NT Come Follow Me 42
Introduction:
“I Can Do All Things through Christ Which
Strengtheneth Me”
How could Paul speak so much about joy, rejoicing, and
thanksgiving from prison?
Philippians 1:18 Paul rejoiced because he was testifying of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:5 Even though he wasn’t present with the saints, he rejoiced in their steadfastness in Christ.
Philippians 4:7 Paul experienced peace
that passeth all understanding.
Philippians 4:4 How have you been able to
have peace in Christ and to rejoice in Him even in your trials and greatest
sorrow?
Colossians 1:14 Since we have redemption
through Christ, we should learn to completely rely on Him.
Philippians 4:13 13 I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth me.
It’s only with Christ that I can accomplish what is necessary. Relying on Him
and working with Him is what strengthens me. Practicing Faith in Christ is
powerful.
Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Personal Study: My faith is founded on Jesus Christ.
Study the scriptures
with a firm focus on Jesus Christ. That can change you!
Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives
Personal Study: Do we “work out [our] own salvation”?
Philippians 2:12 Working out our own salvation does NOT mean that Jesus didn’t do everything already to save us. It means, we need to follow His doctrine and accept His grace.
Ephesians 2:8 Knowing that salvation is a gift of grace also does NOT mean there isn’t anything we need to do. In order to inherit eternal life, we need to follow the first principles and ordinances of the gospel and continue on the covenant path.
Both the grace of Jesus Christ and personal effort (the proper use of our agency) are needed for our salvation.
Philippians 2:13; Philippians 1:6 Jesus will not leave us alone in our efforts to do good.
2 Nephi 25:23 It is important for us to always testify and teach of Christ, and invite others to come unto Him. We are saved by Him, and by offering the invitation to all to come unto Him.
Grace (More scripture references at the
end of this section.)
Personal Study: The gospel of Jesus Christ is worth every
sacrifice.
Philippians 3:4–14 Paul was willing to leave everything behind him when He was converted to Jesus Christ and His gospel. The joy of His salvation was ever present with him.
What are you yet willing to sacrifice for the Savior? For His Church? And for His children?
3 Nephi 9:19–20 20 And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost…
Doctrine and Covenants 58:2–5 2 For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.
3 Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.
4 For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.
5 Remember this, which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart, and receive that which is to follow.
Personal Study: I can find joy in Christ, regardless of my
circumstances.
President Russell M. Nelson: “When the focus of our lives is on … Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him” (Joy and Spiritual Survival).
verse 7 When have you felt the peace of God during a difficult time?
verse 13 When has your faith in Christ been increased so that you can do hard things and/or from doing hard things?
verse 11 Why is important to choose to feel content always?
verse 8 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Correlates to our 13th article of faith, the admonition of Paul)
Alma 33:23 Plant the word in your hearts.
23 And
now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your
hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And
behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you
unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that
your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all
this can ye do if ye will. Amen.
Personal Study: Disciples of Jesus Christ become “new” as
they live His gospel.
Conduct a
self-inventory. Are you becoming a woman of Christ?
Colossians 3:1–17 List attitudes, attributes and actions of your old self and also of your new self.
Also answer the questions posed in Alma 5. How is the Savior
changing you?
Family Study: Learn
about joy and rejoicing: Philippians
Family Study: “Shine
as lights in the world”.
Philippians
2:14–16 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be
blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a
crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the
word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in
vain, neither laboured in vain.
We can’t shine as
lights by spreading darkness!
Family Study: The
admonition of Paul
Philippians 4:8 Articles of Faith 1:13
What blessings have you received from following this
admonition?
Family Study: Be
grounded and rooted in Christ
Colossians
1:23 23 If
ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away
from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which
was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a
minister
2:7
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as
ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:7
Paul taught that our faith should be “rooted”
in Jesus Christ.
What can you do to strengthen your spiritual roots?
Family Study: Fill
Your Treasure Chest
Colossians
2:2–32 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit
together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance
of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of
God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
3 In whom are hid all
the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Live your
testimony. “You
teach what you are,” Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught. “Your traits will be
more remembered … than a particular truth in a particular lesson” (in Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 13).
https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/philip/1?lang=eng
All that happened to Paul furthered the gospel
cause—Our conduct should be worthy of the gospel.
Vs 1-2 Just like high counselors deliver greetings
from the Stake President, Paul and Timotheus brought greetings to the members
they visited.
Vs 3-6 This is the typed
of ministering leadership we should all take upon ourselves for those we serve.
We must love and cherish them; be friends to them; pray for them; and have
confidence in them.
Vs 8-11 You need to become
more vervent in prayer for your family and friends and more sincere in your
love and your desire for their eternal welfare.
Vs 21 Whether we live or
whether we die, all is well if Christ is ours and we are His.
Vs 23-24 While we long for
our heavenly home, it is important for us to serve and love those here on earth
and build upon that heavenly love.
https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/philip/2?lang=eng
Saints should be of one mind and one spirit—Every
knee will bow to Christ—Saints must work out their salvation—Paul faces
martyrdom with joy.
Vs 1-2 We've felt Jesus's love and mercy for us, and
we need to extend the same to one another.
Philippians 2:5–11 Concentrate your
reading effort on Jesus Christ.
Vs 5-12 Remember that it
is God's work and glory to bring about your immorality and eternal life. He
gave His Son so that you along with Jesus can become like God. Bow to Him now,
and don't want to be compelled to do so. Confess His name and glorify His
Father.
Vs 14-15 Stop murmuring.
If you want to let your light shine in the world, you won't do that byt
complaining. Hold on Fast to your Faith in Christ. This is a race worth
running.
https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/philip/3?lang=eng
Paul sacrifices all things for Christ—True
ministers set examples of righteousness.
Vs 1 Finally,
my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.
Vs 5-7 Paul recounts his own history. He was an
avid follower of the law. He gave up his position, and found it gainful to be
Christ’s servant.
Vs 8-12 Paul's total hope is in Jesus and His resurrection, and he is willing to
suffer all things for His name to be counted worthy to be with Him.
Vs 13-14 Repentance means
letting go of our past wrong doings and leaving them behind. Faith in Jesus
Christ means moving forward with Him.
Vs 20 This is the mark of
a missionary! Our conversation needs to be on heavenly things. We preach of
Jesus Christ and we look to Him; and we invite all to come unto Him and be
saved.
https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/philip/4?lang=eng
Stand fast in the Lord—We believe in being
honest, true, and chaste.
chapter 4 Search for statements that can help you find joy in your life not matter what.
13th Article of Faith.
Vs 8 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of
good report; if there
be any virtue,
and if there
be any
praise, think on
these things.
Verse 13 is often quoted alone, but it means more after reading
verses 11-12.
Am I content with what the Lord allots to me each day. Am I happy
with the blessings I receive? Do I praise Him in my want? Do I continue to
serve no matter the current struggle. Do I believe vs 13?
13 I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me.
It is the doing of things with Christ that strengthens me to
continue in the doing of verses 11-12.
https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/col/1?lang=eng
Redemption comes through Christ—He created all
things, is in the image of God, and is the Firstborn of the Father.
Colossians 1:12–23 Concentrate your
reading effort on Jesus Christ.
Vs 1-23 Do we have this kind of love for our new converts. Where is our
faith, our love and our trust?
Paul had boundless love for the saints and boundless energy in His
service to the Lord. He both praised the new converts for their goodness, and
He taught them the new member lessons, telling them the role of Jesus as the
Creator and the Redeemer.
I love the Apostle Paul. He set a good example for the new saints
and for the old crusty ones too.
https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/col/2?lang=eng
The fulness of the Godhead dwells in
Christ—Beware of being deceived by the traditions of men—The handwriting
against us was nailed to the cross of Christ.
Vs 5-7 Think on that, Heidi! Paul and other writers of the gospel are
present with you in the spirit. They behold your works and joy when they see
your steadfastness in Christ.
They pray for you. You have received Jesus Christ, so walk with
Him!
Be rooted to Him and build upon Him. Establish your faith in what
you have been taught by men and by the Spirit. Express your gratitude to God
and to others.
Vs 8 Don't be deceived by those who would pull you
away from Christ, who rob you have your hope in Him and of the prize He stands
ready to give you. No worldly philosophy will ever compare in value, scope, and
virtue to the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Vs 12-13 I am
thankful that I have been baptized into the church and kingdom of God. I am
thankful for the love and grace of God our Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus
Christ.
https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/col/3?lang=eng
Some lives are hidden with God in Christ—The
Saints are told to be holy and to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:1–17 List attitudes, attributes and actions of your old self and also of your new self.
Also answer the questions posed in Alma 5.
Vs 9-17 Once we have
made the covenant of baptism, we are all equal in the Lord's kingdom. These
verses remind us how to behave and how to act to one another.
Vs 18-25 Counsel for
family members behavior towards one another, and to employees and employers. We
should all treat each other well. God has no respect to persons.
https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/col/4?lang=eng
The Saints are told to be wise in all things—Luke
and others greet the Colossians.
Vs 1 Remember that your station is not so much. We
all have a Master in heaven, and we are all fellow servants.
Vs 2-4 Always prayer for
the missionaries and for the missionary efforts to move forward the great
latter-day work.
Vs 5-6 Be careful of the
time you spend. Teach those who want to be taught, and pray for all. Let the
Spirit guide the words that you speak.
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