Safety From False Prophets

1. Read 2 John 1:7 and the institute student manual commentary for 2 John 7, “For Many Deceivers Are Entered into the World” (p. 437). Summarize in one or two paragraphs the false doctrine John warned against, where it came from, and what effect it would have if it were believed. In this verse John was warning the saints of false prophets and antichrists who spread teachings contrary to the gospel. Throughout history there have been people who fight against the true teachings of the gospel. If saints entertain their teachings by reading and studying their information they will become confused. Following false teachings results in apostasy. The church cannot stand without the support of faithful members. 2. Read 2 John 1:8–13. Write one or two sentences explaining what counsel John gave that could help avoid this and other false doctrines generally. To keep ourselves safe from the persuasion of false prophets we cling to the doctrine of Christ. I heard a saying that I often think about, When you start entertaining temptation then pretty soon it will start entertaining you. We must stay far away from evil and develop our testimonies daily if we are to be useful tools in the Lord’s kingdom.

Trials

It’s true, life is not fair. But that is not something that we are ever taught in the scriptures. Trials are taxing. They drain us emotionally, physically, and mentally. Some trials we bring upon ourselves by the choices we make. Others happen as a result of others’ choices or simply because the Lord allows us to experience them. When we live in a way that is pleasing to Heavenly Father we can have confidence that our struggles will not last forever. They may end later in this life or maybe not until we leave this earth. But as we keep the companionship of the spirit we are blessed with peace and strength to endure. Knowing that we are children of Heavenly Father can also bring strength. We have a divine destiny to fulfill. Our experiences, good or bad, are designed to strengthen and grow us. When we choose the right and endure faithfully we keep our connection to Heavenly Father. Trials are hard but by keeping the faith and showing love and kindness towards others we are blessed and we help other want to be better as well.

Choice Two: Hebrews 11–12. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ 1. In Hebrews 11, Paul recounted the faith of many ancient men and women. Read Hebrews 11 and fill in the chart below listing eight other people and how each person demonstrated his or her faith and what blessings the Lord gave each of them. Name Verse How They Demonstrated Faith Blessings They Received Abel 4 Offered a “more excellent sacrifice” A witness from God that he was righteous Enoch 5-6 He had a testimony and exercised faith. He was translated Noah 7 Built an ark before he saw the threat of flood Became heir of righteousness Abraham 8-10 Went looking for a land the Lord promised he would inherit Guided by the Lord and received the blessings Sara 11 Prayed for a child even in her old age Gave birth to a child in her old age Abraham 17 Was willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to the Lord Was given back his son and blessed with many seed through Isaac Jacob 21 Blessed both the sons of Joseph on his death bed Given the ability to do so Moses 24-30 Accepted his true heritage and worked to deliver the children of Israel Was blessed with miracles to bring the children of Israel to the promised land 2. Give at least three examples of other individuals found in scriptures or whom you know who could be included in this chapter. Alma exercised faith when he heard Abinadi’s message. He was able to preach to the Nephites in secret and convert many. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednago, refused to partake of the bad food. They were saved from the flames of the furnace. Joseph Smith was a faithful servant of the Lord. He was blessed with guidance from the spirit and great friends to help him in his mission. 3. Read Hebrews 12:1–2 and write what Paul encouraged the Saints to do to show their faith. We are counseled to repent of our sins, be patient, and trust in the Savior to exercise our faith. 4. Read the institute student manual Points to Ponder sections, “Developing Faith Is Active Belief, Which Is More than Just Belief” (p. 400) and “Fully Developed Faith Is Power” (pp. 400–401). Describe in writing how faith is different than belief. Faith is what moves us to act on what we believe to be true. If we only believe in Heavenly Father but are unwilling to follow the commandments then we are not exercising faith. When we keep the commandments even though it’s hard, when we are kind even though we’re irritated, when we’re faithful in church activity even though it’s inconvenient, we are exercising our faith. Doing what we know to be right with a faithful heart shows our love for Heavenly Father.

Paul's Letter to Timothy

1. Read the institute student manual commentary for “The Second Letter to Timothy” (p. 374) and “Background Information” (pp. 374–75). Then read 2 Timothy 1:1–7 and Moroni 8:3; 9:6, 22, 25. Compare in writing how Paul’s feelings for Timothy were similar to those Mormon expressed to his son Moroni by answering the following questions: o What parallels are there in the counsel and expressions given by both Paul and Mormon? Both Paul and Mormon taught the importance of staying faithful in the gospel. They also share that real strength comes from remembering the Savior. • Why do you think Paul noted Timothy’s grandmother’s and mother’s faith? Paul knew that Timothy would remember their faith and be encouraged by their good examples. • What assurance did Paul give Timothy about “the spirit of fear”? How can this counsel and assurance help you in your life? • Paul teaches that fear does not come from God. The spirit of power, love, and of a sound mind are from Heavenly Father. 2. Read 2 Timothy 1:15–18. Why did Paul love and bless the “house of Onesiphorus” with the Lord’s mercy? What did Paul bless him with? Read Matthew 25:35–40 and write a sentence describing what you could do today to receive similar blessings from the Lord. How does Matthew 11:29–30 and Jacob 1:8 help you better understand what the “chain” is (yoke or cross) that Paul spoke of in 2 Timothy 1:16? Paul blessed the house of Onesiphorus with the Lord’s mercy because he had been kind and supportive to Paul and had even sought him out. I can seek out others that are in need and lift them up, even something as simple as a smile. The cross or the yoke is doing the Savior’s work. We are His hands on the Earth and we can seek out opportunities to do the things that He would do if He were here. The Savior cares about every individual. Every soul has worth in His eyes. We can pray to see everyone as a child of God.

People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week (see Philippians 2:1–8, 14–15). Remembering that we are all working towards the same purpose can bring a sense of unity. By showing love towards each other and humbling ourselves we can forget about our differences and build each other up. When our motives are Christ centered we forget about petty matters and realize our true purpose in life. 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]). Relying on our parents’ testimony is a good start to gaining our own. Our parents are not with us every moment of every day so it is essential that we develop our own witness. Having the light within us gives us opportunity to share it with others. The more we strengthen our faith the more we spiritually grow. 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). We should be willing to sacrifice all things for the gospel’s sake. It is unfortunate if family choose to disassociate with us but having a firm foundation in truth is what will save us eternally. How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3? By staying close to the Spirit we will always know the right thing to do. Heavenly Father directs our path as we follow Him. Following the Savior is the only way to be truly saved in this life.

Saintly Life

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. Our salvation is nearer. We need to endure well to the end of our lives. Repenting and improving through the atonement is how we stay on track. 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 – We need to present ourselves as a sacrifice to the Lord. o Romans 12:2 – Overcome worldliness and be reborn spiritually o Romans 12:9 – Turn away from evil and cling to the good o Romans 12:13 – Exercising charity o Romans 12:16 – Be humble, conform willingly to the work of the Lord o Romans 12:21 – Don’t let evil influence you, overcome evil with good o Romans 13:1 – Be submissive to God o Romans 13:3 – Do good works o Romans 13:8 – Love one another o Romans 13:9 – Follow the ten commandments 3. Review Romans 14:1-13; 15:1-3. Then write answers to the following questions: o What cautions did Paul give about judging? We need to leave the judgment to the Lord. We should love and serve each other. o People may have different opinions and practices, but what is most important to remember? It is most important to remember that we are all children of God. We are on Earth to become more like Him through the power of the atonement. We help others to come to Him. • What additional insight comes from reading Doctrine and Covenants 38:25-27? We are all part of the body of Christ. We are all brothers and sisters as children of God. We should always show love to each other. Building up is the Savior’s plan. When we tear down we are following the devil. 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. Paul referred to the members of the church as saints.

Choice 1: Romans 1. The Gospel of Christ is the Power of God unto Salvation 1. Review Romans 1:3–4; Luke 1:31–32; 3:23–31. Explain in writing how Jesus Christ is both the son of David and the Son of God. If the Lord is both heir to the king (David) and to God, then in what ways can the Lord rightfully reign? Being the son of David, He was mortal; being the Son of God, He was immortal. Read John 10:17–18 and explain why it was essential for the Savior of the world to be both mortal and immortal. Jesus Christ was both the son of David and the son of God. Through his mortal ancestry he was the seed of David, mortal royalty. Through is divine ancestry he is the son of God, literally. In any sense the Savior has the right to rule and reign. It is essential for him to be both mortal and immortal so he can be the perfect bridge for us to Heavenly Father. He is our mediator. 2. Review Romans 1:15–20 and answer the following questions in writing: o How did Paul feel about the gospel? Paul knew that the gospel is the power of God. He was not ashamed to share it. • In what ways can you show you are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ? I can show that I am not ashamed of the gospel by standing for truth in every area. I can show respect for the things of God and not treat them lightly. I will be a good example for my children. 3. Review Romans 1:21–32. Then respond to the following items: o Make a list of the people’s sins by using the verses and the footnotes. False prophets, idol worship, lust, adultery, homosexuality, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, murder, debate, deceit, gossip, backbiting, despiteful, disobedient to parents, covenant breakers, implacable, unmerciful • Place a checkmark next to the sins on your list that are still a problem today. All of these are problems today. • What reasons were given for why people commit these sins? People do these things because they misinterpret the gospel, are prideful, or just openly fall away. • What does it mean in verse 25 when Paul said that people “worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator”? People were giving in to their natural man desires and not staying strong spiritually. We all have temptations and desires to do wrong things. We can grow strong spiritually by studying the scriptures, following the prophet, praying, keeping our covenants and helping others to do the same. We can overcome our carnal selves through the power of the atonement. We can become spiritually minded.