This week’s readings: Romans 1–6
Don’t forget to record your impressions and read the ideas outlined in the Come, Follow Me manuals on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Related Video
Saved by Grace
Scripture Insight
This scriptural insight comes from Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson
Grace may be defined as “goodwill,” “favor,” or “spiritual generosity” (see “Grace,” in Ludlow, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 2:560–63). Some go so far as to say that we are saved by the grace of God alone, that we can do nothing to promote our own salvation. William Temple summarized that Protestant tradition: “The only thing of my very own which I can contribute to my redemption is the sin from which I need to be redeemed.”
Study Ideas
These ideas and topics are compiled from Come, Follow Me and have been adapted for specific situations. Check out the manuals online for more ideas, or come up with your own as you study!
For couples:
As you study the first few chapters of Romans together this week, you might consider studying the concept of forgiveness, focusing on Romans 3 and 5 in particular. While we often talk about how Christ forgives us, it is also important for us to remember that we need to forgive others. As you learn about repentance, forgiveness, and about walking in “a newness of life,” perhaps you can discuss ways that you can better incorporate forgiveness into your family and marriage and pick one to focus on this week.
For singles:
Paul was a powerful teacher and had a strong testimony that he was not afraid or embarrassed to share with everyone he met. As you read Paul’s declarations, perhaps you can take time to reflect this week on times when you have or have not held on to your testimony in the face of ridicule. If you sometimes have trouble defending your beliefs or aren’t sure how to respond to those who might make fun of you, study Paul’s responses or check out some of these resources on the Church’s website.
For families with young children:
One of the phrases found in this week’s readings is “newness of life” (Romans 6:4). If you have young children at home, this might be a good phrase to focus on in your family study, using it as a way to discuss baptism and repentance and how we can become more like our Father in Heaven. Perhaps you can talk about what “newness” means and have your children think of one way they can become a new person and more Christlike this week. For example, they might choose to not whine when asked to do something or to be kind to a sibling.
For families with teens:
There are often terms in the scriptures that family members may know but do not fully understand. You may want to take time this week to discuss or define some of these concepts with your family. Perhaps you can ask each family member to come to your family’s study time with one word that they want to learn more about or that they don’t understand and spend your time learning about these terms together by reading about them in the Bible Dictionary, in talks, or other manuals and resources. You can find some example words and definitions in Come, Follow Me.
Stay in the loop on Come, Follow Me discussions and insights throughout the week by following the Brightly Beams Instagram account, or check out this week's related Come, Follow Me FHE lesson: Faith and Works.
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