Purpose
To remind class members that they are children of God and to encourage them to live worthy of their divine inheritance.
Preparation
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Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:
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Romans 2–5. Paul teaches that all people are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, which is demonstrated by righteous works.
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Romans 6; 8. Paul teaches that the children of God can be reborn and become joint-heirs with Christ.
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Romans 12–13; 15:1–7. Paul counsels the Romans to live as becomes Saints.
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Additional reading: Bible Dictionary, “Grace,” 697; “Pauline Epistles: Romans,” 745.
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You may want to invite a soloist or small group to sing or play “I Am a Child of God” (Hymns, no. 301, or Children’s Songbook, 2–3) or “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75). If this is not feasible, you may want to prepare to sing one or both of these songs with class members.
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Suggestion for teaching: In his epistle to the Romans, Paul reminded teachers of the importance of living the principles they teach (Romans 2:21–22). Your example can teach class members more than your words. Show class members that your testimony of gospel principles comes from living those principles each day (John 7:17). (See Teaching, No Greater Call [36123], pages 18–19.)
Suggested Lesson Development
Additional Teaching Ideas
The following material supplements the suggested lesson outline. You may want to use one or both of these ideas as part of the lesson.
1. “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (Romans 1:16)
Have a class member read Romans 1:16.
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How can we show that we are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ? (See 1 Peter 3:15 for one suggestion. List class members’ answers on the chalkboard, and encourage each class member to do at least one of these things during the coming week.)
2. Youth activity
Give each class member a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Have class members write on their papers the following question from Romans 8:31:
“If God be for us, who can be against us?” (You may want to use the wording from the Joseph Smith Translation, which gives the last part of the sentence as “who can prevail against us?”)
Discuss how this statement can strengthen class members in their daily lives. Encourage class members to place the card where they can see it often.