Titus 3

As I mentioned yesterday, Titus is taught and counseled with the same doctrine and principles that Timothy was that -

"In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned..."  (New Testament | Titus 2:7 - 8)

And in teaching the people, teach them to strive for holiness -

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."  (New Testament | Titus 2:11 - 14)

Obviously, suggesting that there are conditons to receive His grace -

"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."  (New Testament | Titus 3:3 - 7)

Again emphasizing that we cannot be saved by works of righteousness alone.  His redeeming grace is required but conditional upon "washing" and receiving the "Holy Ghost" being essential ordinances and covenants.

Thus Paul summarized -

"This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."  (New Testament | Titus 3:8)

2 Timothy 4

I just want to make a little follow up to yesterday's blog on the prophecy of Paul in the latter days for he continued to instruct Timothy -

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 4:2)

Why?  -

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 4:3 - 4)

In my mind, another prophecy concerning our days that we witness being fulfilled.

It seems much of the instruction and counsel Paul gave to Titus was much the same that was given to Timothy.  In think one important doctrine that much of Christendom misses is Paul testimony that -

"...according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began..."  (New Testament | Titus 1:1 - 2)

For God to promise the elect before the world began, would suggest that spirits of the elect lived with God in a pre-mortal existence

2 Timothy 3

There were a few verses this morning that caught my attention in Paul's late counsel to Timothy.  Writing of the Savior  -

"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began..."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 1:9)

That is a humbling statement that we have received callings, not because we are qualified, but according to His purpose and grace of which we were foreordained in the pre-mortal existence.

Paul also comparing one called as an athlete teaches -

"...if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 2:5)

Which suggests to me that to receive eternal life, we must comply or follow all conditions, ordinance, covenants, commandments as given to be crowned with such blessing.  Also as we serve in the Church we are told -

"...in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 2:20 - 21)

Even though Timothy must have seemed young in his calling, Paul admonishes him -

"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 2:22)

As Paul write Timothy, I sense the spirit of prophecy falls upon him, much like the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Liberty Jail, as he writes

"THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 3:1 - 7)

Even -

"...evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 3:13)

I note that in our day, this sort "creep into houses" which suggests to me modern entertainment and technology.  Thus Timothy as well as all priesthood leaders are counseled to study the scriptures and -

"...continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 3:14 - 17)

1 Timothy 6

Paul provides some sound counsel to Timothy as a young priesthood leader.  Good counsel in any priesthood leadership meeting.  One being -

"REBUKE not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 5:1 - 2)

As well as -

"Honour widows that are widows indeed."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 5:3)

Paul goes on to suggest what he considers "widows indeed".  Concerning the preaching of the gospel -

"If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 6:3 - 5)

In other words, don't get involved in this type of contentious discussions for -

"O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 6:20 - 21)

Paul also counsels -

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 6:17 - 19)

Understanding that -

"...the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 6:10 - 11)

1 Timothy 3

We are blessed with some very detailed instruction of Paul as he writes and individual, Timothy, in his priesthood duty.  First Timothy is counseled in the manner of considering brethren to be bishops and deacons in Ephesus.  In considering bishops, Paul counsels -

"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 3:2 - 7)

I understand that "vigilant" herein suggests temperate, and "sober" suggests "self-control". What I find interesting is Paul's counsel concerning their wives -

"Even so must their wives be grave (of respected character), not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 3:11)

Paul then counsels Timothy to be very careful to only teach true doctrine for Paul knew the days would come where there would be "falling away"  due to -

"...seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats..."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 4:1 - 3)

Thus Paul counseled Timothy -

"If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 4:6)

Which core doctrine is to -

"...trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
11 These things command and teach."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 4:10 - 11)

We are to teach pure doctrine.  Much like our young missionaries today the proselyte throughout the world -

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 4:12 - 16)

1 Timothy 1

To Timothy, Paul wrote -

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 1:15 - 17)

For the -

"...the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 1:14)

In my mind, "to save sinners" does not mean He will save them in their sins but from their sins (Helaman 5:10) as Paul was and example of faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.

I found the words interesting that Paul wrote to Timothy -

"This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
20 Of whom is Hymenæus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."  (New Testament | 1 Timothy 1:18 - 20)

Obviously, there were two members that seemed to be in apostasy teaching false doctrine to which Paul said he delivered to Satan.  In my mind, being delivered to Satan suggest being turned over to the buffetings of Satan which I feel to be much like being excommunicated with no claim to the Spirit of the Lord.  Obviously, that under such condition a covenant breaker would "learn not to blasheme".  Of being turned over to the buffetings of Satan, Bruce R. McConkie wrote -

"To be turned over to the buffetings of Satan is to be given into his hands; it is to be turned over to him with all the protective power of the priesthood, of righteousness and of godliness removed, so that Lucifer is free to torment, persecute, and afflict such a person without let or hindrance. When the bars are down, the cuffs and curses of Satan, both in this world and in the world to come, bring indescribable anguish typified by burning fire and brimstone. The damned in hell so suffer."  (Mormon Doctrine, Buffetings of Satan)

I believe that these two individuals, with the blessing to learn, could have repented and returned to full fellowship.

2 Thessalonians 3

To the Thessalonians, Paul teaches the doctrine of self-reliance writing -

"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us."  (New Testament | 2 Thessalonians 3:6)

We better understand what Paul meant by disorderly as he reminds them -

"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread."  (New Testament | 2 Thessalonians 3:10 - 12)

The beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that we all have a personal obligation to care for the poor and the needy.  But even so, everyone is to work where possible and strive to become self-reliant.  Paul set this example himself in his missionary efforts writing -

"For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us."  (New Testament | 2 Thessalonians 3:7 - 9)

Even though one would expect the servants of Christ to be entitled to care and keeping, Paul himself set an example of work and self-reliance.

1 Thessalonians 4

My thoughts this morning was much like they were previously where man think, by reading only one verse in the New Testament, that all they have to do is confess Jesus to be saved.  Obviously, if that was so, Paul would have spent little time in preaching baptism, sanctification, holiness, and keeping the commandments.  It becomes apparent the the saints were to strive to become more like Christ which would obviously be repentance and a condition of His grace.

"For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord."  New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 3:8)

Standing fast in the Lord includes -

"For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;"  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 4:2 - 4)

"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 4:7)

Paul then preceeds to mention many of the ways we are to strive for holiness.  It is hard to include all of them.  Here are a few -

"...no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter..."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 4:6)

"Not in the lust of concupiscence..."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 4:5)

"...that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you..."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 4:11)

"That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without..."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 4:12)

"Pray without ceasing."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."   (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 5:18)

These are just of a few commandments of the Savior.  Obviously confessing Him only is not all that Paul taught.

1 Thessalonians 1

As Paul begins his letter to the Thessalonians, he reminds them of their conversions writing -

"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance..."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 1:5)

I believe that is significant.  Obviously, the gospel is preached in word, both written and verbally.  But Paul also testifies that the truth of gospel of Jesus Christ is also testified by the power of the Holy Ghost which also provides assurance.  Paul then later writes how he and his fellow missionaries brought them the word of the gospel -

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

"But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children..."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 2:3 - 7)

For -

"Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 2:10 - 12)

This is how missionaries are to teach the gospel throughout the world -

"...because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 2:13)

Colossians 3

Paul teaches that we must be -

"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God..."  (New Testament | Colossians 2:12)

And of this rising in faith, Paul teaches -

 "IF ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above..."  (New Testament | Colossians 3:1)

In other words, we should strive to keep His commandments by living righteously  as we endure to the end.  Some of those commandments or seeking those things above include -

"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry..."  (New Testament | Colossians 3:5)

"...also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds..."  (New Testament | Colossians 3:8 - 9)

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."  (New Testament | Colossians 3:12 - 15)

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."  (New Testament | Colossians 3:16 - 17)

As well as -

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God..."  (New Testament | Colossians 3:18 - 22)

Paul also warned the Colossians -

"Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind..."  (New Testament | Colossians 2:18)

A false doctrine that was creeping into the Church was that men were to work through patron angels or saints.  We read  in the Institute of Religion New Testament student manual entitled The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles

"The Gnostic philosophy held that God was not directly approachable by man but had to be contacted through a series of angelic mediators or less divine spirits. Paul is here denouncing this idea of worshiping angels, which led the Saints away from allegiance to the true head (Christ), and only true mediator between man and God."  (The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, page 345)

Keeping all this counsel requires great faith...maybe that is why Paul emphasizes that by faith we are saved.

Colossians 1

Paul again teaches the Colossians concerning the manner the followers of Christ (saints) should live, writing -

"...that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness..."  (New Testament | Colossians 1:9 - 11)

Paul refers to such "knowledge" as learning the mysteries.  He teaches a significant doctrine of knowledge writing of the Savior -

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."  (New Testament | Colossians 1:14 - 18)

Not only are we forgiven of sins through His atonement, we learn that the Savior is in the express image of His Father.  In addition, we learn that the Savior was the firstborn of all spirits in our pre-mortal life.  Which would suggest that He is our "elder brother".

Again, we learn in His high capacity in this pre-mortal existence that He created all things and by him all things "consist" or is controlled by His power. 

He was the first to be resurrected.  And finally, that He is the head of the Church He organized during His ministry and in the latter days.  He directs His prophets today.

Philippians 3

I loved the words of Paul -

"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,"  (New Testament | Philippians 3:7 - 8)

Paul was willing to give up all things for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I would hope that I am completely willing to do so for I know that therein is the greatest happiness and reward.  One of blessings being -

"If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. [just - JST]  (New Testament | Philippians 3:11)

"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."

(New Testament | Philippians 3:20 - 21)

The resurrection of the "just" is the resurrection with a celestial body as Christ.  Of such, Joseph Fielding Smith taught -

"In the resurrection there will be different kinds of bodies; they will not all be alike. The body a man receives will determine his place hereafter. There will be celestial bodies, terrestrial bodies, and telestial bodies, and these bodies will differ as distinctly as do bodies here…Bodies will be quickened (resurrected) according to the kingdom which they are judged worthy to enter…Some will gain celestial bodies with all the powers of exaltation and eternal increase. These bodies will shine like the sun as our Savior’s does, as described by John. Those who enter the terrestrial kingdom will have terrestrial bodies, and they will not shine like the sun, but they will be more glorious than the bodies of those who receive the telestial glory. In both of these kingdoms there will be changes in the bodies and limitations. They will not have the power of increase, neither the power or nature to live as husbands and wives, for this will be denied them and they cannot increase. Those who receive the exaltation in the celestial kingdom will have the ‘continuation of the seeds forever.’They will live in the family relationship. In the terrestrial and in the telestial kingdoms there will be no marriage. Those who enter there will remain ‘separately and singly’forever. Some of the functions in the celestial body will not appear in the terrestrial body, neither in the telestial body, and the power of procreation will be removed.”(Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 2, pp. 286–288.)

As Paul completed his epistle to the Philippians, I note some important instruction and teachings -

"...in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  (New Testament | Philippians 4:6 - 7)

As well as -

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  (New Testament | Philippians 4:8)

For -

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."  (New Testament | Philippians 4:13)

Philippians 2

After Paul taught concerning the "discension" of Christ, he then testfies -

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  (New Testament | Philippians 2:10 - 11)

Even so, it is Paul's pleadings to these saints that touched my mind this morning -

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life..."  (New Testament | Philippians 2:12 - 16)

Paul is teaching that everyone, individually, must work out their own salvation.  This is by obedience to the will our Father in Heaven and the Savior.  That means, in order to work out our own salvation, we must learn His will.  We learn His will through prayer, studying the words of life, following His apostles and prophets, receiving His required ordinances and covenants, and attending Church and partaking of the sacrament.  As we strive to do so, we must be careful to avoid murmurings and contention.

 

Ephesians 6

As Paul compared our fight against darkness and wickedness to war, he counsels -

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."  (New Testament | Ephesians 6:11)

As he described the individual components of the  armor of God, he writes of

"...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..."  (New Testament | Ephesians 6:17)

Where the other components protect the body, it is the sword that fights against the wicked.  The word of God taught by the Spirit cuts through the lies and falsehoods that is so prevalent in the world.  Of the "sword" Paul continued to write -

'...for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.'  (New Testament | Ephesians 6:19 - 20)

The only way one can speak the word of God by the Spirit, boldly, is if one studies the word of God.

Ephesians 4

As the Savior began to organize His Church in the Americas, after He -

"...had spoken these words unto Nephi, and to those who had been called, (now the number of them who had been called, and received power and authority to baptize, was twelve) and behold, he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto them, saying: Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants..."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 12:1)

Obviously, He began to organize His Church first by calling twelve (apostles) and gave them priesthood power and authority.  He tells the people that they are to follow them.  It becomes clear that under their administration that the Church by priesthood keys was to administer essential priesthood ordinances and covennants as He speaks of baptism and the Gift fo the Holy Ghost.

As Paul writes the Ephesians, in my mind he teaches the priesthood and its relationship in the Church and in the home.  First concerning the Church, members of the Church or the "body" of Christ he writes -

"There is one body..."  (New Testament | Ephesians 4:4)

...and of the body, the Savior -

"....gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers..."  (New Testament | Ephesians 4:11)

For this purpose to teaching and administering the ordiances and covenants of the priesthood -

"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, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ..."  (New Testament | Ephesians 4:12 - 13)

That is that through the grace of Christ we may become "joint heirs".  This one body or one Church that is overseen by authorized priesthood leaders was given -

"That we henceforth be no more children, 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;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."  (New Testament | Ephesians 4:14 - 16)

Paul continues to teach how the body of Christ is to live in order to receive the Savior's greatest blessings.  Paul then turns to the family organization and its relationship to the priesthood he teaches beginning with -

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: 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."  (New Testament | Ephesians 5:22 - 24)

If Christians were to read those three scriptures only, like many other verses in the scriptures, they would be greatly misread or the teaching grossly misunderstood.  To explain himself, Paul continues -

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
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:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones."  )New Testament | Ephesians 5:25 - 30)

The condition for wives to submit to husbands is conditioned upon the manner the husbands love them as Christ loves.  That is a very very high standard.  "The Family: A Proclamtion to the World" states -

“By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection of their families.”

Paul even continues -

"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband."  (New Testament | Ephesians 5:31 - 33)

"One flesh" suggests that husband and wife become one in everything.  This teaches that in relationship with the priesthood, though the man receives the ordination, it as used and administered together.  President Boyd K. Packer said -

“There is a difference in the way the priesthood functions in the home as compared to the way it functions in the Church.… In the Church there is a distinct line of authority.… In the home it is a partnership with husband and wife equally yoked together, sharing in decisions, always working together.” ( “The Relief Society,” April 1998 General Conference.)

Since husband and wive both administer priesthood power, the Lord admonished -

"...the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:36 - 37)

Thus -

"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:41 - 43)

Thus husband and wives are equal.  But as in all things, it is chaos unless someone is ultimately responsible, thus the husband presides which means as the Savior instructed the apostles in the Americas, preside means to be the servant.

I would like to add some quotes just for my own reference.  President James E. Faust said  -

“Nowhere does the doctrine of this Church declare that men are superior to women.” (In Conference Report, April 1988, p. 43)

He also said -

“Every father is to his family a patriarch and every mother a matriarch as coequals in their distinctive parental roles” (“ The Prophetic Voice,” April 1996 General Conference)