Romans 12-16. Live as Saints Should Live

1.    Review Romans 13:11 and look for what is “nearer.” Read Ezekiel 3:20; Doctrine and Covenants 14:7; and explain in writing what we must continue doing to work out our salvation.

We need to prepared for the Second Coming, because it will come sooner than we think. Ezekiel 3:20 explains how we will die in our sin because we were not prepared and had no warning. This is why we must be prepared because we will not know when. 

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:

o       Romans 12:1 "We are a living sacrafice; holy and acceptable to God"

o       Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed by the world; be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

o       Romans 12:9 "Let love be without dissimulation. Cleave onto that which is good."

o       Romans 12:13 "Be hospitable to others."

o       Romans 12:16 "Don't be conceited."

o       Romans 12:21 "Don't be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good."

o       Romans 13:1 "The only worthy power is the power of God, and we are subject to it."

o       Romans 13:3 "Do that which is good, and we will be praised."

o       Romans 13:8 "Don't constantly owe one another. Instead, love."

o       Romans 13:9 "Do not cheat on your spouse, do not kill, do not steal, bear false witness, covet. One of the most important commandments is to love thy neighbor."

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

o       What cautions did Paul give about judging? Paul is basically telling us to stop judging one another because we are all trying to get to Heavenly Father one way or another. So, rather than racing each other to get there, why not help each other along the way?

o       People may have different opinions and practices, but what is most important to remember? It is most important to remember that we are all children of God, no matter how different we are, and God accepts us all even though we have different ways of doing things. We all have our own paths as to how we come to Heavenly Father. 

o       What additional insight comes from reading Doctrine and Covenants 38:25-27? We are told to be one, for if we are not united as one, we are not of God. I feel like this is why it is important to have stakes and wards, so we can all come together as a community to become closer to God. 

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 is referring to the members of the Church as the "saints." This is why we are called Latter-day "Saints" today. We are faithful, virtuous, holy people.