How Scripture Study Builds Self-reliance. 

 - Outline for 7/19/15 

Objective: Learn how scripture study builds self-reliance.

PRINCIPLE 1: The scriptures are given to us for our profit and learning.

             DISCUSSION: What are the merits of both reading AND pondering the scriptures?

2 Nephi 4:15-16 “For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.  16 Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.”  Ask a few class members to provide an example of the difference between reading and pondering.  How does pondering the scriptures add to our spiritual self-reliance?

             DISCUSSION: Have each class member name something that the scriptures teach us that increases our self-reliance.  Answers might include:

(1) They teach us who we really are: Psalms 8:3-6 “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, (Hebrew= “less than Gods”) and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.” How does knowing who we are increase our spiritual strength and self-reliance? 

(2) They teach us that while we may be given overwhelming challenges, the Lord will make a way for us to deal with them. 1 Corinthians 10:13 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” How do we apply this doctrine when facing challenges and how does this increase our self-reliance?

(3) They teach us that we have power within us to “take charge” of our lives. D&C 58:27-28 27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; 28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.” How does this increase our self-reliance? 

(4) They teach us that we have each been given one or more gifts of the Spirit and are made inheritors of a divine nature. D&C 46:11-26 11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.  12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby. 13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful. 15 And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men. 16 And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal. 17 And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom. 18 To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge. 19 And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed; 20 And to others it is given to have faith to heal. 21 And again, to some is given the working of miracles; 22 And to others it is given to prophesy; 23 And to others the discerning of spirits. 24 And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;25 And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.  26 And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God.”  How do these gifts strengthen our self-reliance?

2 Peter 1:3-8 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. How do these attributes and gifts strengthen our self-reliance?

PRINCIPLE 2: Daily scripture study provides armor for our soul.

             DISCUSSION: Have different class members read each of the following verses.  After each verse ask another class member how that particular verse can build spiritual self-reliance.

Ephesians 6:10-17 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole amour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  Why is daily scripture study so important for building spiritual self-reliance? 

PRINCIPLE 3: Studying the scriptures is compared to “feasting” upon the word of Christ.

DISCUSSION: Read the following scripture and have class members discuss its meaning in regards to self-reliance.  “And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.  20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” 2 Nephi 31:19-20

Play the following video or read the story (Matt.25:1-13) and ask, “How is this story related to how scripture study builds self-reliance? https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-01-002-the-ten-virgins?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&lang=eng