Choice 4: 1 John 1–3. That Ye May Have Fellowship with Us and with God

1 John 1:8–10

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We can grow our relationship with God by repenting and asking for help to live our lives in accordance with the gospel.  We can be happy when we repent.

1 John 2:3–6

3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so towalk, even as he walked.

We show God that we love him by being obedient to the commandments, and being a disciple of Christ.  As we do this we will progress in the gospel and will prepare to live with Him in the eternities by keeping temple covenants.

1 John 2:9–11; 3:11–19

9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

 11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, andwalketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

 11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

 12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not hisbrother abideth in death.

 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth hisbrother have need, and shutteth up his bowels ofcompassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him

Our relationship with God can increase by serving others, having a positive attitude and loving unconditionally.  We will know God by doing all of these things.

1 John 2:15–17

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in theworld. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

We can know God by not being of the world. That means that we don’t succumb to the natural man and we live life like a disciple of Christ and nothing else. Being of the world steers us away from living our lives in accordance to the gospel and its teachings. By making a goal to live our lives centered on Christ, we’ll be on our way to living in righteousness.

1 John 2:20–21, 27

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in theworld. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

We will build our relationship with God by following those who have been called as leaders over us and following their counsel.

1 John 3:4–6

4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away oursins; and in him is no sin.

 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoeversinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

We can not build our relationship with God if we are not following the commandments and if we are sinning and not repenting.  The more we do these things the Spirit lessens and it is harder to hear.

Choose one of the ways to have greater joy and fellowship with God as you described it above, and write a paragraph explaining how you can better implement those principles in your life.

As we serve others and keep the commandments we learn the love of God for us.  We learn to love to serve, and we love those we serve.  We must serve everyone, even our enemies.  This can be and is difficult for myself and all of us, but it will help us humble our hearts and love them as God loves them.  When we do this we will begin to understand how we can accomplish the commandment to love one another as He loves us. If I can remember to do this I will find the positive in the person instead of what they lack. 

Choice 1: James 1. “Be Ye Doers of the Word and Not Hearers Only”

·           What words or phrases encourage you to look for direction from God?

James 1:5-6

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

·           How did James further define the phrase to “ask in faith”?

We need to ask in pure knowledge that God will answer our prayers.

·           How do Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 add to your understanding of James 1:8?

We need to follow God in pure faith and Him alone.   We can not follow the world and God.  We can not serve 2 masters.

·           From James 1:13–15, 19–27, make an outline of how we can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Do not be tempted

Follow god not the world

Be meek

Act on the gospel.  Serve, the gospel is an action

Control our thoughts and words

Serve others. 

·           Give a few modern examples of how you have recently seen individuals exemplify James 1:22.

I have a friend that along with his wife and children have been gathering up supplies to create “Bags of Hope” to deliver out to the homeless.  They are serving those who are possibly without hope and faith.  They take the time to talk with them and share how they find hope and faith (the gospel)

2.    Read the institute student manual commentary for James 1:5–6, “If Any of You Lack Wisdom” (p. 409). Make a list of reasons why Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–1985) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said these verses have “had a greater impact ... upon mankind than any other” scripture.

These verses have had a greater impact on mankind than any other, they were the scriptures that Joseph read when he began his journey to find the “true church “they also help many today to do the same as Joseph, and ask in faith if the gospel is true.  What might have happened if Joseph had not read this particular scripture?  I don’t know the answer to this question, but I do know that he did and because of his faith we all have been blessed. 

Choice Three: Hebrews 13. Works of Righteousness

• How should we treat strangers and those “in bonds”?

Hebrew 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.

 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

 3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

We should love and treat others how we want to be treated and especially how they would like to be treated in their same circumstances.

• How is marriage looked upon?

 Hebrew 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Marriage is the only way to create a family unit, and family structure that we may try and form outside the covenant of marriage go against the Lord’s plan and hold consequences.   To have the most honorable marriage this would be a marriage sealed in the temple.

• What warnings are given about covetousness?

Hebrew 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Heavenly Father know us better than we know ourselves.  He will provide us with exactly we need, and not everyone’s needs are the same.

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

Hebrew 13:8  yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

The Savior and Heavenly Father stand firm in their purpose, and will not change for the benefit of men.

• How are we sanctified?

We are sanctified through the power of the Atonement.  When we use the atonement and repent we become like the Father and can stand and live in his presence.

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

Hebrew 13:17  them that have the rule over you, and submit

We need to learn to be lead, to be obedient in all things.  We need to listen to the words and direction of our local leaders and the Prophet.

• Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?

  Hebrew 13:18  Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly

We need to pray for our local leaders, the Prophet, the First Presidency, all who govern over us.  We also need to be praying for our families as well as ourselves.

Entering into the Lords's Rest

Choice 6: Hebrews 3-4. Entering into the Lord's Rest

“What Does It Mean to Enter into the ‘Rest’ of the Lord?”

What group of people was refused entrance into the Lord’s rest?

The Israelites were not allowed to enter into the Lords rest because they were unbelieving and provoked the Lord to anger.

What sins caused them to forfeit this privilege?

Hardening of their hearts and turning from God

How does Doctrine and Covenants 84:23–24 help define what is the Lord’s rest?

D&C 84:23-24

23 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;

 24 But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.

To have full rest they must enter into his gospel fully by keeping his commandments and share the gospel with others.

What sins did Paul repeatedly warn against so as not to incur the same punishment?

He warned us not to harden our hearts

How do you think the warnings in Hebrews 3:12–15 apply to us?

The warnings given to the Hebrews apply to us because there is the same sins then as there was now.  People harden their hearts against the Lord today just as they did  then.

List the counsel found in Hebrews 4 that will help a person enter into the rest of the Lord.

We enter into the rest of the Lord when:                            Have faith

                                                                                                Do not fear

                                                                                                Obedience/Following

                                                                                                Doing His will

How do Matthew 7:21–23; John 7:17; James 1:22 help in understanding how the word needs to be “mixed with faith”? (Hebrews 4:2–3).

Matthew 7:21-23

21 ¶Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

John 7:17

7 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

We need to “know” the truthfulness of the gospel sometimes we move forward in faith based on what we know from the gospel.  Sometimes things will not be easy to understand or make sense but we need to keep moving forward and trusting in the Lord. 

Be Thous an Example of the Believers

“Be Thou an Example of the Believers”

Review 1 Timothy 2:9–10 and describe in writing what Paul said about dress standards.

1 Timothy 2:9-10

9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

When we dress we must be modest and be in the world and not of the world.  We should not put wordly symbols or jewelry to define ourselves or are position.  We should dress appropriate to represent “the believers.”

How does Doctrine and Covenants 61:18, 36 help us understand that what Paul taught applies to both men and women?

D&C 61:18,36

18 And now I give unto you a commandment that what I say unto one I say unto all, that you shall forewarn your brethren concerning these waters, that they come not in journeying upon them, lest their faith fail and they are caught in snares;

36 And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you;

“What I say unto one I say unto all” the Lord explains that  a commandment that is given applies to everyone.

Study Moses 6:9; Mosiah 2:37; Alma 41:2. Then list three reasons our bodies could be considered sacred.

Are bodies are sacred for because we are created in God’s image, our bodies are temples and we need to repect them as such or the Spirit can not dwell with us.  Our bodies will also be restored as one with our spirits when we are resurrected to a perfect state.

How does understanding that our bodies are sacred help us know why they should be covered modestly?

The knowledge of the purpose of dressing modestly makes it even more important.  If we are told to do something without knowledge of why we do not have an opportunity to build a testimony of the principle for ourselves.

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?

Alma 1:32

 32 For those who did not belong to their church did indulge themselves in sorceries, and in idolatry oridleness, and in babblings, and in envyings and strife; wearing costly apparel; being lifted up in the pride of their own eyes; persecuting, lying, thieving, robbing, committing whoredoms, and murdering, and all manner of wickedness; nevertheless, the law was put in force upon all those who did transgress it, inasmuch as it was possible.

Alma 1:32 teached us that dressing inappropriately can lead to sinful decisions and will cause us to not follow the commandment.

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.

·                  Listening to seducing spirits and doctrines

·                  Lying

·                  Sin withous consciences and no longer work to improve

·                  Hypocrites

·                  Peopole will not marry, increase of living together out of wedlock, celibacy issues, homosecuality, adultery, abortion.

·                  Idleness

·                  Wearing costly apparel

·                  Lifted up in pride

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?

No one will show disrespect for you if you are an example in the way you conduct yourself, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

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

·                  What did Paul teach about the love of money?

It is the root of all evil.

·                  In what sense is the love of money the “root of all evil”?

The love of money changes us and takes our focus away from the gospel and the commandments we should be following.  It also takes our agency from us, and makes us a slave to something material.

  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?

If you are rich, do not become prideful.
·              Do not trust in wealth, which is unreliable. (Schemes to make money)
·              Share your wealth. Be generous with others.
·              Save money.
·              Seek the kingdom of God, before riches.
.              Seek riches with the intent to do good.  Cloth the naked and feed the

               poor and the less fortunate.