Ye Are the Temple of God - Lesson Outline

Lesson 33: “Ye Are the Temple of God”, New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (2002)

1. Introduction

a) Paul’s Activities

i) Paul will serve long and hard for about 20 years

ii) Two sources of Biblical information about Paul

(1) Last half of Acts, written by Luke, missionary companion

(2) Collected letters of Paul

iii) Traveling Constantly

(1) Proselyting new branches of the Church

(2) Visiting and strengthening existing branches

(3) Suffered great physical hardships

(a) Imprisoned

(b) Beaten

(c) Shipwrecked

iv) Writing letters to distant branches

(1) Dealing with problems

(2) Answering questions

(3) Teaching doctrine

b) Corinth

i) Located in Southeastern Greece

ii) Population of 250,000 citizens and 400,000 slaves

iii) Greece is an irregularly-shaped peninsula with lots of islands

(1) On the west is the Ionian Sea

(2) On the east is the Agean Sea

(3) Corinth is located on the Greek equivalent of Panama

(a) Gulf of Corinth on the Ionian Sea

(b) Narrow peninsula – 4 miles - divides the Ionian Sea from the Aegean Sea

(i) Today, there is a canal

(ii) In ancient times, ships were portaged over a stone road

(4) Corinth had two ports, one on the Ionian Sea and the other on the Agean Sea

iv) In classical times, Corinth rivaled Athens and Thebes in wealth because of all the trade that passed through the city

(1) Main corridor for trade between Asia and Western Europe

v) Destroyed by the Romans after a siege in 146 BC, then rebuilt into a large city

vi) When Paul was there, Corinth had a mixed population of Greeks, Romans and Jews

vii) Famous temple of Aphrodite – goddess of love

viii) Corinth was the Las Vegas of the ancient world

c) Letters to the Corinthians

i) Constitute about 25% of the total content of Paul’s epistles

ii) Paul had spent about two years in Corinth

iii) Made a second visit of unknown duration before writing 1 Corinthians

iv) Had also been visited by Apollos and, possibly, Peter

v) Most of converts were Greeks

(1) Weaker converts brought Hellenistic influences into the Church that would cause many problems and were one of the factors in the great apostasy

2. Avoid contention and be unified

a) Reading 1 – 1 Corinthians 1:10-13

10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

i) ASK: Who is Cephas? Cephas and Peter both mean a rock, the one being Aramaic and the other Greek.

ii) Greek philosophical tradition of debating – philosophers on Mars Hill in Athens

iii) Problems of contention

iv) Problems of pride – one convert setting himself above another

v) Problems of doctrine – did not understand the role and position of Christ

(1) As if the followers of Pres. Monson contended with the followers of Pres. Hinckley

vi) Not in the spirit of the Atonement because contenders are not one with Christ and one another

vii) Does this mean all followers of Christ will be the same?

b) Reading 2 – John 17:20-21 – Christ’s prayer

20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

c) Consequences of Contention

i) Reading 3 - 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

(1) Doctrine withheld

(2) Commandments and accompanying blessings withheld

(3) More knowledge would only condemn the wrongdoers further

d) Whose work is this?

i) Reading 4 – 1 Corinthians 3:5-11

5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

3. Rely on the Spirit rather than the wisdom of the world.

a) Reading 5 – 1 Corinthians 1:18-21

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

i) Many of us have a hope that if we just explain ourselves carefully, the world in general will come to understand Mormons and their doctrine

ii) Paul says the world in general will always regard what we preach as foolishness

iii) Conversion is almost always individual or in small groups, where the Spirit can work in the hearts of those being taught

iv) That said, we must continually speak what we know to be true even as we understand that it will be foolishness to most who hear it.

b) READ 1 Corinthians 1:25-31

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

c) Reading 6 – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5,9

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

SKIP

9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

d) Reading 7 - President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “The Spirit of God speaking to the spirit of man has power to impart truth with greater effect and understanding than the truth can be imparted by personal contact even with heavenly beings. Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 1:47–48).

e) READ - Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: "Pure religion is a thing of the Spirit and not of the intellect alone, and its truths must be carried into the hearts of hearers by the power of the Spirit, otherwise the human soul is not changed...and the seeker after salvation does not become alive in Christ." (DNTC, 2:318)

f) Reading 8 – President Spencer W. Kimball taught: “There is opportunity to get both [secular and spiritual learning] simultaneously. … If we spend our mortal days in accumulating secular knowledge to the exclusion of the spiritual then we are in a dead-end street, for this is the time for man to prepare to meet God; this is the time for faith to be built, for baptism to be effected, for the Holy Ghost to be received, for the ordinances to be performed. Contemporary with this program can come the secular knowledge, for even in the spirit world after death our spirits can go on learning” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 390).

4. Be morally clean

a) Paul deals with a specific situation in which a man entered into a marriage that was forbidden by Mosaic law and which Paul also condemns

b) Reading 9 – 1 Corinthians 5:1-8,13

1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.

2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. - Excommunicated

3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

SKIP

13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

c) READ 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

d) Reading 10 – Elder Richard G. Scott said: “Satan tempts one to believe that there are allowable levels of physical contact between consenting individuals who seek the powerful stimulation of emotions they produce, and if kept within bounds, no harm will result. As a witness of Jesus Christ, I testify that is absolutely false. … Decide what you will and will not do. When temptation comes, do not change your standards” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 51; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 38).

Conclusion

Ye Are the Temple of God - Scriptures and Quotes

Lesson 33: “Ye Are the Temple of God” – Scriptures and Quotes

Reading 1 – 1 Corinthians 1:10-13

Reading 2 – John 17:20-21

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Reading 4 – 1 Corinthians 3:5-11

Reading 5 – 1 Corinthians 1:18-21

1 Corinthians 1:25-31

Reading 6 – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5,9

Reading 7 - President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “The Spirit of God speaking to the spirit of man has power to impart truth with greater effect and understanding than the truth can be imparted by personal contact even with heavenly beings. Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 1:47–48).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: "Pure religion is a thing of the Spirit and not of the intellect alone, and its truths must be carried into the hearts of hearers by the power of the Spirit, otherwise the human soul is not changed...and the seeker after salvation does not become alive in Christ." (DNTC, 2:318)

Reading 8 – President Spencer W. Kimball taught: “There is opportunity to get both [secular and spiritual learning] simultaneously. … If we spend our mortal days in accumulating secular knowledge to the exclusion of the spiritual then we are in a dead-end street, for this is the time for man to prepare to meet God; this is the time for faith to be built, for baptism to be effected, for the Holy Ghost to be received, for the ordinances to be performed. Contemporary with this program can come the secular knowledge, for even in the spirit world after death our spirits can go on learning” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 390).

Reading 9 – 1 Corinthians 5:1-8,13

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Reading 10 – Elder Richard G. Scott said: “Satan tempts one to believe that there are allowable levels of physical contact between consenting individuals who seek the powerful stimulation of emotions they produce, and if kept within bounds, no harm will result. As a witness of Jesus Christ, I testify that is absolutely false. … Decide what you will and will not do. When temptation comes, do not change your standards” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 51; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 38).

Corinthians

From the Bible Dictionary:

Pauline Epistles. Paul’s 14 epistles found in our present N.T. were written to members of the Church who already had some knowledge of the gospel. They are not evangelistic; rather, they are regulatory in nature. The arrangement is neither chronological, geographical, nor alphabetical, but by length, in descending order form the longest (Romans) to the shortest (Philemon). This is the case except with the epistle to the Hebrews, which was placed last because some have questioned whether or not it was written by Paul. The dating and chronological grouping of the epistles as presented below is approximate, but seems consistent with the known facts.

An advantage in studying the epistles in chronological order is that the reader sees the differences in the types of problems the Church encountered as the years passed and circumstances changed. Early membership was mostly Jewish, and problems included questions about the law of Moses. Later, when the gentile membership had increased, problems involved items of Greek philosophy. Early persecution was from the Jews and the Judaizers. Later persecution came from the Roman government. These things are visible in the epistles not by sharp distinction, but by the gradual shift of emphasis.

. . . .

Epistles to the Corinthians. Corinth was the meeting point of many nationalities because the main current of the trade between Asia and western Europe passed through its harbors. Paul’s first visit lasted nearly two years; his converts were mainly Greeks, men gifted by race with a keen sense of the joys of physical existence, with a passion for freedom and a genius for rhetoric and logic, but reared in the midst of the grossest moral corruption, undisciplined and self-conceited. Some time before 1 Cor. was written he paid them a second visit (2 Cor. 12:14; 13:1) to check some rising disorder (2 Cor. 2:1; 13:2), and wrote them a letter, now lost (1 Cor. 5:9). They had also been visited by Apollos (Acts 18:27), perhaps by Peter (1 Cor. 1:12), and by some Jewish Christians who brought with them letters of commendation from Jerusalem (1 Cor. 1:12; 2 Cor. 3:1; 5:16; 11:23).

Analysis of 1 Corinthians

1. Salutation and thanksgiving (1:1–9).

2. Rebuke of the Corinthian Church for lack of unity (1:10–6:20).

a. The spirit of partisanship and insubordination (1:10–4:21).

b. The case of impurity (5:1–13; 6:9–20).

c. The lawsuits (6:1–9).

3. Paul’s reply to inquiries made by them as to

a. Marriage (7:1–40).

b. Meat offered to idols (8:1–11:1).

c. The order of worship, with special reference to the Lord’s Supper and the use of spiritual gifts (11:2–14:40). This section contains (12:31–13:13) a magnificent description of love, the greatest in the trio of things that abide forever.

4. Doctrine of the resurrection—

a. Of Christ (15:1–19).

b. Of the dead (15:20–34).

c. Degrees of glory (15:35–58).

5. Directions about a collection for the Christian poor at Jerusalem; information about Paul’s, Timothy’s, and Apollos’s plans; final exhortations and salutation (16:1–24).

Soon after writing the first epistle Paul was driven from Ephesus by a riot (Acts 19). In Macedonia he met Titus (2 Cor. 7:6), who brought him news from Corinth that his letter had been well received and had produced the desired effect; the Church had cleared itself of all complicity in a sexual offense and had excommunicated the offender (2:5–11). But Paul found that a personal coolness had sprung up between himself and his converts (7:2; 12:15), which unscrupulous opponents were turning to their own account.

Analysis of 2 Corinthians

1. Salutation and thanksgiving (1:1–11).

2. Personal, arising out of the report of Titus.

a. His own movements and feelings toward the Corinthian Church (1:12–2:17).

b. The characteristics of the Christian ministry as exemplified by true apostles (3:1–6:10).

c. An account of the impression produced on his own mind by the report of Titus (6:11–7:16).

3. Welfare collection for the churches of Judaea (8:1–9:15).

4. Assertion of his own position as an apostle (10:1–12:10).

5. Conclusion (12:11–13:14).

Ye Are the Temple of God

Lesson 33: “Ye Are the Temple of God”, New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

1 Corinthians 1–6

• What problem did Paul address in 1 Corinthians 1:10–13? How do divisions and contention affect our fellowship as disciples of Christ? (See Mosiah 18:21–22; 3 Nephi 11:29–30; D&C 38:27.) What did Paul counsel the Saints to do to be more unified? (See 1 Corinthians 1:10.)
  
• Paul taught that God’s wisdom will “make foolish” the wisdom of the world (1 Corinthians 1:18–21). How is God’s wisdom different from the world’s wisdom? (See Isaiah 55:8–9; D&C 38:1–2.) What are some examples of God’s wisdom making foolish the wisdom of the world? How can we know the “things of God”? (See 1 Corinthians 2:10–13.)
  
• What did Paul compare our bodies to? (See 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 6:19–20.) What can we do to treat our bodies as temples? What are the blessings of being morally clean?
  

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Explain that Paul often communicated with the members of the Church by sending epistles, or letters. Discuss some ways prophets, apostles, and other Church leaders communicate with us today. As a family, read a conference address from the Ensign or another Church publication. Discuss how you can apply its message.

Scripture Chain: Moral Cleanliness

1 Corinthians 3:16–17

1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Galatians 5:16

3 Nephi 12:27–30

D&C 42:22

D&C 46:33

Lesson 32 - Live in the Spirit

Purpose

To encourage class members to seek promptings from the Holy Ghost and to avoid attitudes and actions that will keep them from receiving these promptings.
Preparation

1. Read Acts 18:23–19:41. Paul begins his third missionary journey. Aquila and Priscilla teach the gospel to Apollos. Paul teaches, baptizes, and confers the gift of the Holy Ghost on believers in Ephesus. Demetrius and the other silversmiths stir up the people of Ephesus against Paul.


Acts 20. Paul leaves Ephesus and preaches in Macedonia and Greece. On his way back to Jerusalem, he gives a farewell address to the Church leaders from Ephesus, warning against apostasy.


Galatians. Paul writes a letter chastising the Galatians for returning to the law of Moses. He reminds them of the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ and encourages them to seek the fruits of the Spirit.



Attention Activity



Think of a talent or skill (such as playing an instrument, sewing, writing, or playing a sport) they once developed but have not used for a long time.

• Would you feel comfortable using this talent or skill today? How successful would you be? What would you need to do to use this talent or skill as well as you did in the past?

Recognizing the promptings of the Holy Ghost can be thought of as a spiritual talent or ability. The more we use this talent, the better we become at it.

• How can we develop the ability to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost? (Answers may include by living righteously, by seeking inspiration through the Holy Ghost, and by obeying promptings when we receive them.) What will happen if we develop this ability and then neglect it?

Today’s discussion of Paul’s third missionary journey and his letter to the Galatians will include discussion of situations in which we need to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and how we can be blessed by doing so.

Scripture Discussion and Application

1. Paul teaches, baptizes, and confers the Holy Ghost on believers in Ephesus.

Acts 18:23–19:41. Read selected verses. After Paul returned from his second mission, he spent some time in Antioch and then departed on a third mission (Acts 18:22–23). During this third mission he spent most of his time—nearly three years—preaching in Ephesus.

• Apollos was a Jew who knew about baptism as taught by John the Baptist but did not know about the gift of the Holy Ghost. When Aquila and Priscilla, two members of the Church who were in Ephesus, heard Apollos preaching, they taught him “the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26). What qualities made Apollos teachable? (See Acts 18:24–28.) How did these qualities also make him an effective teacher? How can we develop these qualities?

• What spiritual manifestation occurred when some of the Ephesians received the gift of the Holy Ghost? (See Acts 19:6.) At what other times had this kind of manifestation occurred? (See Acts 2:1–4; 10:44–46. The Apostles spoke in tongues when they received the gift of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost. Several Gentiles in Caesarea also spoke in tongues after Peter received a vision that the gospel should be taught to the Gentiles.) What manifestations of the Holy Ghost are frequently experienced today? (See D&C 6:15, 23; 8:2 for some examples; see also 1 Kings 19:12.)

• Why did Paul leave the synagogue in Ephesus and begin teaching in the school of Tyrannus? (See Acts 19:8–9. Note that disputing in these verses means preaching or reasoning.) How should we respond to people who criticize or oppose the gospel? (See 3 Nephi 11:29–30.)

Elder Marvin J. Ashton taught: “When others disagree with our stand we should not argue, retaliate in kind, or contend with them. … Ours is to explain our position through reason, friendly persuasion, and accurate facts. Ours is to stand firm and unyielding on the moral issues of the day and the eternal principles of the gospel, but to contend with no man or organization. Contention builds walls and puts up barriers. Love opens doors. … Contention never was and never will be an ally of progress” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1978, 10; or Ensign, May 1978, 7–8).

•Why were Demetrius and the other silversmiths upset with Paul’s preaching? (See Acts 19:23–28. They were creating and selling shrines for Diana, a false goddess, and were worried about losing customers as Paul helped people become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.) How can concerns about material wealth or other worldly interests affect our loyalty to God? How can such concerns affect our ability to hear the promptings of the Spirit?

• Compare the attitudes of Demetrius and the silversmiths to the attitude of the Ephesians who destroyed their sorcery books when they began following Jesus Christ (Acts 19:18–19). How can we keep the proper perspective regarding earthly possessions?

2. Paul gives a farewell address to Church leaders from Ephesus.

Read selected verses from Acts 20. Explain that Paul left Ephesus and traveled throughout Macedonia and Greece, preaching the gospel. He planned to return to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. On his way back to Jerusalem, he sent a messenger to ask Church leaders in Ephesus to meet with him in Miletus. He delivered a stirring farewell address and then resumed his journey.

• Believing that this would be the last time he would speak to the Ephesian elders, what did Paul emphasize in his farewell address? (See Acts 20:28–35.) Who were the “grievous wolves” Paul warned about? (See Acts 20:29. Enemies of the Church.) Who else did Paul warn about? (See Acts 20:30. Members of the Church who would apostatize and try to lead other members away.) How can we guard against apostasy in our lives?

• What did Paul tell the Ephesian elders they should do to help protect Church members from those who would try to lead them away from the Church? (See Acts 20:28; see also John 21:15–17.) How can we help protect God’s flock from “grievous wolves”?

• Paul concluded his address to the Ephesian brethren by reminding them of the Lord’s teaching that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). How have you found this to be true in your life?

3. Paul chastises and counsels the Galatian Saints.

Read selected verses from Paul’s epistle to the Galatians. Explain that while Paul was on his third missionary journey, he wrote a letter to the Saints in Galatia, many of whom had returned to keeping the law of Moses. He chastised those who believed that salvation could come through the works required by the law of Moses rather than through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

• What was the purpose of the law of Moses? (See Galatians 3:23–26; Jacob 4:4–5; Mosiah 13:29–30. The Lord gave the Israelites this law to help them remember him and to prepare them to receive salvation through his Atonement.) How was the law of Moses fulfilled? (See 3 Nephi 15:2–5; Alma 34:10; 3 Nephi 9:19. Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses through his Atonement, which was symbolized by many of the law’s ordinances.)

• Paul was amazed that the Galatian Saints had returned to the law of Moses so soon after having learned the gospel of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:6; 4:9). Why did this return to the law of Moses show a lack of faith in the Lord? (See Galatians 2:16; 3:1–5; 5:1–6.)

• In Paul’s day, some people sought to pervert, or change, the gospel of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:7–8). What are some modern-day evidences of this? How should we respond to efforts to pervert the gospel?

• What can we learn from Galatians 1:11–12 about how we receive a testimony of the gospel? Why is it important that our testimonies are based on revelation from Jesus Christ? (You may want to discuss how testimonies that are built on other foundations, such as social relationships or intellectual analysis, often do not withstand trials of faith.)

• Paul warned the Galatians against doing “the works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19). What are the works of the flesh? (See Galatians 5:19–21.) What are the consequences of doing these works? (See Galatians 5:21.) Despite the prevalence of the works of the flesh in the world today, what can you do this week to improve the spiritual environment you live in?

• Paul encouraged the Galatians to seek the fruits, or results, of living by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 25). What are some of these fruits? (See Galatians 5:22–23.) How have these fruits been manifest in your life? What should we do if we feel an absence of these fruits in our lives?

• What did Paul teach the Galatian Saints about how to treat their neighbors? (See Galatians 5:14; 6:2; see also Mosiah 18:8–10.) How can we “bear … one another’s burdens”? How does doing so bring us closer to Jesus Christ?

• What did Paul mean when he said that “God is not mocked”? (See Galatians 6:7; see also D&C 63:58. One meaning is that those who disobey God and do not repent are mocking him and will be punished.) How do people mock God today?

• What does it mean that “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”? (See Galatians 6:7–9.) How does this principle apply to our ability to hear and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost? How does it apply to our relationships with other people? How does it apply to other situations in our lives?

Conclusion

We testify that unrighteous attitudes and actions, such as contention, worldliness, and apostasy, will prevent us from receiving promptings from the Holy Ghost. But if we strive to live righteously and follow the promptings we do receive, our ability to recognize and follow promptings will increase. Seek and follow promptings from the Holy Ghost.

Live in the Spirit

Lesson 32: “Live in the Spirit”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

Acts 18:23–20:38; Galatians

• Paul concluded his address to the Ephesian brethren by reminding them of the Lord’s teaching that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). How have you found this to be true in your life?

• Paul encouraged the Galatians to seek the fruits, or results, of living by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 25). What are some of these fruits? (See the scripture chain in this section.) How have these fruits been manifest in your life? What should we do if we feel an absence of these fruits in our lives?

• What does it mean that “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”? (See Galatians 6:7–9.) How does this principle apply to our ability to hear and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost? How does it apply to our relationships with other people and to other situations in our lives?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Ask family members how they can tell when the influence of the Spirit is in the home. Discuss things you can do as a family to invite the Spirit. Set goals as a family to invite the Spirit into your home during the coming week.

Scripture Chain: Fruits of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22–23
John 14:26
John 15:26 Moroni 8:26
Moroni 10:3–5
D&C 6:22–23

Lesson 31 - And So Churches Were Established in the Faith

Purpose
To help class members learn from Paul’s teachings about how to share the gospel and how to live as Saints.

Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:

a. Acts 15:36–41; 16; 17:1–15; 18:1–22. After the dispute over Gentile converts and the law of Moses is resolved, Paul and Barnabas prepare for their second missionary journey. They disagree over a missionary companion and decide to separate. Paul takes Silas and Timothy and begins missionary labors in Macedonia and Greece. They are frequently persecuted but convert many people.

b. Acts 17:16–34. Paul visits Athens and sees the whole city taken in idolatry. He testifies to the Athenian philosophers and preaches on Mars’ Hill about the nature of God, the unity of people as offspring of God, and the Resurrection.

c. 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians. Paul writes two letters to the Saints in Thessalonica, a city in Macedonia. He counsels them about sharing the gospel, preparing for the Second Coming, and living as Saints.

2. Additional reading: 1 Corinthians 2:4–5, 10–13; Bible Dictionary, “Pauline Epistles: Epistles to the Thessalonians,” 743.

Lesson

1. Paul, Silas, and Timothy preach throughout Macedonia and Greece.

Read Acts 15:36–41; 16; 17:1–15; 18:1–22. Read selected verses. The book of Acts was written by Luke. He apparently traveled with Paul on some of Paul’s missionary journeys, because he often uses the word we when referring to the actions of Paul and his missionary companions (Acts 16:10).

• During his second missionary journey, Paul preached in many Macedonian and Greek cities, including Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Corinth, and Athens. (Point out these cities on the map.) How did the Spirit direct Paul and his companions during the journey? (See Acts 16:6–10; 18:9–11.) How has the Spirit directed your efforts to serve the Lord?

• The scriptures record that Lydia heard and believed Paul’s words because the Lord had opened her heart (Acts 16:14–15). Why is an “open heart” necessary for conversion to the gospel? (See Mosiah 2:9; D&C 64:34.) Think about experiences when the Lord has opened your heart (or the heart of someone you know) to the gospel.

• Why were Paul and his companions imprisoned in Philippi? (See Acts 16:16–24.) How were they freed? (See Acts 16:25–26.) How did they use this experience as a missionary opportunity? (See Acts 16:27–34.) What are some other examples, from Church history or your own life, where good has come out of persecution?

• What did Paul teach the people in Thessalonica when he spent three Sabbaths in the synagogue with them? (See Acts 17:1–3.) What were the results of Paul’s teachings in Thessalonica? (See Acts 17:4–10.)

• How did the people in the synagogue in Berea receive Paul’s teachings? (See Acts 17:10–12.) How can we develop a “readiness of mind” for learning the gospel?

2. Paul preaches on Mars’ Hill to the Athenian philosophers.

Read selected verses from Acts 17:16–34. Explain that after Paul left Berea, he came to Athens, which was then a center of world culture. Philosophers there viewed God as an abstract being or power, rather than as the literal Father of our spirits. They worshiped God’s creations rather than God himself. They replaced revelation with reason and debate, valuing the wisdom of men more than the truths of God.

• The philosophers in Athens “spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing” (Acts 17:21). How is this tendency evident today? What dangers could there be in always seeking “some new thing”?

• What did Paul teach the Athenians about God? (See Acts 17:22–31; see also the Joseph Smith Translation of Acts 17:27 in footnote 27b.) Why is it important to know that “we are [God’s] offspring”? (Acts 17:28). How does an understanding of God’s true nature and his role as our Father help us love and worship him?

• Paul countered the philosophers’ reason and logic with a sincere witness of God, our Father. In teaching the gospel, why is a sincere testimony more convincing than logic and reason? (See 1 Corinthians 2:4–5, 10–13.)

• Why did the philosophers listen to Paul? (See Acts 17:18–21.) How do you think this motive affected their response to Paul’s message? (See Acts 17:32–33.) How can we prepare ourselves to hear and understand the words of Church leaders?

3. Paul writes letters of counsel to the Saints in Thessalonica.

Read and discuss selected verses from 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians.

• Paul was concerned about the Saints in Thessalonica but was unable to return to visit them, so he sent Timothy (1 Thessalonians 2:17–18; 3:1–2, 5–7). After Timothy’s return, Paul wrote two letters giving counsel and encouragement to the Thessalonian Saints. What can we learn from Paul’s efforts in behalf of new members of the Church?

• What does Paul teach in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 and 1 Thessalonians 2:2–12 about how to teach the gospel to others? (List class members’ responses on the chalkboard.) How has following these principles helped you teach the gospel?

• What concerns of the Thessalonian Saints are reflected in Paul’s explanations of the Second Coming? (See 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 5:1–3.) What did Paul tell the Thessalonians would happen before the Second Coming? (See 2 Thessalonians 2:1–4.) How was this prophecy fulfilled? (See D&C 1:15–16; 112:23; Joseph Smith—History 1:19.)

• What did Paul tell the Thessalonian Saints they should do to prepare for the Second Coming? (See 1 Thessalonians 5:4–8.) What should we do to prepare for the Second Coming?

• What counsel did Paul give the Thessalonians about living as Saints? (See 1 Thessalonians 4:9–12; 5:11–22.) List responses. As the Spirit directs, ponder some of the points of counsel you have listed. Think about how we can more fully follow the counsel and how we are blessed as we do so.

Conclusion

We bear witness of the truths Paul taught about the qualities that successful missionaries and compassionate Latter-day Saints should possess. Seek to develop these qualities so they can help prepare yourselves and others for the Lord’s Second Coming.