Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
Paul taught that “the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Knowing we are children of God gives us encouragement and hope today and helps us to see the potential of who we can become. Paul and modern apostles have also taught that God has saved us to be here at this time in the history of the world. This week’s reading reminds us that we are children of God and invited to “let God prevail” in our lives.
“The Joseph Smith Translation alters our view of Romans 7 dramatically, as it draws a distinction between Paul's old life under the Mosaic law and his new life under the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was carnal while under the yoke of the law, but now he is spiritual under the yoke of the gospel now he is able to overcome and find good through the merits of Christ. Romans 7 in the King James Version does not really represent the Paul we read about in the rest of his writings; it does not reflect the great and valiant changes made in his life after his conversion. Romans 7 in the Joseph Smith Translation gives a more proper impression of the apostle's character. Although both views teach a powerful lesson, the Joseph Smith Translation more accurately portrays the mind and soul of Paul at the time he wrote to the Roman Saints.” (D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, New Testament Apostles Testify of Christ Salt Lake City; Deseret Book, 1998, 176 178)
Elaine S. Dalton: “I have always loved the story of the son of King Louis XVI of France because he had an unshakable knowledge of his identity. As a young man, he was kidnapped by evil men who had dethroned his father, the king. These men knew that if they could destroy him morally, he would not be heir to the throne. For six months they subjected him to every vile thing life had to offer, and yet he never yielded under pressure. This puzzled his captors, and after doing everything they could think of, they asked him why he had such great moral strength. His reply was simple. He said, “I cannot do what you ask, for I was born to be a king.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2010/05/general-young-women-meeting/remember-who-you-are)
Elaine S. Dalton: “You are young women of great faith. You brought your faith with you when you came to the earth. Alma teaches us that in the premortal realms you exhibited “exceeding faith and good works.” You fought with your faith and testimony to defend the plan that was presented by God. You knew the plan was good, and you knew that the Savior would do what He said He would do—because you knew Him! You stood with Him, and you were eager for your opportunity to come to earth. You knew what was going to be required of you. You knew it would be difficult, and yet you were confident not only that you could accomplish your divine mission but that you could make a difference. You are “choice spirits who were reserved to come forth in the fulness of times to take part in laying the foundations of the great latter-day work, including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2010/05/general-young-women-meeting/remember-who-you-are)
Sister Wendy W. Nelson: “So, let me ask you a question: What were you born to do?
How I wish you could watch a 10-minute video of your premortal life on YouTube.
“…But, just for a moment, imagine the effect on your life right now if you were permitted to watch 10 minutes of your premortal life.
“I believe if you could see yourself living with your Heavenly Parents and with Jesus Christ; if you could observe what you did premortally and see yourself making commitments—even covenants—with others, including your mentors and teachers; if you could see yourself courageously responding to attacks on truth and valiantly standing up for Jesus Christ, I believe that every one of you would have the increased power, increased commitment, and eternal perspective to help you overcome any and all of your confusion, doubts, struggles, and problems. All of them! (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/broadcasts/worldwide-devotional-for-young-adults/2018/06/hope-of-israel)
President Russell M. Nelson (2018): “Our Heavenly Father has reserved many of His most noble spirits—perhaps, I might say, His finest team—for this final phase. Those noble spirits—those finest players, those heroes—are you! …
“My beloved younger brothers and sisters, you are among the best the Lord has ever sent to this world. You have the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any previous generation!” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/broadcasts/worldwide-devotional-for-young-adults/2018/06/hope-of-israel)
The Prophet Joseph Smith asked what our glory should be. Answering his own query he said, “the same power, the same glory and the same exaltation, until you arrive at the station of God, and ascend the throne of eternal power.” (Joseph Smith TPJS p. 347)
Joseph Fielding Smith: "The Lord knowing their integrity set them apart to His work with the assurance that they would not faint." (Answers to Gospel Questions 4:151)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “Men are born into mortality with the talents and abilities acquired by obedience to law in their first estate. Above all talents—greater than any other capacities, chief among all endowments—stands the talent for spirituality. Those so endowed find it easy to believe the truth in this life. In large measure they are sent to earth in the households of faith where the gospel is known and taught and where they will have a better chance to gain salvation.
"In large measure, since the day of Abraham, they have been born in Israel where the Lord's will is known. Even now the scattered and lost sheep of that favored house find it easier to accept the gospel than is the case with the residue of men. True it is that "all mankind"—Jew and Gentile alike—"may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." (A of F 3.) But the word of truth is sent to some before it goes to others because they earned the right to such preferential treatment in preexistence." (The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man, p.234)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "The greatest and most important talent or capacity that any of the spirit children of the Father could gain is the talent of spirituality. Most of those who gained this talent were chosen, before they were born, to come to earth as members of the house of Israel. They were foreordained to receive the blessings that the Lord promised to Abraham and to his seed in all their generations. This foreordination is an election, Paul tells us, and truly it is so, for those so chosen, selected, or elected become, in this life, the favored people. (The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary, 1:23)
President Spencer W. Kimball: “In the world before we came here, faithful women were given certain assignments while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks. While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to. You are accountable for those things which long ago were expected of you just as are those we sustain as prophets and apostles!” (“The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 102)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “During the long expanse of life which then was, an infinite variety of talents and abilities came into being. As the ages rolled, no two spirits remained alike. Mozart became a musician; Einstein centered his interest in mathematics; Michelangelo turned his attention to painting, Cain was a liar, a schemer, a rebel who maintained a close affinity to Lucifer. Abraham and Moses and all of the prophets sought and obtained the talent for spirituality. Mary and eve were two of the greatest of all the spirit daughters of the Father. The whole house of Israel, known and segregated out from their fellows, was inclined toward spiritual things.” (Mortal Messiah Vol 1 p 23)
President Ezra Taft Benson: “For nearly six thousand years, God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the second coming of the Lord. Some individuals will fall away; but the kingdom of God will remain intact to welcome the return of its head – even Jesus Christ. While our generation will be comparable in wickedness to the days of Noah, when the Lord cleansed the earth by flood, there is a major difference this time. It is that god has saved for the final inning some of His strongest children, who will help bear off the kingdom triumphantly. That is where you come in, for you are the generation that must be prepared to meet your God.” (In His Steps, 14 Stake Fireside, BYU, March 4, 1979, or CES Devotional Anaheim CA 8 Feb 1987)
President Russell M. Nelson: “For the more than 36 years I’ve been an Apostle, the doctrine of the gathering of Israel has captured my attention. Everything about it has intrigued me, including the ministries and names of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; their lives and their wives; the covenant God made with them and extended through their lineage; the dispersion of the twelve tribes; and the numerous prophecies about the gathering in our day.
“So imagine my delight when I was led recently to a new insight. With the help of two Hebrew scholars, I learned that one of the Hebraic meanings of the word Israel is “let God prevail.” Thus the very name of Israel refers to a person who is willing to let God prevail in his or her life. That concept stirs my soul!
“The word willing is crucial to this interpretation of Israel. We all have our agency. We can choose to be of Israel, or not. We can choose to let God prevail in our lives, or not. We can choose to let God be the most powerful influence in our lives, or not.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/46nelson)
Book of Romans Grab bag lesson idea. Share verses and ask students to underline a phrase for each verse and be prepared to share the one that will help them (or family/friends) the most today.
Teaching Thoughts:
“The Joseph Smith Translation alters our view of Romans 7 dramatically, as it draws a distinction between Paul's old life under the Mosaic law and his new life under the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was carnal while under the yoke of the law, but now he is spiritual under the yoke of the gospel now he is able to overcome and find good through the merits of Christ. Romans 7 in the King James Version does not really represent the Paul we read about in the rest of his writings; it does not reflect the great and valiant changes made in his life after his conversion. Romans 7 in the Joseph Smith Translation gives a more proper impression of the apostle's character. Although both views teach a powerful lesson, the Joseph Smith Translation more accurately portrays the mind and soul of Paul at the time he wrote to the Roman Saints.” (D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, New Testament Apostles Testify of Christ Salt Lake City; Deseret Book, 1998, 176 178)
Elaine S. Dalton: “I have always loved the story of the son of King Louis XVI of France because he had an unshakable knowledge of his identity. As a young man, he was kidnapped by evil men who had dethroned his father, the king. These men knew that if they could destroy him morally, he would not be heir to the throne. For six months they subjected him to every vile thing life had to offer, and yet he never yielded under pressure. This puzzled his captors, and after doing everything they could think of, they asked him why he had such great moral strength. His reply was simple. He said, “I cannot do what you ask, for I was born to be a king.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2010/05/general-young-women-meeting/remember-who-you-are)
Elaine S. Dalton: “You are young women of great faith. You brought your faith with you when you came to the earth. Alma teaches us that in the premortal realms you exhibited “exceeding faith and good works.” You fought with your faith and testimony to defend the plan that was presented by God. You knew the plan was good, and you knew that the Savior would do what He said He would do—because you knew Him! You stood with Him, and you were eager for your opportunity to come to earth. You knew what was going to be required of you. You knew it would be difficult, and yet you were confident not only that you could accomplish your divine mission but that you could make a difference. You are “choice spirits who were reserved to come forth in the fulness of times to take part in laying the foundations of the great latter-day work, including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2010/05/general-young-women-meeting/remember-who-you-are)
Sister Wendy W. Nelson: “So, let me ask you a question: What were you born to do?
How I wish you could watch a 10-minute video of your premortal life on YouTube.
“…But, just for a moment, imagine the effect on your life right now if you were permitted to watch 10 minutes of your premortal life.
“I believe if you could see yourself living with your Heavenly Parents and with Jesus Christ; if you could observe what you did premortally and see yourself making commitments—even covenants—with others, including your mentors and teachers; if you could see yourself courageously responding to attacks on truth and valiantly standing up for Jesus Christ, I believe that every one of you would have the increased power, increased commitment, and eternal perspective to help you overcome any and all of your confusion, doubts, struggles, and problems. All of them! (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/broadcasts/worldwide-devotional-for-young-adults/2018/06/hope-of-israel)
President Russell M. Nelson (2018): “Our Heavenly Father has reserved many of His most noble spirits—perhaps, I might say, His finest team—for this final phase. Those noble spirits—those finest players, those heroes—are you! …
“My beloved younger brothers and sisters, you are among the best the Lord has ever sent to this world. You have the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any previous generation!” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/broadcasts/worldwide-devotional-for-young-adults/2018/06/hope-of-israel)
The Prophet Joseph Smith asked what our glory should be. Answering his own query he said, “the same power, the same glory and the same exaltation, until you arrive at the station of God, and ascend the throne of eternal power.” (Joseph Smith TPJS p. 347)
Joseph Fielding Smith: "The Lord knowing their integrity set them apart to His work with the assurance that they would not faint." (Answers to Gospel Questions 4:151)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “Men are born into mortality with the talents and abilities acquired by obedience to law in their first estate. Above all talents—greater than any other capacities, chief among all endowments—stands the talent for spirituality. Those so endowed find it easy to believe the truth in this life. In large measure they are sent to earth in the households of faith where the gospel is known and taught and where they will have a better chance to gain salvation.
"In large measure, since the day of Abraham, they have been born in Israel where the Lord's will is known. Even now the scattered and lost sheep of that favored house find it easier to accept the gospel than is the case with the residue of men. True it is that "all mankind"—Jew and Gentile alike—"may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." (A of F 3.) But the word of truth is sent to some before it goes to others because they earned the right to such preferential treatment in preexistence." (The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man, p.234)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "The greatest and most important talent or capacity that any of the spirit children of the Father could gain is the talent of spirituality. Most of those who gained this talent were chosen, before they were born, to come to earth as members of the house of Israel. They were foreordained to receive the blessings that the Lord promised to Abraham and to his seed in all their generations. This foreordination is an election, Paul tells us, and truly it is so, for those so chosen, selected, or elected become, in this life, the favored people. (The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary, 1:23)
President Spencer W. Kimball: “In the world before we came here, faithful women were given certain assignments while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks. While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to. You are accountable for those things which long ago were expected of you just as are those we sustain as prophets and apostles!” (“The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 102)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “During the long expanse of life which then was, an infinite variety of talents and abilities came into being. As the ages rolled, no two spirits remained alike. Mozart became a musician; Einstein centered his interest in mathematics; Michelangelo turned his attention to painting, Cain was a liar, a schemer, a rebel who maintained a close affinity to Lucifer. Abraham and Moses and all of the prophets sought and obtained the talent for spirituality. Mary and eve were two of the greatest of all the spirit daughters of the Father. The whole house of Israel, known and segregated out from their fellows, was inclined toward spiritual things.” (Mortal Messiah Vol 1 p 23)
President Ezra Taft Benson: “For nearly six thousand years, God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the second coming of the Lord. Some individuals will fall away; but the kingdom of God will remain intact to welcome the return of its head – even Jesus Christ. While our generation will be comparable in wickedness to the days of Noah, when the Lord cleansed the earth by flood, there is a major difference this time. It is that god has saved for the final inning some of His strongest children, who will help bear off the kingdom triumphantly. That is where you come in, for you are the generation that must be prepared to meet your God.” (In His Steps, 14 Stake Fireside, BYU, March 4, 1979, or CES Devotional Anaheim CA 8 Feb 1987)
President Russell M. Nelson: “For the more than 36 years I’ve been an Apostle, the doctrine of the gathering of Israel has captured my attention. Everything about it has intrigued me, including the ministries and names of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; their lives and their wives; the covenant God made with them and extended through their lineage; the dispersion of the twelve tribes; and the numerous prophecies about the gathering in our day.
“So imagine my delight when I was led recently to a new insight. With the help of two Hebrew scholars, I learned that one of the Hebraic meanings of the word Israel is “let God prevail.” Thus the very name of Israel refers to a person who is willing to let God prevail in his or her life. That concept stirs my soul!
“The word willing is crucial to this interpretation of Israel. We all have our agency. We can choose to be of Israel, or not. We can choose to let God prevail in our lives, or not. We can choose to let God be the most powerful influence in our lives, or not.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/46nelson)
Book of Romans Grab bag lesson idea. Share verses and ask students to underline a phrase for each verse and be prepared to share the one that will help them (or family/friends) the most today.
- 12:1-3 “Your reasonable sacrifice.” (3 Nephi 9:20; D&C 59:8)
- 12:17-21 “Overcome evil with good.”
- 13:8-10 “Love worketh no ill.”
- 13:12 “Let us put on the armour of light.”
- 14:1, 15:1 The “strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak.”
- 14:8 “We live unto the Lord.”
- 14:13 “Let… man put a stumblingblock … in his brother’s way.”
- 14:17 “The kingdom of God is … righteousness, and peace, and joy.”
- 14:19 “Edify another.”
- 15:4 “We through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
Teaching Thoughts:
- Grab bag – what did you mark? How can it help you today?
- What were you born to become?
- God has saved you to be here at this time in the history of the world.
- Choose to be Israel. “Let God Prevail!”