5 TEACHING IDEAS FOR COME FOLLOW ME LESSONS

See the complete list of CFM Lessons

Doctrine and Covenants 46 – 48

This week’s topics are spiritual success, gifts of the Spirit, knowledge, testimony, tongues, and thanksgiving.

You can find the full Come, Follow Me lesson here. Unless you opt to spend a lot of time on a particular quote, try to pick around 2 questions per quote. Choose the questions that resonate the most with you and make a meaningful discussion for your group of personalities.

All blue quotes from the Doctrine and Covenants (unless otherwise noted).

Lesson Prep

• If you want the discussion to be more meaningful, hand out reading assignments ahead of time and ask the reader to answer one question about them (pick one of the questions below and give it to them, along with the assigned quote). The sooner you do this, the better, but if possible, at least show it to them before the Sacrament meeting. You can also text or email it.
• Ask various people to read and participate—especially those who aren’t asked as much.

Lesson Delivery

You can arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you. I suggest starting with the most important ones and working your way down. Don’t worry about covering all the quotes.

Most Important

• Ensure every class member has a set of scriptures in front of them or on their phone. Always invite the class to read along—hearing and seeing the words together increases comprehension and engagement.
• Avoid videos – they shut down discussion. Save them for personal study.
• If the discussion gets too non-spiritual, pull it back by going to the next quote or question.

Increase Volunteer Participation

• Make sure you assign others to read the quotes. You’re talking enough already, and letting others read allows more people to participate.
• Encourage discussion by accepting all reasonable answers. Validate people for participating, and be thankful they spoke up. Engage with the answer in a conversational way whenever it feels natural. Never say, “That’s not the right answer,” or “We haven’t got to that part of the lesson yet.”
• Remember, spiritual discussion is golden. We want people to talk about the gospel together.
• If the discussion takes a different turn than your planned lesson, roll with it. The Spirit intends for you to be successful.

Quote #1 (success)

Possible Intro: Say something like, “Jesus gives us several guidelines for successful gospel living. See which one stands out to you as we read the following verses.

Note: Can be divided between two readers.

7 But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils.

8 Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given; (Doctrine and Covenants 46:7-8)

Possible discussion questions: What word or phrase stands out to you from these verses? Is it okay to sincerely ask for spiritual gifts? How do you ask of God; how do you talk to Him? (Accept all reasonable answers – through prayer.) Who remembers when President Nelson asked us to keep a prayer journal? How does a prayer journal work? What are the blessings of praying often? (Accept all reasonable answers – that evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men may not seduce you.) How sure can we be that God wants to communicate with us? (Accept all reasonable answers – He commanded us to pray to Him with the intent of communicating back.)

Quote #2 (gifts)

Possible engagement tool: Say something like, “Spiritual gifts are given to everyone. For the rest of the class, we will explore the gifts listed in Section 45.”

Note: Divide among multiple readers.

11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.

12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.

13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.

14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful. (Doctrine and Covenants 46:11-14)

Possible discussion questions: Who has spiritual gifts given to them? (Everyone) Is having a strong testimony of Christ a gift? If you have that gift, how can you profit (or help) others? (Accept all reasonable answers – speak up and share your testimony so they can feel your conviction.) Why is it important to remain faithful after you have gained a testimony of Jesus Christ?

Possible activity: Does anyone have a testimony of Jesus Christ they would like to share?

Deepen the Understanding

How does the Holy Ghost feel?

The Holy Ghost acts as a guide, comforter, and revealer of truth. Experiencing the Holy Ghost often feels like a warm, peaceful sensation that settles in your heart and mind, like a quiet assurance or a gentle nudge. Personal revelation— is God’s way of speaking to you individually through the Holy Ghost. It might come as a clear thought, a sudden understanding, or a feeling of calm certainty about a decision, even amid confusion. Sometimes it is subtle, sometimes a lot stronger, but always aligned with love, truth, and God’s will.

Quote #3 (more gifts)

Possible engagement tool: Say something like, “As we read these next gifts, see if you can think of someone you know who has one of these gifts.”

Note: Divide among multiple readers.

17 And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.

18 To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.

19 And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;

20 And to others it is given to have faith to heal.

21 And again, to some is given the working of miracles; (Doctrine and Covenants 46:17-21)

Possible discussion questions: If someone were to ask you what the difference is between wisdom and knowledge in these verses, what would you say? (Accept all reasonable answers – in short, knowledge is “to know” and wisdom is “to do it well.”) Do you know of anyone who has ever been healed or seen a miracle? (Be ready with your own story if no one volunteers.)

If needed:

Wisdom is a divinely granted ability to discern and apply truth and knowledge in a way that leads to righteous decisions and actions. It is the capacity to use knowledge or understanding in a practical, godly manner, often in situations requiring judgment, insight, or guidance.

Knowledge: The word of knowledge refers to a spiritual gift that involves receiving or understanding truth directly from God through the Holy Ghost. It is the ability to grasp divine or spiritual truths, often beyond what one might learn through study or worldly means alone. This gift is associated with receiving revelation, understanding doctrine, or perceiving truth for the benefit of teaching and edifying others.

A Real Life Story shared by my Friend Tom F.

“After my heart valve replacement surgery, I woke up with two tubes down my throat. My hands were tied down so I would not pull them out.  I was choking on the tubes and really was suffering.  I do not remember how long I was in that situation.  More than an hour. I felt so bad I started to cry to Heavenly Father to just let me come home to Him.

“About every 20 minutes or so they would give me drugs that would ease my discomfort for a short time.  And then it would come back.

“I will not share what happened, but I was comforted in such an amazing way that I knew I would survive, and I knew why I would survive.

“Well, I did endure that trial and I am know trying to fulfill the reason I was spared and comforted.

“I can testify that the atonement is real and can help with pain and suffering as well as with repentance.”

Quote #4 (tongues)

Possible engagement tool: Have your class read and discuss these definitions to understand the next few verses better.

Gift of prophecy: Elder Dallin H. Oaks noted that this gift allows individuals to prophesy within their own sphere, such as foreseeing future events in their lives, like a Church calling or personal milestones. (Spiritual Gifts – 1986)

Gift of discerning of spirits: “The gift of discerning of spirits is also a protecting gift. It is the spiritual capacity to distinguish between those impulses and promptings that come from the Holy Ghost and those that come from the devil.” Oaks emphasizes that this gift allows individuals to differentiate between divine and deceptive promptings, ensuring they follow true spiritual guidance in their decisions and actions. (Spiritual Gifts – 1986)

Gift of tongues: “Joseph Smith then gave an explanation of the gift of tongues, that it was particularly instituted for the preaching of the Gospel to other nations and languages, but it was not given for the government of the Church.” (History of the Church 2:162, recorded by Oliver Cowdery)

Note: Divide among multiple readers.

22 And to others it is given to prophesy;

23 And to others the discerning of spirits.

24 And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;

25 And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.

26 And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God. (Doctrine and Covenants 46:22-26)

Possible discussion question: Which of these gifts would you like to have and why?

Quote #5 (thanks)

Possible intro: Say something like, “Many times the scriptures remind us to be thankful. Think about what you are thankful for as we read.”

31 And again, I say unto you, all things must be done in the name of Christ, whatsoever you do in the Spirit;

32 And ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with.

Possible discussion questions: What does gratitude do for us? What have you been blessed with? Why is it important to thank God directly through prayer?

Summary

Summarize class discussion highlights and/or share your testimony and feelings about the lesson. Thank your class for their excellent contributions and insights.

Final Comment

As you study and teach, you can help others find more truths in the scriptures. Thank you for bringing powerful Doctrine and Covenant teachings into other people’s lives.

If you would like some tips on how to feel more confident while teaching, try “9 Tips for More Class Participation.” Please arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you.