Better than Paradise, by Kendal Ray Johnson

January 17–23

Genesis 5; Moses 6

“Teach These Things Freely unto Your Children”

Before you read any additional materials, read and ponder Genesis 5 and Moses 6, and record your spiritual impressions. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families and this outline can give you ideas about how to help those you teach discover truths relevant to them.

Record Your Impressions

Invite Sharing

How can you encourage class members to share insights and experiences they had as they studied Genesis 5 and Moses 6? You could write the names Adam and Enoch on the board and invite class members to write something that one of these prophets did or taught that was meaningful to them.

Teach the Doctrine

Moses 6:26–39

The Lord calls us to do His work despite our inadequacies.

• There’s a good chance that someone in your class has felt—or is feeling—inadequate about a responsibility at home or at church. To build class members’ faith that the Lord can help them, you could invite them to read Enoch’s experience found in Moses 6:26–39. How did God help Enoch do His work despite Enoch’s fears? Ask class members to think about other examples of people who overcame their weaknesses and accomplished the Lord’s work, either from the scriptures or their own lives. What examples can we share? (see also Exodus 4:10–16; Jeremiah 1:4–10; 2 Nephi 33:1–4; Ether 12:23–29).

• Many modern-day apostles and prophets have expressed concerns similar to Enoch’s when they have described how it felt to receive their calls. Their experiences could enhance class members’ understanding of Moses 6:26–39. Consider reviewing the video “On the Lord’s Errand: The Life of Thomas S. Monson” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org; between minutes 35:46 and 39:40) or a talk by a recently called member of the Quorum of the Twelve (for example, see the testimonies of Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Elder Gary E. Stevenson, and Elder Dale G. Renlund [Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 89–94]). Let class members share what impresses them about these examples. What can we learn from these leaders about our own feelings of inadequacy? The statement from President Thomas S. Monson in “Additional Resources” may also be helpful as part of this discussion.

Moses 6:48–65

Faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost prepare us to return to God.

• This week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families suggests reading Moses 6:48–62 to find what each of us must know and do to be redeemed. Perhaps class members could share any insights that came from that study in their homes. Or you could discuss Moses 6:48–62 together in class. How would we respond to someone who asks why faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost are necessary? How does the Lord answer this question in verses 53–65, and what do we learn from His answer?

  

  Parents should teach their children the gospel.

Moses 6:51–63

“Teach these things freely unto your children.”

• In Moses 6:51–63 we learn of gospel truths that the Lord taught to Adam and asked him to teach to future generations. Perhaps class members could make a list of these truths by studying smaller groups of verses, such as verses 51–52, 53–57, 58–60, 61–63. Why are these truths valuable to today’s rising generation? What would you want young people to know about the Savior from these verses? Class members may be willing to share ideas or experiences to help each other teach these truths more effectively to children and youth. What else can we learn from the Lord’s instructions to parents in Mosiah 4:14–15 and Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–28; 93:40–50?

• To add to what Moses 6 teaches about parents’ responsibility to teach their children, you might invite class members to watch one or more of the following videos: “Parenting: Touching the Hearts of Our Youth,” “Proclamation Series: Children,” or “Mother in Israel” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn from these videos about teaching the gospel to our children? If you are teaching youth, you could invite them to share how they can support their parents in their efforts to teach the gospel at home.

Additional Resources

“Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.”

President Thomas S. Monson taught: “Some of you may be shy by nature or consider yourselves inadequate to respond affirmatively to a calling. Remember that this work is not yours and mine alone. It is the Lord’s work, and when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies” (“Duty Calls,” Ensign, May 1996, 44).

Improving Our Teaching

The Holy Ghost is the teacher. Your role as a teacher is important, but remember that the Holy Ghost is the real teacher. Help class members learn from the Spirit and share with each other what they learn.