SUNDAY SCHOOL Come Follow Me Interactive Activities – AUGUST (week 3) New Testament “Overcome Evil with Good” Come, Follow Me (Romans 7-16)

As Latter-day Saints, we believe that phrases such as “heirs of God” and “joint-heirs with Christ” mean that with Jesus Christ’s help, we can become like Heavenly Father and receive all He has (Romans 8:17; see also Doctrine and Covenants 132:20–21). To help class members see how this doctrine is taught throughout the scriptures, you could invite them to form pairs or small groups and study some of the scriptures listed in “Additional Resources.” Then class members could share what they have learned and discuss why this doctrine is so important.

The analogy given by President Dallin H. Oaks in “Additional Resources” could help class members discuss how we can prepare to become “heirs of God” (Romans 8:17). What are some of the “laws and principles” President Oaks referred to? What difference does it make in our lives to know that we can become “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ”? (Romans 8:17).

Discussing Romans 8 together could provide an opportunity to help class members feel the Savior’s love. Consider displaying a picture of Jesus Christ (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families) while you read Romans 8:18, 28, 31–39 as a class. You could invite class members to share any thoughts or feelings they have after reading these verses. Some might be willing to share how they have gained testimonies of the truths they find in these verses.

To help class members see how all commandments are “briefly comprehended in” the commandment to “love thy neighbour” (Romans 13:9), invite them to make a list on the board of all the commandments they can think of. Read together Romans 13:8–10 and Matthew 22:36–40, and discuss as a class the relationship between loving God and our neighbor and obeying each of the commandments listed on the board. How does this truth change the way we think about commandments and obedience? For example, what does this truth suggest about the purpose of commandments?

To give some context to Romans 14, you might point out that some of the Roman Saints disputed with each other about cultural practices, like eating habits and holiday observances. What similar situations do we face today? Perhaps class members could scan Romans 14 and give a one-sentence summary of Paul’s counsel. What advice can we share with each other about how to avoid being judgmental? Perhaps class members can find ideas in President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s message “The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 70–77.