Seminary
1–2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon

1–2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon

Overview

Studying Paul’s words in this week’s lessons can help answer many questions, such as “What is the role of a bishop?” “What special gift has God given us to help us overcome the challenges of the last days?” “How can we endure to the end?” In the past, you have studied Paul’s letters to members of the faith in different cities. This week, you will study the helpful truths Paul wrote in letters to three individuals: Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

Prepare to Teach

The following information provides teachers with ideas of what may need to be prepared in advance for each lesson:

1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students better understand the attributes of bishops and branch presidents and how these servants of the Lord can help them in their lives.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to consider the following question and to come to class prepared to share their ideas. How have Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ blessed you or your family through a bishop or branch president?

  • Materials for students: Materials to write a note or letter to their bishop

  • Object: A ball

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: If possible, consider inviting a current or former bishop to attend the class and testify of the essential role of bishops in the restored Church. Remember to get approval from your coordinator or program administrator before inviting guest speakers to class. If you invite a former bishop rather than a current one, be sure to seek approval from the individual’s local priesthood leader.

1 Timothy 4:12–16

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students strive to be an example of a disciple of Jesus Christ in their youth.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to think about the following question and prepare to share their thoughts: If someone were to follow you around for a week, what evidence would they see that you are striving to follow Jesus Christ?

  • Video: “The Lost Purse” (2:40)

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: When students think about people who have been examples to them in the different ways Paul described, invite students to write in the chat feature the names of one or two people they thought about. These names could include others in the class. Then call on a few students to explain why they wrote one of the names they did and to share how that person has been an example to them. Invite students to think of people they know today and people from the past, especially the Savior.

2 Timothy 3

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students feel a desire to study the scriptures, which can help protect them from the evils of our day.

  • Student preparation: Share the following statement by President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) with students: “Spending time each day in scripture study will, without doubt, strengthen our foundations of faith and our testimonies of truth” (“How Firm A Foundation,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 68). Invite students to ponder this statement and to think of personal experiences that show it is true.

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: To start the lesson, consider asking students to post a few emojis in the chat feature that represent how they feel about being alive during the last days. (For example, they may feel grateful, nervous, or both.)

Doctrinal Mastery: 2 Timothy 3:15–17

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students memorize the doctrinal mastery reference and key scripture phrase for 2 Timothy 3:15–17, explain the doctrine, and apply principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in a real-life situation.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to think about any challenges that prevent them from studying the scriptures daily. Encourage them to think of ways the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge could help them overcome their obstacles.

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Instead of inviting students to write the doctrinal mastery scripture reference and key scripture phrase in a drawing of a book, invite students to type the reference and key phrase three or four times in the chat feature. Be sure to tell them to type each word and to not cut and paste. It may be effective to see how many times students can type the reference and key phrase within a certain time limit (for example, 90 seconds).

2 Timothy 4

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students become or remain committed to lifelong discipleship to Jesus Christ.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to find a scripture passage that they might share with someone who is feeling discouraged in their efforts to follow Jesus Christ.

  • Images to display: An image of a fight and an image of a race

  • Materials for students: A small piece of paper for each student

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: If available, consider using an anonymous survey tool to allow students to share a scenario in which someone might feel tempted to give up trying to follow Jesus Christ. Tell students they can even choose to share the real reason that a loved one decided to stop following Jesus Christ.