NT Lessons 149-150 2 John, 3 John, Jude

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

Lesson 149: 2 John–3 John

Introduction

John warned the Saints about people who deceive and preach that Jesus Christ did not come in the flesh. He also praised Gaius for his faithfulness.

Note: This lesson includes a teaching suggestion for 3 John that involves students receiving letters from parents or Church leaders. If you choose to use this teaching suggestion, you will need to prepare several days in advance. Invite the parents or, if needed, local Church leaders of each student to write a short letter to the student expressing the joy they have felt as they have seen the student’s efforts to live the gospel. Make sure you have a letter for each student from his or her parents or a Church leader on the day you teach this lesson.

I. 2 John  John warns about people who teach false doctrine

---Name a well-known athlete who is familiar to most students.

• What might this athlete do to stay in peak health to perform well?
• What could happen if this athlete, after working hard to get in shape, stopped going to the gym and began eating junk food, watching a lot of TV, playing video games, and taking substances that are harmful to the body?

---Invite students to consider how the work that successful athletes must do to preserve their peak physical condition can be compared to the work that Church members must do to preserve the blessings they have obtained through the gospel. Invite them to look for a principle as they study 2 John that can help them preserve the blessings they have obtained as Church members.

---Summarize 2 John 1:1–4 by explaining that the Apostle John began his epistle by addressing “the elect lady and her children,” which may have been either a direct address to a female Church member and her children or symbolic language to describe a Church congregation.

---Invite a student to read 2 John 1:5–6 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for the commandment that John reminded the Saints about.

What commandment did John remind the Saints about?

---Invite a student to read 2 John 1:7 aloud. Ask the class to look for why John counseled Church members to “walk after” (2 John 1:6), or obey, the commandments.

• •Why did John counsel Church members to obey the commandments?
• What were the “deceivers” (verse 7) teaching?

---Explain that when John wrote this epistle, a philosophy known as Docetism was gaining popularity. Docetists believed that God was so exalted that He was above suffering, death, or any other mortal experience. Therefore, they concluded that Jesus Christ as the Son of God did not actually come in the flesh but that His spirit only seemed to do things that a mortal would do or experience.

• What are some examples of false teachings in our day that contradict the truths of the gospel?
• Why are these teachings spiritually dangerous?

---Invite a student to read 2 John 1:8 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what John counseled Church members to do in light of these false teachings. Explain that to “look to yourselves” means to be watchful or careful not to adopt false teachings and that wrought can mean performed or acquired (see 2 John 1:8, footnote a).

• What principle can we learn from John’s teachings in verses 6–8 about how we can continue to enjoy the gospel blessings we have received? (Using their own words, students should identify a principle similar to the following: As we keep the commandments and are watchful, we can continue to enjoy the gospel blessings we have received. Write this principle on the board.)

---Invite students to write in their class notebooks or scripture study journals a list of gospel blessings they have already received or hope to receive. Ask them to share what they wrote with the class. Write their responses on the board.

• How could adopting false teachings prevent us from obtaining and continuing to enjoy these gospel blessings?

---Invite a student to read 2 John 1:9 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what John taught would happen to those who abide in the doctrine of Christ, or remain close to and endure in the gospel.

• What do those who abide in the doctrine of Christ have with them? (After students respond, write the following principle on the board: If we abide in the doctrine of Christ, we will have the Father and the Son with us.)

---Point out that one way we have the Father and the Son with us is through the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

---Ask students to ponder their efforts to keep the commandments, to be watchful, and to abide in the gospel. Invite them to write down why they want to preserve the blessings they have received through the gospel and one thing they will do today to be more faithful and consistent in keeping the commandments.

------Summarize 2 John 1:10–13 by explaining that John encouraged the Saints to avoid people who spread false doctrine. He also expressed his desire to personally visit the Saints he was writing to.

II. 3 John  John praises Gaius for his faithfulness

Bring to class a small pebble and a large bowl full of water. Ask a student to drop the pebble into the water without making any ripples.

• Why is it impossible for the water to remain unchanged by the pebble?
• Who else besides yourself can be positively affected by your choice to live the gospel?

---Explain that as recorded in 3 John, John addressed a faithful member of the Church named Gaius.

---Invite a student to read 3 John 1:1–4 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for how John was affected by Gaius’s faithfulness in living the gospel. Explain that children in verse 4 may refer to Church members whom John had helped convert to the gospel.

• How was John affected by Gaius’s faithfulness in living the gospel?
• How would you summarize a truth from these verses about how living the gospel can affect ourselves and others? (Students may identify a variety of truths, but make sure they identify a truth similar to the following: Living the gospel brings joy not only to ourselves but to others.)
• When have you experienced joy because someone else faithfully lived the gospel?

---To further illustrate this truth, if you chose to have parents or Church leaders write letters to students, hand out those letters at this time. Make sure each student has a letter from his or her parents or a Church leader, and allow students time to read the letters.

---Summarize 3 John 1:5–14 by explaining that John praised Gaius for his willingness to receive traveling Church leaders or missionaries, and he criticized a local leader named Diotrephes, who did not receive John and his companions.

---Review the truths identified in this lesson. Testify of these truths, and invite students to apply them in their lives.

Commentary and Background Information

2 John 1:1–5. “The elect lady”

“John described himself as ‘the elder’; ‘the elect lady’ he was writing to (see 2 John 1:1) is either a figurative reference to a branch of the Church or a literal reference to a female member, perhaps even his wife. In our dispensation, Emma Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith, was called ‘an elect lady’ (D&C 25:3). John rejoiced that he found the children of the elect lady walking in truth and following the gospel of Jesus Christ” (New Testament Student Manual [Church Educational System manual, 2014], 519).

3 John 1:9–10. “Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, received us not”

Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained who Diotrephes was and what he did:

“Here is Diotrephes, a local church officer of prominence and influence: (1) Who refuses to permit the doctrine and instructions of a member of the First Presidency of the Church to be read in his congregation; (2) Who preaches against the apostolic heads of the Church; (3) Who refuses to receive the church representatives sent to him; (4) Who refuses to let others in the congregation care for or give heed to the church authorities; and (5) Who casts out (apparently excommunicates) worthy members of the Church” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1965–73], 3:413–14).

Supplemental Teaching Idea

3 John 1:5–10. Church members should sustain all servants of the Lord

Ask students to think of a time when they heard a speaker in general conference or heard from a visiting authority or missionary whom they were not familiar with. Point out that sometimes we may be tempted to treat Church leaders or teachers with less deference, or respect, if we do not know them well.

Invite a student to read 3 John 1:5–8 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Gaius was doing that pleased John. Explain that the words brethren and strangers in verse 5 refer to traveling teachers or missionaries whom Gaius was not familiar with.

• What was Gaius doing that pleased John? (He showed charity and helped the traveling teachers or missionaries.)
• What did John say all Church members ought to do? (Receive servants of the Lord, even those whom we may not be familiar with.)

Invite a student to read 3 John 1:9–10 aloud. Ask the class to look for who displeased John.

• Who displeased John? Why? (Diotrephes, a local Church leader, was in rebellion and personal apostasy. He spoke maliciously about John and his companions, would not receive them, and cast out of the Church any Church members who would receive them.)
• What truth can we learn from the good example of Gaius and the poor example of Diotrephes? (Using their own words, students should identify a principle similar to the following: Church members ought to receive and sustain all servants of the Lord.)
• In what ways can we “receive” servants of the Lord? (Listen to them, pray for them, sustain them in their responsibilities, speak well of them, and apply what they teach in our lives.)

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Invite all students to participate

Find ways to appropriately invite all students to be involved in the lesson. Inviting the parents or leaders of each student to write a letter can involve every student, even those who are normally hesitant or unwilling to actively participate.

Lesson 150: Jude

Introduction

Jude exhorted Church members to earnestly contend for the faith against false teachers. He described false teachers and counseled the Saints to build their lives upon the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jude is traditionally understood to be the half brother of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 13:55). Jude was apparently an active Church member of high esteem in Jerusalem.

I. Jude 1:1–19  Jude exhorts Church members to earnestly contend for the faith against false teachers

---Read the following scenarios aloud, and invite students to consider how they would respond:

1. On a social media site, a friend posts a statement criticizing the Church’s position on same-sex marriage.
2. A neighbor learns that you are a member of the Church. He tells you that he has read the Book of Mormon and feels that it is uplifting literature but not the word of God.
3. During a class discussion at school, a peer argues that viewing pornography is harmless and should not be discouraged.

• What are different ways a person could respond in these situations?

----Invite a student to read Jude 1:3–4 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Jude warned Church members about.

• According to verse 4, what did Jude warn Church members about?

--Help students understand that “ungodly men” with evil intentions had subtly entered the ranks of the Church. These Church members promoted corrupt, immoral practices by teaching that the doctrine of grace allowed for a complete license to sin because God would mercifully forgive. They also rejected certain truths about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The phrase “who were before of old ordained to this condemnation” (verse 4) means that the condemnation of such people had been written about long ago.

• In light of the false teachings and corrupt practices these people were spreading, what did Jude exhort faithful Church members to do? (“Earnestly contend for the faith” [verse 3].)

---Explain that “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (verse 3) refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ—the truths, laws, and ordinances taught by the Savior and His Apostles.

• •What truth can we learn about the responsibility of Jesus Christ’s disciples in dealing with false teachings and corrupt practices? (Students may use their own words to identify the following truth: Disciples of Jesus Christ should earnestly contend for the gospel of Jesus Christ against false teachings and corrupt practices.)
• What do you think it means to earnestly contend for the gospel? (We are to boldly teach and testify of the gospel. However, we should not be unkind, overbearing, or contentious as we do so [see Alma 38:12; 3 Nephi 11:29].)
• How can we contend for the gospel without being contentious?

---Remind students of the situations presented earlier in the lesson.

• In these and similar situations, what are some ways we can contend for the gospel against false teachings and corrupt practices?

---Invite a student to read the following account given by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Ask the class to listen for how the young woman contended for the gospel.

“Recently, I spoke with a Laurel from the United States. I quote from her email:

“‘This past year some of my friends on Facebook began posting their position on marriage. Many favored same-sex marriage, and several LDS youth indicated they “liked” the postings. I made no comment.

“‘I decided to declare my belief in traditional marriage in a thoughtful way.

“‘With my profile picture, I added the caption “I believe in marriage between a man and a woman.” Almost instantly I started receiving messages. “You are selfish.” “You are judgmental.” One compared me to a slave owner. And I received this post from a great friend who is a strong member of the Church: “You need to catch up with the times. Things are changing and so should you.”

“‘I did not fight back,’ she said, ‘but I did not take my statement down.’

“She concludes: ‘Sometimes, as President Monson said, “You have to stand alone.” Hopefully as youth, we will stand together in being true to God and to the teachings of His living prophets’” (“Spiritual Whirlwinds,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 19–20).

• How did this young woman contend for the gospel?
• When have you or someone you know contended for the gospel of Jesus Christ? What did you learn through that experience?

---Ask students to ponder what they can do to earnestly contend for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Encourage them to follow any promptings they receive.

---Summarize Jude 1:5–7 by explaining that Jude compared these rebellious Church members to people in Old Testament times who rebelled against God and suffered His judgments. These people included many of the children of Israel who were destroyed in the wilderness and the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, who were destroyed by fire. Jude also compared rebellious Church members to those who rebelled against God in “their first estate,” or premortal existence, and were cast out of His presence (Jude 1:6; see also Abraham 3:22–26).

---Write the following heading on the board:

Characteristics of False Teachers.

---Explain that in Jude 1:8–16, we read Jude’s description of many characteristics that would help Church members recognize those who were spreading corrupt philosophies and practices in the Church. To illustrate this idea, point out the phrases “clouds they are without water, carried about of winds” and “trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit” in Jude 1:12.

• How might false teachers be like clouds without water and fruit trees without fruit?

---Divide students into groups of three or four. Instruct students to read Jude 1:8, 10, 14–19 with their group members, looking for additional characteristics of false teachers. Invite students to consider marking what they find. You may need to explain that “the last time” (verse 18) refers to the period of time in which Jude lived as well as the last days in which we live.

---After sufficient time, invite students to come to the board and write a characteristic of false teachers they found. Characteristics students might write include the following (you may need to use some of these statements to help students understand what they read):

Characteristics of False Teachers

Defile their bodies with immorality (verse 8)

Despise authority and speak evil of dignities (verse 8)

Speak evil of things they do not understand (verse 10)

Corrupt themselves by living by the carnal knowledge they possess (verse 10)

Act in ungodly ways (verse 15)

Speak harsh words against God (verse 15)

Murmur and complain (verse 16)

Follow and act upon their lusts (verse 16)

Boast (verse 16)

Express admiration for others for the sake of personal advantage (verse 16)

Mock the Lord’s Church and its standards (verse 18)

Separate themselves from the believers (verse 19)

Think and act in sensual ways (verse 19)

Do not have the Spirit (verse 19)

• How does not having the Spirit lead to the development of the characteristics listed on the board?
• Why is it important to recognize the characteristics of false teachers?

---Help students understand that not everyone who has one or more of these characteristics or who teaches something incorrect is necessarily a false teacher as described by Jude. Such a person may be innocently mistaken in his or her understanding of a subject. However, these characteristics can help us recognize false teachers whose intent is to weaken the faith and obedience of others by deceiving them and promoting evil.

---Invite students to review Jude 1:17–18 silently.

• Who had previously warned Church members about false teachers?
• What truth can we learn from these verses about how apostles and prophets can help us in our efforts to contend against false teachers? (Students may use their own words but should identify a truth such as the following: Apostles and prophets warn us of and help us recognize those who seek to weaken our faith and obedience. Write this truth on the board.)

---Invite a student to read aloud the following statement by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Ask the class to listen for how his statement reflects this truth.

“Today we warn you that there are false prophets and false teachers arising; and if we are not careful, even those who are among the faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will fall victim to their deception” (“Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 62).

• Considering this truth, why is it important to study the words of apostles and prophets?
• What are some false teachings that modern prophets and apostles have warned against?

II. Jude 1:20–25  Jude counsels the Saints to build their lives upon the gospel of Jesus Christ and help save others

---Write the following incomplete statement on the board: We can remain true to the faith by …

---Invite a student to read Jude 1:20–21 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Jude counseled the Saints to do to remain true to the faith. You may need to explain that “praying in the Holy Ghost” means to pray with the assistance of inspiration from the Holy Ghost.

• According to verses 20–21, how would you complete the statement on the board? (One way students might complete the statement is as follows: We can remain true to the faith by building our lives on the gospel of Jesus Christ.)
• How can following Jude’s additional instruction in verses 20–21 help us build our lives on the gospel?
• Why is remaining true to the faith worth the effort?
• How has living by Jude’s counsel helped you or others you know remain true to the faith?

---Invite students to write in their scripture study journals or class notebooks one way they can improve in following Jude’s counsel. Encourage them to apply what they wrote.

---Summarize Jude 1:22–25 by explaining that Jude counseled faithful Church members to assist others who were spiritually struggling, possibly due to the influence of the false teachers, and he offered praise unto God.

---Conclude by sharing your testimony of the truths discussed in this lesson.

Scripture Mastery Review

Assign each student a different scripture mastery passage. Instruct students to write a real-life scenario on a piece of paper in which the doctrines and principles contained in their assigned scripture mastery passage could be applied. After students finish writing, collect their scenarios. Read a few scenarios, and invite students to share how the doctrines and principles in scripture mastery passages could be used and applied to each scenario. You could present some of the scenarios at the beginning or end of lessons during the coming week.

Commentary and Background Information

Jude 1:3. “Earnestly contend for the faith”

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught about contending for the gospel of Jesus Christ against false teachings and corrupt practices:

“When evil wants to strike out and disrupt the essence of God’s work, it attacks the family. It does so by attempting to disregard the law of chastity, to confuse gender, to desensitize violence, to make crude and blasphemous language the norm, and to make immoral and deviant behavior seem like the rule rather than the exception.

“We need to remember Edmund Burke’s statement: ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing’ [attributed in John Bartlett, comp., Familiar Quotations, 15th ed. (1980), ix]. We need to raise our voices with other concerned citizens throughout the world in opposition to current trends” (“Let Our Voices Be Heard,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2003, 18).

Modern Apostles have instructed Church members on how to contend for the gospel without being contentious. For example, see Elder Robert D. Hales, “Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 72–75; Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 6–9; and Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Loving Others and Living with Differences,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 25–28.

Jude 1:9, 14–15. Apocryphal books

Jude may have referred to the apocryphal books the Assumption of Moses (see verse 9) and the Book of Enoch (see verses 14–15). The Lord revealed that many things contained in apocryphal books are correct, and those who are enlightened by the Spirit can benefit from reading them. However, some of the books contain additions that corrupt the original text (see D&C 91). For more information about the Apocrypha, see Bible Dictionary, “Apocrypha.”

Supplemental Teaching Idea

Jude 1:22–23. Strengthening the faith of others

Consider using the following teaching idea in place of summarizing Jude 1:22–23.

Invite a student to read Jude 1:22–23 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Jude counseled the Saints to do for others who were spiritually struggling.

• What do you think it means to save others “with fear, pulling them out of the fire”? (verse 23). (To help others recognize the serious consequences of their choices and to pull them from the power of the adversary.)

Point out how Jude first counseled the Saints to build up their own faith (see Jude 1:20–21) and then counseled them to help strengthen the faith of others.

• What principle can be illustrated by the sequence of Jude’s counsel? (Students may use different words, but they should identify the following principle: If we build up our own spiritual strength, we will be better able to help strengthen the faith of others.)

Invite a student to read aloud the following statement by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Ask the class to listen for the analogy he used to teach the importance of first building up our own spiritual strength so we can be better prepared to help others.

“Brothers and sisters, let me give you a caution: you won’t be of much help to others if your own faith is not securely in place.

“A few weeks ago I boarded a plane for South America. The flight attendant directed our attention to a safety video. ‘It is unlikely,’ we were warned, ‘but if cabin pressure changes, the panels above your seat will open, revealing oxygen masks. If this happens, reach up and pull a mask toward you. Place the mask over your nose and mouth. Slip the elastic strap over your head and adjust the mask if necessary.’ Then this caution: ‘Be sure to adjust your own mask before helping others.’ …

“Now is the time to adjust your own spiritual oxygen mask so that you are prepared to help others who are seeking the truth” (“Joseph Smith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 30).

• Why is it important that we first build up our own spiritual strength before seeking to help strengthen the faith of others?
• How would you help strengthen the faith of someone who is suffering from doubt or disobedience?

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Have faith in the Lord and in the Spirit

The responsibility to teach the principles of the gospel to youth can feel challenging and overwhelming. Remember that it is the Lord’s work and that He will help those who have faith in Him (see Moroni 7:33). Also believe that the Holy Ghost can soften students’ hearts and prompt them to apply gospel truths according to their needs and circumstances (see Alma 24:8; D&C 50:14).