Romans 12-13: Counsel for the Saints
Saints should be doers of the word. Paul wanted the Saints to live so that the Holy Ghost could influence them and help them serve others. One of the basic commandments Heavenly Father has given us is to love our neighbor, and our willingness to live this principle will affect our salvation. In what ways can you show that you love your neighbor? How have others shown their love for you?
Understanding the Scriptures
Romans 12
| Beseech (v. 1) | Plead with | |
| Many members in one body (v. 4) | Many members in one Church | |
| Exhorteth (v. 8) | Encourages, admonishes | |
| Abhor (v. 9) | Hate, despise | |
| Cleave (v. 9) | Join, fasten together | |
| Recompense (v. 17) | Pay off, restore | |
| Coals of fire (v. 20) | Feelings of guilt |
Romans 12:1–2—What Does It Mean to “Present Your Bodies a Living Sacrifice”?
Paul used the phrase “present your bodies a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1) to emphasize the importance of living the gospel with all your heart. In Old Testament times people sacrificed their animals to God to demonstrate their faith. Jesus Christ sacrificed His life to fulfill the Old Testament law and show us a new way. Paul invited the Saints to sacrifice the things in their lives that were not in keeping with their faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 13
| Beareth not the sword in vain (v. 4) | Will certainly execute judgment | |
| Make not provision (v. 14) | Do not focus on or provide for |
Studying the Scriptures
Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Romans 12–13.
Finding the Real Meaning
To receive all of the blessings of the gospel, it is not enough to simply be a member of the Church. For each of the following phrases from Romans 12:1–3, select the definition that you think best fits the phrase. Then write a sentence that summarizes Paul’s message.
- “Present your bodies” (v. 1)
- Change
- Sacrifice all you enjoy
- “Conformed to this world” (v. 2)
- Wicked
- Copying worldly ways
- “Transformed” (v. 2)
- Living a life of service
- Improved
- “Think soberly” (v. 3)
- Don’t have pride
- Avoid humor
In Your Own Words
Dissimulation means to pretend or be insincere. Sincerity is essential to living the gospel. Read Romans 12:9–21 and write the main ideas of verses 12, 13, 16, 17, and 20 in your own words. Remember that Paul wanted the Saints to be true and to avoid pretending.
Love Fulfills the Law
Paul asked the Saints to wake up and live the gospel. It is easy to be casual about religion. To learn how to be more valiant, write the verse in Romans 13:8–14 that you think best matches each of the situations below:
- Tom sleeps in and misses family scripture reading. He tells his mom he is just too tired.
- Sarah tells her nonmember boyfriend that they must break up because they are getting too serious.
- Dennis does not think of the teachings of the Church seriously. Everything is a joke to him. He distracts his Sunday School class by joking and getting everyone to laugh and goof off.
- Amy met with the missionaries for her baptismal interview. She told them she was determined to live the gospel and wanted to leave her past mistakes behind.
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