Ephesians 3

As I read this chapter, I found several  somewhat hidden doctrines and truths that I believe are important, being -

"...the unsearchable riches of Christ;
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ..."  (New Testament | Ephesians 3:8 - 9)

This would suggest two important doctrines.  The first being that up until Paul, there were truths that had been hid even from the beginning.  It would also suggest that there may be many truths yet to be revealed from the days of Paul for -

"We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God."  (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:9)

The second is that Christ created all things under the direction from the Father.  Which would also acknowledge that Christ is the Jehovah of the Old Testament.  Paul also teaches -

"That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge..."  (New Testament | Ephesians 3:16 - 19)

I believe where Paul suggests the hope that we may be able to comprehend the "breadth, and length, and depth, and height" means to me the magnitude of the plan of salvation and what our Father in Heaven has planned for us.  Paul wrote the Corinthians

"...Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."  (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 2:9)

The final truth is that we can feel the Love of Christ even though we have limited knowledge.

 

Ephesians 2

Paul teaches that at some time when many of us were as natural men, that upon repentance -

"God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast."  (New Testament | Ephesians 2:4 - 9)

With the following verses, it is apparent that Paul is writing to both the gentiles and the Jews.  Many of the Jews still focused on the law of Moses.  As that law was more and more defined, it was hard for many to overcome the teaching that by obedience to the Mosaic law, they would be saved.  The New Testament and the Book of Mormon is very clear that we are saved by grace.  There is no way anyone can save himself by works alone. But as Helaman told his sons -

"...the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins."  (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:10)

Again, faith is a word of action.  Meaning that true faith reflects repentance and obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  But even so, there is no other name or means that man may be saved but through Jesus Christ and His atonement.  This becomes more clear as Paul adds -

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."  (New Testament | Ephesians 2:10)

As Paul speaks to both Jew and Gentile, he teaches unity in the Church, and how Christ's Church operates for -

"...ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."  (New Testament | Ephesians 2:19 - 22)

The Church or "household of God" is to administered by apostles and prophets and as the saints have unity in fulfilling their individual callings in all holiness, it becomes a habitation for the Spirit of God.

 

Ephesians 1

There was so much in Ephesians 1, that I re-read it again this morning.

In that we lived in "heavenly places" before the foundation of the world, striving for holiness, Joseph Fielding Smith wrote of this pre-mortal life  -

“There must be leaders, presiding officers, and those who are worthy and able to take command. During the ages in which we dwelt in the premortal state we not only developed our various characteristics and showed our worthiness and ability, or the lack of it, but we were also where such progress could be observed. It is reasonable to believe that there was a Church organization there. The heavenly beings were living in a perfectly arranged society. Every person knew his place. Priesthood, without any question, had been conferred and the leaders were chosen to officiate. Ordinances pertaining to that pre-existence were required and the love of God prevailed. Under such conditions it was natural for our Father to discern and choose those who were most worthy and evaluate the talents of each individual. He knew not only what each of us could do, but also what each of us would do when put to the test and when responsibility was given us. Then, when the time came for our habitation on mortal earth, all things were prepared and the servants of the Lord chosen and ordained to their respective missions.” (Smith, The Way to Perfection, pp. 50– 51.)

I think verses 3 - 9 could also be in reference to that which took place before in heavenly places.

It is then that Paul refers to an earthly time period in the last days when all things would be restored and would never be taken away or apostacized from -

"That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will..."  (New Testament | Ephesians 1:10 - 11)

Then speaking of the Savior -

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise..." (New Testament | Ephesians 1:13)

The "holy Spirit of promise" is the Holy Ghost who knows all and knows if and individual has satisfied the conditions related to ordinances and covenants.  Preach My Gospe, a Guide to Missionary Service, explains -

The Holy Ghost is also referred to as the Holy Spirit of Promise (see D&C 88:3). To be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise means that the Holy Ghost confirms that righteous acts, ordinances, and covenants are acceptable to God. The Holy Spirit of Promise testifies to the Father that the saving ordinances have been performed properly and that the covenants associated with them have been kept. Those who are sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise receive all that the Father has (see D&C 76:51–60; Ephesians 1:13–14). All covenants and performances must be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise if they are to be valid after this life (see D&C 132:7, 18–19, 26). Breaking covenants may remove the sealing.

A great deal of doctrine is taught int he first chapter of Ephesians.

Ephesians 1

In my mind, the epistle to the Ephesians was one to members that had been taught a great deal of pure doctrine and the mysteries of God and must have remained faithful in obedience and understanding, because Paul begins his epistle with -

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."  (New Testament | Ephesians 1:3 - 6)

It is obviously clear to me that Paul is referring to our pre-mortal existence.  In my mind, it is clear that we lived as literal spiritual children of our Heavenly Father before this life in "heavenly places".  It was there we learned and exercised repented and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His atonement long before the infinite atonement was satisfied.  Much like in this life many received the blessings of the atonement even before the Savior was born.  Elder Jeffrey R Holland -

“We could remember that even in the Grand Council of Heaven He loved us and was wonderfully strong, that we triumphed even there by the power of Christ and our faith in the blood of the Lamb.” (Jeffrey R. Holland, October General Conference, 1995)

LDS Institute Manual also teaches concerning this pre-mortal existence -

"We were given laws and agency, and commandments to have faith and repent from the wrongs that we could do there....Man could and did in many instances, sin before he was born.” (The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, p . 336)

We were there "foreordained" through our faith in Jesus Christ, there and now, that through His atonement we would become "adoptive" sons and daughters of Christ from perspective that through Him we have "eternal life".

 

Galatians 5

As I read of those that believe that all you have to do in confess Jesus as your Savior to be saved, Paul teaches the Galatians -

"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."  (New Testament | Galatians 5:17)

Then explaining -

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like..."  (New Testament | Galatians 5:19 - 21)

Including -

"Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."  (New Testament | Galatians 5:26)

And then adds the specific result -

"...of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."  (New Testament | Galatians 5:21)

Obviously, to be saved one must repent, have a change of heart (reborn), keep His commandments, and receive the Holy Ghost for in contrast to the above lifestyles -

"...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."  (New Testament | Galatians 5:22 - 25)

For -

if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

(New Testament | Galatians 6:1 - 5)

"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."  (New Testament | Galatians 6:8 - 9)

These requirements do not sound like all we have to do is confess Jesus.  We must endure faithfully to the end.
 

Galatians 4

I believe Paul's teachings to the Galatians strongly teach the relationship of man with God and the potentials of man for Paul states -

"...That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."  (New Testament | Galatians 4:1 - 5)

Which suggest to me that while in this life we are as children (or Paul even suggested much like servants) learning and preparing to qualify as adopted sons of the Savior and heirs of the Father.  For Paul even uses the reasoning and language -

"...because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."  (New Testament | Galatians 4:6 - 7)

I quote from the writings of David J. Ridges -

"The term “Abba” is an intimate , familial name for our Father in Heaven. See Bible Dictionary under “Abba.” It can be translated as “Daddy” and is the same term the Savior used during His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane when He asked that, if possible, He might not drink the bitter cup. See Mark 14: 36. An explanation of the term “Abba” is given in the Institute of Religion New Testament student manual, The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, p. 311, as follows : “Paul suggested that through the atonement of Christ we can be adopted as sons of God, and then the Spirit shall help us cry ‘Abba, Father.’ Abba is Aramaic (a cognate of Hebrew) and carries more than just the connotation of father. It is the intimate and personal diminutive of the word father used by children in the family circle. The closest equivalent we have is papa or daddy, although neither can really convey fully the impact of the word. The point is that God is not only Father (the formal title and name), but he is also Abba, the parent of love and guidance that knows us intimately and whom we can approach without fear.”"  (Ridges, David J. (2010-10-01). The New Testament Made Easier, Part 2)

Galatians 3

Through out much of Paul's writings, he refers to the "law" or "works" related to the law.  It becomes evident that the law and works of the law that he is referring to is the Mosaic law and should not be confused with the laws and commandments given by the Savior.  Paul makes that perfectly clear as he refers to Abraham of which all the Jews make claim to being his posterity for Abraham lived long before Moses and the Mosaic law.  Abraham himself had been introduced to the laws, commandments, ordinances and covenants of Jesus Christ for -

"Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham."  (New Testament | Galatians 3:6 - 9)

Paul is explaining that eternal life comes by faith in Jesus Christ and following His teachings, ordinances, and covenants, not the law of Moses for -

"...to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect."  (New Testament | Galatians 3:16 - 17)

Thus -

"...the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."  (New Testament | Galatians 3:24 - 27)

It becomes perfectly clear that the "law" is in reference to the law of Moses which would lead to faith and to the higher laws and ordianances of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1

After his miraculous vison and conversion, Paul recounts what he did afterwards writing -

"...immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not."  (New Testament | Galatians 1:16 - 20)

It was during this period he tells us -

"...I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ."  (New Testament | Galatians 1:11 - 12)

I believe that during this period, Paul spent a great deal in prayer and studying the words of the prophets (revelation).  If find it interesting that by study and prayer, a great understanding of the gospel was learned from the Old Testament having its mysteries revealed to him.

I too find that as I study the scriptures in faith, greater understanding and knowledge to my convincing are continually received.

 

2 Corinthians 12

Though Paul acknowledges a special vision or spiritual experience he had where he humbly confessed -

"I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 12:2 - 4)

Which verifies that there are three degrees of glory...celestial glory being that of the "third heaven".  Even with this confession, Paul comes back to his present mortal life writing -

"Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 12:5 - 8)

Paul acknowledges that he himself has certain weaknesses that to him are "a thorn in the flesh".  Which in my mind, suggests that we all have varying weaknesses or thorns in our flesh.  Nephi, one of the most righteous prophets we know confessed -

"Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.
18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.
19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 4:17 - 19)

Sounds much like Paul.  Paul then explains that the Savior -

"...said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 12:9 - 10)

Obviously, our "thorns" are given to cause us to be humble, that we may be made strong.  Moroni wrote much the same thing, writing of the Savior -

"...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."  (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:27)

As we ponder our personal thorns, these words give us better understanding.  I was also touched by Paul's admonition -

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you..."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 13:5)

2 Corinthians 11

As Paul considers the world's view of a view, in that vein, he takes great joy in being a fool for his testimony of Jesus Christ.  Being such a fool he recounts -

"...(I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches." (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 11:23 - 28)

In reponse to all his sufferings, Paul concludes -

"If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 11:30 - 31)

Using Paul's analogy of the world's opinion, I to am a fool in Christ.  I hope  thought that I am never asked to suffer as did Paul.

2 Corinthians 9

When it comes to caring for the poor and the needy, Paul wrote -

"He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work..."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 9:6 - 8)

It reminds of -

"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—

21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 130:20 - 21)

Blessings are predicated upon laws.  In the case of caring for the poor and the needy, it is not predicated on the amount but as Paul teaches "as he purposeth in his heart".  Remember the story of the widow's mite.  Related to that is -

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 10:12)

"For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 10:18)

I am reminded that in the end it will be as the Lord commendeth with that we possess -

"For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 137:9)

 

2 Corinthians 7

Paul wrote to the Corinthians concerning false gods and the world -

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 6:17 - 18)

And then he followed that promise -

"HAVING therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 7:1)

In my mind, suggesting that striving for holiness is a condition for His eternal blessings.  Striving for holiness requires true repentance.  Concerning his previous epistle, Paul teaches -

"I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 7:8 - 9)

Paul introduces true repentance in that it requires being sorry in a "godly manner".  He explains -

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 7:10)

Godly sorrow or true repentance is that which leads to salvation.  Sorrow of the world is when we are sorry for getting caught.  It does not lead to repentance or striving for holiness.

2 Corinthians 6

Where much of the world sometimes believe that after we die and cast off this mortal body, we go to heaven as spirits and live happily ever after.  The belief that we will live as spirits is in a sense going backwards, not forward.  Forward would be receiving a incorruptible physical body not losing one.  Paul wrote -

"FOR we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 5:1 - 4)

Obviously, after our death we will long to look forward to be clothed with an "eternal house" or resurrected body.   That day will come for all Paul had already presented the different types of resurrected bodies.  Paul even suggested that even in a present corruptible body in which we are burdened, we would still prefer to being a spirit only.

As I read the 6th Chapter of 2nd Corinthians, many of the words and teachings were that of Joseph Smith while in the Liberty Jail (Section 121), where Paul taught that in their ministry -

"But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left..."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 6:4 - 7)

The Prophet Joseph Smith wrote -

"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:41 - 42)

And then like Amulek's teachings (Alma 34:32), Paul taught of the Savior -

"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)"  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 6:2)

In other words, the Savior is prepared to run to our rescue today.

2 Corinthians 4

I was touched by two thoughts I had this morning as Paul again wrote the Corinthians -

"THEREFORE seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 4:1 - 2)

As saints and ministers of His gospel, we to should denounce dishonesty, dishonest and deceitful craftiness, and doing all things deceitfully in our own lives.  In fact in our temple recommend interviews, we are asked if we are honest with our fellowmen.  In my mind, politics and other businesses should not be exempted.

Second thought came as we serve our fellowman.  Paul wrote -

"For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 4:15 - 16)

In my mind, "our outward man perish" suggest wear and tear and exhaustion.  But what find to be true, that even in exhaustion, "the inward man is renewed day by day".  As I may tire from visiting members concerning their needs and tribulations, in all cases, I return being uplifted and strengthened.

2 Corinthians 3

As we are taught today that every member is a missionary, Paul wrote to the Corinthians -

"Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 3:2 - 3)

Which suggests to me that we are examples of Christ-like living in everything we do.  Which also suggests that the world is watching.  It reminds me of the words of Alma to his son, Corianton -

"...for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words."  (Book of Mormon | Alma 39:11)

In our conduct, we are not only to live the letter of the law, but also the Spirit of the law -

"Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 3:6)

I'm sure Paul is referencing the "letter" as the law of Moses, which in itself cannot bring eternal life.  Thus the wording "the letter killeth".  Paul explains -

"But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 3:15 - 18)

2 Corinthians 1

I may have blogged on this previously, but this morning as Paul counseled the saints in Corinth to comfort one another as God had comforted them,  I read -

"For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."  (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 1:20 - 22)

Paul talks of promises of God, being anointed and sealed, and given the earnest of the Spirit.

As I have studied the scriptures, as we receive ordinances and make covenants, those covenants include promises of God dependent upon our obedience and keeping those sacred covenants.

In my mind, "anoint" is to elect, designate, or choose on for a divine result.  Sealing that anointing verifies that it has been done under proper authority.  Anointing some to be kings in the Old Testament was to designate one for an official office.

And the word "earnest" would suggest a considerable or sufficient amount that may even establish a right such as in the term "earnest money".

All of these suggest that great promises, rights, and blessings have been established for those that receive ordinances, make and keep sacred covenants.

1 Corinthians 15

As Paul seems to be challenging some saints in Corinthians who may not believe in the resurrection, he teaches some important doctrine writing -

"...if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain."  (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:14)

In other words, the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the core essential doctrine of our faith  -

"For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."  (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:21 - 22)

Paul quoting Isaiah followed with -

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"  (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:55)

The true doctrine is the day will come when all will be resurrected.  The Corinthians asked an interesting question -

"...How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?"  (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:35)

Paul answered the truth of the matter -

"...God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body."  (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:38)

Then explaining -

"There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory."  (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:40 - 41)

Obviously, one of the differences between these different types of resurrected bodies is glory.  But we learn much more as Paul writes -

"...There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body."  (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:44)

A natural body being one that is dependent of flesh and blood to live.  A spiritual body (not spirit body) that relies on the spirit to live forever.  Elder Howard W. Hunter explained -

“There is a separation of the spirit and the body at the time of death. The resurrection will again unite the spirit with the body, and the body becomes a spiritual body, one of flesh and bones but quickened [made alive] by the spirit instead of blood. Thus, our bodies after the resurrection, quickened by the spirit, shall become immortal and never die. This is the meaning of the statements of Paul that ‘there is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body’ and ‘that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.’ The natural body is flesh and blood, but quickened by the spirit instead of blood, it can and will enter the kingdom.” (General Conference, April 1969)

Knowing this -

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."  (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:58)

1 Corinthians 15

Though Paul's purpose was to explain and testify concerning the resurrection, I noted his feelings as he commented -

"And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."  (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:8 - 10)

In my mind,  Paul is suggesting that he recognized, in being an apostle, was one that once persecuted the Church.  And because of that did not feel the same worthiness or greatness of those apostles the Savior called himself.  But what Paul did say that I felt is important that even though he may have felt somewhat less than, he acknowledge how he was greatly blessed by the grace of God to fulfill his office even acknowledging that he had a greater obligation because of that grace to maybe work harder and sacrifice more than previous apostles.

I sometimes feel because of my past, my weaknesses, imperfections, and inadequacies, that I have a greater obligation to work and sacrifice more than maybe others in my calling.