Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

As appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson.

Ask class members to think of a talent or skill (such as playing an instrument, sewing, writing, or playing a sport) they once developed but have not used for a long time. Ask:

Point out that recognizing the promptings of the Holy Ghost can be thought of as a spiritual talent or ability. The more we use this talent, the better we become at it.

Explain that today’s discussion of Paul’s third missionary journey and his letter to the Galatians will include discussion of situations in which we need to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and how we can be blessed by doing so.

Scripture Discussion and Application

Prayerfully select the scripture passages and questions that will best meet class members’ needs. Discuss how these scriptures apply to daily life. Encourage class members to share experiences that relate to the scriptural principles.

1. Paul teaches, baptizes, and confers the Holy Ghost on believers in Ephesus.

Discuss Acts 18:23–19:41. Invite class members to read selected verses. Explain that after Paul returned from his second mission, he spent some time in Antioch and then departed on a third mission (Acts 18:22–23). During this third mission he spent most of his time—nearly three years—preaching in Ephesus. (If you are using the map, point out Paul’s location at appropriate times as you discuss his third missionary journey.)

2. Paul gives a farewell address to Church leaders from Ephesus.

Read and discuss selected verses from Acts 20. Explain that Paul left Ephesus and traveled throughout Macedonia and Greece, preaching the gospel. He planned to return to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. On his way back to Jerusalem, he sent a messenger to ask Church leaders in Ephesus to meet with him in Miletus. He delivered a stirring farewell address and then resumed his journey.

3. Paul chastises and counsels the Galatian Saints.

Read and discuss selected verses from Paul’s epistle to the Galatians. Explain that while Paul was on his third missionary journey, he wrote a letter to the Saints in Galatia, many of whom had returned to keeping the law of Moses. He chastised those who believed that salvation could come through the works required by the law of Moses rather than through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Testify that unrighteous attitudes and actions, such as contention, worldliness, and apostasy, will prevent us from receiving promptings from the Holy Ghost. But if we strive to live righteously and follow the promptings we do receive, our ability to recognize and follow promptings will increase. Encourage class members to seek and follow promptings from the Holy Ghost.