"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep : for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11)
What must we continue doing to work out our salvation? To prepare for our salvation, we must commit to live by the commandments given us by our Savior, to live a life of righteousness. If we knowingly choose to disobey those commandments and fall away from our righteous ways, all that we have strived for is forgotten and we will not reach our eternal goal. (Ezekiel 3:20)
We will be tested, tempted and tried throughout our mortal lives, and it will not always be easy to remain on the path of righteousness, but by staying true to the covenants we’ve made, and living by the commandments given us, we will endure and find ourselves in the presence of the Lord, when our work here is complete. We "shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.” (D&C14:7)
Paul gave much counsel that leads to salvation. What did Paul teach in the following versus that would help lead to salvation?
- Paul taught that we must give ourselves completely to the service of the Lord (Rom 12:1)
- Paul taught that we do as our Father wills us (Rom 12:2)
- Paul taught that we must love unconditionally and ward off evil (Rom 12:9)
- Paul taught that we show charity to brothers and sisters (Rom 12:13)
- Paul taught that we should be humble and not allow ourselves to become prideful (Rom 12:16)
- Paul taught that if we show kindness to all, we will overcome evil (Rom 12:21)
- Paul taught that we listen to our Prophets for they speak the words of the Father (Rom 13:1)
- Paul taught that we should not be afraid of those in authority, but to stay true to our convictions (Rom 13:3)
- Paul taught that we must love one another (Rom 13:8)
- Paul taught that we must obey and live by the commandments given us and to always “love thy neighbor as thyself" (Rom 13:9)
Points to Ponder: (Rom14:1-13; 15:1-3)
What cautions did Paul give about judging? Paul cautions that it is not for us to judge one another in any matter, subject, or action. We are servants of the Lord; we live for Him and we die for Him. (Romans 14:4-10) And, we will all stand before Him to be judged (Romans 14:12)
"Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” (Romans 14:13)
People may have different opinions and practices, but what is most important to remember? The most important to remember is to love and teach one another. We all have agency and we all have right to have our own views. Having different opinions and practices gives us opportunity to learn from and to teach one another. (Rom 15:1-2)
What additional insight comes from reading D&C 38:25-27? We are all equal in the Lord’s eyes. It matters not what we are wearing, or what car we are driving. What matters is that we are one in Christ.
"I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine” (D&C 38:27)
What term does Paul frequently use to refer to members of the Church in his day? (Rom15:25-26, 31; 16:2, 15) Paul referred to those he taught as “the saints,” just as we are today. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I found this comforting and edifying.*
*Personal note: As I’ve been studying and reading the scriptures of the New Testament I am becoming more and more enlightened every week and my testimony grows stronger as my eyes are opened to the similarities between the practices from ancient times and those of today. As a child, I remember various “readings” shared during Catholic Mass, but I never had any deeper insight or scripture study. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more of the early teachings of our Saviors' Church.
No comments:
Post a Comment