Lesson Three: Teaching Activity

Teaching Activity

Complete the following activity and submit a report according to the given instructions:

Galatians 1–4. Becoming Heirs of the Promise

1. Review Galatians 1–2 and the institute student manual commentary for Galatians 1:8–9, “Those Who Would Introduce False Teachings into the Church” (p. 310); commentary for Galatians 2:11–21, “How Could Paul, an Apostle, Correct Peter, the President of the Church?” (pp. 310–11). Then write your answers to the following questions: 
   
   
• What was Paul’s primary concern for the saints in Galatia? 
• That the Jewish converts did not need to follow the Law of Moses anymore and that the new converts--the Gentiles--did not need to follow the Mosaic law either.
  
  
• According to Galatians 1:8–9, what should we avoid? How could the principles in Moroni 7:12–13 help us do that? What are some good examples today of some “other gospel” philosophies that take people from true principles? 
• We need to be aware of and avoid false doctrine. According to the principles in Moroni 7:12-13, we can avoid false doctrine by listening to what they are saying and feeling and asking yourself, "Is that what God would really be having me do?" But more than that, you need to listen to what the Holy Ghost is telling you as to what is right and wrong. Because that "which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually." All too often what the people are preaching sounds good and the way they are saying it can often be uplifting--thus, it can be easy to then believe what they are saying. That is why we need to be in tune with the Holy Ghost. To help us decipher what is right and wrong.
  
  
• Why are the teachings of men often more pleasing to some people than the teachings of the Savior? 
• For some people it is easier to believe what they can physically see and understand, what is more tangible. Whereas believing the teachings of Christ requires effort and action on our part, it requires faith. In general, the teachings of the world are easier in that you don't have to put much effort into it. Whereas the teachings of Christ entail constant work and unwavering faith. 
  
  
• How did Paul refer to Peter (Cephas), James, and John in Galatians 2:9?
• He refers to them as pillars.
• How does Doctrine and Covenants 107:22 apply to Galatians 2:9? 
• Peter (Cephas), James and John--the three pillars--are the Presiding High Priest of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the First Presidency.
  
2. Review Galatians 2:16–21. Read “Justification” in Guide to the Scriptures. Explain in writing how valuable being justified would be to you and what you plan to do to be justified. 
1. Being justified would mean everything to me because I would then be free from my sins--guiltless. Who wouldn't want that? In order to be justified, however, I must be found faithful and obedient in all things. It is then because of my unwavering faith and constant obedience in Jesus Christ that I can be justified through His grace. 
   
   
3. Review Galatians 3:14–29; 4:1–7. Paul taught that we can be the seed of Abraham, heirs according to the promise, and heirs of God through Christ. Look up the word “heir” in the Topical Guide (pp. 206–7). Read ten of the references listed, and write one or two paragraphs on what it means to be an “heir of God.”
1. To be an "heir of God" means to inherit all that He has. It is our birthright because we are children of God, the Eternal Father. Thus, if we live worthy, what is His shall then be ours. We stand ready to receive the promised blessings of being kings and queens if we but prove ourselves worthy in this life. I love what is says in Mosiah 15:11, that anyone who hears and believes the words of the prophets shall be heirs of the kingdom of God. 
4. Share what you have learned with a friend/relative/other, and write a summary of your discussion.
1. After completing this assignment with my husband, we have both learned and have been reminded of some key aspects of the gospel. I loved reading about the symbolism of the three pillars and how they held up the church. Or in other words how the three pillars are the First Presidency of the Church. Steve, my husband, enjoy reading about being an heir of God. Specifically how anyone who listens and obeys the teachings of the prophets will inherit the kingdom of God.