The Trial of Our Faith is More Precious Than Gold

1 Peter 1:7-9

" 7That the ^atrial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the ^bappearing of Jesus Christ:

8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet ^abelieving, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

9Receiving the ^aend of your ^bfaith, even the ^csalvation of your souls."

There are many who use the phrase "Life isn't fair".

There hasn't been a phrase more false that this. If this were true, it would mean that there would be no chance for salvation because of our imperfect state and we should be condemned. But the mercy of God has showed us otherwise.

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ this life is exceedingly fair. Our Savior suffered and died so that we would be able to repent of our sins and receive forgiveness. Life is very fair my friends. We have a just God and through His son we can gain eternal life.

When you have sinned, repent and ask for forgiveness. When you stand in need of comfort, ask to feel His love. Jesus Christ suffered everything we have and will ever go through. He knows the sorrow of sin, the pain of death, the sting of rejection. He can help us! We only need to ask.

2 Timothy 1:1–10. Paul’s Affection for Timothy

1. Read the institute student manual commentary for “The Second Letter to Timothy” (p. 374) and “Background Information” (pp. 374–75). Then read 2 Timothy 1:1–7 and Moroni 8:3; 9:6, 22, 25. Compare in writing how Paul’s feelings for Timothy were similar to those Mormon expressed to his son Moroni by answering the following questions:
• What parallels are there in the counsel and expressions given by both Paul and Mormon?
1. They are both words of encouragement and fondness. Paul and Mormon mention praying for Timothy or Moroni as they would for a child.
• Why do you think Paul noted Timothy’s grandmother’s and mother’s faith?
1. I think that Paul mentions his heritage to remind Timothy about the strong family background he has had in the gospel. It might be to remind him that he can go there for strength.
• What assurance did Paul give Timothy about “the spirit of fear”? How can this counsel and assurance help you in your life?
1. He tells him that he can rid the spirit of fear and replace it with power and courage. This way, we know that even if we fear, we have the power to change that fear into love, fearlessness, etc.
2. Read 2 Timothy 1:15–18. Why did Paul love and bless the “house of Onesiphorus” with the Lord’s mercy? What did Paul bless him with? Read Matthew 25:35–40 and write a sentence describing what you could do today to receive similar blessings from the Lord. How does Matthew 11:29–30 and Jacob 1:8 help you better understand what the “chain” is (yoke or cross) that Paul spoke of in 2 Timothy 1:16?

Paul blessed the house because he had been a faithful follower and had compassion on Paul with hospitality. He blessed him that the Lord might have mercy. If we have mercy on our fellow man and do charity unto them than the Lord will be merciful unto us. The yoke is the name of Jesus Christ. When you take his name upon you, you are acting with his name and representing him.

Finding Solutions to Life's Challenges through the Scriptures

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).

The Lord commands us to do things without “murmurings and disputing”. If even petty matters are magnified there is a call for repentance and humility.

• 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]).

We must be able to work out our own salvation without the presence of our parents. You only know how strong you are once you have separated from your foundation (parents) of the gospel.

• 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).

Those things that we lose because of the gospel are miniscule in the eternal plan. The blessings that come from coming unto Christ and phenomenal and with the help of the Lord, you can overcome the obstacles that lie in your way.

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

We are told to feast upon the words of Christ – The scriptures are the words of Christ and therefore we can go to them for answers.