Teaching

Choice 2: 2 Peter 2. Teaching

1.       Read 2 Peter 2:1–19. Record the characteristics of false teachers described by Peter. Explain in writing how your list helps you recognize false teachers today.

·         Bring others down with them

·         Deny the Lord

·         Stick to it

·         Covetousness

·         Liars

·         Walk in darkness

·         Sexually immoral

·         Hate government

·         presumptuous

·         self-willed

·         evil speaking

·         adulterous

·         sinners

·         forsaken right

·         gone astray

As I was writing this list I started to see some similarities with these false teachers and with people I know who have left the church and are trying to pull others along with them. I still stand by what I have said about being grateful for prophets who direct us to the right paths.

2.       Read 2 Peter 2:20–22; Doctrine and Covenants 82:3, 7. In your own words, write a few sentences describing the dangers of returning to the “pollutions of the world.”

Those who would never follow doctrines are better off never knowing them. Once we have learned and embraced doctrines, repented of sin and then gone back to sin and ignoring doctrine we will be held accountable. Our fall will be much worse than it was. Knowing more will bring us greater punishment if we leave the path. After being forgiven if we just brush that away and return to sin it’s like we haven’t repented.

Wisdom from James

In James 1 it says that if you lack wisdom you should ask of God who gives to all men liberally. It says we should ask in faith boldly and without hesitation. I love that he adds “nothing wavering” which means without doubt or hesitation. If we doubt that God will give it to us why even ask. The Lord wants us to come to Him for blessings.

In Matthew 6:24 we are reminded that we cannot serve two masters because our loyalties will be divided and eventually we will lean to one side or the other. In James 1:8 it says that we shouldn't be double minded, meaning that we should say what we mean, and do what we say. In 1 Kings 18:21 we are told to just follow the Lord and not worry about heeding conflicting opinions.

If we remember that temptations do not come from God we will do well. Knowing that these addictions do not come from the Lord can help us to steer clear of them. Following temptations lead to sin and the end of happiness.

We should listen to others and really understand before responding. Really thinking about what we are going to say before we say it will help keep our tempers under control. Our wrath is not from God. We should be meek and follow the commandments of the Lord. We should also act on those commandments and promptings to further the work of the Lord. We will be blessed for the righteous actions we take. Charity is the pure love of Christ.

Bishops are good examples of doers of the word. Our recent outpouring of missionaries is another good example. My friends Jody Palmer, Diane Jeppson and Heather Burton are great examples of doers of the word. Even though these women have large families they take time from their busy homeschooling lives to bless the lives of other mothers.

Reasons why James 1:5-6 has “had a greater impact … upon mankind that any other” scripture.

1.       It brought for the restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith heeding it’s words.

2.       It teaches us the way to receive revelation for ourselves.

3.       It leads us to the straight and narrow path and to eternal life.

4.       It opened the heaven in modern times.

righteousness

Hebrews 13. Works of Righteousness

Paul concluded his epistle to the Hebrews with some brief teachings and statements of counsel. Read Hebrews 13 and find statements about the following questions:

How should we treat strangers and those “in bonds”?

• We should be hospitable to strangers and to those who are in bonds we should treat them as if we were bound with them

How is marriage looked upon?

• Marriage is honourable. Unfortunately in today's world this doesn't seem to be the case.

What warnings are given about covetousness?

• We should not speak about things that we covet. We should be content with what we have.

What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”?

• Our Savior, Jesus Christ?

How are we sanctified?

• We are only sanctified through Jesus Christ.

How do we respond to those who rule over us?

• We should obey them and submit ourselves to them.

Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?

• He says pray for us. This could be the apostles or all members of the church.

Melchizedek and the Priesthood

I am grateful that the Priesthood is still on the earth today and that worthy men can receive it through the laying on of hands by those who are in authority. After holding the Aaronic Priesthood one can receive the Melchizedek Priesthood.

We can know who has authority in the church today when they hold the proper keys and have been given the Priesthood through someone with the authority to give it.

Melchizedek was considered a great high priest because he was full of love and service. He didn’t charge money for what he did. He has been compared to Joseph Smith who worked side by side with the laborers in the field.

In the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 14:25-40 it mentions that Melchizedek was able to stop the mouths of lions and quench the violence of fire as a child.

Melchizedek blessed Abraham, gave him the priesthood and even collected tithes from him, his family, and other church members.

My classmate Casey said, “Up to the time of Melchizedek, the priesthood he held was called “the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.” But to avoid using God’s sacred name too frequently, and to honor this faithful high priest, it became known from his time forth as the Melchizedek Priesthood.”

In Hebrews 6:1 Joseph Smith makes an important doctrinal correction. He adds the word “not” so that it reads “therefore not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ…” Taking away faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost would leave us without foundational principles which would leave us floundering for truth.

To become a son of perdition one must know Jesus and then forsake him, essentially “crucifying” him again. This sin will earn one “outer darkness”.

Hebrews 7:1-6 teaches us that Abraham was so great that the patriarch, Abraham gave him his tithing. He was called the King of Peace. He was always a priest from the beginning of time.

Hebrews 7:3 speaks of Melchizedek and Jesus Christ. It also points out in the Joseph Smith Translation that those who are ordained to the priesthood are made like unto the Son of God, abiding a priest continually.

Christ is perfect and through the Priesthood and the Atonement He is able to save us all when we repent.