Paul was good at writing letters! We can learn a lot about life. (Romans 7-16)

7:4

Paul compares how Christ fulfills the law by making an analogy of a woman whose husband dies. While he was alive, she was bound to him. But, if he dies, she can marry another. "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." Just as the woman should feel no guilt by embracing another, we should not feel guilt by letting go of our obsession with the law and fully embrace Christ.

The law itself offers no eternal life - only Christ. Our old self who was fixated on the law needs to die. Our new self must be resurrected with Christ. If we truly do that, we will "bring forth fruit unto God."

What does it mean to be fixated on the law? If we look to the law for our salvation, it's hard not to be in the mindset of earning our salvation. We are being obedient in an effort to qualify for eternal blessings. This fixation with the law also pushes us to use the law to judge, or even punish, others. We can beat ourselves and others over the head with the law. If we rely completely on our obedience, we will inevitably fail in sin and our self perception of our value will drop.

If we are married to Christ, our attitude towards ourselves will be forgiving. We will still feel value in the midst of a trial. Our attitude towards others will also be forgiving. We will see their weaknesses as an opportunity to strengthen them. Love for ourselves and others will guide our actions and thoughts. We won't spend our time accusing ourselves and others.

7:7-11

This entire chapter is making a few points. It took me reading the verses, the Joseph Smith translation, the NIV and going to Biblehub.com to grasp what Paul was saying. One point he made is that the law (which is good) brings out evil in us because our sinful nature desires that which is forbidden. It's not that the law is bad. How could we know what is evil without the law? The problem is that our nature desires what we cannot have. "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead."

The law can provoke our sinful nature. It's possible that we may not have coveted if we didn't know that it was evil to covet. "For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died."

Again, let's not suggest that the law is evil. The law is correct. We shouldn't covet. Unfortunately, the natural man automatically takes the opposing view. If I say, "don't think of an elephant," your brain automatically pictures an elephant. If I tell you not to covet, you start to imagine the types of things that you could covet. It's a weird dynamic to being human. The commandment isn't the problem. It is our sinful nature. "And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death."

It highlights the need to root out this wickedness inside of us. We should be aware and focusing on evolving. Our focus can't be going through the motions of not breaking commandments.

7:14-15, 17

To withstand the temptation of sin and to see ourselves with more forgiving eyes, we must understand our nature. This mortal body contains many desires, urges, feelings, addictions. We have tendencies that lead us down forbidden sins. Paul felt this. "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin." The law is good. It is us that can take something that is good and make it evil. If I abuse a prescription drug, it causes damage. The drug, in itself, is not harmful. But, if I take that and apply it in a way it wasn't intended, it can be deadly.

We all desire to do right. We want to be good. The Light of Christ inside of each of us helps guide us back to heaven. We have the best intentions. However, the natural man is a power force. The evil that is inside of us can hold sway. "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I." We often don't do what we're supposed to. Instead, we give into the natural man. We state that we don't want to sin. We believe that we hate sin. But, we often end up doing the very thing that we hate. We can momentarily desire to make a bad choice.

"Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me." Our souls are true. The being that left Heavenly Father to come to this earth had the best of intentions. That being likely spent eons preparing and strengthening ourselves. As mortals, our souls are connected to our physical body. The natural man is a part of this. Our soul that yearns for home is roommates with the natural man. We can choose to put down the natural man and live a higher law - but we often let the natural man control the show. We must recognize that we each carry this burden but it doesn't define us.

7:19

Paul is very open with his weaknesses. "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do." Our lives are often infected by bad choices. We want to do good but we keep settling back into weakness. It appears we sometimes ignore what we ought to and simply do those things we know are wrong.

If you are struggling with some addiction or weakness and it seems like you just can't break free of it, know that Paul struggled this same way. He knew what he should do but didn't. And, he knew what he shouldn't do but he did it anyway. Even the great Paul struggled with this!

7:22-23

Paul does want to choose righteousness. "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man." He earnestly wants to follow the law of God.

The problem is that there are contrary forces in our mortal bodies. "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." Sometimes, our bodies are at war with our mind. We want to do something but our natural desires pull us in a different direction.

7:24-25

Paul realizes his sinful state. "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Understanding our weaknesses is the first step in repenting of them. It is good that Paul sees his weakness. It is good if we can see ourselves clearly. If you believe that you're essentially blameless in your current condition, that's pride and you're wrong. This proud belief is the cause of most damnation. As soon as we feel we are good, we stop yearning for progress.

Paul knows his only hope is Jesus Christ. "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." Our spiritual minds and our sinful bodies are at war. Christ is the only one who can help us become one with ourselves.

This is all true if the law is our master. The law is our guide of what not to do. It doesn't teach us how to be. Jesus Christ does that. Not only does Jesus teach us, he showed us AND he strengthens us in the present.

8:3-5

What does the law do to strengthen us? Does the law infuse us with gifts that help us overcome the trials of the world? The law prevents us from stepping off into the abyss. The law helps us know how we can succor others. But, the law doesn't fill us with light. The law does nothing to burn out the weaknesses of the flesh. "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh."

The Spirit takes us from "not sinning" to the heights of righteousness. If we will work to have the Spirit in us, we will progress. The law condemns, the Spirit saves. We just need to follow the promptings we receive. "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit." The Spirit doesn't make the law void, it fulfills the law. It is the great manifestation of the law. It helps us use the law in a way that succors others.

Our flesh pulls us down. Our spirits and The Spirit pulls us up.

8:6

If we have a carnal mind, we will follow after all of the carnal opportunities that exist in this world. "For to be carnally minded is death..." The carnal path doesn't lead anywhere pleasant. That path is filled with great-but-instant gratification. This path is well-lit and easy to find. It seems exciting. It fulfills our carnal desires which can feel fulfilling for a moment but leaves us empty and frustrated. It saps us of our energy and happiness and we end up feeling dead inside.

"...but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." To follow the promptings of the Spirit is to travel on a path that is hidden from view. It is not a path that you stumble upon or fall into. It is not an easy, downward slope. It's uphill. It takes effort. Our spiritual muscles grow from attempting to follow it. To be controlled by our spiritual mind is the ultimate rudder. Our spiritual mind will certainly lead us to a beautiful destination: eternal life. Although this path is challenging, it is filled with true joy and PEACE. There is peace that comes from knowing that all of your effort is being expended on the correct path - knowing that you are heading in the right direction.

There is nothing so unsettling as not feeling sure that the ladder you're climbing may not be leaning against the right wall. The promptings of the Spirit is the right wall. Our efforts aren't in vain. Knowing this brings peace.

8:10, 11, 13-14

"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." If Christ is in us, our flesh does not control us. The urges and desires that are part of the natural man do not control us. Our body's desire for wickedness is dead. Our body doesn't control us.

Instead, we are truly alive. We are practicing what it will mean to be like God. The Spirit leads us to where he is. The Spirit strengthens us to be righteous. "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." The Spirit allows us to subdue the needs of the body. Without the Spirit, we will not overcome the temptations that are a part of this mortal body.

"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." If the power of the Spirit can raise Christ from the dead, he can quicken our bodies. Our bodies can be transformed from a burden to a vehicle of righteousness that assists us in our progression. We can overcome the flesh with the Spirit!

8:14, 16-17

Again, we are training to become like God. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." The Spirit will lead us on the path to inheriting all that God has.

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." This is the great identity: to know that we are the children of God. If we can truly know that in our bones, it will affect all that we say and do. If I know I am divine with glorious inheritance with the Creator of the universe, it affects how quick I am to anger, how long I linger in a wicked thought, how resolute I am to keeping my covenants.

On the other hand, if my mantra is "I'm only human," how quickly will I give into temptation - blaming it on my animalistic nature?

This is about perspective. Seeing myself clearly is the first step to seeing the path ahead. Knowing who I am affects how I react to the challenges and tempations of the world.

8:18

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." This verse is also about perspective. Our horrible, painful experiences in mortality won't be comparable to the glory we will receive. Our biggest trials in life will seem like a passing moment. As the Lord said to Joseph Smith, "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."

8:20-21

"For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." Part of being mortal is that we are susceptible to vanity. Pride and selfishness is the default condition for mortals. Every one of us has to overcome this fundamental struggle.

It is meant to be this way. I believe that the primary sin of the premortal world was pride. Pride made 1/3 of God's children rebellious. Pride led to the fall of Lucifer. He wanted the glory. He wanted to be chosen as the Savior. When he wasn't, he damned himself by rebelling against God and his son and attempting to destroy the agency of man.

God uses that very agency in our development. We have to choose to be humble. We aren't born that way. Overcoming pride is meant to be a struggle. We have to work at it. This is Satan's dominion and he has placed an infinite number of things that will stroke our vanity. Satan has made this world about physical beauty and wealth and power and prestige. Those who achieve all of those things are considered successful.

It is easy to want those things in this world. It is hard to turn our backs to those things and not work for vanity. God has hope and faith in us that we will overcome this most basic need of the natural man. This is part of having agency. That agency is used to build and strengthen ourselves. That agency can lead us to the ultimate freedom - true liberty as sons and daughters of God.

8:24-25

Hope helps us progress. Hope is important because it allows us to press forward for something greater than what we have. "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." If I have hope that I will be 6'2" tall (which I am)

, that hope has no elevating quality because I am already that height.

Hope is about progress. Hope is about knowing that there is something greater in store. Hope inspires action. Hope instills faith. Without hope, what reason do we have to put our shoulder to the wheel? We must have hope that we can improve for us to improve.

But what about our weakness? Doesn't our weakness prevent us from having hope? Just today, I was chatting with a friend about whether he wants to attend church. He said that it was simply his nature to not enjoy fellowshipping at church. This is an admitted weakness. But, to overcome this weakness, he must have hope that it's possible. Rather than walk away, accepting that he can never enjoy fellowshipping, he could have faith that the Spirit can help him overcome ALL things. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities." I believe this. Our infirmities give us occasion to have hope.

Remember that weaknesses can be a blessing. In Ether 12:27, we read "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." It is the Spirit that will make weak things become strong. We must have hope that the Spirit can take our weaknesses and make them strengths.

8:28

Having the right perspective completely changes how we view trials. Rather than depressing, life-sucking tribulations, we can view them as opportunities to learn lessons and strengthen our character and faithfulness. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." The key perspective change is our love for God. When we love God, we have faith in his plan. We believe that he can strengthen us through every trial. We can be grateful for what he has done when we see setbacks. We can focus on the grace of God and his mercy rather than blaming God for the evil of this world.

8:31-32, 34, 38-39

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Wow this is a big, profound statement! What in the world could possibly get in the way of our progression if we have God on our side? It doesn't matter who else is on the team if we have God. It doesn't matter who or what is on the opposing team if our team's roster includes God.

If we doubt that God will pull out all of the stops for us in our progression, we just need to remember that God gave us his Son! He sacrificed his Son. What more evidence do we want that God will do anything for us?

If he will give up his son, won't he listen to prayers? Won't he strengthen us times of struggle? Won't he inspire us when needed? I suggest that it's much easier to listen intently to a prayer than to sacrifice his son! We should expect that God will give us a multitude of other blessings. He's shown that he is "all in."

Who can condemn us when Christ is making an intercession for us? "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Show me the person that says that our lot is impossible with Christ at our side! Who is going to stop us at the gate of heaven when Christ is leading us through? Who will cut the bind that ties us to him through covenant? No one or thing can do that.

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Paul is making it very clear that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. What is the greatest demonstration of God's love? Jesus Christ our Lord.

9:2-3

Paul was a uniquely awesome soul! Just after he says that nothing can separate us from the love of God, he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his people. "That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh." He is willing to curse himself to bless his people. That, is the ultimate sacrifice. He'd rather be cast off into outer darkness than see his people be damned.

He should have some hard feelings towards these people. They misled him into thinking that Christians were wicked. The leaders of Israel crucified the Savior. He has been beaten and imprisoned by his fellow Jews. A lesser man might feel satisfaction in seeing them punished for their wickedness.

Truly, he has become like the Savior. He is truly selfless. He cares more about others than he does himself. He loves his people as Christ loved the church.

9:15-16

"For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy." Paul is stating plainly that our salvation will not depend on our intentions or our effort. This life is a game that we cannot win by our performance.

Our eternal progression is based simply on the mercy of God. Even the best of us will enter the spirit world flawed - unable to reach into ourselves and pull out perfection. We will pass that threshold as weak, pathetic beings who are desperate for help. Help isn't a strong enough word. It's not like Christ's atonement gives us a boost over the wall of the celestial kingdom. Christ carries us over that wall. He bears our entire weight.

God will give mercy. "Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth." With some, he will intervene and change that person's course. Paul knows this very well. With others, he will leave them to their stubbornness. How is this decided, who knows. But it isn't for us to criticize his methods.

We certainly can't throw our hands up and say that the game is rigged and that God has selected a few for predestination. "Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?" If it is entirely in his hands, what does our agency matter?

We don't have enough information to know why God does what he does. "Say but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?" We are God's creations. We are not in a position to question why he makes some one way and some another. We cannot question why some of us are born into the Church while others live in a land where the name Jesus Christ isn't known. It's not for us to figure out the apparent unfairness of this world.

All we can do is submit to his will and have faith that all of our experiences will lead to our good.

9:30-32

We certainly shouldn't take this to mean that we are better than others. The Israelites did this to a fault. They used their chosen station to build their pride. They felt superior to the Gentiles. "What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith." The Gentiles were not born into the covenant of righteousness. Instead, they were righteous through faith.

The house of Israel didn't understand the importance of faith and essential need for God's grace. "But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness." They attempted to gain salvation through obedience to the law. They understood that the law is what held the righteousness that they needed to gain God's favor. They saw themselves as already chosen. "Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone." Their reliance on their works led to their confusion. They lost sight of the Lord to the point that they didn't recognize their Messiah. Earning salvation through their works was the furthest thing from the gospel of Jesus Christ.

10:2-4

"For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." This describes many in the world.

I think, when we think about religious zealots, we're generally thinking about other people. We picture religious terrorists or folks that pray five times a day to the wrong God. We think of people who refuse most types of foods because of their religion. We imagine people who where funny clothing and hair styles every day. We remember that there are Christians who have foromal We think that they are misinformed and have a "zeal of God, but not according to knowledge."

While this may be true, it isn't productive for our salvation. This type of analyzing others without looking inward doesn't help us progress. I have a zeal for God. I am writing this very early in the morning sitting here in the dark. That's pretty zealous! ;) But, is my form of righteous my own form that I've established? Have I built up a definition of righteousness that isn't God's will? Probably. How do I identify the areas of my righteousness that aren't consistent with God's righteousness?

I think this is one reason why the scriptures are so important to study. In the past four years of seriously studying Come Follow Me, my understanding of God's character and his plan for me has changed dramatically. That means, I was misinformed for 48 years! It wasn't that the Church had taught something incorrectly, it's just that I didn't hear it well. It's been a strenuous exercise of learning.

I think verse four is the key. If Christ is the beginning and end of our faith, actions, thinking - we will not be heading in the wrong direction. As soon as the focus of our study and our thinking and our living becomes something other than Jesus Christ, we're not establishing our own righteousness that is NOT according to knowledge. Generally, I believe this happens when the focus becomes ourselves. We end up worshipping in a way that is comfortable for us. We pick and choose what to accept from the buffet of Christ's gospel. That's not true worship. That's not submitting ourselves to the righteousness of God.

Verse nine supports this. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Again, our focus must be on Jesus. His words and actions are his gospel. The interesting thing about Jesus's life is that he didn't spend most of his time talking about gospel doctrine. He simply taught and showed us how to love each other. Look back at what he said and did and you'll find this to be true. He was always thinking of others in every case. This is a good start for us to move forward. God's righteousness is centered on loving God and loving others. That's it.

10:10

Being a disciple is a two stage process. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Believing is about faith. Our heart is softened by belief. That belief can grow into faith. These are the inner workings of conversion. The heart is where the seeds of righteousness are planted. One cannot become righteous without the heart believing.

The next stage is about confessing with our mouths. This represents putting our righteous heart to work. It's not about works but it is about how a converted heart manifests itself in action. This is about professing our belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, our true Savior, the Messiah. This is about accepting him as the only source of our salvation and giving him all glory. This is about subjecting ourselves to him and following him in word and deed. Our faith should be visible to those we meet. This isn't about earning salvation. The verse reads that the confession is "made unto salvation." Our confession is not the cause of it - only Christ is the source of salvation.

A sincere and authentic confession of Jesus Christ helps others know where and from whom to expect salvation. We must all let our "lower lights so shine" so that we can help guide others to the safe harbor of Jesus Christ's salvation.

11:6

Regarding our exaltation, grace is the only way that we are saved. Imagine a rocket ship that will take you to the moon. See yourself as an astronaut training to go up in the rocket. You have to prepare to make the journey. But...no astronaut believes that, no matter the intense training, they are getting themselves to the moon. They are completely dependent on the rocket! The rocket is the vehicle. All that is required of the astronaut is to trust the rocket and get in.

The astronaut's training may make the journey more rewarding, it is never the astronaut's training that powers that rocket. It is the same with grace and works. Grace is the rocket. Our works are our training and our decision to get in the rocket. If we say that it's the astronaut's training that lifts him into the air, that's completely ignoring the reality of what the rocket is doing.

I believe this is what Paul is describing. "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." I could rewrite this in my analogy. "And if it's the rocket that raises you, than it can't be about your effort as the astronoaut. Otherwise, the rocket isn't really a rocket. If it is truly the astronauts work that raises him up, then the rocket isn't really a rocket. Our muscles as an astronaut aren't really a factor."

Anyway, grace and works is a hard one sometimes to wrap our brains around it but this analogy helps me at least.

11:11

This is an interesting verse. "I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy." Paul is saying that the Israelites have NOT stumbled past saving. However, their fall has encouraged Paul to go to the more receptive Gentiles. Whick is a good thing.

Seeing the Gentiles accept the gospel can make the Israelites realize that there is something to Christianity. They may begin to desire these blessings for themselves. This may soften their hearts to accept the gospel.

The alternative may have been for Paul to continually attempt to convert the nation of Israel. This may have simply motivated the Jews to dig in their heels behind their position. It may have further cemented their opposition to the gospel. Instead, Paul is traveling the known world and preaching to the Gentiles. Their "jealousy" may soften their hearts more than direct preaching.

11:18

We can't ever feel pride for our righteousness. We certainly shouldn't feel pride compared to others people or other religions. "Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee." When we start to feel pride, we take our focus off of Christ and onto ourselves. Christ is the root of our salvation. We are simply appendages to him. He is the source of goodness - not us. We are mere reflections of the goodness that is in him. Humility is so important in our development.

As in all things, Christ is the perfect example of this. He continually pointed people to his Father rather than take credit himself. It wasn't just his humility at work here. It is also that he was truly attempting to continue developing. When the rich, young ruler approached Christ with "Good Master..." Christ corrected him by saying, "There is none good but God." This gives us insight into how Christ still saw a difference between his Father and himself. Christ was perfectly obedient. But, his abilities developed over the course of his life. Maintaining his humility is what empowered his constant improvement.

12:1-2

What is the big challenge of life? For me, the big challenge is giving up our will. "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." What does it mean to offer our bodies as a sacrifice? Of course, this is meant spiritually. Presenting ourselves as a "living sacrifice" is about giving up our will. It is about giving up all of our personal desires and worries and regrets and turning ourselves over as disciples of Christ. Our past worries and future ambitions are replaced by the will of God. Our lives are swallowed up and we give in to simply following the promptings of the Spirit every day. We live comepletely in the present. We sacrifice our selfish desires and become tools in God's hands.

This is the opposite of what the world tells us to do. The world wants us to be self-centered. The world wants us to look out for ourselves. The world wants us to do whatever it takes to get ahead. God doesn't want us to conform. "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."

If we can overcome the strong temptations of this world, we can evolve. We can reborn. Our minds can break free from the programming that the world has attempted to inject. Instead of following the tired and worn out philosophies of men, we can be something greater. If we do this, we will be an example to others about what the will of God can do to a man. We can prove to the world that following the way of the Lord is the true path to finding joy in this life.

12:3-5

Pride is the easiest trap we can fall into in this world, the premortal world and the spirit world. It is the trap that caught Lucifer! It is the trap that caused 1/3 of God's children to second-guess Heavenly Father's plan. It is the sin that compelled Cain to murder. It is the sin that is at the heart of most other sins.

The challenge is when we are very talented at something. Lucifer, no doubt, was a very talented angel in heaven. He was certainly one of the leaders. His talent led to his downfall. He saw his greatness as self-given rather than God given. We must realize that everything that we are and have are gifts from God.

"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." The gifts that we have are just that...gifts. If we are good at something, we should praise God - not breathe it in and think of ourselves as great - or even worse, greater than others.

We all have different gifts and we all need each other. You might have a gift for leading that I don't have. My gift may be service - which, in a lot of ways, is a superior gift. We just need to understand that we have different gifts - not better or worse - just different. "or as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."

12:21

Paul gives us some great counsel about how to overcome evil. The key to overcoming evil is NOT to simply avoid evil. "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." The key to overcoming evil is to smother evil with good.

I've heard something similar when people are attempting to overcome an addiction. It's not enough to simply stop the addiction - we must replace it with something else. Preferably, something good. I watched a video of a guy who was addicted to pornography that replaced it with family history!

We can't root out the evil in our lives without a compensatory increase in righteousness. I think Jesus taught a parable about this. “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none; but when a man speaketh against the Holy Ghost, then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth him empty, swept and garnished; for the good spirit leaveth him unto himself. Then goeth the evil spirit, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there; and the last end of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation” Spencer W. Kimball said, “Many who have discontinued bad habits have found that substitution is part of the answer, and have conquered a bad habit by replacing it with a good or harmless one.”

Good is what cleanses evil. It is not simply the absence of evil that permanently resolves itself. If you add light to any dark room, the darkness goes away. You cannot chase away darkness without light. Our bodies are full of light or darkness. There isn't simply "nothing."

13:10

"Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." The law of loving God and our neighbor fulfills all of the Ten Commandments. If we love others, we will not covet their belongings or steal or lie to them.

Our focus and life's mission should not be to not disobey the commandments. They are the guardrails on our life's journey. They don't represent progress. The road itself is the only thing that leads to our destination. If we are focused on the guardrails and not on our ability to love, we'll bang back and forth between rails without much progress.

Focusing on love is a development strategy. We can spend our entire lives getting perfect at this. Getting better at loving the same what that Christ loves is what it means to be a disciple. Following his example is a perfect how to manual. Following the commandments is simply a how NOT to manual.

13:11

There are a few mentions about awaking from sleep in the scriptures. Father Lehi gives this counsel to his sons. "O that ye would awake; awake from a deep sleep, yea, even from the sleep of hell, and shake off the awful chains by which ye are bound, which are the chains which bind the children of men, that they are carried away captive down to the eternal gulf of misery and woe." Jesus asks his three beloved disciples "Sleepest thou?"

It is possible for us to go through a majority of our life asleep or sleep walking. Our subconscious handles most of our tasks. A typical day for many people looks like this:

• Get ready in the morning.

• Eat breakfast.

• Drive some where.

• Do a job.

• Eat lunch.

• Drive home.

• Eat dinner.

• Watch some TV.

• Scroll social media.

Most of this we can do without even thinking about it. Many of us aren't living intentionally. We may not be working towards a long term goal. We may not be regularly assessing our progress and making adjustments. We aren't regularly considering our relationship with Jesus Christ and how we can get closer to him. We aren't actively looking for opportunities to gather Israel by sharing the gospel or strengthening fellow members. It's possible that I can live the same year over and over again. Instead of 52 years of gained knowledge and experience, I'm just replaying the same year 52 times.

Paul points our this issue. "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." What did Paul mean that salvation was "nearer." Did he think that the second coming was soon? Or did he correctly see that each one of us is ~75 years away from the next life. That time goes by quickly.

If we see things correctly, we're never far from the coming of Jesus. He can come to us every single day. He is near. He isn't in a far off place. Salvation isn't at the judgment! It is right now! The moment of all creation is this very second. None of us have to wait for anything to earn our eternal reward. The judgment bar is always right in front of us. Who judges what we will do in all future moments? Ultimately it is us! We are the only ones who decide whether to have faith, repent and come unto Jesus!

If we stop thinking about salvation as some exterior force or future event, we will wake up sooner than otherwise. It's a perspective change that is empowering if we view our agency as powerful as it is. Our ability to become like Heavenly Father is being formed in this very second. Salvation is truly very near.

13:14

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." We can be enveloped by Jesus Christ. He can comfort, guide and strengthen us this very day. We just need to connect ourselves at his hip each morning and attempt to keep him near throughout the day. I am working on this. I can have the most spiritual, productive morning and then as soon as I meet my first frustrating person, I immediately disconnect from Christ. It often happens on the road.

But, if I can connect with him, "put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ," my Christlike nature will be a little more enduring.

If I carve out areas of my life that don't involve Jesus Christ, then I'm never going to fully cover myself in the protective clothing of discipleship. I can't make any "provision for the flesh." I can't make an attempt to bring Christ into my life in the morning and then watch bad, but very good and popular, TV shows at night. The goal is to give my whole soul to Jesus Christ. I'm far from being able to do that but I'll keep you posted. I can say that I'm trying every day. It's currently 9:30 in the morning and I'm having a spectacular start. The real test will be when I start interacting with other humans...

14:1

"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations." This is a very interesting verse. The first point is important. We should fellowship those who are struggling in the gospel. There are people who are struggling, who need support, all around us. Everyone knows someone who needs to be "received." A synonym for receive is to accept. We should accept others unconditionally and look for opportunities where we can strengthen them. I can say that it's one of the most fulfilling things that we can do in this mortal life.

There is a second point to this verse. We are to receive the weak in faith but NOT to DOUBTFUL DISPUTATIONS. What does this mean? I think it's about having continual debates or arguments about points of doctrine or policies of the church. Many of us have friends or family members that simply want to debate - for the sake of debating. Nothing good happens from this. It usually leads to frustration at best and planting the seeds of doubt in you at worst.

If the one that is weak is sincerely attempting to understand a principle that they have questions about with a true desire to come unto Christ, that may be an opportunity to strengthen. But, if they just want to rehash the same point over and over and aren't interested in what you have to say, that's unproductive. We have experienced this personally. It's frustrating and doesn't strengthen the relationship.

There are many in this world who have weakness. There are many who are struggling with their faith. Many of them are not ready to repent. Many aren't wanting to change. Perhaps the reason they want to bring it up is maybe, if they can convince you, they will feel better about their own decisions. Maybe they are looking for reinforcement from you. Whatever their reasons, if they aren't really interested in what you have to say, don't engage. Perhaps you can offer support with patient listening. But to go round and round the same conversation isn't helpful.

Many who are weak in the faith sincerely do want your counsel and support. They are ready to repent and turn to Christ - they just need fellowship. We should primarily focus our limited time on those who are ready to listen. An hour spent in a recurring debate can be better spent supporting someone who genuinely wants to progress.

I think this is what Paul is saying.

14:3

I'm struggling with something. I study a lot and listen to spiritually uplifting books. We go to the temple each week. I pray everyday. All in an effort to be more Christlike. But, as soon as I run into someone who bugs me, I become agitated and impatient. It's as simple as someone walking too slow in front of me on a sidewalk or standing/blocking the entrance of a building. You know I have an issue with left-lane drivers. Again, as I've said before, I am amazingly Christlike until I run into actual people!

A lot of it comes down to people who are different than I am... This verse talks about this a little. "Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him." "Despise" isn't too strong a word. I find myself despising idiots who don't drive like I do. I despise people who seem oblivious to their surroundings because I am certainly empathetic to those around me.

I need to burn a filter into my eyes that allows me to see that all of these people are divine creatures. God loves each one of them as much as he loves me. I have faith that, as I continue to get close to Jesus, I will be able to see others more clearly. It is a process. I do see some improvement as I lean into this weakness. Hopefully, this is going to become one of the "weaknesses become strengths" events for me.

Paul really hits this point home in later verses. "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean." So, it's not a problem for someone to be an idiot. The problem is the person who thinks someone is an idiot.

15:1

"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." I do love the feeling I get when I serve or strengthen someone. It is a temptation to let those moments lead to pride. If my interest in serving others is primarily self-centered, they may be being blessed but it's retarding my growth.

As I've said, one of the main purposes of this life is to learn to be selfless. If we are serving others for how it helps us, we aren't progressing in our selflessness. If anything, we are heading in the wrong direction.

15:4

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." I love the scriptures. It seems like, most days, something I have been studying comes up in my life. I am able to paraphrase scriptures in ways that seem to strengthen others. The scriptures are full of so much wisdom. None of us have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to figuring out how to be successful at life.

All of life's lessons can be found in the scriptures. The scriptures can give us perspective. We are able to see the long view. We understand the purpose of life and our future, eternal lives. This perspective and understanding gives us direction. It also helps us endure whatever trials and tribulations we might have. If we are in the middle of a disaster, we can have hope for the future. Regardless of the intensity of the struggle.

16:17-18

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." This scripture is going to be more and more relevant. There are people in this church who will become deceived and leave. They will look for opportunities to divide us. They will look for supposed gaps in the doctrine and embellish them in an effort to convert others to their cause.

Why do they do this? To satisfy their appetites. Appetite for what? Perhaps they just want power and influence. They yearn for supporters and reinforcers of their beliefs. They seek confirmation that they are right because they can't bear to think that they are wrong and they have now disconnected with the Lord's true church. Many simply want revenge for the "wrongs" that have been forced on them by the church. Their appetite is nursing a bruised ego. They don't believe and, if others agree with them, they are less likely wrong. Our egos will do anything rather than face that we are wrong.

Unfortunately, many of these deceived souls are also articulate, influential speakers. They can string words together that make sense and feel good to the hearer. They comfort those who are struggling to live the gospel by suggesting that they don't need to live according to the gospel. It feels so appealing to learn that it is good to do whatever is right for you. How could that be uncomfortable? Learning that your will is supreme feels good. It excuses all bad behavior. It allows you to focus on yourself and what feels good for you.

Those who aren't wise can easily be deceived by a shallow argument from a selfish apostate. Those who aren't rooted in the gospel will see their trees of faith wither and die from exposure to stupidity. There is no storm, no high wind that is toppling their tree. It is simply that they haven't done the work to sink roots deep into the earth. If your watering is a sprinkle every Sunday, how can we expect our trees to withstand even a little heat.

16:19

"I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil." To recognize good is wisdom. We must study and have life experience to build up discernment and be able to recognize truth when we see it. Many things look good on the surface but take some wisdom to clearly see the reality of it as it relates to the plan of salvation. For example, the phrase "love is love" sounds good. But, it requires wisdom to understand that it is not true that all love is good. A love that a pedophile has for children is not good love.

It is also wisdom in determining between good, better and best. Many things are good but, again, it takes wisdom to discern what is best out of a few good options.

The "simple" in this verse is about being blameless or innocent. Another translation suggests pure, untainted. We shouldn't mix good with evil in our souls. Our desires should be a homogenous mixture of goodness - not a blend of good and evil. We can't afford to be mostly good. Mostly good won't strengthen us sufficiently to handle this world and it certainly won't prepare us for an eternity of progress.

I have loved Paul's letter to the Romans. He is very wise and his words can be applied directly to the world where we now live. It is challenging to write a commentary about his words because there is so much wise doctrine. Other books of scripture contain a lot of narrative and these letters do not - so the doctrine is more dense. I am grateful for it but I expect that these next books of scripture will take a lot of words to say what I feel when I read them. If you've read this far, good job mom and dad.