Purpose
To understand that the process of “perfecting … the saints” (Ephesians 4:12) requires us to increase our faith in Christ, follow the teachings of the apostles and prophets, and protect ourselves from the wickedness of the world.
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Attention Activity
- What do the thread and the rope have in common? (Both are made of fibers or strands of material.) How are they different? (The thread is a single strand, while the rope is made of many strands woven together.) Which of these objects is stronger?
Explain that, like the piece of thread, we are weak when we depend on ourselves. However, like the rope, we can be stronger when we are united with others in faith and righteousness. In his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul emphasized the importance of “perfecting … the saints” and reaching a “unity of the faith” (Ephesians 4:12–13). This lesson discusses how as families and as a Church we can work toward perfection and unity by trusting in the Savior, following the apostles and prophets, developing strong families, and putting on the whole armor of God.
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Scripture Application
1. The dispensation of the fulness of times
Read and discuss Ephesians 1:9–10.
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul spoke of “the dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10). What is a dispensation of the gospel? (A period of time when the Lord has at least one servant on the earth who holds the keys of the priesthood and is authorized to administer the gospel. See Bible Dictionary, “Dispensations,” 657–58.)
What is the dispensation of the fulness of times? (The dispensation that began with the restoration of the gospel and organization of the Church through Joseph Smith.) Why is our dispensation referred to as the fulness of times?
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: “You and I are experiencing the profound and wonderful blessings of the dispensation of the fulness of times. In this day and time there have been restored to the earth all of the principles, powers, blessings, and keys of all previous dispensations” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 98; or Ensign, May 1992, 70).
What did Paul say our Father in Heaven would do in this dispensation? (See Ephesians 1:9–10.) What do you think it means to “gather together in one all things in Christ”? What are some things that are being gathered together in our day? (Answers may include the scriptures, Church members, records of the dead, and families that are sealed in the temple.) How can we help in this gathering process?
2. Jesus Christ as our cornerstone
Read selected verses from Ephesians 2:12–22 and 4:1–16.
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Compare Ephesians 2:12 and 2:19. How did Paul describe the changes that took place in those who had accepted and followed the Savior? How have you seen these same changes in yourself or others? How has your association with other Church members as “fellowcitizens” in the gospel blessed your life?
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
What did Paul mean by teaching that Jesus Christ is the “chief corner stone” of the Church? (Ephesians 2:20). (If necessary, explain that a cornerstone is a foundation stone placed at a corner where two walls meet. The cornerstone is essential for the strength and unity of the structure.) How has Jesus Christ been the cornerstone of your faith?
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
What did Paul teach in Ephesians 2:20 and 4:11–14 about the importance of apostles and prophets? Why are living apostles and prophets essential to the true Church? What are some teachings from latter-day apostles and prophets that help us progress toward perfection and unity? (You may want to list class members’ responses on the chalkboard.)
President Boyd K. Packer taught: “The ministry of the prophets and apostles leads them ever and always to the home and the family. … The ultimate purpose of all we teach is to unite parents and children in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they are happy at home, sealed in an eternal marriage, linked to their generations, and assured of exaltation in the presence of our Heavenly Father” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 8; or Ensign, May 1995, 8).
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
What did Paul mean by teaching that there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism”? (Ephesians 4:5). Why is it important that we be unified in our understanding and teaching of the basic doctrines of the Church?
3. Unity between husband and wife and between parents and children
Read Ephesians 5:22–29; 6:1–4.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
What comparison did Paul use when he described the relationship between husband and wife? (See Ephesians 5:22–29.) What can husbands and wives learn from this comparison to help them develop greater love and unity in their marriage? (Discuss specific ways Jesus has shown his love for the Church and how each way can be applied to marriage. You may want to list class members’ responses on the chalkboard.)
President Spencer W. Kimball taught: “Can you find in all the holy scriptures where the Lord Jesus Christ ever failed his church? … Was he faithful? Was he true? Is there anything good and worthy that he did not give? Then that is what we ask—what he asks of a husband. …
“… Can you think of how he loved the Church? Its every breath was important to him. Its every growth, its every individual, was precious to him. He gave to those people all his energy, all his power, all his interest. He gave his life—what more could one give?” (Men of Example [address delivered to religious educators, 12 Sept. 1975], 4–5).
What is Paul’s counsel to children in Ephesians 6:1–3? Why is this counsel important today? How have you been blessed for honoring your parents?
What did Paul mean when he counseled parents to bring up a child in “the nurture and admonition of the Lord”? (Ephesians 6:4). How can parents nurture children spiritually? How can parents follow the Lord’s example when admonishing children?
How can Paul’s counsel to parents and children help strengthen family relationships and maintain unity in the home? What counsel have latter-day apostles and prophets given us regarding families? Invite class members to discuss recent counsel given in general conferences, in other meetings or firesides, and in Church magazine articles.
In “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that “happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).
4. Putting on “the new man” and “the whole armour of God”
Read Ephesians 4:21–32 and 6:10–18.
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
What did Paul mean when he encouraged the Ephesians to “put on the new man”? (Ephesians 4:24). What are some characteristics of people who have become “new” through the Atonement of Jesus Christ? (See Ephesians 4:21–32.)
While exhorting the Saints to put on the armor of God, Paul warned them against many kinds of evil influences (Ephesians 6:10–12). What are some of the evil influences in this life?
What are the different pieces of what Paul calls the armor of God? What does each piece represent? (See Ephesians 6:13–18; D&C 27:15–18. You may want to list answers on the chalkboard under the headings Armor and Representation.) How can each piece of the armor of God protect us against the influence of Satan? What can we do to put on this armor each day?
15 Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.
16 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;
17 Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;
18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also.
Conclusion
Testify that the Lord established his Church, with apostles and prophets, to help us become like him and return to live with him. Strive together for the “perfecting of the Saints” by following Paul’s teachings in Ephesians.
Additional Teaching Ideas
The following material supplements the suggested lesson outline.
1. “Put on the whole armour of God” (Ephesians 6:11)
Show “The Whole Armor of God,” a thirteen-minute video segment from New Testament Video Presentations (53914). Then ask the following questions:
What dangers did the soldiers in the video presentation face? What dangers did the young people face? How were members of each group blessed for wearing their armor?
2. Praying for Church leaders
Read Ephesians 6:18–20. Why do you think Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him? When have you been strengthened by the prayers of others? Why is it important that we pray for each other and for the leaders of the Church?
3. “By grace are ye saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8)
What did Paul teach in Ephesians 2:8–9 about how a person receives salvation? Why is it impossible for us to save ourselves by our works? (See Romans 3:23; Mosiah 3:17; Alma 22:14. You may want to point out that Paul often had to remind the Jewish Saints that the works of the law of Moses could not save them. For a more detailed discussion of grace and works, see lesson 36.)
