Live As Saints Should Live Romans 12-16

Choice #1

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

The word “nearer” in Romans 13:11 refers to the Second Coming. It is important that we keep the commandments, repent, and endure to the end if we want to receive eternal life.

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; stay worthy

·      Romans 12:2—do not give into the pressures of the world

·      Romans 12:9—Stay away from evil, and cleave to good

·      Romans 12:13—serve others

·      Romans 12:16—do not judge others; “be of the same mind one toward another”

·      Romans 12:21—overcome evil with good

·      Romans 13:1—powers are ordained by God

·      Romans 13:3—do good

·      Romans 13:8—love one another

·      Romans 13:9—keep the commandments

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

·      What cautions did Paul give about judging?

It is not our responsibility to judge others, therefore we shouldn’t judge. It is the Lord who has the ability to do so.

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

Not to judge them for their practices, and respect them. I know I would not want to be judge for what I believe in.

·      What additional insight comes from reading D&C 38:25-27?

What I took from it is that we should all see others as equals, as we are all equally loved by our Father in Heaven. Therefore, we shouldn’t judge others for what they have or what they don’t have.

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 referred to them as saints. Maybe this has no relevance, but it also makes me realize that today, we are known as “latter-day saints.” We are in the last days until Jesus comes again.

Baptism - Romans 6

What must be done with sin before baptism can occur?

We must repent of our sins, and choose to live righteously. It is important to remember that when we repent of our sins, we promise not to repeat them again.

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

Baptism is like unto death, as we are buried under water, it represents Christ’s death, and as we are raised out of the water, it represents Christ when he was raised from the dead. Baptism is a symbolism of a new life, as our sins are washed away and we are clean.

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

Sprinkling doesn’t represent the symbolism of Christ’s death. You need to be emerged from the water in order to be baptized and cleansed from sin.

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

We can maintain the “newness of life” by choosing to live righteously and serving God.

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

The natural man

Romans 6:14-23

We are the servants of either righteousness or sin, depending upon the life we choose to live. When we choose to live unworthily, we become the servants of Satan, as we continue to follow his ways. We become trapped as we sin continuously, and forget what is good from evil. If we choose to live righteously, we are the servants of God, and we will be blessed for our efforts. Heavenly Father loves us so much, He gives us so many opportunities to repent and return to Him again. If we live righteously, we will be free from sin.

Forgiveness

What were the people of Corinth commanded to do “if any caused grief”?

They were commanded to forgive them and comfort them, like the Father forgives all men. If we do not forgive those who trespass against us, then why would our Heavenly Father forgive us? Heavenly Father is the only one who can decide who He will forgive.

What are the blessings we will receive if we forgive?

The Father will forgive us for the sins we have made. Aside from what the scriptures say, I also feel another blessing we will receive if we forgive is peace of mind.

What is the danger in failing to forgive?

Our Heavenly Father will not forgive us if we choose not to forgive those who have trespassed against us. Also, in 2 Corinthians 2:11 it says “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” If we do not forgive, we are slowly falling into Satan’s grasp.

Avoiding Sin

1 Corinthians 5

In a way, Paul uses the word “fornication” similar to the way we use it today. In today’s terms we use it as sexual intercourse between unmarried people. But Paul used the word as porneia (the root word for our pornography), and meant any extramarital intercourse. Corinth is also pretty similar to the morality we have today, if not worse. There are more people breaking the law of chastity, and at a younger age. Pornography has become more accessible and has become an addiction to some. Prostitutes are still around, and people continue to break their marital vows by adultery.

In order to be protected against sin, Paul suggested the saints to keep away from those that were committing the sins. Just like in today’s time, we are asked to choose friends wisely so that we won’t be peer pressured into doing things that goes against our values and beliefs. Christ put it in a very interesting way in Matthew 5:29-30. If you cut off that which is evil, you will have a greater chance of not being dragged down to “hell” with those that do evil.

Counsel For Members

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13; 4:1-12; 5:1-22; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-6, 11

Attributes Paul counseled the members to improve on:

·      Love all men

·      Live a chaste life

·      Be honest in your doings

·      Be patient

·      Give thanks to the Lord

·      Pray

·      Avoid all evil and temptation

·      Have faith

Where I need to improve on:

·      Loving one another

I always struggle with this one. I can improve on this by not judging others and providing service.

·      Being patient

Learn to be forgiving and just practice being patient.

·      Avoiding temptation

I know we all struggle with this as well, but by being faithful and obedient to God’s commandments, and diligently studying the scriptures and praying, I can have a better chance of avoiding temptation.