Thursday, April 11, 2013

Makeup: Friday April 12, 2013

1 Timothy 1-2: Living the Gospel

What is unique about those who follow Jesus Christ? What simple principles do they follow that make such a difference in their lives? Paul counseled Timothy on how to live a gospel-centered life. As you read 1 Timothy 1–2, think about how following Paul’s counsel can help you as you strive to follow the Savior.

Understanding the Scriptures

1 Timothy 1

Charge (v. 3)	Teach, command
Unfeigned (v. 5)	Sincere
Whoremongers (v. 10)	Adulterers, fornicators
Perjured persons (v. 10)	Liars, promise breakers
Blasphemer (v. 13)	One who speaks evil of God and others

1 Timothy 2

Intercessions (v. 1)	Prayers in behalf of another
Mediator (v. 5)	One who helps settle differences between two individuals
A ransom (v. 6)	To pay the price
Adorn (v. 9)	Clothe
Sobriety (v. 9)	Self-control

1 Timothy 2:9–12—“Suffer Not a Woman to Teach”?

President Joseph Fielding Smith taught:

“In this dispensation the Lord gave commandment that the sisters of the Church should be organized, that they should hold meetings, teach each other the gospel of the kingdom, administer to the poor, the needy, and the distressed. They were to nurse the sick and those who needed comfort.

“Our Relief Society came by divine revelation. This is true also of the Mutual Improvement and Primary organizations. The foolish notions which were practiced by the Jews and others anciently have no place in the kingdom of God today. The Lord has promised to all, males and females alike, the gift of the Holy Ghost on conditions of faithfulness, humility, and true repentance. They are required to study and to know the truths of the gospel and to prepare themselves by study, faith, and obedience to all commandments to seek for light and truth that they may be entitled to celestial glory” (Answers to Gospel Questions, 3:68–69).

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study 1 Timothy 1–2.

Make a “To Do” List

Make two columns in your notebook. Label one column To Do and the other Not to Do. Read 1 Timothy 1–2 and list at least ten things in the appropriate columns that we are to do or not do. The “Understanding the Scriptures” section for 1 Timothy 1–2 may also be helpful.

A Fashion Statement

Read 1 Timothy 2:9–10 and look for how Paul counseled women to dress. If Paul were to come to your school today, what clothing styles or fashion trends do you think he would condemn? (List at least five.)
The scriptures teach us about the Lord’s expectations for how we dress. Read 1 Nephi 13:7–8; Jacob 2:13; Alma 1:6; 4:6; 5:53; 31:27–28; 4 Nephi 1:24; Mormon 8:36–37; and Doctrine and Covenants 42:40. Summarize what you think these verses teach us. How well does your summary match the guidelines in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet?

Makeup: Thursday April 11, 2013

2 Thessalonians 1-3: Be Not Weary in Well Doing

The Thessalonian Saints expected the Second Coming to occur very soon, so many stopped worrying about preparing for the future. Paul wrote to correct that false idea and to get them working toward their own salvation again. Notice what Paul taught must happen before the Lord will come again. Also look for how he inspired the Saints to continue in well doing.

Understanding the Scriptures

2 Thessalonians 1

Recompense (v. 6)

Repay, reward

2 Thessalonians 2

Delusion (v. 11)	Faulty thinking
Consolation (v. 16)	Comfort, peace

2 Thessalonians 2:1–3—The Apostasy

In the early Christian Church many false teachers sought to change Church doctrines to fit the philosophies of the day. Those teachers were able to lead many away from the truth. Other Saints lost heart because they could not withstand the intense persecution from the Romans. Then when the Apostles were killed, the already weakening Church was left without leadership.

Over the years, the Church went from being the Church of Jesus Christ to a church based on the ideas and philosophies of men. That period in history when members fell away from the truth is now known as the Apostasy. It was not until the visitation of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to the Prophet Joseph Smith that the fulness of the gospel was restored to the earth.

2 Thessalonians 2:3–10—Who Is the “Mystery of Iniquity”?

Jesus Christ is “the mystery of godliness” (1 Timothy 3:16), and Satan is “the mystery of iniquity.” Satan and those who rebelled with him were cast out and are known as “sons of perdition.” Satan has had an influence on mankind only because God has allowed him to (see 2 Thessalonians 2:7). That is, Jesus Christ “suffereth [Satan] to work” for now (see JST, 2 Thessalonians 2:7). But the scriptures promise that eventually Jesus Christ shall destroy Satan and all wickedness “with the brightness of his coming” (2 Thessalonians 2:8; see also D&C 5:19).

2 Thessalonians 3

Wrought with labour and travail (v. 8)	Accomplished through hard work
Busybodies (v. 11)	Those who wrongfully assume concern about other people’s business

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study 2 Thessalonians 1–3.

The Second Coming

President Joseph Fielding Smith explained: “This great and dreadful day can be no other time than the coming of Jesus Christ to establish his kingdom in power on the earth, and to cleanse it from all iniquity. It will not be a day of dread and fear to the righteous, but it will be a day of fear and terror to the ungodly. This we have learned from the words of the Savior himself” (Doctrines of Salvation,1:173).

Read 2 Thessalonians 1 and write what it says will happen to the wicked and what will happen to the righteous at the Savior’s Second Coming.

scenes related to Christ's 1st and 2nd Comings

Scripture Mastery—2 Thessalonians 2:1–3

Review the information found in the “Understanding the Scriptures” section for 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3. Then read 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12. Explain what you think verses 3, 4, 8, and 10 mean.

Write a Note to a Friend

What would you tell a friend who said he or she was tired of helping on Church service projects? Remember Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonian Saints to “be not weary in well doing” (2 Thessalonians 3:13).

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1–13 and identify at least two principles that would help a person feel less weary with giving service.
Using those two principles, write an encouraging note to your friend.

Makeup: Wednesday April 10, 2013

1 Thessalonians 1-5: The Gospel Prepares Us for the Second Coming of Christ

Paul hurriedly left Thessalonica because of persecution in the city. But he wrote this letter to express his love to the Saints he left behind. He reminded them that knowing the gospel is not enough; we must strive to have the Holy Ghost as our guide at all times. As you study 1 Thessalonians, look for ways the gospel and the power of the Spirit prepare us for Christ’s Second Coming.

Understanding the Scriptures

1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1:4—What Is the “Election of God”?

Having an “election of God” means that one was “born at a time, at a place, and in circumstances where one will come in favorable contact with the gospel. This election took place in the premortal existence” (Bible Dictionary, “election,” 663).

1 Thessalonians 2

Exhortation (v. 3)	Strong gospel instruction
Guile (v. 3)	Craftiness, deceit
Cloke of covetousness (v. 5)	Covering for greed
Fill up their sins alway (v. 16)	People becoming completely wicked

1 Thessalonians 4

Sanctification (v. 3)	Purification, cleansing
Abstain (v. 3)	Not participate, not partake
Possess his vessel (v. 4)	Control his body, passions, actions
Concupiscence (v. 5)	Sinful desires, lust
Asleep, sleep (vv. 13–15)	Dead, die

1 Thessalonians 5

Travail (v. 3)	Pain
Wake or sleep (v. 10)	Those who have prepared themselves and are watching for the coming of the Savior and those who have not; alive or dead at the coming of the Lord
Render (v. 15)	Return
Wholly (v. 23)	Completely

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–D) as you study 1 Thessalonians 1–5.

Mark Paul’s Words

How a missionary acts is as important as what he or she says. This is true of all members of the Church. Write what a nonmember friend might think if a member of the Church did any of the following:

Went to an R-rated movie
Complained about something that happened at a Church meeting
Gossiped about another person
Went to a wild party

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12 and list at least eight words or phrases that could help you avoid the situations listed above.

Becoming Sanctified

President Brigham Young taught: “When the will, passions, and feelings of a person are perfectly submissive to God and His requirements, that person is sanctified” (Journal of Discourses, 2:123). Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8 and list the passions and feelings Paul said we need to control.

Picture This

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 and draw a picture of the event described.

How to Become Children of Light

In 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6, Paul taught that “children of light” would not be surprised by the coming of the Lord. Would you like to be prepared for the Second Coming? Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12–23 and list the fourteen suggestions Paul gave that can help you be a child of light. Choose three or four of the suggestions and write a goal that will set you on a path to greater light.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Makeup: Friday March 15, 2013

1 Corinthians 15-16: The Doctrine of Resurrection

Has someone you love died? How did you feel when it happened? Jesus Christ overcame death through His atoning sacrifice. Because of His gift, death is temporary. All mankind will be resurrected and enjoy immortality. In Paul’s time, some questioned the reality of Christ’s Resurrection. As you read 1 Corinthians 15–16, look for Paul’s powerful testimony of the reality of the Resurrection, as well as doctrinal truths about the three degrees of glory and ordinance work performed in temples in behalf of those who have died.

Understanding the Scriptures

1 Corinthians 15

Vain (vv. 2, 14, 17)	Without reason, empty
Fallen asleep (v. 6)	Dead
Firstfruits (vv. 20, 23)	First to be resurrected
Subdued (v. 28)	Made subject
Quickened (v. 36)	Given life
Quickening spirit (v. 45)	Immortal person with a glorified, perfected body

1 Corinthians 15:29—Baptism for the Dead

Paul explained that there would have been no reason for the Saints to do baptisms for the dead if there were no resurrection. He then testified that the Resurrection is a reality and that ordinance work in behalf of the dead provides great blessings for them as well as for those who perform the ordinances.

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “The Saints have the privilege of being baptized for those of their relatives who are dead, … and who have received the Gospel in the spirit, through the instrumentality of those who have been commissioned to preach to them” (History of the Church, 4:231). He also taught that “those Saints who neglect it in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at the peril of their own salvation” (History of the Church, 4:426; see also D&C 128:15–18).

1 Corinthians 15:40–42—Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial Bodies

Everyone will be resurrected, but we will not all rise from the dead at the same moment or with the same glory. The most righteous will be resurrected first and will serve with Jesus Christ during His millennial reign. The least righteous will be resurrected last. The following chart will help you better understand the order of the Resurrection (see also D&C 88:98–102):

(click to view larger)

1 Corinthians 15:42–54—“Corruption … Incorruption”

Several times Paul used the word corruption to refer to death and the word incorruption to refer to immortality (see 1 Corinthians 15:42–54). Even though we will receive our same bodies in the Resurrection, they will not be subject to disease, decay, and imperfection, but will instead be glorified, perfected, and immortal (see Alma 11:42–45).

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study 1 Corinthians 15.

Scripture Mastery—1 Corinthians 15:20–22

List a scripture chain that starts at 1 Corinthians 15:20–22. Use your Bible Dictionary, Topical Guide, and the index in your triple combination to find at least five additional scriptures that explain that everyone will be resurrected. You may want to write these cross references in the margin of your scriptures.

Scripture Mastery—1 Corinthians 15:29

Interview someone who has been to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. (If you have had this opportunity you can write about your own experience.) Write answers to the following questions:

What did you enjoy the most about doing baptisms for the dead?
How will your service benefit the dead?
Why do you think baptism for the dead is such an important doctrine?

Scripture Mastery—1 Corinthians 15:40–42

Write three questions that you think a nonmember might ask a missionary about the Resurrection or the three degrees of glory. Then write answers to the questions, using verses from 1 Corinthians 15 in your answers.

Makeup: Thursday March 14, 2013

1 Corinthians 8-11: Counsel for New Members

The Corinthian Saints had written to Paul and asked him many questions. We learn what those questions were by his answers to them. Paul counseled them to guard against offending others through personal actions, to recognize that God will not allow us to be unfairly overwhelmed by temptation, and to remember the importance of being worthy to partake of the sacrament.

Understanding the Scriptures

1 Corinthians 8

Puffeth up (v. 1)	Makes proud
Commendeth us not (v. 8)	Does not bring us
Emboldened (v. 10)	Encouraged

1 Corinthians 8:4, 8–13—Eating the Meat of Idols

The law of Moses did not allow Jews to eat meat that was sacrificed to false idols. Paul taught them that the meat itself did not make a person unclean, but the Jewish converts were still offended when they saw gentile converts eating pagan meat. Paul counseled that it was better not to eat the meat than to offend a fellow Saint.

1 Corinthians 9

Charges (v. 7)	Expense
Hinder (v. 12)	Slow the progress of
A dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me (v. 17)	I will be held responsible for my stewardship
Temperate (v. 25)	Moderate, self-controlled
Corruptible (v. 25)	Earthly, temporal
Beateth the air (v. 26)	Swings fists in the air as if pretending to fight

1 Corinthians 10

Idolaters (v. 7)	Idol worshipers
The Lord’s table (v. 21)	The ways of God, such as the sacrament
The table of devils (v. 21)	The ways of evil, such as a pagan feast
Provoke (v. 22)	Anger

1 Corinthians 11

Shorn, shaven (v. 6)	To have all one’s hair cut short or off (considered a disgrace in Paul’s time)
Heresies (v. 19)	Untruths, lies about Christ and His doctrine
Chastened (v. 32)	Corrected by punishment

1 Corinthians 11:2–12—Do Men Rule over Women?

Paul taught that God placed Jesus Christ at the “head of every man” and the man at “the head of the woman” (1 Corinthians 11:3). This pattern does not suggest dominance and subservience, but establishes order and peace through righteous priesthood leadership. Men and women are dependent upon each other, and wise men listen carefully to the opinions of faithful women.

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–D) as you study 1 Corinthians 8–11.

Give a Modern Example

Read 1 Corinthians 8:9–13 and give a modern example of how we need to be careful to avoid even the appearance of evil. It might be helpful to review the “Understanding the Scriptures” section for 1 Corinthians 8:4, 8–13.

Design a Training Program

Read 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 and look for what Paul compared his mission to. Draw the following chart in your notebook. Imagine you are a coach and list steps in a physical training program you would design to help an athlete excel in his or her field. Then make a comparison to the spiritual training needed to prepare for a mission or temple marriage.

Physical Training Program	Spiritual Training Program
1.	1.
2.	2.
3.	3.

Scripture Mastery—1 Corinthians 10:13

Paul stated clearly in 1 Corinthians 10:13–14 that temptation cannot defeat us if we are determined to obey God’s commandments. Read Alma 13:28 and list the three principles Alma said we need to obey so that we might obtain God’s help in overcoming temptation. Write a paragraph about how they can help you not to “be tempted above that ye are able” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

How to Partake of the Sacrament

The most important part of attending Church is partaking of the sacrament. After reading 1 Corinthians 11:20–34, write a set of directions that would help others partake of the sacrament in the manner the Lord intended. Keep your directions brief enough to fit on a card that could be given to people.

Makeup: Wednesday March 13, 2013

1 Corinthians 5-7: Instructions to the Church

In 1 Corinthians 5–7 Paul continued to give counsel to the Saints in Corinth. He dealt with important questions like: What kind of association should Saints have with sinners? When is it all right for Saints to sue one another? Why is it better for marriage to come after a mission? Look for Paul’s counsel on these issues and think about how they relate to you.

Understanding the Scriptures

1 Corinthians 5

Fornication (v. 1)	Sexual relations between unmarried persons
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump (v. 6)	A little yeast causes the loaf of bread to rise; a little sin affects the whole person or congregation
Purge out (v. 7)	Remove, repent of
Malice (v. 8)	Desire to harm others

1 Corinthians 5:5—“Deliver Such an One unto Satan”

Members who have more knowledge and experience in the Church are subject to more serious penalties. To “deliver such an one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh” (1 Corinthians 5:5) was to cut them off from the blessings of the gospel. Included in this was the loss of the Holy Ghost, leaving them without the healing and protective power of God. In this state individuals were left to themselves to endure the full destructive power of the adversary.

1 Corinthians 6

Go to law (vv. 1, 6–7)	To bring charges against, sue
Utterly a fault (v. 7)	Complete failure
Defrauded (v. 7)	Cheated
Effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind (v. 9)	Those involved in various sins of homosexuality

1 Corinthians 6:9–12—Were These Deadly Sins Lawful in Paul’s Mind?

The Joseph Smith Translation provides a significant change in 1 Corinthians 6:12: “All these things are not lawful unto me, and all these things are not expedient” (JST, 1 Corinthians 6:12; italics added).

1 Corinthians 6:19–20—“Ye Are Not Your Own”

Elder LeGrand Richards, who was an Apostle, said, “There are many who think their bodies are their own and that they can do with them what they will, but Paul makes it plain that they are not their own, for they are bought with a price” (A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, rev. ed. [1973], 380).

1 Corinthians 7

Due benevolence (v. 3)	Proper acts of kindness
Incontinency (v. 5)	Lack of self-control
Bondage, bound (vv. 15, 27)	Under covenant
Circumcision (vv. 18–19)	See Bible Dictionary, “circumcision” (p. 646).
Cast a snare upon you (v. 35)	Restrict you
Comely (v. 35)	Proper, honorable

1 Corinthians 7:29–33—“They That Have Wives Be as Though They Had None”

The Joseph Smith Translation clarifies that when Paul counseled “they that have wives be as though they had none” (1 Corinthians 7:29) he was speaking to “you who are called unto the ministry … for ye are called and chosen to do the Lord’s work” (JST, 1 Corinthians 7:29). In other words, those who were married would be without their wives during their missions.

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–D) as you study 1 Corinthians 5–7.

Interview Your Bishop

Ask your bishop to explain how a bishop’s disciplinary council helps the Church and helps the person involved to repent and come back to full fellowship. Read 1 Corinthians 5 and write about the similarities you find between those verses and what your bishop explained.

List the Effects of Sin

Paul chastised the Saints in Corinth for rationalizing their sins. He reminded them that the Spirit could not dwell in them if they were unrighteous. As you read 1 Corinthians 6:9–20, list at least five sins that Paul mentioned and explain how those sins affect the sinner, the sinner’s family, and the Church.

Summarize What Paul Taught

As you read 1 Corinthians 7:10–11, substitute the word divorce for “depart” (“put away” also means divorce), and in verses 12–13 substitute nonmember for the phrase “that believeth not.” After reading these verses with the substitutions, write a paragraph describing what you think Paul was teaching.

Write a Lesson

Read 1 Corinthians 7:8–9, 29–35 as if Paul were speaking to missionaries (notice the Joseph Smith Translation changes) and answer the following questions:

How would these teachings be helpful for full-time missionaries?
How might a girlfriend or boyfriend at home distract a missionary from their calling?

Makeup: Tuesday March 12, 2013

1 Corinthians 1-4: Unity through the Spirit

Sometimes members of the Church place their own wisdom above God’s wisdom. They fail to see how the Spirit can help them find solutions to life’s challenges. In Corinth, some Saints argued that their personal opinions were part of the gospel of Christ, and that caused divisions among the members. In 1 Corinthians 1–4, How does the Spirit provide solutions to this problem and how can it help you face similar difficulties?

Understanding the Scriptures

1 Corinthians 1

Utterance (v. 5)	Words spoken
Fellowship of his Son (v. 9)	Closeness to or fellowship with Christ as members of His Church
Beseech (v. 10)	Plead
Cephas (v. 12)	Peter
Prudent (v. 19)	Sensible, learned
Disputer (v. 20)	Philosopher
Foolish, weak, base things (vv. 27–28)	Humble followers of Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 1:26–28—“God Hath Chosen the Foolish … to Confound the Wise”

Who are the “foolish things of the world” who will “confound the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27)? Paul was referring to missionaries who go out into the world and teach people from all walks of life. Did he mean that missionaries are foolish? President Gordon B. Hinckley noted how our missionaries are often seen by the world:

“I had been interviewed by a representative of the BBC Radio Worldwide Service. He had seen the missionaries and noted their youthful appearance. He asked me, ‘How do you expect people to listen to these callow youth?’

“In case some of you do not know the meaning of callow, it means immature, inexperienced, lacking sophistication.

“I replied to the reporter with a smile, ‘Callow youth? It is with these missionaries today as it was with Timothy in the days of Paul [see 1 Timothy 4:12]. …

“‘The remarkable thing is that people do receive them and listen to them. They are wholesome. They are bright, they are alert, they are upstanding. They are clean looking, and people quickly develop confidence in them.’ …

“‘Callow youth?’ Yes, they are lacking in sophistication. What a great blessing this is. They carry no element of deception. They speak with no element of sophistry. They speak out of their hearts with personal conviction. Each is a servant of the living God, an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their power comes not of their learning in the things of the world. Their power comes of faith and prayer and humility” (in Conference Report, Sept.–Oct. 1995, 69; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 51).

1 Corinthians 2

Howbeit (v. 6)	However
Princes (vv. 6, 8)	Rulers
Spiritually discerned (v. 14)	Understood through the Holy Ghost

1 Corinthians 2:14—What Is a “Natural Man”?

After the Fall of Adam, mankind became “carnal, sensual, and devilish, by nature” (Alma 42:10). This nature is contrary to the divine nature of God (see Mosiah 3:19). Those who live as “natural” men and women do not understand spiritual knowledge; it is foolishness to them. The natural man acquires spiritual knowledge when he “yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man” (Mosiah 3:19).

1 Corinthians 3

Stubble (v. 12)	Short, dry stalks of grain left in the field after the harvest
Abide (v. 14)	Endures

1 Corinthians 3:1–3—“I Have Fed You with Milk”

The Corinthians were recent converts to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of them were still plagued with carnal (worldly) weaknesses. Paul compared them to “babes in Christ,” telling them that he had fed them with milk because they were not ready for meat (1 Corinthians 3:1–2). Milk refers to the simple teachings of the gospel that must be understood before the meat, or more complex doctrines, can be taught. Such doctrines can only be understood by those who have acquired spiritual maturity by living according to the light they have already received (see D&C 50:24; Alma 12:9–11).

1 Corinthians 4

Counsels of the hearts (v. 5)	Secrets or motives of the heart
I have in a figure (v. 6)	I have, figuratively
Transferred (v. 6)	Applied
Being defamed, we intreat (v. 13)	When we are lied about, we seek to settle differences
Offscouring (v. 13)	Waste, garbage

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–D) as you study 1 Corinthians 1–4.

Tell about Your Family

When people join the Church they become members of the family of Christ (see Mosiah 15:11). Read 1 Corinthians 1:9–13.

List what was wrong with the “family of Christ” in Corinth.
Describe an event or a time when your own family was together that brought you great joy.
List the elements that existed in your family experience that would also be necessary in the family of Christ.

The Unnatural Man

If you were feeling pain because of an unusual sickness, who would you go to for help—the police, a taxi driver, or your doctor? Why? Read 1 Corinthians 2:10–14.

Write where you must go to obtain spiritual answers.
Explain why the “natural man” has difficulty gaining spiritual knowledge.
Read Mosiah 3:19 and list what helps us overcome the natural man.

Holy Temple, Holy Me

Read 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 and think about ways in which your body is like a holy temple. Explain how the following situations affect such a temple and limit the ability to receive the Spirit:

Tom and Susan are dating and have become physically involved.
Joe likes chewing tobacco with his friends.
Katrina avoids Church because her friends aren’t there.

Write a Note to a Church Leader

Paul told the leaders of the Church that they were required to be faithful and reminded them that they would be persecuted because of their faithfulness (see 1 Corinthians 4). After reading 1 Corinthians 4:9–16, write a note of appreciation to one of your Church leaders. List what you appreciate most about that person and how he or she has helped you. (You could share the note with your teacher before you send it.)