Seminary
Galatians

Galatians

Overview

In his epistle to the Saints in Galatia, Paul expressed his deep concerns that many were straying from the Lord by following the teachings of some who sought to “pervert the gospel” (Galatians 1:6–7). He emphasized the importance of hearkening to the words of Jesus Christ given through His Apostles, of walking in the Spirit to overcome the lusts of the flesh, and of the law of the harvest.

Prepare to Teach

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

Galatians 1

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students learn how to avoid deception and confusion by hearkening to the words of Jesus Christ given to both ancient and modern prophets.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to come prepared to give examples of ideas or teachings Satan uses to try to deceive them or lead them away from the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

  • Video: “Divinely Appointed Sources” (9:16; watch from time code 3:14 to 4:42 and 4:43 to 9:11)

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider creating an anonymous online poll to invite students to share situations when they have been or might be exposed to people or ideas that could pull them away from the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Use student responses to the poll in place of the scenarios at the beginning of the lesson.

Galatians 5

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students become more like Jesus Christ by giving them the opportunity to identify ways they can more fully “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16).

  • Student preparation: Invite the students to study Mosiah 3:19 and to identify teachings that can help them receive the Savior’s help to overcome our fallen nature, or “natural man.” It may also be beneficial to invite students to memorize this doctrinal mastery scripture passage.

  • Image: Display the image of people in a tug-of-war contest.

Galatians 6

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students recognize the actions they need to take to achieve their eternal goals.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to read Galatians 6:7–9 and to come prepared to share how they feel the teachings in these verses might impact their daily decisions.

  • Video: “Choose Wisely” (15:18; watch from time code 3:03 to 4:52)

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider inviting a local Church leader (such as a bishop, a branch president, Relief Society president, or Young Women president) to come and speak for a few minutes at the beginning of class about the importance of the Children and Youth program and of setting and seeking to achieve goals. Remember to speak with your local Seminaries and Institutes of Religion coordinator about what approvals would be needed.

Ephesians 1

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students recognize the blessings available because Jesus Christ restored His gospel to the earth in the last days.

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Invite students to take turns sharing meaningful insights they had as they studied the Restoration proclamation. This could be done in breakout rooms or together as a class.

Doctrinal Mastery: Ephesians 1:10

Lesson purpose: This lesson will give students the opportunity to increase their mastery of the teachings in Ephesians 1:10 by memorizing the reference and key scripture phrase, explaining the doctrine, and applying principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in a real-life situation.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to come to class prepared to share at least two truths they feel everyone needs to know and understand about the Restoration.

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider inviting students to think of other scenarios that might be addressed by the teachings in Ephesians 1:10 . Then students could be invited to share how they can use the doctrine taught in Ephesians 1:10 and the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge to help address those scenarios.