To help class members understand that the process of “perfecting … the saints” (Ephesians 4:12) requires us to increase our faith in Christ, follow the teachings of the apostles and prophets, and protect ourselves from the wickedness of the world.
Preparation
Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:
Ephesians 1:9–10. Paul teaches that the purpose of the dispensation of the fulness of times is to “gather together in one all things in Christ.”
Ephesians 2:12–22; 4:1–16. Paul teaches that Jesus Christ is our cornerstone. He teaches that the Lord gave us apostles and prophets to help us become perfected and come to a “unity of the faith.”
Ephesians 5:22–29; 6:1–4. Paul teaches the need for unity between husband and wife and between parents and children.
Ephesians 4:21–32; 6:10–18. Paul teaches that we should “put on the new man” and “put on the whole armour of God” to protect us from the wickedness of the world.
If you use the attention activity, bring to class a piece of thread (approximately 1 to 3 feet long) and a piece of rope that is approximately the same length.
Suggestion for teaching: Scripture marking helps teachers and class members note important words, ideas, people, and events. You can encourage class members to mark their scriptures by pointing out important principles, giving a cross-reference, or telling what you have written in the margin of your scriptures.
Suggested Lesson Development
Additional Teaching Ideas
The following material supplements the suggested lesson outline. You may want to use one or more of these ideas as part of the lesson.
Show “The Whole Armor of God,” a thirteen-minute video segment from New Testament Video Presentations (53914). Then ask the following questions:
What dangers did the soldiers in the video presentation face? What dangers did the young people face? How were members of each group blessed for wearing their armor?
2. Praying for Church leaders
Read Ephesians 6:18–20. Why do you think Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him? When have you been strengthened by the prayers of others? Why is it important that we pray for each other and for the leaders of the Church?
3. “By grace are ye saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8)
What did Paul teach in Ephesians 2:8–9 about how a person receives salvation? Why is it impossible for us to save ourselves by our works? (See Romans 3:23; Mosiah 3:17; Alma 22:14. You may want to point out that Paul often had to remind the Jewish Saints that the works of the law of Moses could not save them. For a more detailed discussion of grace and works, see lesson 36.)