The Trial of Our Faith Is More Precious than Gold

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.

Works of Righteousness

Choice Three: Hebrews 13. Works of Righteousness

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.

Hebrews 3-4. Entering into the Lord's Rest

 Hebrews 3-4. Entering into the Lord's Rest

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. 

Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges

 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.

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 ^arighteous man doth ^bturn from his^{crighteousness}, and commit iniquity, and I lay a ^{dstumblingblock}before 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 13:1  “Let every soul ^{abe subject} unto the higher ^bpowers. For there is no ^{cpower dbut of God}: the ^epowers that be are ordained of God.”

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 that^bloveth 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 thy^dneighbour 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, The^areproaches 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.

Saints