The "Come Follow Me" study material for this week covers Ephesians in the New Testament.
Background: Ephesus
I did some research on the town of Ephesus to give me some context for these scriptures and was interested to learn that because of its location on the west coast of what is now modern day Turkey, it was a major trade route. In other words, of the many places that Paul spent time as a missionary, this was one of the wealthiest. Their wealth, their access to worldly goods, the influence of other gods, was just as prevalent to the people of Ephesus as we see in our day and time, especially for those of us in first world countries, as is the case with most of my readers.
Some of Ephesus' biggest claims to fame are:
1. It housed the temple of Artemis, which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The temple was twice or up to four times the size of the Parthenon depending on different sources, and was destroyed and rebuilt many times. All that is left is the foundation and a single pillar. The loyalty of some of the people there to Artemis caused some problems for Paul, as many were in opposition to his teachings.
2. After Jesus died, Mary ended up in John's care, where she likely lived out her final years in the town of Ephesus. John was the presiding authority of the Church after Peter's death so this was therefore the headquarters of the church.
3. Paul wrote this epistle to the Ephesians about 10 years after he started preaching and traveling. I like to think about Paul's experience with new converts and with preaching the gospel of Christ at this point.
4. Paul wrote this epistle while under house arrest in Caesarea.
Paul's Teachings: Strengthening Families
In Ephesians 5:22-23, Paul uses some language that is a bit strongly worded about husbands and wives, that puts wives at a bit of disadvantage. I love that the church took the time to clarify in the
Come Follow Me manual that, "It is important to note that Paul's words in
Ephesians 5:22 were written in the context of the social customs of his era. Prophets and apostles today teach that men are not superior to women and that spouses should be 'equal partners.'"
When Elder Hans T. Boom spoke during General Conference this Sunday, his words made me think of these scriptures as he shared an example of ministering being about creating a loving environment. He said, ""For instance, there is no need to constantly tell our spouse or children how they can improve; they know that already. It is in creating this environment of love that they will be empowered to make the necessary changes in their lives and become better people."
Note, he did not call out husbands vs. wives vs. children. We have an opportunity no matter our age or placement in life, to strengthen those around us.
How Can We Apply Paul's Teachings about Strengthening Families in class or with families at home?
Paul talks in
Ephesians 6 about wearing the whole armor of God, and likens each piece of armor to a spiritual armor. There's great guidance in the links at the top of this post to take advantage of that perspective.
I like the idea of using Primary songs to relate to and assemble the armor.
They could either use the picture in the Primary manual (link to Primary manual at the top of this post) or real items of clothing that represent each piece of armor. Hide a line of a song that is related to that piece of armor with that clothing. Children have to first find the item (you can hide the item too to take it up a notch), then identify the song (as an individual or a class) that goes with the line of the song to begin assembling the whole armor of God. Some children won't know song titles so it could be that they just have to hum it to show that they recognize the song, or get "close enough" with the title. The armor can be assembled on a chalkboard, on your fridge at home, or even on a child.
Example:
1. "Loins girt about with truth" - can tie a half apron or towel around their waist
Song suggestions:
We'll Bring the World His Truth
Hint: (The fourth "missing" line is basically the hint for the title of this song)
We are as the army of Helaman.
We have been taught in our youth.
And we will be the Lord’s missionaries
Seek the Lord Early
Hint:
I’ll _____ ___ _____ _____ while in my youth,
And he will help me to know the truth.
2. "Breastplate of righteousness" - a shirt (either pullover or button-up)
Song suggestions:
Stand for the Right
Hint:
And these are the words:
“Be true, be true.”
Choose the Right
Hint:
When the choice is place before you
3. "Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" - (big shoes, like crocs)
Song suggestions:
If I Listen with My Heart
Hint:
If I had been a little child when Jesus lived on earth.
I Feel My Savior's Love
Hint:
His Spirit warms my soul
Through ev’rything I see.
4. "Shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" - (cardboard shield)
Song suggestions:
I Know My Father Lives
Hint: And loves me too
Dare to Do Right
Hint: You have a work that no other can do, do it so bravely, so kindly, so well
5. "Helmet of Salvation" - (hat)
Song suggestions:
A Child's Prayer
Hint: Heavenly Father, Are you Really There?
I Lived in Heaven
Hint:
Then Heav’nly Father presented a beautiful plan,
All about earth and eternal salvation for man.
6. "Sword of the Spirit" - (cardboard sword)
Song suggestions:
Let the Holy Spirit Guide
Hint: He will testify of Christ,
Light our minds with heaven’s view.
Sources (outside of the Come Follow Me manuals and the Bible):
