Teaching

Read 2 Peter 2:1–19. Record the characteristics of false teachers described by Peter. Explain in writing how your list helps you recognize false teachers today.

·         Denying the Lord

·         Covetousness

·         Speak evil things and dignities

·         Filthy conversation

·         Lust of uncleanness, and despise government

·         Self-willed

·         Presumptuous

·         Eyes full of adultery

By knowing the characteristics of false teachers, it can help me be able to recognize them and avoid them. False teachers don’t want us to progress in doing well. We will know that things are true when we let the spirit guide us.

Read 2 Peter 2:20–22; Doctrine and Covenants 82:3, 7. In your own words, write a few sentences describing the dangers of returning to the “pollution's of the world.”

The dangers of returning to the “pollution's of the world” is that the Lord will judge us when we return to him. We would have a bigger punishment than those who has sinned but yet didn’t know the gospel. We know better and we have been taught by true prophets and great leaders.

James 1. “Be Ye Doers of the Word and Not Hearers Only”

1.    Read James 1 and respond in writing to the following items:

o       What words or phrases encourage you to look for direction from God?

In verse 6 it says, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”

o       How did James further define the phrase to “ask in faith”?

He describes it as unwavering. Ask God and act in faith.

o       How do Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 add to your understanding of James 1:8?

They all state that no man can serve two Gods.

o       From James 1:13–15, 19–27, make an outline of how we can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

1.      Avoid temptations from Satan.

2.      Understand your sins and repent.

3.      Keep the commandments.

4.      Listen to the spirit.

5.      Serve and love one another.

o       Give a few modern examples of how you have recently seen individuals exemplify James 1:22.

I see people all around who are lustful. They love their riches more than anything. Those are the things that we can’t take with us in the afterlife.

2.    Read the institute student manual commentary for James 1:5–6, “If Any of You Lack Wisdom” (p. 409). Make a list of reasons why Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–1985) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said these verses have “had a greater impact ... upon mankind than any other” scripture.

1.      Guidance of the Holy Ghost.

2.      Turn to God for answers.

3.      There is going to be a point in our lives where we ask the Lord to reveal answers.

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”?

We are reminded not to forget to help out strangers and those in bonds. Strangers are to be treated like any other person in our lives. We are to treat them with love and kindness. Hebrews 13:1-2 says, “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware” As we become like Christ and follow his examples at treating strangers like brothers and sisters, we will be able to become better individuals.

• How is marriage looked upon?

In Hebrews 13:4 it says, “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremonger and adulterers God will judge” Marriage is an important part of our lives in Christ’s eyes. It is part of a greater plan that enables husband and wife to have children under covenant where children can be raised in a home where correct principles are established and they’re taught the message of Christ.

• What warnings are given about covetousness?

To never covet because it will bring unhappiness to our lives. When we are content with what we have a appreciate everything else in life we will receive many blessings.

• What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”?

God is the same yesterday, and to day, and forever. He will always be the same and love us all unconditionally.

• How are we sanctified?

Through Christ we are sanctified. Because of him we are able to return back to our Heavenly Father.

• How do we respond to those who rule over us?

We are to obey those who rule over us and help them. Through Christ are they called upon their callings.

• Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?

He asked us to pray for everyone.

Jesus Christ Is Greater than Angels

Choice 5: Hebrews 1–2. Jesus Christ Is Greater than Angels

1.           Refer to “Epistle to the Hebrews” in the Bible Dictionary (pp. 746–47). Read the first paragraph and the “Analysis of Hebrews,” number 1–5. Make a list of what Jesus Christ is superior to.

·         Jesus is greater than the angels.

·         Jesus is greater than Moses, along with his words.

·         Jesus is greater than Abraham.

·         Jesus is superior to Aaron.

·         Jesus is superior to Melchizedek.

2.           Read Hebrews 1. Make a list of three truths Paul taught about the Savior Jesus Christ.

·         He created the Earth.

·         He died for our sins.

·         He was the first begotten.

3.           Read Hebrews 2:7–18; 4:13–16; Alma 7:11–15; Doctrine and Covenants 122:8. In writing describe how these scriptures explain reasons the Son of God came to earth to experience mortality.

·         The son of God, Jesus, came to earth to fulfill Heavenly Fathers plan for us. Without Jesus Christ we wouldn’t be able to do the majority of what we can do now. Because of him we are able to repent of our sins and return back to our Heavenly Father.

Finding Solutions in the Scriptures to Life's Challenges

Choice 1: Philippians 1–4

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).

The talk “Merciful Obtain Mercy” from general conference in April of 2012 it mentions that as brothers and sisters in Christ, there is no point in getting heated up over small things. We are all not perfect, so we could all strive to try to humble ourselves.

·         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]).

Growing up I lived off of my parent’s testimony for many years. Because they knew the church was true, I knew the church was true. I only believed in things because my parents seemed to believe in them until I started asking myself if the church was true and how I knew it was true when there really was no proof to that. Yes, I started gaining my own testimony when I finally took up the challenge to. It was hard to finally decide that you wanted to find out things for yourself, but it was definitely worth all the time in the world.

·         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).

It is hard for someone to join the church when their family says that they will no longer associate with them. I think that at times like this the investigator just has to rely on the Lord. Christ always tell us to follow him and trust in him. Along with that I think that members of the church plays a huge role in making this person feel accepted too.

·         How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3?

In 2 Nephi 32:3 it says, “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” All of the answers we have can be found in the scriptures and can be found through the words of prophets. 

Live as Saints Should Live

Review Romans 13:11 and look for what is “nearer.” Read Ezekiel 3:20; Doctrine and Covenants 14:7; and explain in writing what we must continue doing to work out our salvation.

                             
Our Salvation is nearer than we all think. Reading Ezekiel and Doctrine and Covenants talks about keeping the commandments so we may be able to receive eternal life. To gain Salvation we must keep enduring and keep keeping the commandments to be able to return to him.

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- We are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice and give ourselves to the Lord in service.

o       Romans 12:2- To live the world but not of it. Don't be deceived by the things that the world offers us.

o       Romans 12:9- Let go of evil and hold on to what is good.

o       Romans 12:13- Have charity and give to others.

o       Romans 12:16- Don't judge one another, see them how The Lord would see them.

o       Romans 12:21- Don't let evil take over you.

o       Romans 13:1- Worship none but God, there is no one more powerful than him.

o       Romans 13:3- Do good works.

o       Romans 13:8- Love one another.

o       Romans 13:9- Keep the commandments. 

Review Romans 14:1-13; 15:1-3. Then write answers to the following questions:

o       What cautions did Paul give about judging?

We are to not judge, only God can judge someone. We are judged according to how we judge others.

o       People may have different opinions and practices, but what is most important to remember?

We all have our agencies and we are all children of God.

o       What additional insight comes from reading Doctrine and Covenants 38:25-27?

We are all treated and look upon the same by the Lord.

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.

He refers members of the Church in his day as Saints.

Baptism

1.    Review Romans 6:1–13 and answer the following questions in writing: 

What must be done with sin before baptism can occur?

Before baptism can occur we must repent and recognize our sins. We need to be able to understand the covenants that we are making with the Lord.

What events from Christ’s life are symbolized in baptism?

Christ’s resurrection symbolizes baptism because of the newness of life. As you go down into the water you burry your sins and come up out of the water to new life.

Considering this symbolism, why couldn’t someone be baptized by sprinkling?

Like mentioned, you need to go completely under the water because emersion of water is like Jesus’s death and resurrection.  

What do these verses teach us about how we can maintain the “newness of life”?

We need to change from old to new. Also being able to be resurrected is the newness of life for us as we keep the commandments.

According to Mosiah 3:19, what part of us would ideally die at baptism?

The natural man should ideally die at baptism.  

2.    Study Romans 6:14–23. Write a paragraph that describes how we know whose servant we are. Then write a statement identifying the true source of freedom.

As we keep the commandments and serve our fellow beings we are being servants of the Lord. When we sin we know that we are doing the works of Satan. Our actions show who we really are. We will be blessed as we do great things.