Lesson Table of Contents A Kingdom, Which Shall Never Be Destroyed

For The Perfecting Of The Saints  


Purpose

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.

POP QUIZ

The epistles of Paul or Pauline Epistles are placed in what order?

Descending order based on length

Which epistle is the exception and why?

Hebrews, because there is some discussion as to whether it was even written by Paul

 

The Setting

The arrangement of the epistles of Paul are neither chronological, geographical, nor alphabetical, but by length, in descending order form the longest (Romans) to the shortest (Philemon). This is the case except with the epistle to the Hebrews, which was placed last because some have questioned whether or not it was written by Paul.

The First Group
1 and 2 Thessalonians

Epistles to the Thessalonians were written from Corinth during Paul’s first visit to Europe. His work in Thessalonica is described in Acts 17. It was his wish to return, but he was unable to do so (1 Thes. 2:18); he therefore sent Timothy to cheer the converts and bring him word how they fared. The fist epistle is the outcome of his thankfulness on Timothy’s return.

The Second Group
1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Romans

These epistles were written between A.D. 55 and 56; 1 Cor. toward the end of Paul’s three years’ stay at Ephesus, 2 Cor. and perhaps Gal. during his journey through Macedonia; and Rom. from Corinth.

The Third Group
Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon, Hebrews

These are separated from the previous group by an interval of four or five years, spent by Paul almost entirely in captivity. They were all written from Rome.

Paul is in Rome awaiting his trial before Ceasar when he penned this letter. The Epistle to the Ephesians wasn't originally written to the Ephesians and wasn't under this title. The oldest available manuscripts leave the "at Ephesus" in 1:1 out.

The writings known as Ephesians discusses the problems as the church deals with these new Gentile members of the church. In 1 & 2 Thessalonians - the majority of the church is made up of Jews. The problems of the chusrch as discussed in Pauls early writing were problems that included questions about the law of Moses. Now in Ephesians with the gentile influence, problems involved items of Greek philosophy, lineage - whereas the gentiles are not the chosen people, customs and traditional differences between the Jews and the Gentiles.

 

so let's jump in and see what Paul has to say!

 

Read and discuss Ephesians 1:9–11.

Look at how simple Pauls preaches the gospel. As we ready look at how many gospel principals are brought to light.

1 PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, [ The oldest available manuscripts leave the "at Ephesus" out ] and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, [ Jesus Christ has a Father; so if he has a Father then they are not the same person. ] who hath blessed us with all [ Who is Paul addressing when he says "blessed us"? in otherwords Christ's sacrifice applies to both Israel and the Gentiles. This chapter addresses two important doctrinal matters, one of which is still quite important to us today. The first is a discussion of the foreordination of both Jews and Gentiles to salvation. Obviously, at this time in the early Church, there were still matters of distinction between the two groups hinging on the application of the Law. so, Paul emphasizes to these various Churches, which were probably predominantly Gentiles, that salvation is available to both groups and it had been intended so from the beginning. The only doctrinal difference between the two groups is how they are covered under the plan of salvation as is noted in (v. 5) by adoption versus (v. 11) through inheritance. Do we have any problems that this in the church today? members all our lives verses new converts...?] spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he [God the Father] hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, [ What is the message here from Paul - "chosen us"? Those of us that have the priviledge of belonging to and receiving the gospel - were chosen before this life. so if you were a Jew in the church and heard this what would you thoughts be? I am special I was born a Jew that I might recive the gospel. If you were a gentile in the church and heard this what would you thoughts be? so then, with regards to salvation, there is no difference between the groups except to how we were chosen in pre-earth life. ] that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated [ notice both 5 & 11 are parallel repetitions of foreordination - this one for the Gentiles. the Greek term is "proorizo" which is a compound from the Greek terms "pro" and "horizo". The Greek most literally translates to "before-determine". It is simply a matter of whether the translators espouse the doctrine of foreordination or predestination as to how they translate it.
Here are the Strong's entries for the three Greek terms: 4309 proorizo {pro-or-id'-zo} from 4253 and 3724; TDNT - 5:456,728; v AV - predestinate 4, determine before 1, ordain 1; 6 1) to predetermine, decide beforehand 2) in the NT of God decreeing from eternity 3) to foreordain, appoint beforehand] us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, [ How does the principle of adoption of Christ apply to the Gentiles? Since they were not the chosen people they had to be adopted into the lineage to receive the promised blessing. so how does adoption apply to the Jews since they are already of the chosen lineage? Even is they are in the lineage they must still be adopted as his children, they must take upon them the name of Christ , be adopted into his family if his sacrifice is to save them spiritually. vs 3-11 addresses the adoption of the Gentiles - how they are covered by the plan ] according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

9 Having made known [ What is he referring to as to having made known? His will concerning the preaching of the gospel to the gentiles - See Eph 3:3 for the reference to what was made known. ] unto us the mystery of his will, [ this is discussed in detail in ch. 3 and is what Paul is referring to in 3:3

Ephesians 3: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; [ Where do we go to see what the mystery is that Paul is talking about here? That the gospel which was primarly reserved for members of selected families - is now to go to all the world. see verse 6 ] (as I wrote afore in few words, [I.V. As ye have heard that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery of Christ; as I wrote before in a few words.]

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, [ In other ages or times the gospel was limited to what? Being in specific families to which the ordinances were given, it was not available for all to partake. ] as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles [ While the other prophets had taught that someday the gospel would go to the gentiles - the exactness of how that would happen was not required until now. Just as it is today; inspired persons have a more perfect knowledge because they are participating in the process. Does this one statement here not show you the need for prophets and apostles on the earth at all times to direct the work of his church? ] and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, [ Would this doctrine have caused some stir with the saints? Can you think of an example like this in our day? The doctrine on the priesthood to all men (Blacks). The gospel should be preached to the Gentiles. This is the essence of the revelation that Paul received. ] and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

 

] according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times [ Except for this single reference, the phrase “the dispensation of the fulness of times” is one that is unique to Latter-day Saints. We know from latter-day scripture that it is the dispensation in which we are presently living (D&C 27:13; 112:30; 124:41). What is a dispensation of the gospel? A period of time when the Lord has at least one servant on the earth who holds the keys of the higher priesthood and is authorized to perform and administer the ordinances of the gospel. What is the dispensation fulness of times? The dispensation that began with the restoration of the gospel and organization of the Church through Joseph Smith.)
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: “You and I are experiencing the profound and wonderful blessings of the dispensation of the fulness of times. In this day and time there have been restored to the earth all of the principles, powers, blessings, and keys of all previous dispensations” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 98; or Ensign, May 1992, 70).a phrase common in LDS lingo and discussed extensively in the D&C, cf. D&C 27:13, D&C 112:30, D&C 121:31, D&C 124:41, D&C 128:18, D&C 128:20, D&C 138:48. The phrase is generally referring to the "times of the Gentiles" which was initiated anciently with Acts 10 and is to be fulfilled per Luke 21:24, D&C 45:25-30.

literal - "eiv oikonomian tou plhrwmatov twn kairwn". The word oikonomia, which is the same as our word economy, signifies, as Dr. Macknight has well observed, "the plan which the master of a family, or his steward, has established for the management of the family;" it signifies, also, a plan for the management of any sort of business: and here it means the dispensation of the Gospel, that plan by which God has provided salvation for a lost world; and according to which he intends to gather all believers, both Jews and Gentiles, into one Church under Jesus Christ, their head and governor. See the note on Matt. xxiv. 45, where the word and the office are particularly explained.

The fullness of times - By this phrase we are to understand either the Gospel dispensation, which is the consummation of all preceding dispensations, and the last that shall be afforded to man; or that advanced state of the world which God saw to be the most proper for the full manifestation of those benevolent purposes which he had formed in himself relative to the salvation of the world by Jesus Christ.] he might gather together in one all things in Christ, [ What did Paul say our Father in Heaven would do in this dispensation? that they all may have one master. If we are all gathered under Christ, and Christ and the Father are one in purpose then we are therefore gathered as one with the Father as well. What do you think it means to “gather together in one all things in Christ”? What are some things that are being gathered together in our day? scriptures, Church members, records of the dead, and families that are sealed in the temple. What is our responsibility in this gathering process? ] both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

11 In whom [in Christ] also we have obtained an inheritance, [ so how do we obtain our inheritance then? through Christ whether we be Jew or Gentile. the mechanism of how each group was elected (chosen) by him - either as direct descendants of Abraham or adopted in as one. By entering into his earthly kingdom (his church) we will obtain admission into his eternal kingdom ] being predestinated [ being foreordained to such an inheritance - notice both 5 & 11 are parallel repetitions of foreordination - this one for the Jews] according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

 

so let's recap - what gospel principals have we been taught in thse few verses that we have discussed?

Jesus has a Father (God), so Jesus and the Father are not the same person - 2 beings

There was a premortal life

We were foreordinaned in that pre-mortal life

That both the Jew and the Gentile can receive the same inheritance through membership in christs church

That all things will be brought together during the dispensation of the fullness of times.

The Lord uses revelation to get his word to his people.

Times change, programs change - once the gospel did not go to the Gentiles - now it does.

Dispensation of the fullness of times all things will be brought under the direction of Christ

 

Read and Discuss Ephesians 2:17-21

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, [ Who is Paul referring to hereas those that were afar off? the Gentiles - see verse 13 And why are they considered afar off? This is one of the sayings common amoung the Jews - which meant they displeased God. It's source comes from the ordinances of sacrifice. So a wicked Jew might be said to be far off from God when he was exposed to God's displeasure; and a holy man, or a genuine penitent, might be said to be nigh to God, because he is in God's favour, or has access to him through his ordinances.] and to them that were nigh. [ so who would the Lord be referring to here? the Jews - who had access to him thru the ordinances - hence they were nigh.]
18 For through him we both [so who are the both that he is referencig here? we know who he is speaking to as both because of the specific references in the previous verse. - both is referring to Jew and Gentile] have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, [ What was the custom in those days for a gentile when he visited Jerusalem? They had no rights or priviledges. the Church of God is campared to a city - one with various privileges, rights and grants. So the comparison in this case is referencing the fact that when the Gentiles visited Jerusalem they had no privileges or rights - as they were considered heathens. But in God's church (city) they enjoy all of the rights] but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; [ the Jews were by name - God's chosen people - his Saints. So we have both sharing, both having the same rights, powers and privileges - they are equal in the household of God. so what is the message here when he says they are fellowcitizens? It means they have or at least access to all of the rights and priviledges the same.]

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, [ Why does Paul need to teach them about structure in the church - hasn't it always been that way with apostles and prophets? No this is really a new idea to them, There were Jews - Typically the prophet that you followed was a prophet from your family tree. From Adam down to this time the Lord operated through chosen families. Those familys who chose to keep the commandments were granted certain blessings, because they were willing to make covenants with the Lord. The Patriarch was the one who governed in both civil and ecclesiastical matters. When a branch or family apostatized, the Lord dealt with them. Over time Abraham and his seed proved faithful to receive God's laws. So now the church is entering a new phase so to speak - governed by apostles and prophets who are not from the family tree. Foundation? foundation, or rock - So here the revelation is as in that upon this rock - revelation - I will establish my church. And that revealtion for the church will come thru my apostles and prophets. Why are living apostles and prophets essential to the true Church? What are some teachings from latter-day apostles and prophets that help us progress toward perfection and unity?
President Boyd K. Packer taught: “The ministry of the prophets and apostles leads them ever and always to the home and the family. … The ultimate purpose of all we teach is to unite parents and children in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they are happy at home, sealed in an eternal marriage, linked to their generations, and assured of exaltation in the presence of our Heavenly Father” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 8; or Ensign, May 1995, 8).] Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; [ Why do you think that Paul had to teach or at least remind them that Jesus was the chief cornerstone? Do we need to remember that today - when? How Is Jesus the Chief Cornerstone? To the Jewish leaders, Jesus described himself as the stone which the builders had foolishly rejected in their construction, which now had become the “head of the corner” (Matthew 21:42), or as Paul says it, the chief cornerstone. The symbolism is an apt one in this section of Paul’s discourse, for the cornerstone anciently was the massive stone laid at the corner to bind fast the two separate walls into one solid whole. In Christ, both Jew and gentile are bound together inseparable, not to form two separate walls, but to create one unified people forming a temple of the Lord. Jacob used a similar figure in the Book of Mormon when he prophesied that the Jews in Jesus’ day would reject “the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation . . . the only sure foundation, upon which the Jews can build.” (Jacob 4:15, 16; see also Helaman 5:10–12.) ]
21 In whom [ the church is made up then of both Jew and Gentile] all the building fitly framed together [the structure is sure, true and fit.] groweth unto an holy temple [ It becomes a temple - and what is the symbolism here with the temple? The are were God dwells - So with all the peieces so nicely fit together God can dwell and lead his church.] in the Lord:

 

Read and Discuss Ephesains 4:4-6

4 There is one body, [ One body of saints - for as saints of God they are united as one. If ye are not one ye are not mine. D&C 38:27 Why does God's church need to be one? If everyone is to be judged by him then the same standards must apply for consistent judgement to occur. ] and one Spirit, [ There is only one Holy Ghost not many. ] even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, [One Jesus Christ who atoned for all sin.] one faith, [ Why can there not be many faiths? What is the definition of faith? It is a hope a belief in something which is not seen, but is true - there can only be one trueth. ] one baptism, [ Why? because the Lord said so, because if there is only one truth, one right way it is the Lord's way - not any way you want.]
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. [ What was Paul trying to teach in these verses that say there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism”? . Why is it important that we be unified in our understanding and teaching of the basic doctrines of the Church? ]

 

Read and Discuss Ephesains 4:11-14

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; [ patriarchs ] and some, pastors [bishops] and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, [ What does he mean that we come to a unity of the faith? that we may all learn his laws, his commandments, his doctrines and then live them is in every way a direct opposition to what many today try to teach which is - a diversity of understanding, to give acceptance to the lifestyles of all men (including those who do not choose to keep the commands of God) they teach us to tolerate and accept that diversity for its richness, but that is not what the Lord himself said - he said that we must become as one - If ye are not one ye are not mine - How do we become One with him and the Father? by keeping his every command.] and of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: [ note the use of the word measure - to compare us to Christ, that is the standard that we are to compare ourselves to, not our neighbor, not to our friends but our Savior]
14 That we henceforth be no more children, [ What do we know about children? They can be easily mislead, they are soaking up everything - good and bad, children have little experience to compare to - we need to get experience in the things of God. How do we get experience in the things of God? What is the best way to get children to stop wanting something? shift their attention to something else ] tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; [ What is Paul trying to teach us here? That is the very reason why the Lord gave Apostles, prophets, pastors...to his children. “The authorities which the Lord has placed in his Church constitute for the people of the Church a harbor, a place of refuge, a hitching post, as it were. No one in this Church will ever go far astray who ties himself securely to the Church Authorities whom the Lord has placed in his Church. This Church will never go astray; the Quorum of the Twelve will never lead you into bypaths; it never has and never will. There could be individuals who would falter; there will never be a majority of the Council of the Twelve on the wrong side at any time. The Lord has chosen them; he has given them specific responsibilities. And those people who stand close to them will be safe. And, conversely, whenever one begins to go his own way in opposition to authority, he is in grave danger. I would not say that those leaders whom the Lord chooses are necessarily the most brilliant, nor the most highly trained, but they are the chosen, and when chosen of the Lord they are his recognized authority, and the people who stay close to them have safety.” (Spencer W. Kimball in CR, Apr. 1951, 104.)]

 

Read and Discuss Ephesains 6:10-18

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, [ What Does It Mean for a Latter-day Saint to Put On the Whole Armour of God? Now there we have the four parts of the body that the apostle Paul saw to be the most vulnerable to the powers of darkness. What are the 4 principal parts that we need to protect against? 1) The loins, Symbolic reprentation? typifying virtue, chastity. 2) The heart Symbolic reprentation? typifying our conduct, our desires, emotions, spiritual capacity - the place were real conversion takes place. 3) Our feet, Symbolic reprentation? our goals or objectives in life, 4) our head, Symbolic reprentation? our thoughts, the ruler of our body. “Now let's look at the kind of armor we need to guard against attack for each...the kind of armour that will protect us is even more interesting. . . .] that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, [ so who or what exactly are we fighting ourselves against? In battle do we ever need to change our tackics based on the enemy? Does a football team change its defense based on the opponent? Why is it important to understand who the opponenet is in this case? If we don't understand the opponent then it is easier to be fooled as we are not sure who the enemy is.] against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, [ “Now notice the nature of the armour that [Paul] puts on the man whom he is now preparing to withstand the powers of darkness. He said, ‘Therefore stand, having your loins girt about with truth.’ Now the loins is that part of the body between the lower rib and the hip in which you will recognize are the vital organs which have to do with reproduction . . . he was saying that that part of the body was one of the most vulnerable. We should have our loins girt about with armour.

We should have our loins girt about with truth. What is truth? Truth, the Lord said, was knowledge of things as they are, things as they were and things as they are to come. . . . What is going to guide us along the path of proper morals or proper choices? It will be the knowledge of truth. There must be a standard by which we measure our conduct, else how shall we know which is right? And how shall we know which is wrong? . . . ‘Our loins shall be girt about with truth,’ the prophet said.] and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [ And then the next we would have a breastplate over the heart. Now in the scriptures you will remember that the heart has always been used to typify our conduct. . . . And so we would have a breastplate over the heart.

“And the heart, what would we need to do to protect our heart? We shall have over our hearts a breastplate of righteousness. Well, having learned truth we have a measure by which we can judge between right and wrong and so our conduct will always be gauged by that thing which we know to be true. With this breastplate in place we will always choose to do that which is right. Our breastplate to cover our conduct shall be the breastplate of righteousness.]

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [“And then he said we would have the feet shod with the kind of armour that would protect our feet, suggesting the feet as the objectives, the goals of life which we should have [guarded] by some kind of armour and protected from getting off on the wrong foot.

“With what shall we protect our feet, or by what shall we gauge our objectives or our goals in life? All through the scriptures there runs a phrase suggested by the kind of armour the Apostle Paul would put upon the feet. Listen to what he says: ‘Your feet should be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.’ (Ephesians 6:15.) Interesting? What is the preparation of the gospel of peace? The whole core and center of the gospel of peace was built around the person of Him who was cradled in the manger. . . . How fortunate are you if in your childhood in the home of your father and mother you were taught the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ, the son of the living God; the meaning of baptism and what you gain by the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Fortunate is the child who has been taught to pray and who has been given those steps to take on through life. Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace! . .]

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, [ the shield of faith in what/who? Jesus Christ. READ -> “Well, now, the apostle Paul went one step further. He didn’t leave the man just with the armour on and expect him to cope against an army, seen or unseen. He had his armoured man holding in his hand a shield and in his other hand a sword, which were the weapons of those days. That shield was the shield of faith, and the sword was the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. I can’t think of any more powerful weapons than faith and a knowledge of the scriptures in the which are contained the Word of God. One so armoured and one so prepared with those weapons is prepared to go out against the enemy [and] is more to be feared than the enemies of the light.” (Harold B. Lee, “Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace,” Speeches of the Year, 1954, pp. 2–4, 6–7.)] wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, [ And finally we should have a helmet on our heads. “And then finally the helmet of salvation. Did you ever hear of that kind of helmet? The helmet of salvation. What is salvation? Salvation is to be saved. Saved from what? Saved from death and saved from sin. . . . “. . . When those two things are missing from this earth and when it has been sanctified and cleansed of its impurity, this shall be the place of salvation. On this earth will be the celestial kingdom, for there will be no more sin, no more death, no more crying, for all the former things are done away. By whom? By the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul said, in effect, ‘A helmet of salvation shall guide our thinking all through our days.’ . . . so how then or what do we do when we have put on the helmet of salvation? Our thoughts are turned to God,our blessings, that we can live with him...How does that gaurd against the evil one? ] and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

 

Read and Discuss Ephesains 5:22-29

“. . . One of the most provocative and profound statements in holy writ is Paul’s instructions to husbands and wives concerning their duty to each other and to their families. First he commands the women: “‘Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.’ (Ephesians 5:22.) (Spencer W. Kimball, Address to Religious Educators in the Assembly Hall, 12 Sept. 1975, pp. 3–5.)]

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. [ What is the message here from Paul? “‘As unto the Lord.’ ‘As unto the Lord, subject yourselves unto your own husbands,’ he says. ‘As unto the Lord.’ Can you conceive that? Does that mean something to you as you listen to the Lord’s counsel, do his will, follow his righteous precepts, serve him faithfully? (Spencer W. Kimball, Address to Religious Educators in the Assembly Hall, 12 Sept. 1975, pp. 3–5.)]

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: [ What is the responsibility for the husband as the head of this relationship? “Can you find in all the holy scriptures where the Lord Jesus Christ ever failed his church? Can you find any scripture that says he was untrue to his people, to his neighbors, friends, or associates? Was he faithful? Was he true? Is there anything good and worthy that he did not give? Then that is what we ask—what he asks of a husband, every husband. That is the goal. Can you think of a single exception in his great life? There should be none in yours.(Spencer W. Kimball, Address to Religious Educators in the Assembly Hall, 12 Sept. 1975, pp. 3–5.)] and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. [ What do you think that Paul is trying to say here? “Many misconceptions, many errors, are creeping into the thoughts of great numbers of people in our day. . . . Much is said in Paul’s words ‘as unto the Lord.’ Let it sink deep into your hearts. A woman need have no fear of being imposed upon or being subject to any dictatorial measures or improper demands when her husband is thoughtful, self-sacrificing, and worthy. One would think that no intelligent woman would hesitate to submit herself to her own truly righteous husband in everything, but sometimes we are shocked to see the wife take over the leadership, naming the one to pray, the place to be, the things to do. “Husbands are commanded: “‘Love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.’ (Ephesians 5:25.) (Spencer W. Kimball, Address to Religious Educators in the Assembly Hall, 12 Sept. 1975, pp. 3–5.)]
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; [ How are husbands supposed to love their wives? as Christ Loved the Church And How did Christ love the church? “There is a scripture which says, ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ (John 15:13.) Your wife is your friend. You should be willing to go even to the extent of giving your life for her if the need should appear. Would you give your life for her? “You need to ask yourself, ‘Can I love my wife even as Christ also has loved the Church?’ Can you think of how he loved the church? Its every breath was important to him. Its every growth, its every individual, was precious to him. He gave to those people all his energy, all his power, all his interest. He gave his life—and what more could one give?” (Spencer W. Kimball, Address to Religious Educators in the Assembly Hall, 12 Sept. 1975, pp. 3–5.)]
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 so ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

 

 

Read and discuss Ephesains 2:8-9

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, [ What Does Paul Mean When He Says That Works Do Not Save Us? “I am not unmindful of the scripture that declares: ‘by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.’ (Ephesians 2:8.) That is absolutely true, for man in his taking upon himself mortality was impotent to save himself. When left to grope in a natural state, he would have become, and did become, so we are told in modern scripture, ‘carnal, sensual, and devilish, by nature.’ (Alma 42:10.) But the Lord, through his grace, appeared to man, gave him the gospel or eternal plan whereby he might rise above the carnal and selfish things of life and obtain spiritual perfection. But he must rise by his own efforts and he must walk by faith. “‘He who would ascend the stairway leading upward to eternal life must tread it step by step from the base stone to the summit of its flight. Not a single stair can be missed, not one duty neglected, if the climber would avoid danger and delay and arrive with all safety and expedition at the topmost landing of the celestial exaltation.’ The responsibility is upon each individual to choose the path of righteousness, of faithfulness and duty to fellow men. If he choose otherwise and as a result meets failure, misery, and death, he alone is to blame.” (David O. McKay in CR, Apr. 1957, p. 7. Italics added.)] lest any man should boast.