JESUS CHRIST IS GREATER THAN . . .

Reading and Study from Hebrews 1–2

1. Refer to “Epistle to the Hebrews” in the Bible Dictionary (pp. 746–47). Read the first paragraph and the “Analysis of Hebrews,” number 1–5. Make a list of what Jesus Christ is superior to. (Quotes taken from above reference.)

Raising Lazarus, Oil on Copper Plate, 1875,
Carl Heinrich Bloch (Hope Gallery, Salt Lake City)
blogged 14 June 2014

·       Jesus is greater than death. He overcame death, and so shall we.

Moses Calls Aaron to the Ministry by Harry Anderson

·       Jesus is greater than the prophets.

 “In times past” God spoke by the prophets, but has now, “in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:1-3).

Angel Appears to Shepherds by Walter Rane

·       Jesus is greater than angels.

“He has a more excellent name, inheritance, and higher calling. They are servants; He is the Son (1:4–2:18). If the word of angels is important, how much ‘more earnest heed’ we ought to give to the things spoken by the Lord (Jesus) (2:1–4).”

·       “Jesus is greater than Moses. 

"Moses was a faithful servant, but Jesus was a faithful son” (3:1–6).

 

Moses With Tablets by Ted Henninger

·       The “words” of Jesus Christ are superior to the words of Moses.

            “Israelites while traveling through the wilderness could not enter into the promised land because they did not believe and obey the teachings of God received through Moses (3:7–19). How much more important it is, therefore, to obey the words of Jesus who is greater than Moses, if we wish to enter the heavenly land (4:1–2).”

Melchezedik Blesses Abram by Walter Rane

·    "Jesus, as a high priest of Melchizedek, is superior to the high priests of the law of Moses:

      (a) Jesus was of the order of Melchizedek, which is greater than the order of Aaron. Melchizedek was even greater than Abraham (7:1–12).

      (b) The law of the Melchizedek Priesthood (gospel) is greater than the law of the Aaronic Priesthood (law of Moses) (5:1–7:28).

 “The tabernacle service was symbolic (or a shadow) of the real events. The high priest under the law went through the veil into the Holy of Holies; but Jesus, the great high priest, has gone into heaven itself (6:19–20; 9:1–14). 

"The traveling of Israel out of Egypt, through the wilderness, crossing over the Jordan River into the promised land, is similar to a man forsaking the worldly things, going through the wilderness of temptation, and finally passing through the veil of death into the celestial kingdom (D&C 84:21–24; see also Alma 37:38–45).”

Moses Parting the Red Sea by Robert Theodore Barrett

2. Read Hebrews 1

Make a list of three truths Paul taught about the Savior Jesus Christ.

“God . . . hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, . . . sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:1-3).

·       Jesus is the son of God and his heir.

Christ Creating the Earth by Robert Theodore Barrett

·       Jesus Christ, is in “the express image” of the Father. When we ‘know’ Jesus we will also be better able to ‘know’ his Father, who he is “in the express image” of, even God, the Father of all.

Christ the Creator video with Elder Neal A Maxwell 

·      Jesus Christ is the Creator of “the Worlds” (Hebrews 1:2-3, quote above).

3. Read Hebrews 2:7–18; 4:13–16; Alma 7:11–15; Doctrine and Covenants 122:8. 

In writing describe how these scriptures explain reasons the Son of God came to earth to experience mortality.

Jesus became a mortal being of flesh and blood so that he could understand perfectly every experience that every being experiences. He became like us, so he would know how to help us in any difficulty, and be able to rejoice with us in every happiness.

Pool of Bethesda by Carl Bloch

.

He experienced all suffering, affliction, temptation, pain and sickness of man, including death. He did this without sin: he obeyed the laws and commandments of Heavenly Father perfectly. This allowed him to explicitly know the experiences each of us have in mortality, and therefore be able to extend perfect mercy and judgement for each of us.

Moses With the Brass Serpent by Judith A Mehr

Hebrews 2:17-18

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Where Ever He Leads Me by Greg K. Olsen

Hebrews 4:13-16

13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Alma 7:11-15

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

The Crucifixion by Carl S. Bloch

 13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

 14 Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.

 15 Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism.

Each Sabbath, through the sacrament, the emblems of Christ's sacrifice, we can renew our baptismal covenants 

We can, with sincere repentance and righteous striving to follow the commandments, again become as pure

as the day we were baptized. We can start over, and through his long-suffering mercy, become more obedient. 

D&C 122:4-9

 4 And although their influence shall cast thee into trouble, and into bars and walls, thou shalt be had in honor; and but for a small moment and thy voice shall be more terrible in the midst of thine enemies than the fierce lion, because of thy righteousness; and thy God shall stand by thee forever and ever.

 5 If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;

 6 If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can’t you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb;

 7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

 8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

 9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.

SCRIPTURE SOLUTIONS TO LIFE'S CHALLENGES

Phillipians 1-4 

Student Choice this week presented several questions about a few challenges of life and asked me to find a solution in the writings of the apostle Paul to the Philippians. 

The overall solution Paul writes to the Philippians is to be united to each other, and to the Savior, and to serve and love others as Jesus did. In these passages he goes into some detail delineating how best to do that. 

Attributed to Valentinde Boulogne (1591-1632)

I discussed the questions with my husband, and we clicked on the link to a reference to a talk by H. Burke Peterson, “Selflessness: A Pattern for Happiness,” (Ensign,May 1985, 66), as he described a person that is 'selfless' - as was Jesus Christ. As always happens when we go the extra mile to learn gospel principles, we heard an answer to a persistent problem that troubles our hearts as the spirit bore witness of true principles. The answer came because the Holy Ghost comes and teaches us when we sincerely search and seek answers. 

Seeking the spirit is a "REAL" solution to almost every problem - and Paul spells out this answer clearly - seek the will of God, sacrifice all things to follow his example and serve selflessly, and be diligent - THEN the Spirit will bear witness of true principles as we learn them. 

Elder Peterson reminded us, "It is important to break the chains of 'self' that bind us. Sincere and sensitive acts in behalf of others are the mark of the selfless," and "after all is said and done, it will be the intent of the heart by which we shall be judged. However, let us be careful that we do not fill our hearts with unjustified excuses. Being selfless does not come naturally to most of us."

Have you heard about "Just Serve?" 

It is an easy, completely free service to find out what service opportunities you can volunteer for in your own local area. 

Who needs you? 

Question: People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week (see Philippians 2:1–8, 14–15).

Saints should be united, and unselfish, and “esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (v. 3-4), serving and helping others, being obedient to the sacrifices God requires of us, “without murmurings and disputings” (v. 14) so we can be without “rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation.”

Question: 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 student manual commentary for Philippians 2:12, “Work out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling” [pp. 361–62]).

Paul’s instructions are to serve others and be selfless.

It’s good for a child to rely on parents as their parents rely on apostles and prophets, who rely on Christ. We each have a duty and responsibility to follow the good examples in our lives, willingly and by our own choice, because we want to. We then move from theory to application.

As we follow those examples we learn how to adapt to all the possible permutations and variable circumstances that arise, enabling us to extend true principles (learned in experiences of obedience) to encompass all possible problems independent of the examples we have had.

In the older NT Student Manual we learn: “To work out one’s salvation is not to sit idly by dreaming and yearning for God miraculously to thrust bounteous blessings into our laps. It is to perform daily, hourly, momentarily, if necessary, the immediate task or duty at hand, and to continue happily in such performance as the years come and go, leaving the fruits of such labors either for self or for others to be bestowed as a just and beneficent Father may determine.” (David O. McKay in CR, Apr. 1957, p. 7.)

In contrast the newer manual reinforces: Paul pointed out, the Saints should live the gospel so that the saving work God was already doing within them would be manifest in all they did (see Philippians 1:6; 2:13). . . . Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expounded on this statement . . . “Man unquestionably has impressive powers and can bring to pass great things by tireless efforts and indomitable will. But after all our obedience and good works, we cannot be saved from the effect of our sins without the grace extended by the atonement of Jesus Christ” (“What Think Ye of Christ?” Ensign, Nov. 1988, 66–67).

Question: 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).

Paul teaches us to look to the future and “whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing" (v. 16). In other words to look ahead and work to obtain our goal to be with Christ. This investigator would not be seriously thinking of joining the church if s/he did not know in their heart it is Christ's church. When such a witness occurs, we know, and we know God knows we know. Then we can, in good conscience, only go forward.

In the New Testament manual (pp. 436-437) President Thomas S. Monson counseled:  “There is no going back, but only forward. Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can” (“Finding Joy in the Journey,”Ensign or Liahona, Nov 2008, 85).

Philippians3:7-11 teaches, “what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him . . .That I may know him, and . . . might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”

In the commentary in the New Testament Student Manual for Philippians 2:1–8 Paul teaches that Christ humbled himself, and being obedient to the will of the Father he became a servant to mortals.

"Jesus Christ gave up His premortal status 'in the form of God' and was born into mortality 'in the likeness of men' (Philippians 2:6–7). In the Book of Mormon, the idea of Christ descending below all things is called 'the condescension of God' (1 Nephi 11:16; see also verses 17–33; Psalm 22:14; Isaiah 53:12)."

We also learned from Elder Tad R. Callister of the Seventy: “God the Son traded his heavenly home with all its celestial adornments for a mortal abode with all its primitive trappings. He, ‘the King of heaven’ (Alma 5:50), ‘the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth’ (Mosiah 5:3), left a throne to inherit a manger. He exchanged the dominion of a god for the dependence of a babe. He gave up wealth, power, dominion, and the fullness of his glory—for what?—for taunting, mocking, humiliation, and subjection. It was a trade of unparalleled dimension, a condescension of incredible proportions, a descent of incalculable depth” (The Infinite Atonement [2000], 64).

For unto Us a Child Is Born, by Lynne Millman Weidinger

When we understand these truths, especially when we know with surety of them, we become willing to make sacrifices to willingly follow His example.

Question: How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3?

2 Nephi 32:3 "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." 

The point of all these questions and answers is to follow Jesus Christ. We do that best as we seek God,  and allow the Holy Ghost to guide and direct us.

LIVE AS SAINTS SHOULD LIVE

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What is a 'saint'? 

And how does a 'saint' live? 

Elder Quentin L Cook said, "In the Lord’s Church, the members are Latter-day Saints, and they attempt to emulate the Savior, follow His teachings, and receive saving ordinances in order to live in the celestial kingdom with God the Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. (See 2 Ne. 9:18). The Savior said, “This is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do” (3 Ne. 27:21).

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul explains that a saint is someone that follows and emulates Jesus Christ. In Romans he teaches many attributes that should characterize the life of a 'saint.' This week in my New Testament religion class we are studying how to live as Paul taught.  

SALVATION

1.    Review Romans 13:11 and look for what is “nearer.”

       Salvation - our salvation is nearer than we realize.

Ezekiel, in The Sistine Chapel, by Michelangelo

Read Ezekiel 3:20; Doctrine and Covenants 14:7; and explain in writing what we must continue doing to work out our salvation.

Ezekiel 3:20 “Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”

The Prophet Ezekiel
(close-up of a woodcut by Gustav Doré)

Doctrine and Covenants 14:7 “And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.”

Like Ezekiel, Paul taught that we each must keep the commandments all of our lives to obtain salvation, God’s gift to us. And we must not only be careful to be obedient to the commandments given to us by God (and to the prophets he provides to teach us his word), but we must also help others to understand God’s love and mercy, and warn them about the strictness by which the blessings of enduring happiness are obtained.

Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God the Father, and as a man without sin, died as a sacrifice so that in spite of justice we may overcome our sins because of his grace. We must choose to help others, or be accountable to Him for not having accepted his invitation to help them as he has helped us.

He Is Not Here, Walter Rane

PAUL'S COUNSEL
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 beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

      At the end of chapter 11, Paul has expounded and praised the greatness and mercy of God in His blessings to His children—each of us—and testified of his power and glory. He now, starting chapter 12, pleads for each of us to let our bodies, symbolizing our mortal lives, become more holy and like our Father in Heaven. He ends his pleading by reminding us that because of the great goodness, gifts and blessings he has so carefully outlined for multiple chapters (and most of this epistle) that this is our “reasonable service,” our duty in other words.

     Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “As our body is the instrument of our spirit, it is vital that we care for it as best we can. We should consecrate its powers to serve and further the work of Christ. Said Paul, ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God’ (Romans 12:1)” (“Reflections on a Consecrated Life,”Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 17).

   President Russell M. Nelson taught: “We are still commanded to sacrifice, but not by shedding blood of animals. Our highest sense of sacrifice is achieved as we make ourselves more sacred or holy. This we do by our obedience to the commandments of God. Thus, the laws of obedience and sacrifice are indelibly intertwined. … As we comply with these and other commandments, something wonderful happens to us. We become disciplined! We become disciples! We become more sacred and holy—like our Lord!” (“Lessons from Eve,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 88).

b. Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

BE TRANSFORMED

    Paul continues his plea to become more holy—“transformed”—so we can prove the veracity of his teachings and further praise the “good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”

c. Romans 12:9 “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”

    Dissimulation, our institute manual teaches (p. 357), means “without hypocrisy; it is ‘love unfeigned.’” D&C 121:41 teaches, “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned.” Can we learn to love like this, without coercion and withholding; loving as our exemplar, Jesus Christ, loves?

d. Romans 12:13 “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to
                            a. hospitality.

      a. TG hospitality: See also Kindness; Neighbor

     Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for
                   thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

     1 Peter 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

Jesus Washing the Apostles’ Feet, by Del Parson

     Paul gives a lengthy list, in these chapters, of ways we can live as saints. Being kind to others, “without grudging,” and showing a willingness to serve and help others (even strangers), follows the example of Jesus Christ to serve and help our fellow men.

BE KIND

e. Romans 12:16 “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”

    Jesus taught us to be kind to all people, even those that do not always seem to deserve kindness. Thinking someone doesn’t deserve kindness is to judge that we think we are better in some way than they are. Paul warns us to remember to not think we are better or wiser than anyone else. We all rely on the atonement of Jesus Christ.

f. Romans 12:21 “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

    Salvation, overcoming the natural evils inherent in this mortal world, comes through continued diligence in following Christ’s example. We overcome evil, as Paul reminds us so succinctly, with good—every time we do “good,” as Jesus showed and taught, evil is diminished.

BE AT PEACE

g. Romans 13:1“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” 

  The New Testament Institute Student Manual (p. 357), teaches, “The Joseph Smith Translation of Romans 13:1–7 indicates that Paul’s statements in these verses apply to following not only civic authorities but also Church authorities. For example, in Joseph Smith Translation, Romans 13:1, the Prophet Joseph Smith added the words ‘in the church’: ‘There is no power in the church but of God.’ . . .

  “By describing civil authorities as being 'ordained of God' and 'God’s ministers' (Romans 13:1, 6), Paul acknowledged that all who hold positions of power are accountable to God, and they hold power only to the extent that God allows (see John 19:11).”

    The footnotes for this verse teach that the concept of being subject is translated from the Greek word meaning to be ‘submissive,’ or ‘render obedience, and refers us to Doctrine and Covenants 58:21-22, and further study in the Topical Guide for Citizenship; and Governments.

Photograph by James Jeffery. Masada, the final stronghold and battle where the Jewish rebellion was crushed. "Less than a decade after Paul counseled the Saints to be subject to government authorities, Jews in Palestine revolted against Rome, resulting in the destruction of the temple of Jerusalem. The last zealot holdouts retreated to the mountaintop fortress of Masada (shown here) near the Dead Sea and were finally conquered by Roman forces in A.D. 73. 

(New Testament Student Manual).

We learn we should pray for those in authority, and while striving to effect positive change, should be at peace until “he reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under his feet.” Paul’s instructions to be subject to civil authority help saints in his day to live amidst the turmoil of foreign rule, and should remind saints now of the 12th Article of Faith, given for our day, “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”

h. Romans 13:3 “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:”

    As described above, in item g. we must remember that God is omniscient and allows those in power to hold their authority (New Testament Student Manual, p. 357). Meanwhile we can do good and follow the plan for happiness while we wait for Christ to reign.

The Second Coming, by Harry Anderson

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

i. Romans 13:8 “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” 

    Christ’s teaching to “love one another” pervades almost all scripture. We find examples of it in Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 5:43; 19:19; 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8; Mosiah 23:15; 3 Nephi 12:43; and Doctrine and Covenants 59:6. Being kind to others, especially our own family members, is one of the fundamental ways Jesus taught and demonstrated as a way to obtain salvation.

j. Romans 13:9 “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” 

 Three of the 10 commandments, number 7, 8, 10 are specified in this verse from Paul’s teachings, and the others are referenced as belonging to the teachings of verse 8 to “love one another.” Clearly, every person has many ways to improve their ability to live as a saint.

CAUTION

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

    a. What cautions did Paul give about judging? 

Paul cautions us to remember that all men are God’s children and are redeemed through the atonement of Jesus Christ, who is the only rightful judge. 

Brotherhood, by Roger Loveless

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

Paul reminds us that whatever opinions and practices someone has that ultimately “we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8). Every person belongs to Christ because his blood has paid the price for their redemption from death.

AVOID DISTINCTIONS

    c. What additional insight comes from reading Doctrine and Covenants 38:25-27?
25 And again I say unto you, let every man esteem his brother as himself.
26 For what man among you having twelve sons, and is no respecter of them, and they serve him obediently, and he saith unto the one: Be thou clothed in robes and sit thou here; and to the other: Be thou clothed in rags and sit thou there—and looketh upon his sons and saith I am just? 
 27 Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine. 

We are reminded once more that we are to love each other as Christ loved us, and not make distinctions of station and value, but to be united as one.

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.

Saints.

"WRITTEN IN MY HEART"

Attributed to Valentinde Boulogne (1591-1632)

.
Reading 2 Corinthians and Galatians.

It is believed Paul wrote 2 Corinthians from Macedonia about AD 57
(New Testament Student Manual, pp.392, 401)

. 
2 Corinthians 3:1–3. Written “in Fleshy Tables of the Heart”

Temple of Apollo at Corinth, built around 600 BC. This would have been one of the most imposing structures
in Corinth in Paul's day. Temples and shrines housing images of pagan deities were prevalent throughout the
Greco-Roman world.   (New Testament Student Manual, p. 362)

An ancient Roman fountain at Corinth 

Ruins of Ancient Corinth (New Testament Student Manual, p. 409)

In addition to 2 Corinthians 3:1–3, read Mosiah 12:27; 13:11; Jeremiah 31:33; 1 Nephi 19:23. Explain in writing your answers to the following questions:
 

Moses the LawGiver, by Ted Henninger, (New Testament Student Manual, p.395)

·      What does it mean to have a doctrine or a commandment written “in fleshy tables of the heart”?

This verse compares my heart (and therefore my desires, intents, and actions) to the tablets of stone containing the 10 commandments that God gave to Moses. To have a doctrine or commandment written “in fleshy tables of the hearts” means I have internalized it and it has become part of my every day thoughts and desires. I know it. It is part of me. It influences my choices to align with the will of God. 

·      How do others see what is written in our hearts?

Others will readily be able to discern what is written in my heart by my example and actions: the things I do and the things I say.

St. Paul preaching at Athens, Raphael, 1515-1516, London Victoria and Albert Museum

.
·      According to John 7:17 and Moroni 7:48, what are two ways to have a commandment or doctrine of the Church written on the fleshy tables of our hearts? 

John 7:17  ”If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”

When we are obedient to the doctrine or commandment, and apply it in our lives, we will know it is true. For example if I want to know if paying tithing is a true doctrine, if I will pay tithing as specified, I will come to understand the blessing of it’s promises and the Holy Ghost will be able to testify to my heart and mind about it.

From the New Testament Student Manual (p.227), we read that “President James E. Faust (1920–2007) of the First Presidency taught that continued obedience to the Lord leads to knowledge of the truth and to freedom:

‘Obedience leads to true freedom. The more we obey revealed truth, the more we become liberated. … Freedom and liberty are precious gifts that come to us when we are obedient to the laws of God and the whisperings of the Spirit. … Obedience to [principles of revealed truth] (sic) makes us truly free to reach the potential and the glory which our Heavenly Father has in store for us’ (‘Obedience: The Path to Freedom,’ Ensign, May 1999, 45, 47).” 

Moroni 7:48, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.”

When we sincerely pray and ask God, our Father, for understanding of a principle or doctrine he will grant the blessing we ask for. We can come to know, through his spirit’s witness to our own spirit, an absolute assurance that of the veracity of that principle or doctrine. God does hear and answer prayer.

See commentary for 2 Corinthians 3:6-17 and Jeremiah below.

Paul preaching at Athens, Tapestry Vatican Museum

·      What is a doctrine that is written on the fleshy tables of your heart? What did you do to get it there?

I know that God is real, and is our loving Father in Heaven. Although I had been taught by faithful parents about gospel truths, for many years I did not adhere to the lifestyle or belief system they did. Soon after the birth of my first child, while pondering what I would teach my child about God, I gained a personal and sacred witness of the absolute reality of a supreme being, and that Jesus Christ is His son. I received that witness like a gift. I did not struggle for it, but to keep it I must be accountable for it every moment through obedience to His commandments, and the allegiance I give to Him, the prophets, and the quiet whispering . I know, and I know that God knows I know. I can not deny that I know. Our family have a joke about being certain of things that twists the words ‘absolute’ and ‘positive’ to become silly words that mean we know something. A few years ago a daughter asked me to begin a blog to share testimonies and memories. A testimony of knowing is titled ‘Abstively Posolutely.’ I testify of Jesus Christ, and how we can trust Him and Heavenly Father in ‘I Believe.’ My personal blog has become an easy way to share the feelings of my heart with my posterity (and others), even when they are far away.

 

Papyrus 46, one of the oldest New Testament papyri, showing 2 Cor 11:33-12:9

2 Corinthians 3:1–3,

1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

 2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

 3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

Statue of the Apostle Paul, by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen
(New Testament Student Manual, p.405)

Mosiah 12:27; Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. Therefore, what teach ye this people?

Mosiah 13:11;  And now I read unto you the remainder of the commandments of God, for I perceive that they are not written in your hearts; I perceive that ye have studied and taught iniquity the most part of your lives.

Jeremiah 31:33;   But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

1 Nephi 19:23 And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.

New Testament Student Manual (p. 396):

The Greek word diathēkēs, translated in 2 Corinthians 3:6 and 14 as “testament,” carries the primary meaning of “covenant.” Thus, when Paul used this word, he was not referring specifically to the New Testament but to the new covenant of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When Paul referred to “the reading of the old testament” (2 Corinthians 3:14), he was referring to the old covenant—the Mosaic law contained in the pages of what Christians call the Old Testament.

When Paul taught that the new covenant would be written on people’s hearts (see 2 Corinthians 3:3), he was pointing to the fulfillment of a prophecy of Jeremiah: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel. … I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jeremiah 31:31, 33).

Paul also drew upon Old Testament imagery when discussing a “veil” over Moses’s face and a “veil” over the hearts of the people when they read from the scriptures (2 Corinthians 3:13–16; see also Exodus 34:29–35). Paul was teaching that in his day, Israel was “blinded” in its understanding of the law of Moses (2 Corinthians 3:14; see also Romans 11:7, 25).

Joseph Smith Translation, 2 Corinthians 3:16 states that when the “heart [of the children of Israel] shall turn to the Lord, the veil [of misunderstanding] shall be taken away.” This is true of everyone whose heart turns to the Lord, for the Spirit enables them to understand the scriptures and the gospel in fulness (see 2 Corinthians 3:16–17; Joseph Smith—History 1:73–74).