Philippians 1-4

Unit 1 Choice 1; Philippians 1-4. Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges

For each of the following common challenges, write the counsel from Philippians that you would use to resolve it:

• People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week (see Philippians 2:1-8, 14-15). Paul teaches us in Philippians that we should, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings” and that we should be humble and love one another.  We should work together to solve the problems and not let them come between us.
• 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 manual commentary for Philippians 2:12, “Work out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling” [pp. 361-62]). Paul teaches us that we must work out our own salvation. It is not enough for us to trust in the testimony of other people, we must gain our own testimony. It is only by our own efforts and faith that we can be saved, not through those of our loved ones.
• 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). Though it will not be easy, our eternal salvation is more important than our mortal relationships. Christ will comfort you and help you through these hard times.

I have a friend who went through a similar experience. Her parents refused to come to the temple grounds for her wedding day and even refused to come to the wedding luncheon that was held in a local restaurant. Even though her parents were not there, she felt surrounded by love thanks to the the people who had come to celebrate her wonderful day with her.  

Her parents no longer have any contact with her because of her church membership. It has not always been easy, but she has many friends who have become her family and she has an automatic church family wherever she goes.

• How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3? This scripture tells us, “the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” As we search the scriptures and keep the spirit with us we can find answers to all of lifes problems and questions in the scriptures.

Romans 6 - Baptism

Unit 1 Choice 3

1. Review Romans 6:1-13 and answer the following questions in writing:

• What must be done with sin before baptism can occur? We should be “dead to sin” or turn from sin and keep the commandments.
• What events from Christ’s life are symbolized in baptism? Death, burial and resurrection.
• Considering this symbolism, why couldn’t someone be baptized by sprinkling? Because baptism is symbolic of burial and resurrection we need to be fully submerged in the water (buried) and come up out of the water (resurrection). When baptism is performed by sprinkling there is no motion to represent the burial and resurrection.
• What do these verses teach us about how we can maintain the “newness of life”? Follow Christ and yield ourselves unto righteousness.
• According to Mosiah 3:19, what part of us would ideally die at baptism? The natural man

2. Study Romans 6:14-23. Write a paragraph that describes how we know whose servant we are. Then write a statement identifying the true source or freedom.

We know whose servant we are based on our actions and attitudes. It is not enough to do good, we must do it for the right reasons and with the right spirit. If we are doing something good for it to be seen by others then it does us no good. We must do righteous actions because we know they are right and because we earnestly desire to follow Christ.

The true source of freedom is having a testimony of the gospel.

2 Corinthians 2:1-11. Forgiveness

Review 2 Corinthians 2:1-11; Matthew 6:14-15; Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-10. Then respond to the following questions:

1. What were the people of Corinth commanded to do “if any have caused grief”?

To forgive that person so that the offender would not be weighed down in grief.

2. What blessings do we see if we forgive?

Christ will forgive those that we forgive. As we forgive others, Heavenly Father will forgive us.

3. What is the danger in failing to forgive?

If we do not forgive we will be condemned before the Lord and we have committed the greater sin than the person who gave the offence. The Father will not forgive us if we do not forgive others. We are also in danger of being under Satan’s control if we do not forgive others.

Unit 2 Choice 6

1. Read 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13; 4:1-12; 5:1-22; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-6, 11. Then compile a list of attributes Paul counseled members to improve.

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13; 4:1-12; 5:1-22 love one another, keep the commandments, chastity, honesty, love one another, hard work, watchfulness, sober, faith, hope, missionary work, pray, avoid the appearance of evil, hold fast to the good

2 Thessalonians 3:1-6, 11 hard work, refrain from gossip, keep the commandments, patient, obedience

2. Select three attributes from your list and write plans of how you want to improve in each area.

Prayer - I struggle with having morning prayer, always have.  I am in a rush each morning and don’t think to kneel down before I leave my room and with five kids once I leave my room there is not quiet moment to say a prayer.  I have had private prayer in my mind and feel that can be effective, but when I am looking for a clear answer to prayer I need a quiet place and time to listen for the answer, and that requires a closed door. I am going to try tying a neckerchief to my bedroom door handle so that every time I open the door I will be reminded to say my morning prayers first.

Hard work - I am about to start one of the hardest times of my life.  Homeschooling four kids, babysitting two more, helping a high school student with his homework and doing my own school work each day not to mention keeping the house clean, doing laundry, making meals, and staying sane. I have no idea how I am going to accomplish it all. I like to tell people that all of these activities are things that the Lord has told us that we need to do, so He will prepare a way for me to accomplish them.  While that is true, it is also true that I have to put in a lot of effort before He helps me make up the difference. The problem is that I would much rather sit on the couch and watch tv than teach grammar. I am going to have to fight my desire to relax and instead work harder than I ever have before in order to make this all happen. I expect to go to bed exhausted every night. I have done a lot to prepare, but it is only by diving in that I will be able to prove to myself that it is possible.

Missionary work - Even during my time as a full time missionary this was hard for me.  I worry too much about what others are going to think of me and whether or not they will still want to be my friend if I start talking about religion.  There is one family that we are close to that I know I need to talk to about the church.  My husband and I have been talking about it and realized that all we can do is open our mouths and trust that the Lord will fill them with the things we need to say. It is my goal for August to open my mouth and invite them to meet with the missionaries.