Choice 4: 1 John 1–3. That Ye May Have
Fellowship with Us and with God
• Read
1 John 1:1–4. Describe in writing John’s desire for those he wrote to.
• 1 That which
was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,
which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
•
2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew
unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto
us)
•
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have
fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his
Son Jesus Christ.
•
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
o John desires us to be in full fellowship
with the Lord and with the saints (any who follow Christ).
Study the following scripture
references and then list what these verses teach about how we can come to know
God better and have greater joy and fellowship with God:
o
1 John 1:8–10: Repent and
seek forgiveness
o
1 John 2:3–6: Keep His
Commandments
o
1 John 2:9–11; 3:11–19: Love others as yourself in word and deed
o
1 John 2:15–17: Love God more
than the things of this word
o
1 John 2:20–21, 27: Seek the
truth which is the gospel
o
1 John 3:4–6: Stay away
from sin and temptation
2.
Choose one of the ways to have greater joy and fellowship with God as
you described it above, and write a paragraph explaining how you can better
implement those principles in your life.
One of
the ways from the above list that I feel is crucial in obtaining a better
relationship with our Heavenly Father would be to stay away from sin and
temptation. I was told a long time ago that if fill my life with good then I
will never have time for the bad. Satan only has power over you when you are
idol, slothful or lazy. It takes energy to follow Christ. It is worth the
exertion and God will always help you when you ask him. This is a promise. “Pray always, that you may come off conqueror;
yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the
servants of Satan that do uphold his work.” (D&C 10:5)
Choice 4: 1
Peter 1–4. The Trial of Our Faith Is More Precious than Gold
Read 1 Peter 1:1–9; 2:12, 15, 20–25;
3:11–16; 4:12–19. Write two to three paragraphs using the principles of these
verses to explain to someone who says, “Life isn’t fair. Why do I have to have
so many trials? I’m tired of being ridiculed by those who do not keep the
commandments.”
One of the
most important things that we can remember when going through trials is that
God loves you, that you are blessed to have a Father in Heaven who sees the
bigger picture. Just like a coal goes under a tremendous amount of stress and
pressure to become a perfected diamond, so it is with us.
I truly love
what it said in 1 Peter 1:6-9 regarding faith unto salvation.
1 Peter 1: 6-9
6 Wherein ye greatly
rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through
manifold temptation
7 That the trial
of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it
be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the
appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not
seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice
with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the
end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
With this faith we will come
forth victorious over the roadblocks to salvation.
We just got
back from the movie theater where we watched the movie “The Saratov Approach”.
In this movie two missionaries are kidnapped, beaten and held for ransom. They
endure some extreme challenges, which no individual would want to endure. With
their faith they overcome and are made stronger.
The following
scriptures match their circumstances perfectly:
12 Beloved, think it not
strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange
thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice,
inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall
be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be
reproach for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of
God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he
is glorified.
15 But let none of
you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in
other men’s matters.
16 Yet if any man
suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this
behalf.
17 For the time is
come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us,
what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the
righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let
them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls
to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
I love our
Heavenly Father. He is REAL. He watches over us and desires our salvation. Our
faith makes the biggest difference in our life and the life of others. others.
Paul concluded his
epistle to the Hebrews with some brief teachings and statements of counsel.
Read Hebrews 13 and find statements about the following questions:
• How should we
treat strangers and those “in bonds”?
Do not forget to
entertain strangers.
We should be
willing to open our hearts to everyone in an effort to share the gospel. This
is a powerful opportunity for us to go about doing good. Remember the story of
the Good Samaritan.
• How is marriage
looked upon?
Honorable. We are
to marry and remain faithful to our spouse. Adulterers will be judged of God
• What warnings are
given about covetousness?
Conversations need
to be without covetousness. We should fear God rather than man
• What is “the same
yesterday, and to day, and for ever”?
Jesus Christ
• How are we
sanctified?
Through Jesus
Christ’s Sacrifice
• How do we respond
to those who rule over us?
Submit to them who
lead with faith
• Who did Paul ask
the people to pray for?
Pray for them the prophets and apostles. We should also pray
for each other.
Read Hebrews 3:8–4:16 and the institute student manual commentary
for Hebrews 3:11, “What Does It Mean to Enter into the ‘Rest’ of the Lord?” (p.
383). Write answers to the following questions:
Hebrews 3:8
8 Harden not your hearts,
as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Hebrews 4:16
16 Let us therefore come
boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to
help in time of need.
Institute Manual commentary for Hebrews 3:11, “What Does It Mean
to Enter into the ‘Rest’ of the Lord?” (p. 383).
The scriptures define the “rest” of the Lord as “the fulness of
his glory.” (D&C 84:24.) President Joseph F. Smith put it a little
differently:
“The ancient prophets speak of ‘entering into God’s rest’; what
does it mean? To my mind, it means entering into the knowledge and love of God,
having faith in his purpose and in his plan, to such an extent that we know we
are right, and that we are not hunting for something else, we are not disturbed
by every wind of doctrine, or by the cunning and craftiness of men who lie in
wait to deceive. We know of the doctrine that it is of God, and we do not ask
any questions of anybody about it; they are welcome to their opinions, to their
ideas and to their vagaries. The man who has reached that degree of faith in
God that all doubt and fear have been cast from him, he has entered into ‘God’s
rest.’ … rest from doubt, from fear, from apprehension of danger, rest from the
religious turmoil of the world. …” (Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 58.)
When we leave this life, if we enter into paradise, we go to “a
state of rest, a state of peace, where [we] shall rest from all [our] troubles,
and from all care, and sorrow.” (Alma 40:12.)
• What group of
people was refused entrance into the Lord’s rest?
The group of people that was and will be refused entrance into the
Lord’s rest would be those with hardened hearts. They are those that fear the
world more than they fear their God. They are disturbed by every wind of
doctrine and by the cunning and craftiness of men who lie in wait to deceive.
• What sins caused
them to forfeit this privilege?
Essentially it is the basic sins that are listed in the Ten
Commandments, mainly having other Gods before our Heavenly father. Examples of
this would be putting your fear of the world first and our Father in Heaven
Second. This is not a good idea.
• How does Doctrine
and Covenants 84:23–24 help define what the Lord’s rest is?
23 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the
wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold
the face of God;
24 But they hardened their
hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for
his danger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his
rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.
This defines the Lord’s rest by stating the rest is the fulness of
his glory
• What sins did
Paul repeatedly warn against so as not to incur the same punishment?
He warned not to harden your heart and that we need to endure. I
feel he did this because if we are teachable and willing to endure we then are
able to hear the promptings of the Spirit of God, the Comforter.
• How do you think
the warnings in Hebrews 3:12–15 apply to us?
Hebrews 3:12-15
12 Take heed, brethren,
lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the
living God.
13 But exhort one another
daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the
deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we are made
partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto
the end;
15 While it is said, Today
if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
If we are willing to heed to the lessons taught in the gospel by
not hardening our hearts
Or falling prey to the deceit of men then we will be made
partakers of Christ. We will be blessed our whole life and throughout eternity.
• List the counsel
found in Hebrews 4 that will help a person enter into the rest of the Lord.
Be Humble
Heed the prompting of the Spirit of God
Obey the Commandments
Learn all you can of spiritual things
Stay true to the gospel
• How do Matthew
7:21–23; John 7:17; James 1:22 help in understanding how the word needs to be
“mixed with faith”? (Hebrews 4:2–3).
Matthew 7:21-23
21 ¶Not everyone that saith
unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth
the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in
that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have
cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess
unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
John 7:17
17 If any man will ado his
will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak
of myself.
James 1:22
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving
your own selves.
These scriptures teach that we need to be willing to act in faith
and apply the doctrine and principles we learn while reading the scriptures,
attending church and in our day to day lives.
Philippians 1–4. Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges
For each of the following common challenges, write the counsel from Philippians that you would use to resolve it:
•People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week (see Philippians 2:1–8, 14–15).
This is a common occurrence among those that cannot see the bigger picture. An example of this would be for an individual who cares more about the score of the sports game they are “missing” rather than the fulfillment of the will of the Lord.
We need to be full of comfort, love, fellowship, joy for the work of the Lord and always put others before our selfish pursuits.
We “Let nothing be done through astrife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let eachbesteem other better than themselves.”
•Many youth feel that their parents’ testimony is sufficient for them. Since they have good parents, they rely on them for all their spiritual strength (see Philippians 2:12–15 and institute student manual commentary for Philippians 2:12, “Work out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling” [pp. 361–62]).
Some may lean on others for their spiritual strength which is great to certain degrees but the problem comes when they are individually tested with trials that only they can conquer. This is where the council of the scriptures states that we need to have our own testimony. We need to “Work out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling”.
The benefit of us doing this comes from the fact that we will be able to help others build their testimonies once we have gained our own. We should do this without murmuring and realize that it is an eternal blessing to us and to those we come in contact with.
•An investigator is considering joining the Church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does (see Philippians 3:7–16; 4:13).
Pioneers are a blessing to this World. They are individuals, not just from the past, that are willing to walk the path for a brighter future.
It will be challenging but remember the council of Philippians 4:13
“ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
God loves all his children and in his infinite power he will be able to help with any circumstance.
•How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3?
It is a great opportunity to learn that if our relationship with our Heavenly Father is good then we will have the Spirit with us to lead us and direct us in all things.
3 aAngels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, bfeast upon the cwords of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will dtell you all things what ye should do.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Choice 1:
Romans 12-16. Live as Saints Should Live
Explain in
writing what we must continue doing to work out our salvation.
1.1.Review Romans 13:11 and look for what
is “nearer.”
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high atime to awake out
of bsleep:
for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Read Ezekiel
3:20;
20 Again,
When a arighteousman doth bturn from
hiscrighteousness,
and commit iniquity, and I lay a dstumblingblockbefore
him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his
sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his
blood will I require at thine hand.
We must
continue to repent and change. We must also raise a voice of warning
(missionary work) so that others may know how to gain salvation.
Doctrine and
Covenants 14:7
7 And,
if you akeep my
commandments and bendure to
the end you shall have ceternal
life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.
We must keep
the commandments and endure to the end.
2.
In Romans 12-13 Paul gave much counsel that leads to salvation. Read each of
the following verses and list what Paul taught would help lead to salvation:
o
Romans 12:1“ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which
is your reasonable service.”
o
Romans 12:2“be
not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God.”
o
Romans 12:9 “9 Let love be without
dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
o
Romans 12:13“13 Distributing
to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
o
Romans 12:16“Be of the same mind one
toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be
not wise in your own conceits.”
o
Romans 12:21“21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with
good.”
o
Romans 13:3“do
that which is bgood,
and thou shalt have praise of the same”
o
Romans 13:8 “aOwe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he
thatbloveth another
hath fulfilled the law.”
o
Romans 13:9“Thou
shalt not commit aadultery,
Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not bsteal,
Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not ccovet;
and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly
comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thydneighbour as
thyself.
3.
Review Romans 14:1-13; 15:1-3. Then write answers to the following questions:
o
What cautions did Paul give about judging? He essentially calls those who
judge, hypocrites and warns them “every one of us
shall give account of himself to God”
o
People may have different opinions and practices, but what is most important to
remember?
Be filled with
charity and to work out your salvation. “For even
Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, Theareproaches of
them that reproached “thee fell on me.
o
What additional insight comes from reading Doctrine and
Covenants
38:25-27?
“let every man esteem his abrotheras
himself... I say unto you, be aone;
and if ye are not one ye are not mine.”
4.
Review Romans 15:25-26, 31; 16:2, 15. Write the term Paul frequently used to
refer to members of the Church in his day.
