October 2–8

Ephesians

“For the Perfecting of the Saints”

Thoughts and impressions about what and how to teach will come as you prayerfully study Ephesians, recent general conference addresses, this outline, and Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families.

Invite Sharing

Consider inviting class members to write on the board a one-sentence summary of something they learned in their study this week. Randomly select a few summaries, and invite the class members who wrote them to share their thoughts.

Teach the Doctrine

Ephesians 2:19–22; 4:4–8, 11–16

Prophets and apostles—and all of us—strengthen and unify the Church.

• Could you and your class build something together to illustrate how the Church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets” and how the Savior is “the chief corner stone”? (Ephesians 2:20). Perhaps class members could label blocks or paper cups and assemble them into a tower or pyramid, with Jesus Christ and the apostles and prophets forming the base. Then you could demonstrate what would happen if Christ or the apostles and prophets were removed. Why is the chief cornerstone a good metaphor for Jesus Christ and His role in the Church? (For a description of a chief cornerstone, see “Additional Resources.”) Class members could search Ephesians 2:19–22; 4:11–16 for blessings we receive because of apostles, prophets, and other Church leaders. What can we do to build our lives on their teachings?

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Church.

• If members of your class listened to general conference since the last time you met, invite them to share how the things taught during conference helped fulfill the purposes stated in Ephesians 4:11–16.

• Perhaps you could give class members a moment to list some of the “vocations” or responsibilities we have as members of Christ’s Church (see Ephesians 4:1)—for example, a ministering brother or sister, a righteous parent, a disciple of Christ, and so on. Then they could exchange lists with another class member, read Ephesians 4:4–8, 11–16, and share how fulfilling the responsibilities on their lists helps to edify the body of Christ. How can we work together to become unified under “one Lord, one faith, one baptism”?

Ephesians 5:25–33; 6:1–4

Following the Savior’s example can strengthen our family relationships.

• To help class members apply Paul’s counsel about family relationships, you might write questions like the following on the board: How can we follow the Savior’s example in the way we treat our family members? (see Ephesians 5:25). What does it mean to you to “honour thy father and mother”? (Ephesians 6:1–3). How do we raise children in “the nurture and admonition of the Lord”? (Ephesians 6:4). Class members could discuss these questions, in groups or as a class, as they read the associated scriptures. You might invite class members to share examples they have seen of people living in the ways that Paul describes.

Ephesians 6:10–18

The armor of God will help protect us from evil.

• What would help inspire class members to strive to put on the whole armor of God each day? You could prepare an activity in which class members match pieces of armor with the principles or virtues they represent, as described in Ephesians 6:14–17. How can each piece of armor help protect us from wickedness? (For some help, see “Additional Resources.”) How do we put on this armor? What can we do to identify and strengthen any weaknesses in our armor?

Additional Resources

What is a chief cornerstone?

The chief cornerstone is the first stone placed in a foundation. It serves as a reference point for the measurement and placement of the other stones, which must be aligned with the chief cornerstone. Because it bears the weight of the rest of the building, the chief cornerstone must be solid, stable, and reliable (see “The Cornerstone,” Ensign, Jan. 2016, 74–75).

The armor of God.

Loins girt about with truth:This piece of armor is like a belt tied around the waist. The word girt can also mean fortified, strengthened, or reinforced.

Breastplate of righteousness:A breastplate protects the heart and other vital organs.

Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace:This refers to protective covering for a soldier’s feet.

Shield of faith:A shield can protect almost any part of the body from a variety of attacks.

Helmet of salvation:A helmet protects the head.

Sword of the Spirit:A sword allows us to take action against the enemy.

Improving Our Teaching

Strive for Christlike love. Your interactions with those you teach should be motivated by love. You and your learners will be blessed as you pray to develop Christlike love and seek ways to show it (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 6; Moroni 7:48).