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 told to treat them kindly and have compassion on them. We should talk to them and listen carefully with our hearts. We should treat them as if it was our-self. 

• How is marriage looked upon?

Marriage is held in high regards to the Lord. We should be honorable as it is our ultimate goal in this life. 

• What warnings are given about covetousness?

We need to be happy with what we have and enjoy the blessings in our own lives. 

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

Our Savior is. He does not ever waiver. He is the same today and he was yesterday or will be tomorrow. 

• How are we sanctified?

Through the atonement, we are all sanctified. 

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

We are told to obey those who rule over us. Grief is not profitable to us so we must have joy. 

• Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?

Paul asked for prayers for himself and the other leaders and missionaries that were trying to share the gospel with the people around them. In doing this, it shows that he knew that prayer can go a long ways in the eyes of the Lord and those around him. 

Epistle to the Hebrews

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 Christ is superior to angels 
* He is greater than Moses
* Inheritance of the world

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

* Jesus Christ created all the worlds around us
* Jesus Christ suffered for our sins
* Jesus Christ is great than angels
 
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.

* Christ came to the earth so that he could suffer the sins of the world for us. We have the atonement in place for us to be able to return to him because he did suffer for us. Christ has lived on the earth and knows what we are going through and he also knows our hearts. He is always there for us if we allow him to be. He had to come here and suffer for us so that we would have a way back to him again.


 

Philippians

Choice 1: 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).
• 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]).
• 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).
• How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3? 

1.The lord really likes people with a positive attitude and who can keep their emotions in check. We need to remember to always look at each other as equals. We are all Christ’s children and accepted the plan before being sent to earth. As the primary song states, “Jesus says love everyone!”

2. We must remember to gain our own testimony and not rely on the actions of others to gain it. We need to gain and feed our testimonies through things that we discover on our own. We were put on this earth to be tried and tested so that we could discover on our own the strength and faith that we have. The Lord will not give us more than we can handle.

3. Paul tells us that "all good can be found in Christ." The Lord will not let a convert join the church and then have a miserable life. If we follow Christ then we will be blessed and be able to lead a life in the right direction. 

4. The Holy Ghost speaks to us and we have the power to either accept that or deny it. The scriptures help to remind us about how our Father in heaven wants us to live. As long as we listen to the prophet and follow the commandments, life will be great. 

Living as saints should live

Choice 1: Romans 12-16. Live as Saints Should Live

1.    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.

             Keeping the commandments of God and enduring to the end will help us to have everlasting life. In Ezekiel it explains that we need to walk in righteousness so that when we run into temptation, it won't hurt us. 

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:

  Romans 12:1-- Present our bodies a living sacrifice acceptable by God                

  Romans 12:2-- Transform your mind and be renewed

  Romans 12:9-- Adhor that which is evil and clean to that which is good

  Romans 12:13-- Give to others in times of need

  Romans 12:16-- Don't think you are better than others

  Romans 12:21-- Overcome the evil things with good

  Romans 13:1-- Be obedient unto Christ

  Romans 13:3-- Make sure you are always doing your best and not judging 

                        others of their mistakes.

  Romans 13:8-- Love one another

  Romans 13:9-- Follow the commandments of God

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 cautioned us against unrighteous judgement against one another. We don't know the struggles of others around us and if we judge them unrighteously then we can be a burden to them. 

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

                That we are all saints and we need to love each other always

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

          We all come from the same God and it is not our place to judge others around us. We are to leave that up to our maker and do the best we can on this earth to help others around us. 

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.

               The Saints