Lesson 5

2 Corinthians; Galatians



Complete assignments 1, 7, and any two of the remaining assignments:

1.  2 Corinthians 1; 4; 11–12. God Comforts Us in Tribulation

Read 2 Corinthians 1:3–5; 4:5–17; Hebrews 12:6–7. Write why Paul and Timothy were able to avoid despair despite being troubled, perplexed, persecuted, and cast down.

Explain in writing how the teachings in 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 can help during your tribulations (see also D&C 121:7–8).

Read 2 Corinthians 11:24–31; 12:7; institute student manual commentary for 2 Corinthians 11:24, “What Was It Like to Be Scourged by the Jews?” (pp. 304–5); commentary for 2 Corinthians 12:7–9, “There Was Given to Me a Thorn in the Flesh” (p. 305). In one or two paragraphs, list the similarities you know of between Paul’s life and the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith as described in Doctrine and Covenants 127:2.

Read 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; Jacob 4:7; Ether 12:27; Bible Dictionary, “Grace” (p. 697). Write a paragraph detailing the role that grace plays in overcoming our tribulations.

Write a few sentences of how the Lord answered Paul’s prayer in 2 Corinthians 12:7–10. Read Mosiah 24:13–15 and describe in writing what the Lord did to bless the lives of the people experiencing great tribulation without taking away their tribulation. How could that experience help you as you seek the Lord for help in your times of tribulation?

2.  2 Corinthians 2:1–11. Forgiveness


  • What were the people of Corinth commanded to do “if any have caused grief”?
  • What blessings do we see if we forgive?
  • What is the danger in failing to forgive?

3.  2 Corinthians 3:1–3. Written “in Fleshy Tables of the Heart”

In addition to 2 Corinthians 3:1–3, read Mosiah 12:27; 13:11; Jeremiah 31:33; 1 Nephi 19:23. Explain in writing your answers to the following questions:

  • What does it mean to have a doctrine or a commandment written “in fleshy tables of the heart”?
  • How do others see what is written in our hearts?
  • According to John 7:17 and Moroni 7:48, what are two ways to have a commandment or doctrine of the Church written on the fleshy tables of our hearts?
  • What is a doctrine that is written on the fleshy tables of your heart? What did you do to get it there?

4.  2 Corinthians 3–7; 12. Use the Spirit to Come to the Lord

Read 2 Corinthians 3:6. Complete this sentence: “The spirit giveth ______________.” Knowing what the Spirit gives us, write a description of where death comes from (see Romans 6:23). What then is needed to bring the Spirit into our lives?

Write a sentence or two on how applying what is taught in each of the following references brings us closer to God and gives us more freedom from Satan:

5.  2 Corinthians 6:11–18. Be Separate from the World

Read 2 Corinthians 6:11–18. Then write a brief explanation of the meaning of each of the following phrases as well as an example for each of the following statements:

  • “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.”
  • “Come out from among them, and be ye separate.”
  • “Touch not the unclean thing.”

6.  2 Corinthians 5; 7; 10. Godly Sorrow

Study 2 Corinthians 5:10, 17; 7:8–11; 10:3–5, 17–18 and the student manual commentary for 2 Corinthians 7:8–10, “For Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance to Salvation Not to Be Repented Of” (p. 304). Explain in writing the difference between someone feeling sad because they were caught and feeling sad that they sinned. What words from Alma 36:11–16 help to express feelings of godly sorrow?

7.  Galatians 1–4. Becoming Heirs of the Promise

Read Galatians 1–2 and the 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?
  • 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?
  • Why are the teachings of men often more pleasing to some people than the teachings of the Savior?
  • How did Paul refer to Peter (Cephas), James, and John in Galatians 2:9?
  • How does Doctrine and Covenants 107:22 apply to Galatians 2:9?

Read Galatians 2:16–21. If you have access to the Internet, read “Justification” in Guide to the Scriptures (see http://scriptures.lds.org/en/gs/j/50). Explain in writing how valuable being justified would be to you and what you plan to do to be justified.

Read Galatians 3:14–29; 4:1–7. Paul taught that we can be the seed of Abraham, heirs according to the promise, heirs of God through Christ. Look up the word heir in the Topical Guide (pp. 206–7). Read 10 of the references listed, and write one or two paragraphs on what it means to be an “heir of God.”

8.  Galatians 5. Lusts of the Flesh versus Fruits of the Spirit

Study Galatians 5:13–26. Then explain in writing what these verses say about how to better enjoy the fruits of the Spirit rather than works of the flesh.

9.  Galatians 6. As Ye Sow, So Shall Ye Reap

Rewrite Galatians 6:8 in your own words.

Read Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 1:10; 58:26–27. List the verses in Galatians 6 under each column that corresponds with the appropriate topic: