蕭昶欣/英文/CFM/10月28日-11月3日
1Sometimes it’s helpful to approach your scripture study with one or more questions in mind.
2Invite the Spirit to guide you to answers as you study, and record any inspiration you receive.
3In the epistles Paul wrote to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, we get a glimpse into the heart of a servant of the Lord.
4Unlike Paul’s other epistles to entire congregations, these were written to individuals—Paul’s close friends and associates in God’s work—and reading them is like listening in on a conversation.
5We see Paul encouraging Timothy and Titus, two leaders of congregations, in their Church service.
6We see him entreating his friend Philemon to forgive a fellow Saint and treat him like a brother in the gospel.
7Paul’s words were not addressed to us directly, and he may never have expected that so many people would one day read them.
8Yet we find in these epistles counsel and encouragement for us, whatever our personal ministry in the service of Christ might be.
9Timothy and Titus had served with Paul on some of his missionary journeys.
10During their service, they earned Paul’s respect and trust.
11Timothy was later called as a Church leader in Ephesus, and Titus was called as a leader in Crete.
12In these epistles, Paul gave the leaders instruction and encouragement regarding their responsibilities, which included preaching the gospel and calling men to serve as bishops.
13See also Bible Dictionary, “Pauline Epistles,” “Timothy,” “Titus.”
14Bishops are called to provide spiritual guidance to ward members.
15Timothy was relatively young, but Paul knew that he could be a great Church leader despite his youth.
16What counsel did Paul give to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:10–16?
17How can this counsel help you lead others to the Savior and His gospel?
18See also Alma 17:11.
192 Timothy is believed to be the last epistle Paul wrote, and it seems that he knew his time on earth was short (see 2 Timothy 4:6–8).
20As you read this epistle, think about how Timothy might have felt knowing that he might soon be without his trusted mentor and leader.
21What did Paul say to encourage him?
22What do Paul’s words teach you about facing your own trials and fears?
23We are living in “the last days” that Paul spoke of, and the “perilous times” have come (2 Timothy 3:1).
24As you read 2 Timothy 3, write down the perils of the last days that are mentioned (see also 1 Timothy 4:1–3):
25Can you think of examples of these perils in the world around you—or in your own life?
26How do these perils, like the people described in verse 6, “creep into [your house], and lead [you] captive”?
27What counsel do you find in 2 Timothy 3, and elsewhere in these epistles, that could keep you and your family safe from these spiritual dangers?
28(see, for example, 1 Timothy 1:3–11; 2 Timothy 2:15–16; Titus 2:1–8).
29Philemon was a Christian who had been converted to the gospel by Paul.
30He owned a slave named Onesimus, who escaped slavery, met Paul, and converted to the gospel as well.
31In a letter to Philemon, Paul encouraged his friend to forgive Onesimus and receive him “not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved” (verse 16).
32Have you ever been in a situation when someone sought your forgiveness?
33Think about that situation as you read the epistle to Philemon.
34What did Paul teach Philemon about why he should forgive Onesimus?
35Are there any messages to you in this epistle?
36See also 1 Nephi 7:16–21; Mosiah 26:30–31; Gospel Topics, “Forgiveness,” topics.lds.org.
37As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family.
38Here are some suggestions:
39While aspects of Paul’s counsel for women to dress modestly do not apply to our time, we can all learn from his counsel to “adorn [ourselves] … with good works.”
40Your family might enjoy putting together a fashion show, with family members dressing up in clothing or jewelry labeled with different kinds of good works.
41What are some good works your family could do this week?
42To help your family members desire to be “an example of the believers,” consider inviting them to draw pictures of how people have been good examples to them.
43How have these people inspired us to follow Jesus Christ?
44President Thomas S. Monson’s message “Be an Example and a Light” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 86–88) might give some ideas.
45Why do you think “the love of money” is considered “the root of all evil”?
46What are the dangers of focusing our lives on money?
47How can we be content with the blessings we have?
48According to these verses, what blessings come to those who know and study the scriptures?
49Perhaps family members could share scriptures they have found to be especially “profitable.”
50What was Paul willing to do for Onesimus?
51How is this similar to what the Savior willingly did for us? (see also 1 Timothy 2:5–6; D&C 45:3–5).
52How can we follow the examples of Paul and the Savior?
53For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.
54Teach clear and simple doctrine.
55The gospel is beautiful in its simplicity (see D&C 133:57).
56Rather than trying to entertain your family with lessons requiring much preparation, strive to teach pure and simple doctrine (see 1 Timothy 1:3–7).
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