2 Peter 1-2 Divine Attributes

Study 2 Peter 1:1-4 – 1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

And the institute student manual commentary for 2 Peter 1:4-8 – 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“What Does It Mean to Be ‘Partakers of the Divine nature’?” (p. 423).

Peter himself said it is escaping “the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (vs. 4.)

President David O. McKay, commenting on verse 4, said it means “to rise above the temporal, the sensual, and partake of the divine Spirit of God.” (Conference Report, Oct. 1961, p. 90.)

President Ezra Taft Benson shared: “The virtues outlined by Peter are part of the divine nature, or the Savior’s character. These are the virtues we are to emulate if we would be more like Him” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 59; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 45).

 Write a statement describing what you can do to more effectively escape “the corruption that is in the world” and partake of divine nature.

One way to escape the corruption in the world is to not engage in that corruption. We often speak of “being in the world but not of the world.” Do we really know what that entails? Since the people of the Lord’s Church are defined as the “pure in heart,” those who make up the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must be free from worldly practices and indulgences. Thus, this means me. Do not get me wrong, not everything in this world is evil or bad. There are quite a few good things. There are many people who are not members of the LDS church whom I admire greatly and are very close friends have very high standards and live righteously, I even call them family. I think the biggest challenge is living in the “world.” The concern is not where I live, but how I live. Being obedient to the covenants and commandments to which I made when I was baptized and made at the Temple will bring me eternal happiness, this I must remember. I also must remember to never apologize for living the standards of the Church.

Read 2 Peter 1:5-7 – 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

And compare the attributes of divine nature Peter mentioned with those listed in Doctrine and Covenants 4:5-7 – 5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. 6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. 7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.

Then describe a particular activity, action, or conduct you could do to further develop each attribute listed from 2 Peter 1:5-7:

Faith – there are several things that can help to further develop faith. Study and read the scriptures on a daily basis, turn to them for answers when you are having issues. The Lord has said to “pray always,” so do not just say morning and evening prayers and over your meals. Pray when the spirit prompts you to pray. Attend your Church meetings and perform your callings.

Virtue – to be virtuous is to use conduct that is becoming one who is Christ like. Use good language and manners, even when you are alone. Always choose from the best of books, movies and other entertainment. Show the best of virtue through your actions toward others.

Knowledge – continually develop your knowledge by “feasting upon the words of Christ.” ( 2 Nephi 32:3} Continue to educate yourself by choosing the best books to read, and if you can, continue your higher education. You can develop knowledge by seeking “out of the best books words of wisdom” and to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (D&C 88:118)

Temperance – developing self-control and self-discipline to do not lose my temper. To be as level headed and calm as I can be, even in the face of adversity.

Patience – with experience comes patience, which is also a virtue. This is something that comes with time and continues to grow.

Godliness – by continuing to keep the covenants I have made at my baptism, at the Temple, and every Sunday when I partake of the Sacrament, I will keep myself close to our Heavenly Father.

Kindness – we can develop kindness by doing service to others, by helping those around us, even those who are strangers. We show our love for our Father in Heaven when we treat another as we would treat Him.

Charity – by helping those around us, we develop compassion, the type of compassion that Christ felt for us. We begin to understand in some small way His love.

Read 2 Peter 1:8-12 – 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

Several times in these verses Peter used the term “these things.” “These things” are the attributes listed in verse 5-7. Explain in writing what Peter said he would do with “these things.” What did Peter say would happen to those who develop these attributes in abundance?

Peter covenanted that he would not be negligent in reminding the saints of these divine attributes. As Saints we must remember that according to the Bible Dictionary, when you look up the word grace, you will find that “divine means of help or strength” and “enabling power.” We have the power to change and partake of the divine nature as long as we are humble and rely upon our Heavenly Father’s grace. There is a difference between those who do not have the godly attributes, as in 2 Peter 1:9, and those who the absolute effort to show those attributes (2 Peter 1:10}. One this that we have to remember is that we cannot get discouraged if we do not attain these attributes all at once, blessings come at Heavenly Father’s will.

Read John 17:3 – And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

 And 3 Nephi 27:27 – And know ye that aye shall be judges of this people, according to the judgment which I shall give unto you, which shall be just. Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.

Then, write a paragraph describing the relationship between possessing these attributes and knowing the Lord. Why it is so important to develop these attributes?

Before possessing any of the attributes which our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ possess, we must prove ourselves worthy. We must come to them with humble hearts and contrite spirits, having repented of our sins and been baptized by the proper Priesthood authority. Upon doing this, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, we can continue to work on the attributes described. John wrote that “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and that “God is light” (1 John 1:5). We can strive to be these things, the light of our Heavenly Father, and display His love. But also, He and Christ are faith, hope, charity, righteousness, truth, virtue, temperance, patience, and humility. These attributes and characteristics are added to us step by step, in spiritual graces, we do not gain them all at once. Thus, the importance of gaining these attributes is that with each little step, we are that much closer, step by step to become like our Heavenly Father.

Read 2 Peter 1:10 – But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

Mosiah 26:20 – Thou art my servant; and I covenant with thee that thou shalt have eternal life; and thou shalt serve me and go forth in my name, and shalt gather together my sheep.

Doctrine and Covenants 132:49 – For I am the Lord thy God, and will be with thee even unto the bend of the world, and through all eternity; for verily I seal upon you your exaltation, and prepare a throne for you in the kingdom of my Father, with Abraham your father.

And the institute student manual commentary for 2 Peter 1:10, “What Is Meant by Having One’s Calling and Election Made Sure?” (p. 423)

Peter exhorted the Saints to “make your calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10). He promised that those who do so “shall never fall” and will receive “an entrance … into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord” (2 Peter 1:10–11).

Teaching on this subject, Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: “To have one’s calling and election made sure is to be sealed up unto eternal life; it is to have the unconditional guarantee of exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world; it is to receive the assurance of godhood; it is, in effect, to have the day of judgment advanced, so that an inheritance of all the glory and honor of the Father’s kingdom is assured prior to the day when the faithful actually enter into the divine presence to sit with Christ in his throne, even as he is ‘set down’ with his ‘Father in his throne.’ (Rev. 3:21.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:330–31).

The Prophet Joseph Smith further explained: “After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saints, as is recorded in the testimony of St. John, in the 14th chapter” (in History of the Church, 3:380; see also John 14:16–18, 21, 23).

 And “Must an Individual Be Married for eternity to Have His Calling and Election Made Sure?” (p. 423).

“To have one’s calling and election made sure is to be sealed up unto eternal life; it is to have the unconditional guarantee of exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world; it is to receive the assurance of godhood; it is, in effect, to have the day of judgment advanced, so that an inheritance of all the glory and honor of the Father’s kingdom is assured prior to the day when the faithful actually enter into the divine presence to sit with Christ in his throne, even as he is ‘set down’ with his ‘Father in his throne.’ (Rev. 3:21.)” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:330–31.)

“… making one’s calling and election sure comes after and grows out of celestial marriage. Eternal life does not and cannot exist for a man or a woman alone, because in its very nature it consists of the continuation of the family unit in eternity.” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:343.)

Describe in writing what Peter exhorted the Saints to seek. What does it mean to make your calling and election sure?

Peter is exhorting the Saints to seek divine nature, do diligently seeking to develop a divine nature, we can receive blessings. To be called is to be a member of the Church and kingdom of God on earth, it was foreordained. I agreed to come here and take on certain responsibilities and trusts. There are leaders of the Church who were foreordained to lead our church. But, all of these blessings are not guaranteed. I have to live by the attributes I have listed, and the covenants I have made at baptism and in the Temple to make the election sure. To have this calling and election made sure, I must be sealed up for eternal life, it is to have a guarantee of exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world.

Read 2 Peter 1:20-21 – 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

JST 2 Pet. 1:20 – … no prophecy of the scriptures is given of any private will of man.

And the institute student manual commentary for 2 Peter 1:21, “How Does One Correctly Interpret Scripture?” (p. 423).

“If prophets speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, then the Holy Ghost is required to interpret correctly the teachings of holy men. Therefore, those who do not possess the Spirit of God cannot comprehend the things of God.” (Delbert L. Stapley in Conference Report, Oct. 1966, p. 113.)

The Joseph Smith Translation of 2 Peter 1:20 clarifies that “no prophecy of the scriptures is given of any private will of man” (in 2 Peter 1:20, footnote a). Scripture is given by God to men through the Holy Ghost; thus, true interpretations of scripture must come through the Holy Ghost.

Write a paragraph explaining what Peter taught about interpreting the scriptures. How can you ensure that you interpret scriptures correctly? How have the teaching of Church leaders or the guidance of the Spirit helped you understand a particular scripture?

When it comes to the prophecy of the scriptures, there is no private interpretation to be given. Only a man who is ordained of God, who possesses the keys and the revelation comes directly from the Holy Ghost may receive a revelation of the scriptures. Thus, only the President of the Church, President Thomas S. Monson, the Presiding High Priest, is sustained as Prophet, Seer, and Revelator for the Church, and he alone has the right to receive revelations for the Church. The teachings of the Church leaders guide me often, as I strive to continue my education, or to help my children as they grow in this world. There are too many talks and wonderful spiritual advice to just pinpoint one particular scripture as well. The best I have found is to listen to the Spirit and follow the still small voice, you will not go wrong when you do.

1 Peter 1–5. A “Peculiar People”

Read 1 Peter 2:9–10, including footnote f. Also read the institute student manual commentary for 1 Peter 2:9, “What Is the Meaning of the Phrase ‘a Peculiar People’?” (pp. 416–17) and commentary for 1 Peter 2:9, “What Is a Royal Priesthood?” (p. 417). Write a brief definition of the following phrases:

Chosen generation – To be a chosen generation is a special selection of the Lord to move his work along. To be blessed with the gospel.

Royal priesthood – The authority to perform the blessings of the Lord on the earth.

Holy nation – To be the covenant people.

Peculiar people – “In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term from which peculiar was translated is segullah, which means ‘valued property,’ or ‘treasure.’ In the New Testament, the Greek term from which peculiar was translated isperipoiesis, which means ‘possession,’ or ‘an obtaining.’ Thus, we see that the scriptural term peculiar signifies ‘valued treasure,’ ‘made’ or ‘selected by God.’ For us to be identified by servants of the Lord as his peculiar people is a compliment of the highest order” – Elder Russell M. Ballard, “Children of the Covenant,” Ensign, May 1995, 34.

Read 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Mosiah 3:7; Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–11. Describe in writing the price that was paid to help us become God’s “peculiar people.”

Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for us. We were bought with the price of His blood and suffering. He did this for us so that we could come to this world, learn, grow, and repent of our mistakes. So that we could become peculiar people. The only way for us to do that is through repentance, to become more like Christ, and to repay the price that He has paid for us.

Search 1 Peter 1:13–25; 2:1–17; 3:10–11; 4:8; 5:6–8. Make a list of principles that, when followed, help us remain God’s peculiar people.

1 Peter 1:13–25 – Be Holy in conversation, by preaching the gospel and keeping yourself pure in heart.

1 Peter 2:1-9 – The Saints have been called by our Father in Heaven to be separate and distinct from the world, they are to be a peculiar people 

1 Peter 2:10-17 – Being Heavenly Father’s people, keep the covenants you have made to him, and above all, love one another.

1 Peter 3:10-11 – Count the blessings which you have received, even if things seem to be falling apart, see the good in the situation not the bad.

1 Peter 4:8 – Have charity and mercy with each other and those we meet.

1 Peter 5:6-8 – Humbly trusting in God leads us to eternal life
 

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared: “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). Read 1 Peter 3:1–12 and identify three principles that relate to the statement above.

1 Peter 3:1-2 – Husbands and wives should counsel with one another wisely and without fear of reprisal one to another.

1 Peter 3:3-6 – Wives should be the example to their children and dress appropriately, without adding excessive jewelry, immodest clothing, and treat their husbands with love and kindness.

1 Peter 3:7-8 – Husbands should likewise be the example by being courteous, compassionate, tenderhearted, honoring and loving their wives.

1 Peter 3:9-12 – When the hard days come and it feels like the adversary has it out for you, come together as a couple and pray, the Lord sees you and hears your prayers. 

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”? (Hebrews 13:1-2)

As members of Christ’s church we must treat strangers with “brotherly love.” We do not know what they have been through, they may have even been visited by the Holy Spirit and not even know it. Treating them with love and kindness as Hebrews 13:1-2 tells us to do, puts us on equal grounds, thus making us comfortable to be around. Christ was the prime example of treating strangers for who they truly were, brothers and sisters. His example of empathy and compassion showed how He understood their problems, this helped others to know that He was there to help those overcome trials and sin.

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

How is marriage looked upon? (Hebrews 13:4)

Hebrews 13:4 describes marriage as “honorable,” to me this is living under the law of the covenant. In “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles proclaim that “marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” When a man and woman are married in the temple, their family can be together forever. Marriage is part of Heavenly Father’s greater plan, it enables us to have children under the covenant and raise them in a home where correct principles are established and they are taught the messages of Christ.

“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Mark 10:9)

What warnings are given about covetousness? (Hebrews 13:5)

We are told that we should be content with the things that we have and not covet what we don’t have. This is just exact what we are told in the 10^th Commandment, we should never covet because it only brings about selfishness and unhappiness. This is a never ending trend where one is always wanting something they don’t have. All we need is found through Jesus Christ, we must remember that always.

Matthew 6:20 reminds us to “Lay your treasure in heaven…”

What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”? (Hebrews 13:8)

Hebrews 13:8 tells us that God is the same yesterday, today, and for eternity. Jesus Christ will always represent himself in the same consistent way as well. Just as the foundation of His church was built with prophets and apostles and the spirit of revelation upon the earth. There are promises from Christ which He has left which allow us to know that He will not change. He is the true light in our search for happiness and eternal life.

The prophet Mormon said, “For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity” (Moroni 8:18).

How are we sanctified? (Hebrews 13:12)

The blood of Christ has sanctified us, only because of Him can we return back to our Father in Heaven. This is how we can be with our families for eternity as well, through keeping the covenants and commandments we have made to Him. He made the sacrifice for us and left us the choice to accept.

In 2 Timothy 2:21, Paul compares sanctification to the purifying of a vessel: “If a man therefore purge himself … , he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

How do we respond to those who rule over us? (Hebrews 13:17)

Every six months we are asked to approve and sustain the First Presidency and other Apostles, not only world wide area but also in the local area, during General Conference. I believe, for the most part, this approval and sustaining is in the positive. Of course, each of us has our free agency. We do not have to participate in this sustaining vote. I feel it is a privilege and honor. Those leaders in the Church are called by God through revelation and hold the keys to administer the gospel.  These keys are held with great responsibility. When we make wrong choices and the local leader must speak to us, we have to take the consequences of our choice. Sometimes we do not fully weigh the results because some of our hardest choices are between the advice of friends and the advice of the prophets.

The Brother of Jared said in 2 Nephi 9:29, “…to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.”

“Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46)

Who did Paul ask the people to pray for? (Hebrews 13:18-19)

Paul requested that the people “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly….that I may be restored to you the sooner.” In this epistle Paul was asking the people for their faith in prayer as he was on his mission. He wanted to have the spirit to be with him constantly as he preached the word of Christ. Having the prayers of the people helped to strengthen him and showed his faith and strength in the Lord.

“Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you.” (D&C 19:38) 

Hebrews 5-7. Jesus Christ is Greater than Melchizedek

Read Hebrews 5:4; Numbers 27:18, 23; Doctrine and Covenants 42:11; Articles of Faith 1:5. From these verses describe in writing the Lord’s approved pattern for how someone comes to be a priesthood leader. How do we know who has authority in the Church today?

The Lord’s approved pattern:

The person has been called by the Spirit / revelation

In order to become a priesthood leaders, you need to ordained by the laying on of hands by those who has proper authority. 

Each one of us has the spirit of revelation to help us to determine whether or not what are leaders saying is true.

Read Hebrews 5:7-8; Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25-40 and the institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 5:7-8, “Does the Phrase ‘Though He Were a Son’ Apply to Melchezidek, to Christ, or to Both?” (p. 384). Write the answers to the following questions:

o       Why was Melchizedek considered a great high priest?

The Book of Mormon (Alma 13) explains that there were many before and many after but none greater. He was a man who was righteous. He established peace and righteous in his city. It is called Melchizedek priesthood because they didn’t want Christ overused. He is considered a great high priest because he was righteous and let his kingdom righteous. He was living with wicked people but still exercise his faith.

o       List a few of the miracles he performed according to Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25-40.

Stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire.

o       What Old Testament prophet did Melchizedek bless?

He blessed Abraham.

o       Read Doctrine and Covenants 107:2-4 and explain why we call the greater priesthood the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Doctrine and Covenants 107:2-4 tells us the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest…… out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Read Hebrews 6:1-3. Then write answers to the following questions:

o       What important doctrinal correction did Joseph Smith make in Hebrews 6:1? (See footnote a).

The Greek translation of leaving points to leaving behind the beginning (first principles) of the doctrine. The JST version of this corrects this and says “NOT leaving”.

o       Why is it important that a person not leave behind faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost?

The first principles of the gospel are the foundation of the gospel. Without faith, we cannot be saved. Without repentance, we cannot become perfected through the atonement. Without baptism, we cannot be cleansed so that we can make covenants and enter the Kingdom clean before God. And without the Holy Ghost, we do not have the Spirit of Revelation to guide us through this life, along with the blessings He brings. There is no way that we can be perfected without these first principles. 

Read Hebrews 6:4-6; Alma 24:30; Doctrine and Covenants 76:31-38 and the institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 6:4-6, “What Must People Do in Order to ‘Crucify To Themselves the Son of God Afresh, and Put Him to an Open Shame’?” (p.385). According to Matthew 12:31, how serious is the sin described in Hebrews 6:4-6? Write what a person must do to become a son of perdition and what the eventual punishment will be.

A person has to deny the Holy Ghost and Jesus Christ once they have accepted them as true. They must, “say that the sun does not shine while he sees it; he has got to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens have been opened unto him, and to deny the plan of salvation with his eyes open to the truth of it.” The eventual punishment is that they will not be forgiven of sins but will be cast out to outer darkness with the devil.

What does Hebrews 7:1-6 teach you about the greatness of Melchizedek? List the ways that Melchizedek is similar to or a prototype of the Savior (refer to JST, Genesis 14:25-40 if needed). Read the institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 7:3, “Was Melchizedek ‘Without Father, Without Mother, Without Descent’?” (p. 385). Identify in writing who Hebrews 7:3 is speaking of.

Melchezidek was so great that he was considered a better man even than Abraham, and was able to bless him. He was in charge of tithes before the Levites, and the Levites were allowed that privilege because Melchezidek blessed Levi through Abraham.

• In what ways is Melchizedek similar to, or a prototype of, the Savior?

He brought peace to Salem as its prince and king, so he was called the Prince of Peace. Brought righteousness to his kingdom, and was called King of Heaven and King of Peace.

• Who is Hebrew 7:3 speaking of?

The verse speaking of all worthy priesthood holders.

Read Hebrews 7:15-28. Describe in writing what Paul taught about the priesthood and about Jesus Christ.

The priesthood brings people closer to Christ. Christ made an oath and received the Melchezidek priesthood. He did not need to offer sacrifices like other priests because He was above the law, and was able to sacrifice Himself for the world. The highest priests make an oath.

1 Timothy 1–6. “Be Thou an Example of the Believers”

Review 1 Timothy 2:9–10 and describe in writing what Paul said about dress standards. How does Doctrine and Covenants 61:18, 36 help us understand that what Paul taught applies to both men and women? Study Moses 6:9; Mosiah 2:37; Alma 41:2. Then list three reasons our bodies could be considered sacred. How does understanding that our bodies are sacred help us know why they should be covered modestly? What is mentioned in Alma 1:32 that relates to the other concern Paul mentioned about dress? What can you do to apply these principles in your life?

•          In the image of his own body
•         He dwelleth not in unholy temples.
•          Soul of man should be restored to its body

Understanding that our bodies are sacred will help us know that they are meant for a greater purpose. They are compared to a Temple, thus they should be treated as one. Those who are concerned about dress,”…wearing costly apparel; being lifted up in the pride of their own eyes…” By making sure that modesty is a priority, then you can constantly be reminded that your bodies sacred.

List the evidences Paul mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:1–5 that an apostasy would not only come in the future, but that some people were already practicing false doctrines.

•          Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils 
•          Speaking lies in hypocrisy
•          Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats

How could Paul’s counsel to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12 be used to strengthen a new missionary or a young person called to serve in any responsibility?

It’s saying that no one should despise the youth of someone who’s preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ or trying to do something great.

Review 1 Timothy 6:7–11 and answer the following questions:

•        What did Paul teach about the love of money? Paul taught that the love money is the root of all evil.
• In what sense is the love of money the “root of all evil”? If a person loves money so much, they forget what matters most in their lives, they forget about their family, their friends, and most of all, they forget about the reason they were blessed with all of that money, their Father in Heaven

What guidelines are given in 1 Timothy 6:17–19 and Jacob 2:18–19 that when followed can help ensure that you do not focus too much on money or material wealth?

When we put what is important first, Heavenly Father, family, and service, we will not focus on worldy items.

Romans 12-16. 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; to gain it we must live in righteousness and always keeping the commandments, never faltering. 

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 must sacrifice what we have to the service of God.
o Romans 12:2- Do the will of God, living in the world but not of it.
o Romans 12:9- Love all and do no evil.
o Romans 12:13- Give to the poor and needy.
o Romans 12:16- Be humble and treat everyone as an equal.
o Romans 12:21- Be not overcome with evil, but be overcome with good.
o Romans 13:1- Fear God and recognize His power.
o Romans 13:3- Do that which is good no matter what your leaders might say.
o Romans 13:8- Love one another.
o Romans 13:9- keep the ten commandments

Review Romans 14:1-13; 15:1-3. Then write answers to the following questions:
o What cautions did Paul give about judging? When we judge others, we are putting a stumbling block in our own way.
o People may have different opinions and practices, but what is most important to remember? We are all children of God and we should serve Him.
o What additional insight comes from reading Doctrine and Covenants 38:25-27? We should treat all people the same and love everyone. We should treat others how we would want to be treated.
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 frequently referred to the members of the Church in his day, as we do to the LDS church in ours, as Saints. 

Romans 2–5. Faith, Grace, and Works

Faith, grace, and good works all play a part in our salvation. As you read Romans 2–5, fill in the following chart with statements from the verses that help you understand these topics; record the verses where you found your responses:

Chapter:Verse	Faith and Grace	Good Works
2:7		Patient, continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and eternal life
2:10		Glory, honor, and peace to every man that worketh good
2:13		Doers of the law
2:16	Judge the secrets of man by Jesus Christ according to my gospel
2:25		Keep the law
3:4	That thou mightest be justified
3:22	The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all that believe
3:24	Being justified freely by his grace
3:28	Man is justified by faith
4:13	Righteousness of faith
4:16	Justified of faith through grace	Justified of good works through grace
4:20		Be strong in faith, giving glory to God
4:20-25	Believe on him, who was delivered for our offences
5:1	Being justified by faith, we have peace with God
5:3		We glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation worketh patience
5:18		By righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification
5:20	Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound
5:21	Grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ

Why do you think Paul chose Abraham as a model of faith? (see Romans 4:17–25).

For one thing, Abraham is the model of faith. He came from a time when there was no distinction between Jew and Gentile, there were just one nations, and his was the nation of Abraham. He had a personal relationship with God, we read in Romans 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Abraham gave all the glory to our Father in Heaven, why would one not want to emulate this man?

How does Romans 4:19–22 apply to your life? 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

As a member of the LDS church, I have the responsibility to never waiver in my faith. No matter what my age, I must share the gospel with those that I meet. Like Abraham, I must draw strength from our Father in Heaven, while at the same time giving Him all the glory. No matter what is thrown at me in this secular world, no matter who tells me that God is not real or does not exist, I will remain faithful. Because Heavenly Father has faith in me to keep His covenants and commandments. When I do these things, I will be blessed and He will find joy in my righteous choices.

Review Romans 5:12–14. In what ways did Adam’s Fall affect each of us? How did Paul answer the question of why a Savior is needed for all mankind? 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

Adam’s Fall affected us by allowing us to die in sin. But between Adam and Moses there was not really a law, which is why it is called ‘death.’ Without the Fall, we would not have known sin or opposition, but we would not have had the opportunity to choose. We must have the ability to choose between right and wrong, to have free agency, this is important in our growth here on earth. Paul answered with that through the love of our Father in Heaven, the transgressions of Adam were forgiven through the grace of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

Considering what you have studied about faith, grace, and good works, why is 2 Nephi 25:23 so helpful in understanding their relationship? 23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

When we have faith in the power of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and realize the link between faith, grace, and good works, then by grace we will be saved.