"Be Thou an Example of the Believers"
October 23–29
FAIR Faithful Resources for Come, Follow Me 2023 October 23–29. 1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon: “Be Thou an Example of the Believers.” Find answers to difficult questions to help you in your learning and teaching. Here is a collection of reliable resources to supplement your study of 1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon. FAIR Resources link to relevant questions which have been answered on the FAIR website. Under Church Resources you’ll find links to the different Come, Follow Me manuals, as well as other helpful links as applicable. Other Resources link to resources outside of FAIR that are trustworthy and helpful.
Main points to ponder
The lesson observes that it’s believed that 2 Timothy was the last letter Paul wrote, and that he appears to have known that he wouldn’t live much longer. In your study of 2 Timothy, you may want to read through the work from three perspectives:
- Paul’s point of view, knowing he would soon be gone;
- Timothy’s point of view, receiving Paul’s farewell; and
- Your point of view, with your own challenges and fears in mind.
As you ponder these different points of view, look for the messages of hope and encouragement given in 2 Timothy. You may want to consider “Enduring Power,” by Kelly R. Johnson, for further insight.
Faithful Resources on the FAIR website:
- Trusting Imperfect Prophets
- Putting Doubt in Perspective
- God Meant It Unto Good
- How to help young Latter-day Saints deal with criticisms against the Church and the doubts they cause while remaining faithful
- Question: Does the Bible condemn genealogical research?
- Disputatious Doctrines
- Mormonism and biblical statements that no man has seen God
- Peter and Paul’s Paradoxical Passages on Women
- Biblical Evidences of an Apostasy
- Question: How did early Christians view plural marriage?
- Question: If polygamy was commanded of God in order to “raise seed,” then why were Adam and Noah not commanded to practice polygamy?
- Question: Why do Latter-day Saints not pray directly to Jesus Christ?
- Question: Was Paul a “real” apostle, with authority over the Church like the original Twelve?
- Question: What does the Bible teach about priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ?
- Question: Are the scriptures misogynistic/sexist?
- Rejection of Priesthood Leaders as a Cause of the Great Apostasy
- Mormonism in the Early Jewish Christian Milieu
- Question: What is the best way to understand servitude in the Old and New Testaments?
- Question: Do Greek scholars solve the discrepancies in Paul’s vision accounts?
- Does the Church support Paul’s teaching about women submitting to their husbands?
- What about Paul’s comment in 1 Timothy 6:16 that no one has ever seen Christ?
Resources on the Church website:
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families
Faithful Resources from other reliable websites:
- Scripture Central, Lynn Hilton Wilson: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, & Philemon: New Testament with Lynne Wilson
- Scripture Central, Taylor and Tyler: 1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon | Oct 23 – Oct 29 |
- The Scriptures are Real, Kerry Muhlestein: S2 E81: Power in Christ and the Holy Ghost as we lovingly run the race
- Follow Him, John Bytheway and Hank Smith: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon Part 1 • Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner , 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon Part 2 • Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner
- Unshaken, Jared Halverson: Come Follow Me – 1 Timothy (1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, part 1): The Shepherd’s Guide, Come Follow Me – 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon (Tim., Titus, Phil. part 2): I Have Fought a Good Fight
- Talking Scriptures, Bryce Dunford and Mike Day: Ep 225.1 PODCAST | 1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon
- Don’t Miss This, David Butler and Grace Freeman: Come Follow Me New Testament 1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon
- BYU Scripture Roundtable Discussions: An Example of the Believers: 1 2 Timothy, Titus, Ye Are Risen with Him: Philemon, Colossians Philippians, Render Due Benevolence: 1 Tim. 2 & 1 Cor. 7 11
- Gospel Topics: Apostasy
- New Testament Video: The Great Apostasy
- The Bible Project: Book of 1 Timothy Summary: A Complete Animated Overview,
- Book of 2 Timothy Summary: A Complete Animated Overview,
- Book of Titus Summary: A Complete Animated Overview ,
- Book of Philemon Summary: A Complete Animated Overview
- Jesus, Paul and the Problem with Slavery in Philemon
Dig Deeper
Be sure to listen to Jennifer Roach’s presentation for this week!
- General Conference Talks
- President Russell M. Nelson: Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation
- Elder Quentin L. Cook:Bishops—Shepherds over the Lord’s Flock
- Elder Dallin H. Oaks: Apostasy and Restoration
- President Marion G. Romney: Caring for the Poor—A Covenantal Obligation
- BYU Devotionals
- Elder Ulisses Soares: Light and Truth | Ulisses Soares | BYU Speeches
- John K. Carmack: Bless the Poor and Needy
Lesson Devotional
Amber Becker was born and raised in Modesto, California. When she was 24, she met her husband while riding the commuter rail into Boston, Massachusetts. They were one of the first couples married in the Boston temple in October of 2000. They are blessed with four children and one grandchild. She and her husband now reside in Fort Worth, Texas, with two of their children.
Lesson devotionals are provided by the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation. Its mission is to digitally preserve and publish Wilford Woodruff’s eyewitness account of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ from 1833 to 1898. It seeks to make Wilford Woodruff’s records universally accessible to inspire all people, especially the rising generation, to study and to increase their faith in Jesus Christ. See wilfordwoodruffpapers.org.
“God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear”
By Amber Becker
This week’s Come, Follow Me lesson asks, “How might Timothy have felt, knowing that he might soon be without his trusted mentor and leader [Paul]?” Wilford Woodruff may have had a similar experience upon the death of President John Taylor.
In his journal, Wilford wrote,
President John Taylor died to day . . . which lays the responsibility of the care of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints upon my shoulders . . . this places me in a very peculiar situation, a position I have never looked for during my life, but in the Providence of God it is laid upon me, and I pray God my Heavenly Father to give me grace equal to my day. It is a high and responsible position for any man to occupy, and a position that Needs great wisdom . . . I can only say marvelous are thy ways O Lord God Almighty, for thou has certainly chosen the weak thing of this world to perform thy work on the Earth.1
Though most of us won’t be called as Prophet or President of the Church, we are at times given callings or challenges that seem to be more than we can handle. However, as Paul instructed Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
When we rely on Jesus Christ we are strengthened and enabled to do things that we previously felt we were unable to do.
Some original historical text has been edited for clarity and readability.
Endnotes
1 Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, July 25, 1887, p. 100, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/journal/1887-07-25.
Chapter Summaries
Counsel is given to teach true doctrine only—Christ came to save repentant sinners.
1-11; Paul greets Timothy and encourages him to continue to teach truth and expose those who are teaching falsehood. Paul summarizes some of the sins addressed by the law.
12-17: Paul praises Jesus and thanks Him for the mercy, grace, forgiveness and love he received, especially considering how Paul previously disparaged Christ and persecuted Christians.
18-20: Paul is sharing these thoughts so that Timothy will remain firm in his faith, and not have his faith “shipwrecked” like some of his contemporaries.
We should pray for all people—Christ is our Mediator—Women should dress modestly—Women are blessed in childbearing and are admonished to continue in faith, charity, and holiness.
1-8: We are urged to pray so that all may come to a knowledge of the Savior.
9-15: Women are encouraged to be modest. Paul shares his thoughts on the role of women.
Qualifications are given for bishops and deacons—Great is the mystery of godliness.
1-13: Qualities that are important in church leaders are enumerated.
14-16: Paul hopes to visit soon, but until then he leaves with Timothy a strong testimony of the mission of Jesus Christ.
Paul describes the latter-day apostasy—Christ is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
1-4: Paul warns against some who will in the latter days espouse falsehood.
5-16: Paul gives examples of habits to incorporate into a life of godliness.
Saints are to care for their worthy poor—Policies concerning elders are given.
1-25: Paul continues his instructions into living a Christian life. In particular, he discusses relationships with others, including the elderly, widows and sinners.
The love of money is the root of all evil—Fight the good fight of faith—Do not trust in worldly riches.
1-3: More relationship direction, this time between servants and masters.
4-10: Paul offers another warning about those who set out to deceive and lead others astray. They are sometimes motivated by love for money, “for the love of money is the root of all evil.” (v10)
11-21: Paul’s final counsel to Timothy, to teach truth and live a Christian life. And, he again bears a strong testimony of Christ and His coming.
Christ brings immortality and eternal life through the gospel—Be strong in the faith.
1-18: Paul greets Timothy and urges him not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul bears a strong testimony of the Savior’s mission, which testimony has enabled him to live with faith – not fear – despite his trials. Other Christians have lost confidence in Paul due to his many imprisonments. Paul hopes Timothy will not lose confidence in him or the message he shared.
Christ gives eternal glory to the elect—Shun contention and seek godliness.
1-13: More encouragement for Timothy to stay faithful to his testimony of Jesus. Blessings await us through our faith. Paul uses several real world examples of professions where a willingness to work hard leads to a good end.
14-23: Paul prepares Timothy to share the gospel message with others. They are to avoid quarreling, iniquity, empty chatter and useless speculation. They should embrace patience, kindness, pure hearts and love.
Paul describes the apostasy and perilous times of the last days—The scriptures guide man to salvation.
1-9: Paul accurately describes types of sins and evil that will be present in days to come and warns Timothy to be vigilant.
10-17: Though Timothy may face trials and persecution (as Paul has), he should hold tight to what Paul has taught and the truths found in the scriptures. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (v16)
Paul gives a solemn charge to preach the gospel in a day of apostasy—Paul and all Saints are assured of exaltation.
1-8: Paul believes his life will end soon. He pleads with Timothy to be a diligent minister of the gospel message.
9-18: Paul warns Timothy of some people to be wary of and requests that he bring him some items that he needs while in prison. Paul again glories in his chance to be a disciple and minister of Jesus Christ, grateful for the Lord’s every present support, strength and Paul’s eventual salvation.
Eternal life was promised before the world began—The qualifications of bishops are given—Unto the pure, all things are pure.
1-4: Paul’s greeting to Titus and a review of Paul’s authority to teach.
5-16: Church leaders need to be faithful and of good character, ignoring those who preach for their own gain or try to make Christians comply with the many aspects of the Law of Moses.
Saints should live righteously, deny ungodliness, and seek the Lord.
1-15: Titus must be firm in his teaching, admonishing all (old, young, bond, free) to renounce worldliness and embrace godliness. Their example will impress the other residents of Crete.
Saints must live righteously after baptism.
1-14: A nice summary of what the Savior did for us in redeeming us from sin and how that should encourage us to act with goodness and charity.
10-15: Paul’s final admonition to avoid contentious people and his farewell.
The gospel changes a servant into a brother.
1-4: Paul’s greeting to several people in Colossae, especially Philemon.
5-25: Paul requests that Philemon fully forgive a runaway slave, Onesimus, and in fact welcome him back as a family member. Paul pledges to reimburse Philemon for expenses incurred due to Onesimus’ actions.
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