New Testament Class Week 3

Here is another spiritual insight for my New Testament class, Enjoy:

Romans 12-16 Live as Saints should Live

1. Review Romans 13:11 and 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.

Our salvation is “nearer” than what we thought. I take this to be a warning that the second coming is nearer than we think, or that we shouldn’t procrastinate the day of our repentance. We must continue to be obedient and repent to work out our salvation. We mustn’t leave it to the last minute because we never know what may happen tomorrow. And as it says in the doctrine and covenants, if we keep the commandments, endure to the end we will have eternal life, and that is the best of all the gifts God can give us.

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:

a. Romans 12:1

i. To present ourselves as a living sacrifice, such as service.

b. Romans 12:2

i. Conform my will to the will of God.

c. Romans 12:9

i. Abhor evil, and cleave unto righteousness.

d. Romans 12:13

i. Be charitable.

e. Romans 12:16

i. Be not prideful towards others.

f. Romans 12:21

i. Overcome evil with good.

g. Romans 13:1

i. Be subject to God’s powers.

h. Romans 13:3

i. Do good.

i. Romans 13:8

i. Love one another

j. Romans 13:9

i. Keep the commandments.

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

a. What cautions did Paul give about judging?

i. That we shouldn’t judge, because in the manner that we judge others, we will be judged.

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

i. I really liked the verses on people having differing opinions. It basically said live and let live, if someone doesn’t think the same way as you, just let it be. I find in my life and especially in my family, we want everyone to see the way we see and believe the way we believe, and sometimes it is best to just let things go. As long as it isn’t essential to our salvation, it is ok to have different opinions.

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

i. I think it just means we need to be more united. It is ok to have differing opinions, as long as we are united in the gospel and can understand and love one another.

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 refers to the members of the Church in his day as saints. This is really nice because we are now the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. So it is as if we are of the same church, nothing has changed in the two thousand years since it was established.