The following assignments include various learning activities, such as questions, lists, essays, charts, comparisons, contrasts, and surveys. To receive credit for this lesson, you must complete the number of assignments indicated below and submit them to your institute instructor or administrator. You may submit your work either electronically or on paper, handwritten or typed.
Each lesson should take approximately 60–90 minutes to complete, the same amount of time you would typically spend in a weekly institute class. Since reading the scripture block listed in the lesson heading is expected of all institute students prior to class, the estimated time for each assignment does not include the time you need to spend reading the scripture block.
Complete any three of the following assignments:
1. James 1. “Be Ye Doers of the Word and Not Hearers Only”
Read James 1 and respond in writing to the following items:
- What words or phrases encourage you to look for direction from God?
- How did James further define the phrase to “ask in faith”?
- How do Matthew 6:24; 1 Kings 18:21 add to your understanding of James 1:8?
- From James 1:13–15, 19–27, make an outline of how we can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Give a few modern examples of how you have recently seen individuals exemplify James 1:22.
Read the institute student manual commentary for James 1:5–6, “If Any of You Lack Wisdom” (p. 409). Make a list of reasons why Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–1985) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said these verses have “had a greater impact . . . upon mankind than any other” scripture.
2. James 2. “Faith without Works Is Dead”
Some people teach that faith is all that is needed in order to be saved and that good works are not necessary. James clarified the relationship between faith and works.
- Your friend, who is investigating the Church, has expressed a question in the following letter.
- Write a response using counsel from James 2. How could you use Matthew 7:21; 19:16–17; Ephesians 2:10; Revelation 20:12–13; 2 Nephi 25:23 to help support the truths you teach?
Dear LDS Friend,
Some of my friends are saying that Mormons are not Christian because you believe that you need to do righteous works along with having faith to be accepted by God. My other friends claim that with the grace of Christ, works are not necessary. They say that if I join the Mormons I would be denying Christ’s grace. How should I respond to them?
3. James 3–4. Living Our Religion
Referring to the following chart, read James 4:1–4 and identify four symptoms of people who are friends of the world. Read James
4:7–12 and write a prescription that would help people overcome the “world.” Write your responses in the appropriate column:
4. James 5:14–15. Administering to the Sick
- Whom should we call if we or our family are sick?
- What will they do for the sick?
4. 1 Peter 1–4. The Trial of Our Faith Is More Precious than Gold
Read 1 Peter 1:1–9; 2:12, 15, 20–25; 3:11–16; 4:12–19. Write two to three paragraphs using the principles of these verses to explain to someone who says, “Life isn’t fair. Why do I have to have so many trials? I’m tired of being ridiculed by those who do not keep the commandments.”
5. 1 Peter 1–5. A “Peculiar People”
Read 1 Peter 2:9–10, including footnote f. Also read the student manual commentary for 1 Peter 2:9, “What Is the Meaning of the Phrase ‘a Peculiar People’?” (pp. 416–17) and commentary for 1 Peter 2:9, “What Is a Royal Priesthood?” (p. 417). Write a brief definition of the following phrases:
- Chosen generation
- Royal priesthood
- Holy nation
- Peculiar people
The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared: “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). Read 1 Peter 3:1–12 and identify three principles that relate to the statement above.
6. 1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6. Christ Preached to the Spirits in Prison
Read and cross-reference 1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6 with Doctrine and Covenants 138:18–20, 27, 30–32, 57–59. Also read the student manual commentary for 1 Peter 4:6, “Is Salvation for the Dead Intended for All Who Did Not Accept the Gospel in Mortality?” (p. 418) and the Points to Ponder section titled “It Takes Love to Do Work for the Dead” (p. 419). Then answer the following questions in writing:
- Where was the Savior’s spirit while His body was in the tomb?
- What purposes were stated for why the gospel is preached in the world of spirits?
- How is participating in temple work for our kindred dead an act of love?
- How is the work of redeeming the dead a manifestation of the Lord’s love?
- Who will be given the opportunity to hear the gospel in the spirit world?
- What must those in the spirit world do to qualify for the celestial kingdom?
- What did the Savior do while in the spirit world that enabled the righteous dead to preach the gospel to those in spirit prison?