“Through the great principle of repentance you can turn your life about and begin now clothing yourself with the armor of God through study, prayer, and a determination to serve God and keep his commandments” (“Put on the Whole Armor of God,” Ensign, May 1979, 46).

Supplemental Teaching Ideas

Ephesians 5:8–20. Paul teaches that the Holy Ghost will help us discern what is right

After students read and discuss Ephesians 5:1–7, invite a few students to read aloud from Ephesians 5:8–14. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what the Saints had received because they had accepted the gospel.

• •

What did Paul say the Saints had received because they had accepted the gospel? (Light, or the Holy Ghost.)

• •

According to verse 10, what can we do when we have the Holy Ghost? (Prove, or discern, what is right, or what is “acceptable unto the Lord.”)

• •

What principle can we identify from these verses about how we can discern what is right, or what is acceptable unto the Lord? (Students should identify a principle similar to the following: If we are filled with the Holy Ghost, we can discern what is right.)

Summarize Ephesians 5:15–20 by explaining that Paul invited all followers of God to be wise, fill themselves with the Holy Ghost, avoid the foolishness and evils of the world, and always give thanks to Heavenly Father.

Ephesians 5:25. Video presentation—“Enduring Love”

To help students feel the importance of following Jesus Christ’s example in our family relationships, show the video “Enduring Love” (4:16), which portrays a husband following the Savior’s example as he loves and cares for his wife. This video is available on LDS.org.

Play

Ephesians 6:11. Video presentation—“The Whole Armor of God”

To help students understand the importance of putting on the whole armor of God, show the video “The Whole Armor of God” (14:35), which portrays a modern-day application of Paul’s counsel. This video is available on LDS.org.

Play

© 2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Determine pacing

Avoid the mistake of taking too much time on the first part of the lesson and having to rush through the rest of it. As you prepare, estimate how long each section of the lesson will take using the teaching methods you have chosen. Because you will almost always have more material to teach than there is time to teach it, determine which portions of the scripture block to emphasize and which to summarize.

Lesson 124: Philippians 1–3

Introduction

Paul encouraged the Saints in Philippi to work together in living the gospel. He counseled them to follow the Savior’s example of humility and selflessness and taught that God was working within them to bring about their salvation. Paul described sacrifices he had made to follow Jesus Christ.

I. Philippians 1  Paul describes blessings that come from opposition

---Before class, write on the board the following statement by President Brigham Young. (This statement is found in Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954], 351.) Replace the underlined words with blank lines:

“Every time you kick ‘Mormonism’ you kick it upstairs; you never kick it downstairs. The Lord Almighty so orders it” (President Brigham Young).

---Begin the lesson by asking:

• What are some examples, either from history or from our day, of people kicking, or opposing, the Savior’s Church and His followers?

---Invite students as they study Philippians 1 to look for a truth that can help them understand how opposition can affect the Lord’s work.

---Consider inviting students to locate Philippi on Bible Maps, no. 13, “The Missionary Journeys of the Apostle Paul,” which is located in the Bible appendix. Explain that Paul established a branch of the Church in Philippi during his second missionary journey (see Acts 16). He later wrote his epistle to the Philippians while he was imprisoned, likely in Rome. Summarize Philippians 1:1–11 by explaining that Paul expressed gratitude and love for the Philippian Saints.

---Invite a student to read Philippians 1:12–14 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what resulted from the opposition Paul experienced during his missionary efforts.

• According to verse 12, what was the result of the opposition Paul experienced? (“The furtherance [advancement] of the gospel.”)
• According to verses 13–14, how did this opposition help advance the gospel? (People throughout the “palace” [verse 13], or military headquarters, knew that Paul was imprisoned for preaching about Jesus Christ. Paul’s imprisonment also inspired other Church members to become bolder in preaching the gospel.)
• What truth can we learn from these verses about what can result when we experience opposition in following Jesus Christ? (Students may use different words, but make sure they identify the following truth: Opposition we experience in following Jesus Christ can help further His work.)

---Refer to President Young’s statement on the board. Ask students what words they would use to fill in the blanks. Fill in the blanks with the correct words. You may need to explain that upstairs in this context means forward.

• What are examples of how opposition has helped further the Savior’s work?

---In  Philippians 1:15–26  Paul expressed that the Savior would be magnified through whatever happened to Paul.

---Invite a student to read Philippians 1:27–30 aloud. Ask this student to also read Joseph Smith Translation, Philippians 1:28 (in Philippians 1:28, footnote a). Invite the class to follow along, looking for what Paul encouraged the Saints to do. Explain that conversation (verse 27) refers to conduct.

• What did Paul encourage the Saints to do?
• According to verses 29–30, what would Church members experience on behalf of the Savior?

---Remind students of the truth they previously identified.

• How do you think the Philippian Saints would have been blessed by remembering that opposition they experienced in following Jesus Christ could help further His work?

II. Philippians 2  Paul teaches about the Savior’s condescension and instructs the Saints concerning their salvation

---Invite students to read Philippians 2:2 silently, looking for Paul’s counsel to the Philippian Saints.

• How would you summarize Paul’s counsel?

---Divide students into pairs. Instruct each pair to read Philippians 2:3–8 aloud together, looking for what Paul instructed the Saints to do to become unified. Ask a student from each pair to write on the board one item of counsel they found.

• According to Paul’s teachings, how was Jesus Christ an example of humility and selflessness?
• What principle can we learn from Paul’s teachings that can help us become more unified? (Students may use different words but should identify the following principle: If we follow Jesus Christ’s example of humility and selfless concern for others, then we can become more unified.)
• What are some ways in which we can follow the Savior’s example of humility and selflessness in our families, schools, or wards or branches?
• When have you seen people consider others’ needs before their own? How did these efforts increase unity?

---As recorded in Philippians 2:9–11, Paul taught that ultimately everyone will bow and “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (verse 11). Invite students to ponder what they hope this experience will be like for them.

---Invite a student to read Philippians 2:12–13 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Paul counseled the Philippians to do that could enable their experience of bowing before the Lord to be joyful. You may need to explain that “fear and trembling” (verse 12) refers to reverential awe and rejoicing (see Psalm 2:11; Guide to the Scriptures, “Fear,” scriptures.lds.org).

---Point out that some people misunderstand Paul’s words in Philippians 2:12 to mean that we are saved by our own works.

• Who has made salvation possible for us? How?
• According to Philippians 2:13, what are two ways in which God helps those who are trying to do what is required for salvation? (God helps them to “will,” or desire, and to obey “his good pleasure,” or His commandments. After students respond, write the following truth on the board: God helps us desire and do what is required of us for salvation, which is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.)
• What are the requirements for salvation, which God has provided and helps us fulfill? (You might invite students to refer to the third and fourth articles of faith.)

---Point out that through the influence of the Holy Ghost, God can help us change and purify our desires so that we want to obey Him (see Mosiah 5:2). Invite students to ponder how God has helped change their hearts so that they want to obey Him and how He has helped them to more faithfully keep His commandments.

---Summarize Philippians 2:14–30 by explaining that Paul reminded the Saints that they “shine as lights in the world” (verse 15) and told them he would send messengers to learn of their well-being.

III. Philippians 3  Paul describes sacrifices he made to follow Jesus Christ

---Invite students to think of something they value that the world would also consider valuable (such as family, friends, education, food, technology, or money) and, if possible, to display an item that represents what they thought of. Ask them to consider what they would be willing to give up these valued possessions for.

---Invite students as they study Philippians 3 to look for what Paul gave up in order to gain a prize that is also available to us.

---In  Philippians 3:1–3  Paul warned the Philippians of corrupt teachers who claimed that Church converts should conform to certain Jewish practices, including circumcision (see New Testament Student Manual [Church Educational System manual, 2014], 436).

---Invite a student to read Philippians 3:4–6 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Paul said about his Jewish heritage.

• What social and religious advantages in Jewish society did Paul once possess? (His Israelite pedigree, position as a Pharisee, zeal for Judaism, and strict obedience to the law.)

---Invite a student to read Philippians 3:7–11 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for how Paul viewed the advantages he once had in Jewish society.

• How did Paul view what he had given up to follow Jesus Christ?
• Why was Paul willing to “[suffer] the loss of all things”? (verse 8). (So he could know Jesus Christ; “be found in him” [verse 9], or be in a faithful covenant relationship with Him; be justified through faith in Him; suffer for His sake; and be part of the Resurrection of the “just,” or the righteous [Joseph Smith Translation, Philippians 3:11 (in Philippians 3:11, footnote a)].)

---Invite a student to read Philippians 3:12–14 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Paul recognized about his spiritual progression. Explain that apprehend means to obtain.

• •

---Rather than focusing on what he had left behind, what was Paul pressing forward to obtain? (Explain that “the prize of the high calling of God” [verse 14] is eternal life.)

• What principle can we learn from Paul’s example about what we must do to come to know Jesus Christ and obtain eternal life? (Students may use different words, but make sure they identify the following principle: If we give up all that is necessary to follow Jesus Christ and press forward in faith, we can come to know Him and obtain eternal life.)

---Invite a student to read aloud the following account by President Gordon B. Hinckley, which tells of his meeting a naval officer who had come from another nation to the United States for advanced training and who had joined the Church during his stay. Ask the class to listen for what the young man was willing to give up to follow Jesus Christ.

“He was introduced to me just before he was to return to his native land. … I said: ‘Your people are not Christians. What will happen when you return home a Christian, and, more particularly, a Mormon Christian?’

“His face clouded, and he replied, ‘My family will be disappointed. They may cast me out and regard me as dead. As for my future and my career, all opportunity may be foreclosed against me.’

“I asked, ‘Are you willing to pay so great a price for the gospel?’

“His dark eyes, moistened by tears, shone from his handsome brown face as he answered, ‘It’s true, isn’t it?’

“Ashamed at having asked the question, I responded, ‘Yes, it’s true.’

“To which he replied, ‘Then what else matters?’” (“It’s True, Isn’t It?” Ensign, July 1993, 2).

• What was this young man willing to give up to follow the Savior?
• What have you (or someone you know) given up to follow the Savior?
• Why are the prizes of knowing Jesus Christ and progressing toward eternal life worth the sacrifices you have made?

---Ask students to ponder whether there is something they need to give up to more fully follow Jesus Christ. Invite them to write down a goal to do so.

---In  Philippians 3:15–21  Paul warned of the destruction awaiting those who focus solely on earthly pleasures. He also taught that Jesus Christ will change our imperfect physical bodies into immortal bodies like His.

---Conclude by testifying of the truths identified in this lesson.

Commentary and Background Information

Philippians 2:3–8. Selflessness

Elder H. Burke Peterson of the Seventy explained what it means to be selfless:

“There are those among us today who are completely selfless—as was [Jesus Christ].

“A selfless person is one who is more concerned about the happiness and well-being of another than about his or her own convenience or comfort, one who is willing to serve another when it is neither sought for nor appreciated, or one who is willing to serve even those whom he or she dislikes. A selfless person displays a willingness to sacrifice, a willingness to purge from his or her mind and heart personal wants, and needs, and feelings. Instead of reaching for and requiring praise and recognition for himself, or gratification of his or her own wants, the selfless person will meet these very human needs for others” (“Selflessness: A Pattern for Happiness,” Ensign, May 1985, 66).

Philippians 2:5–8. The Savior “made himself of no reputation”

The phrase translated as “of no reputation” (Philippians 2:7) comes from the Greek word kenoō, which means “to empty.” Elder Tad R. Callister, who served in the Presidency of the Seventy, taught about the divine privileges and status Jesus “emptied” Himself of to come to earth:

“God the Son traded his heavenly home with all its celestial adornments for a mortal abode with all its primitive trappings. He, ‘the King of heaven’ (Alma 5:50), ‘the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth’ (Mosiah 3:5), left a throne to inherit a manger. He exchanged the dominion of a god for the dependence of a babe. He gave up wealth, power, dominion, and the fulness of his glory—for what?—for taunting, mocking, humiliation, and subjection. It was a trade of unparalleled dimension, a condescension of incredible proportions, a descent of incalculable depth” (The Infinite Atonement [2000], 64).

Philippians 2:12–13. “Work out your own salvation. … For it is God which worketh in you”

 President Joseph Fielding Smith taught how members of the Church can “work out [their] own salvation” (Philippians 2:12):

“I plead with the members of the Church to do the works of righteousness to keep the commandments, to seek the Spirit, to love the Lord, to put first in their lives the things of God’s kingdom, and thereby work out their salvation with fear and trembling before the Lord” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1970, 8).

Such works, which God enables us to perform, are necessary to satisfy the requirements He has established for receiving all of the blessings made possible by the Atonement.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that it is because of the Savior’s Atonement that we are saved:

“Man unquestionably has impressive powers and can bring to pass great things by tireless efforts and indomitable will. But after all our obedience and good works, we cannot be saved from the effect of our sins without the grace extended by the atonement of Jesus Christ.

“… Man cannot earn his own salvation” (“What Think Ye of Christ?” Ensign, Nov. 1988, 67).

Supplemental Teaching Ideas

Philippians 1:12–14. Opposition can help further the Lord’s work

Consider sharing the following examples as students try to think of instances when opposition has helped further the Savior’s work:

1. Opposition to the Restoration of the gospel helped lead the Saints to receive additional revelation and eventually establish a community in Utah, where the Church could flourish.

2. A young woman who joined the Church as a young adult decided to marry in the temple. When she told her mother, who was not a member of the Church, of this decision, her mother said she would never speak to her daughter again. The young woman moved forward with her decision to follow the Lord’s teachings by marrying in the temple, and for nine months her mother did not speak to her. When the young woman finally heard from her mother, her mother told her she was going to be baptized. The young woman’s willingness to marry in the temple despite her mother’s refusal to speak to her had led her mother to investigate the Church.

3. While riding on public transportation, a group of full-time missionaries were mocked by a group of youth. A passenger on the bus watched the missionaries respond with kindness despite the ridicule. Impressed by the missionaries’ behavior, this man later saw two full-time missionaries and expressed interest in learning more about who they were. He eventually joined the Church.

Philippians 3:13–14. “Forgetting those things which are behind, … I press toward the mark”

After asking students what they have given up to follow the Savior, consider doing the following activity to help students understand the importance of “forgetting those things which are behind” (Philippians 3:13) as they “press toward [eternal life]” (Philippians 3:14).

Ask for a volunteer. Invite the volunteer to try walking forward in a straight line while looking backward. The student will likely drift to one side. Ask the volunteer:

• Why would facing forward be important in your efforts to go forward? What is the danger of looking backward as you walk forward?

Invite the volunteer to return to his or her seat.

• How can this example relate to looking back at things we have given up to follow the Savior as we try to press forward in faith? (See Luke 9:62.)

© 2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Do not be afraid of silence

When students are asked an effective question, they may not immediately respond. As long as it does not go on too long, this silence should not trouble you. At times, students need an opportunity to reflect on what they have been asked and how they might respond. Such reflection can facilitate instruction by the Holy Ghost.