Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” Unlike 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. We see Paul encouraging Timothy and Titus, two leaders of congregations, in their Church service. We see him entreating his friend Philemon to reconcile with a fellow Saint and treat him like a brother in the gospel.

Bishops lead the ward as servants of God. (Jr)

1 Timothy 3:1–2; Titus 1:7–9

Draw a simple picture of your bishop on the board. Ask the children to name some things they know about the bishop. What is he like? What does he do? How does he bless the ward? (You can find some characteristics of a bishop in 1 Timothy 3:1–2 and Titus 1:7–9.) As the children share their ideas, write them on strips of paper and let the children place them on the board by the drawing.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

The Red Crystal

1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Write the duties of a bishop on slips of paper—such as helping children and youth in the ward, accepting tithing and fast offerings, extending callings, interviewing members, and helping those in need. Place these slips in a bowl, and invite each child to pick one. Then help the child to role-play these duties with you. Share your testimony that your bishop is called of God. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

• “A Day with the Bishop” (August 1990 Liahona and July 1989 Friend)
  Explains some of the things a bishop does. Includes an activity.

Invite the children to draw a picture of the bishop serving ward members. Suggest that they give their drawings to him to thank him. What can we do to help him? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

• Take the children on a walk to the bishop’s office (you may want to coordinate with other teachers). Describe for them some situations when they might meet with the bishop in his office (such as a baptismal interview or tithing settlement). Tell the children how you have been blessed by the bishop’s service.
• Help the children make cards to give to the bishop, thanking him for what he does to help with the Lord’s work.

Friend June 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Secret Service for Bishop

• Sing “Teach Me to Walk in the Light” (Children’s Songbook,177).
• Jesus taught that His Church should have bishops to lead and help the members (see Doctrine and Covenants 72:2).
• Say thanks to your bishop or branch president by doing something kind. You could write him nice notes or bring him a treat. You could even do your plan without letting him know who did it!

I can be “an example of the believers.” (Jr)

1 Timothy 4:12

Timothy was relatively young, but Paul knew that he could be a great Church leader despite his youth. What counsel did Paul give to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Sing with the children “Do as I’m Doing” (Children’s Songbook, 276). Ask the children to follow your example by doing the actions you do. Let the children take turns leading the rest of the class in following their actions. Read 1 Timothy 4:12, and ask the children what they can do to be good examples to others. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

The Red Crystal

Share an experience when you tried to be a good example to someone or when someone was a good example to you (perhaps including the children in your class). Invite the children to be good examples to their family members and friends. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Friend April 2018 “A High-Five Example”Students in a special needs class we’re trying to give Lily’s classmates high fives as they walked by, but nobody did it until Lily gave them all high fives then everyone behind her did it.

• “A Brother’s Example” (December 2005 Friend)
  Elder Gene R. Cook tells about the powerful influence of his older brother’s example in re-activating his entire family.

Turn the lights out, and give a flashlight to one student at a time to talk about how they were an example (or light)to someone in there lives, OR how someone is an example in their life. Then they can pass the flashlight to someone else to share. If you feel inspired you can take the last turn and share how each child in your class has been a light to you. Testify that light is from the Savior, and they are making good choices to be more like Him.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” To help your family members desire to be “an example of the believers,” consider inviting them to draw pictures of people who have been good examples to them. How have these people inspired us to follow Jesus Christ? President Thomas S. Monson’s message “Be an Example and a Light” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 86–88) can give some ideas on how to be an example to others.

Friend October 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: You can do great things, no matter how young you are! Timothy was a young Church leader, and Paul taught him to be a good example (see 1 Timothy 4:12–16). How can you be a leader and help those around you?

Song: “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” (Children’s Songbook, 60–61)

Activity: Sit in a circle. Use your hands or sticks to tap out rhythms on the ground. One person taps a short rhythm, and all the others copy. Take turns being the leader. After your turn, tell about a time when you were a good example to others.

Friend October 2023 “Paul Teaches Us to Follow Jesus Christ”

I can be “an example of the believers.” (Sr)

Timothy was relatively young, but Paul knew that he could be a great Church leader despite his youth. What counsel did Paul give to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

1 Timothy 4:12

Read together 1 Timothy 4:12, and ask the children to find six ways Paul said we can be “an example of the believers.” Divide the children into pairs, and invite each pair to think of a situation in which they can be an example of the believers. Ask them to role-play their situation for the rest of the class. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

That means, we should use good clean language, say kind words, help people when they need help, listen to the Holy Ghost, keep the commandments, and keep our covenants.

Ask the children if they would like to share any experiences when they tried to be a good example to others. Tell them how they have been examples of the believers to you and how you have noticed them setting good examples for others. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Turn the lights out, and give a flashlight to one student at a time to talk about how they were an example (or light)to someone in there lives, OR how someone is an example in their life. Then they can pass the flashlight to someone else to share. If you feel inspired you can take the last turn and share how each child in your class has been a light to you. Testify that light is from the Savior, and they are making good choices to be more like Him.

Friend October 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: You can do great things, no matter how young you are! Timothy was a young Church leader, and Paul taught him to be a good example (see 1 Timothy 4:12–16). How can you be a leader and help those around you?

Song: “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” (Children’s Songbook, 60–61)

Activity: Sit in a circle. Use your hands or sticks to tap out rhythms on the ground. One person taps a short rhythm, and all the others copy. Take turns being the leader. After your turn, tell about a time when you were a good example to others.

Eternal things are more valuable than money. (Sr)

1 Timothy 6:7–12

Invite the children to talk about what they would buy if they had all the money in the world. Read 1 Timothy 6:7–12 with the children, and ask them to summarize what Paul taught Timothy about money. Then invite the children to read verses 11–12 again, searching for things Paul mentioned that are more valuable than money. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Lay out pictures of worldly things (such as money, toys, or entertainment) and eternal things (such as families or temples). Invite the children to sort the pictures into two piles—things that bring us closer to Christ and things that might distract us from Christ if we love them more than we love Him. Why is “the love of money … the root of all evil”? How does focusing on Jesus Christ make us happy? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

The Red Crystal

Why do you think “the love of money is the root of all evil”? What are the dangers of focusing our lives on money or possessions? How can we be content with the blessings we have?Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon”

The scriptures will help me learn truth. (Jr)

2 Timothy 3:14–17

Display a set of scriptures, and help the children become familiar with them by showing them the title pages of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Invite a child to hold these books as you read 2 Timothy 3:15–17. Tell the children why you love the scriptures, and let the children express their feelings. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Ask the children to talk about their most prized possession. What do they do with it? How do they treat it? Let them take turns holding the scriptures and carefully turning the pages. What do we use the scriptures for? Why should we take good care of them? Testify that the scriptures contain truths that Heavenly Father wants us to know. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Friend January 2019 “The Scriptures are Special Books” Camila loves books. Her favorite book is the scriptures. She feels happy when she reads them with her family. Scriptures are special books because they teach us about Jesus and the commandments.

Help the children create actions to go with songs about the scriptures, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109). (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Search, Ponder, and Pray Action Words Video

Friend October 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones”Give your little ones scriptures to hold. Explain that the scriptures are very special because they teach about Jesus Christ. Count together how many times Jesus is written in 2 Timothy 1–2. (There are 10 times.)

Latter Day Kids “The Scriptures Teach Me Truth” Lesson ideas

Heavenly Father gave us scriptures to help us know truth from error. (Sr)

2 Timothy 3:14–17

Invite the children to read 2 Timothy 3:15–17. Display pictures depicting a story from each of the four standard works, and invite several children to pick a picture and tell the story. (You can find pictures in the Gospel Art Book and in Come, Follow Me materials.) Ask the children to share anything else they know about that book of scripture. How do the scriptures “make [us] wise unto salvation”? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Show the children each of the standard works one at a time, and as you hold each one up share a little about how we got it. For example:

The Bible tells us about prophecies of Jesus Christ and about the Savior’s life and teachings when he was on the earth.

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and tells us about the Savior’s dealings with the people on the American continent.

The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of revelations from Jesus Christ for the latter days, or our times.

The Pearl of Great Price gives us teachings and testimonies of Jesus Christ from ancient prophets as well as Joseph Smith’s history and testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Friend April 2018 “Family Night Fun”

• Bring objects to represent different scripture stories. See if your family can guess the stories.
• Draw scriptures stories or act them out for others to guess.
• Show pictures from Gospel Art Book Old Testament and invite a child to secretly pick one out they could act out. Let the other children guess which story it is. Do the same with the New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants/Pearl of Great Price.

Friend February 2020 “Scripture Boats” Who Am I?  Match each person with their story. Each story has boats in it.

News with Naylors Game

Share a favorite scripture verse or an experience when the scriptures helped you build your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Invite the children to share a favorite verse or experience of their own. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Friend April 2020 “Comforted by the Scriptures” When Harrison was eight he struggled with nightmares. He had been learning that the scriptures hold the answers to problems and wanted to find a scripture to help. The Holy Ghost guided him to Joseph Smith’s first vision and being reminded that the darkness Joseph felt went away when he prayed and Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared. The scripture was just what Harrison needed.

Ask a child to read Moroni 10:4–5. What did Moroni promise in these verses? Ask the children how they have gained a testimony that the scriptures are true. Invite them to read or listen to the scriptures regularly and to ask God if they are true. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Friend December 2020 “How I Know” Before bed, Damon’s father reads to the boys about Moroni’s promise and then he tells the boys how he prayed and gained his testimony of the Book of Mormon. That night, Damon prays to know if the Book of Mormon is true and he feels warm and good inside.

The Red Crystal

Ensign October 2023 “Family Study Fun” Scripture Treasure Hunt

Paul taught that scriptures bless us with wisdom, doctrine, correction, instruction, and faith.

1. On separate pieces of paper, write “wisdom (Acts 18:28)”; “doctrine (Titus 1:9)”; “correction (Matthew 4:3–10)”; “instruction (Acts 17:2–3)”; and “faith (Romans 10:17).”
2. Send everyone out of the room.
3. Hide the five papers in the following locations: table, window, door, pillow, book.
4. Invite everyone back. Have them read these scriptures to identify the keyword clue to find each hidden paper. (John 18:16=door; Mark 4:38=pillow; Revelation 22:7=book; Acts 20:9=window; Luke 22:21=table.)
5. Read aloud the scripture on each found paper and discuss how it’s an example of that blessing.

Discussion: What can we do to improve our personal and family scripture study?

Additional Resources

Adorn Yourselves with Good Works

1 Timothy 2:9–10

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” What does it mean to “adorn [ourselves] … with good works”? What are some good works our family could do this week? You might sing together a song about doing good, such as “Have I Done Any Good?” (Hymns, no. 223).

Good Works Fashion Show The family Come Follow Me manual had a super fun idea for a good works fashion show that we’re going to use. Our girls LOVE dressing up, so here’s how we’re planning on doing it:
Explain that 1 Timothy 2:9-10 tells us we should “adorn [ourselves]…with good works.” Summarize what
this means. How are we better examples to people when we do good works?

Come Follow Me For Kids

• Set out a pile of fun clothing/jewelry/sunglasses.
• Cut up the scenario pieces below and place them in a bowl or bag. Take turns drawing pieces out of the bowl/bag.
• When the piece is pulled out, read it and ask: Is this a good/beautiful thing to do? If the answer is YES, then they can choose an item from the pile, tape the good work paper onto it, and wear that item.
• Continue until all of the pieces have been talked about. After this, to earn any remaining items in the
  pile, family members can take turns stating additional good works they could do.
• Wrap it up by reading D & C 25:15 and tell them to listen carefully for what kind of item we will receive if we follow the Lord and keep His commandments (a crown of righteousness). 2 Timothy 4:8 also
  mentions a “crown of righteousness.”

I Have Fought a Good Fight. I have Kept the Faith

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon”

2 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). How might Timothy have felt, knowing that he might soon be without his trusted mentor and leader? What did Paul say to encourage him? You might also read with your own challenges and fears in mind. What messages of hope and encouragement does the Lord have for you in 2 Timothy?

Liahona October 2023 “Come Follow Me Family Fun”

Near the end of his life, the Apostle Paul told Timothy, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Try this activity to learn about “keeping the faith”:

Before Home Evening

1. Interview some older people who have been faithful in the gospel. These could be grandparents or members in your ward or branch.
2. Ask them questions you are interested in or questions like these: What trials did you experience and overcome? Did you have an experience when it took courage to live the gospel? What was most helpful in remaining faithful to your belief in Jesus Christ?
3. Write down or record their testimonies and experiences.

During Home Evening

1. Share with your family the testimonies you heard and lessons you learned.
2. What did these people teach you about overcoming difficulties through faith?

Discussion: How can you keep the faith throughout your life, despite challenges?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon”

Living the gospel provides safety from the spiritual dangers of the last days.

We are living in “the last days” that Paul spoke of, and the “perilous times” have come (2 Timothy 3:1). As you read 2 Timothy 3, write down the perils of the last days that are mentioned (see also 1 Timothy 4:1–3):

Can you think of examples of these perils in the world around you—or in your own life? How do these perils, like the people described in verse 6, “creep into [your house], and lead [you] captive”? What 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? (see, for example, 1 Timothy 1:3–11; 2 Timothy 2:15–16; Titus 2:1–8).

Who was Philemon?

Philemon was a Christian who had been converted to the gospel by Paul. Philemon owned a slave named Onesimus, who apparently escaped to Rome. There Onesimus met Paul and converted to the gospel. Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon with a letter encouraging Philemon to receive Onesimus “not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved” (Philemon 1:16).

What was Paul willing to do for Onesimus? How is this similar to what the Savior willingly did for us? (see also 1 Timothy 2:5–6; Doctrine and Covenants 45:3–5). How can we follow the examples of Paul and the Savior?

The Red Crystal

The Cozy Red Cottage