Unit One:
Choice 1: Philippians
1–4. Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges
· People sometimes argue and complain over
petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week (see Philippians 2:1–8,
14–15).
The true gospel of Christ brings happiness to our lives. It
is more enjoyable when we, as members, especially members of the same ward, are
as Paul said to the Philippians, “likeminded, having the same love, being of
one accord, of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2). If instead of focusing in our
differences, we see each other as children of God, then we can obey the
commandment of loving our neighbor, and esteem others better than ourselves. It
can brings us closer together, or as one even with Christ. We can learn from
each other instead of argue about matters we not agree. At the end we’ll see things
in a different perspective and instead of trying to find guilty, we can focus
on a better way to serve.
· 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]).
The same way young people look forward to be independent
from their parents by moving out to their own place, finding a job and taking
their own decision; the same applies to obtain their own testimony. We know
families can be together forever, but each member in the family need to seek
its own salvation, as it is individual. Paul advices us, work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12). The same energy and enthusiasm
they put into independent in other aspects should be the same to receive
spiritual strength. President David O. McKay, put it in these words, “To work
out one’s salvation is not to sit idly by dreaming and yearning for God miraculously
to thrust bounteous blessings into our laps. It is to perform daily, hourly,
momentarily, if necessary, the immediate task or duty at hand, and to continue
happily in such performance as the years come and go, leaving the fruits of
such labors either for self or for others to be bestowed as a just and
beneficent Father may determine.”
· 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).
Telling an investigator to leave everything they love to
follow Christ is difficult, however, many of us have done it, and we can assure
them it can be done and at the end, the reward is worth it. Sure, it is a
difficult task, but we can testify them that this scripture is true, “I can do
all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) Many
times the separation is just temporary, because when our love one see that the
gospel has made of us a different person, they change their heart. However, if
the lost is permanent, we can “… press toward the mark for the prize of the
high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)
· How is this writing assignment an example
of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3?
The scriptures contain answers and
solutions to many; actually, I will dare to say, to all life challenges. I am
sure many of us have been asked by a family member or friend for an advice on
certain situation they are going through. We can always turn to the word of
God, which are the standard work, which include the Holy Bible, the Book of
Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. We can also use the
word of the modern revelation found in the talks given by the general authorities.
Nephi gives us the same advice, “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold,
the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” (2 Nephi 32:3)
Choice 4: Titus 1–3.
Epistle of Obedience
1. Read Titus 1:1–5 and the Bible Dictionary
entry for “Titus” (pp. 785–86). Write a paragraph about who Titus was and what
responsibility he had toward the Saints living in Crete.
Titus was a member of the church, and apparently a convert
of Paul. According to the words of Paul, Titus was truly converted and with a
strong faith. He presided over the branch in Crete. Titus was giving the responsibility
to ordain in different cities faithful brethren to Elders to serve as bishops.
2. List the attributes of a bishop found in
Titus 1:6–9; 1 Timothy 3:1–7.
- Blameless
as the steward of God
- Not
self-willed
- Slow to
anger
- Keeper of
the word of wisdom
- Peacemaker
- Honest
- Hospitable
- Loving
- Calm
- Just
- Santo
- Temperate
- Faithful
- Teachable
- Encourager
- Plain
spoken
- Vigilant
- Patient
- Generous
- Good
example
3. Read Titus 1:10–16 and the institute
student manual commentary for Titus 1:12, “The Nature and Character of the
Cretans” (p. 373). Make a list of the problems Paul identified that existed
among the Saints in Crete.
- Dishonesty
- Idleness
- False
teachings
- Filthy
lucre
- Priestcraft
-
Disobedience
- False
testimonies
4. Read Titus 2–3. Then write your answers to
the following questions:
·
In Titus
2:1, what did Paul encourage Titus to speak of?
Paul encouraged Titus to speak only
pure doctrine
·
What
impact did Paul say sound doctrine would have upon the aged?
The pure doctrine would influence the aged,
men, and women, to be sober, faithful, patient, charitable, whole, good
teachers, discrete, obedient, love their spouses. After the aged had been
impacted by the doctrine, they could teach the young people to do the same.
·
How could
that also apply to the young?
The attributes obtained by learning the
pure doctrine of Christ are the same for ages and young people. They can also
follow the same pattern stablished by the older members.
·
How can
the counsel given in Titus 3:2–5 help us be patient with new members of the
Church?
These scriptures remind us that we are not
different from the new members, because we were all new or we do not comprehend
everything in the gospel. It also tells us that we need to show them meekness,
and patience, and love them. All, new members, and members born in the covenant,
have to be baptized.
·
What role
does the Lord’s grace play in our salvation? Read Titus 3:5–7; 2 Nephi 2:6–8;
10:24; Moroni 6:4; 10:32–33; Doctrine and Covenants 45:3–5.
We have been asked to endure to the end, and
do everything in our power to do good and keep the commandments, however, we
could never gain eternal glory by ourselves. We need help, and fortunate for
us, we have received a Savior. Grace is the help or strength given through the
Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Definition found in lds.org) Living worthily
makes us worthy of His divine help and His grace can strengthened us to keep
obeying to the end. Only by His grace, we can be perfected in God.
5. Read Titus 3:9 and the institute student
manual commentary for Titus 3:9, “Why ‘Avoid Foolish Questions, and
Genealogies, and Contentions, and Strivings about the Law’?” (p. 374). Write a
definition for what is meant by foolish questions and genealogies. Write a
paragraph about how you could stay grounded in “sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1) and
“avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about
the law.”
Foolish questions and genealogies are arguments and
conditions unnecessary to understand and live the word of God, and be saved.
The scriptures we have available, the words of the living
prophets, and all the material authorized by the church, contain truths about
the gospel. The church works vigorously to make materials available for all
members of the church so we can study and learn. When we go outside the church
looking for answers and material, most likely, we are going to find things that
are against the true gospel of Christ and doubts will start growing in our mind
and heart. We need to stay away from publications that teach things contrary to
the true. Another way to avoid foolish question, and specifically, striving
about the law, is analyzed which commandment is more difficult for us to keep,
because if we do not take care of it, we can start thinking that we are not doing
anything bad and that God and His law are not fair.
No comments:
Post a Comment