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.