Nutrition Part 1: Eating Nutritious Foods.
(Lesson Outline for 8/16/15)

Objective: Understand and apply principles and practices of good nutrition and how this relates to self-reliance.

PRINCIPLE 1: Nutritious foods, exercise, and rest are important to our bodies.

             DISCUSSION A: What Does Wellness Mean to You? Freedom from disease. Feeling good. Improving health. Keeping in shape. Being stress free. Being your best. Not getting enough nutrients can affect:

• How you look:

- Dry, flaky skin.

- Brittle hair.

- Split nails.

• How you feel:

-Tired.

- Run down.

- Headaches.

• How you think:

- Trouble concentrating

                  DISCUSSION B: The Lord gave the Word of Wisdom to help us to become and stay healthy. What kinds of foods did He outline to guide us in this – list on the board?

D&C 89:10-17  10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—   11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.   12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;   13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.   14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;   15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.   16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground.  17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.  (It may be helpful to remember that there were no good ways to preserve meat in those days, other than salt curing or drying)

             DISCUSSION C: What are the six food groups?  The Healthy Eating Pyramid shows the food groups. Name samples of each.(grains, vegetables, fruits, limited milk products, meat and beans, and oils.) See Handout 1 “Healthy Eating Pyramid” or see  http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/pyramid-full-story/  

             DISCUSSION D: These foods contain six kinds of nutrients. What do nutrients do for our bodies?

 (Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water.) See Handout 2 “The Six Main Nutrients.” Nutrients help our bodies grow and repair themselves. A person should regularly eat or drink enough of all of these nutrients to grow and remain healthy.

             DISCUSSION E: How can more nutritious foods be incorporated into the diet? Try replacing your favorite snack food with a fresh fruit or vegetable just once a day, and within six weeks it will become easier for you to choose these healthful foods. Fruits and vegetables add flavor to any dish, whether it’s served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

              DISCUSSION F: What role does water play in our health? Balanced nutrition includes drinking plenty of clean water. Although water does not give us energy it is the most important nutrient. We may be able to live on without the others for weeks, but we cannot go on without water for more than a few days. Water has many functions in our body. It helps break down food. It also cools the body down when it becomes too hot. The body carries away waste products in a watery solution. Our body needs about 8-10 cups of water a day. We get it from the water and liquids we drink but also from fruits, vegetables and other food. Without enough water, this can lead to kidney stones, constipation, muscle cramps, fatigue, lethargy, headaches, inability to focus, dizziness and lack of strength.

PRINCIPLE 2: Adherence to the Word of Wisdom gives us promised blessings.

                 DISCUSSION A: How is a nutritious diet good for our bodies?  

 D&C 89:18-21: 18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; 19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; 20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.   21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them.

             “The condition of the physical body can affect the spirit. Food can affect the mind, and deficiencies of certain elements in the body can promote mental depression. … Rest and physical exercise are essential, and a walk in the fresh air can refresh the spirit. Wholesome recreation is part of our religion, and a change of pace is necessary, and even its anticipation can lift the spirit” (Ezra Taft Benson, “Do Not Despair,”Ensign, Nov. 1974, 66).

             DISCUSSION B: How can fad diets be harmful to our health?

“Learn to use moderation and common sense in matters of health and nutrition, and particularly in medication. Avoid being extreme or fanatical or becoming a faddist. For example, the Word of Wisdom counsels us to eat meat sparingly (see D&C 89:12). Lest someone become extreme, we are told in another revelation that “whoso forbiddeth to [eat meat] is not ordained of God” (D&C 49:18). The Word of Wisdom: The Principle and the Promises Boyd K. Packer

PRINCIPLE 3: Understanding and applying principles and practices of good nutrition promote good health and self-reliance.

             Discussion A: How does good health relate to self-reliance?  Answers may include:  Good health puts our body more under our control.  Ill health causes our body to be “subject to” disease, or to be weak and cause us to not be able to perform needed tasks. Better physical health can lead to better emotional and mental health and even spiritual health. 

             Discussion B: What can you change in your life to have a healthier body and mind?  There are some physical conditions which come to us through our inherited DNA.  Other conditions may be the result of accidents.  Other than these situations, many things can be changed to encourage better health by making different choices and decisions, developing new habits and routines, being diligent regarding eating nutritious foods in proper quantities, and in exercising to the extent of our capacity.

Handout 1

Handout 2

The Six Main Nutrients

An essential nutrient is a nutrient that the body cannot synthesize on its own -- or not to an adequate amount -- and must be provided by the diet. These nutrients are necessary for the body to function properly. The six essential nutrients include carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and water.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the main energy source for the brain. Without carbohydrates, the body could not function properly. Sources include fruits, breads and grains, starchy vegetables and sugars. Make at least half of the grains you consume whole grains. Whole grains and fruit are full of fiber, which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and helps maintain normal blood glucose levels.

Protein

Protein is the major structural component of cells and is responsible for the building and repair of body tissues. Ten to 35 percent of your daily calories should come from lean protein sources such as low-fat meat, dairy, beans or eggs.

Fat

Fat is an energy source that when consumed, increases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins including vitamins A, D, E and K. Twenty to 35 percent of your daily intake should come from fat. Choose healthy options such as omega-3-rich foods like fish, walnuts and vegetable-based oils. Omega-3s help with development and growth. Limit intake of saturated fats such as high-fat meats and full-fat dairy. Other smart choices include nuts, seeds and avocado.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals boost the immune system, support normal growth and development, and help cells and organs do their jobs. Eating a variety of foods is the best way to get all the vitamins and minerals you need each day.

Water

Water helps to maintain homeostasis ( to maintain stability) in the body and transports nutrients to cells. Water also assists in removing waste products from the body. All beverages and high-moisture foods such as soup and watermelon contain water and count towards your daily water requirement. Adults should consume 25 to 35 milliliters of fluids per kilogram body weight or 2 to 3 liters per day.

The Word of Wisdom and Self-reliance

(Self-reliance Lesson Outline for 8/9/15)

Objective: Understand how observance of the Word of Wisdom builds self-reliance.

PRINCIPLE 1: The Word of Wisdom was given as a code of health and has promises and blessings.

A. DISCUSSION: What is the Word of Wisdom and who does it benefit?

The Word of Wisdom, found in Doctrine and Covenants 89, is the Lord’s code of health and was revealed to Joseph Smith in 1833. It teaches that we should eat nutritious foods and avoid harmful substances. Apostles and prophets have since taught that we should shun all substances or practices that harm our bodies or minds and that could lead to addiction.   D&C 89:1-4  1 A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion— 2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days— 3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints. 4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation— .”

B. DISCUSSION:  In what ways is the Word of Wisdom adapted for the “weakest of all saints?” Obedience to the Word of Wisdom is a matter of making a decision to live it and putting plans in place to live it day by day.

C. DISCUSSION: What were the “evil designs that did and do exist?” In those days, the 1800’s, there were no regulations regarding the production of food. Toxic substances often found their way into the food supply. Even with FDA regulations today, we sometimes find unhealthy food products in our food supply. 

D. DISCUSSION: When did the Word of Wisdom stop being a “suggestion” and start being a commandment? In 1851 President Brigham Young gave to this Church the Word of Wisdom as a final and definite commandment. From the time it was given to the Prophet Joseph until 1851 it was considered as a matter of preference or suggestion to the people, a word of advice and counsel. From 1851 until this day it is a commandment to all the members of the Church of Jesus Christ. (Brigham Young University, stake conference) (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball. p. 201) TLDP:739

PRINCIPLE 2: Alcohol, tea, coffee, and tobacco are harmful to our bodies –facts that were not understood in 1833.

 DISCUSSION: What effects do these substances have on our bodies? What other things can be harmful for us?

D&C 89:5-9  “5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.   6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.   7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.   8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.   9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.”  In those days, the general water supply was often not sanitary.  The safest liquid for consumption was often fresh wine of the grape that had only a very small percent of alcohol.  Since those days alcohol content has risen considerably.  As a sign of our obedience and for our protection, we are taught by prophets and apostles to shun any substance or practice that harms us or leads to addiction.

PRINCIPLE 3: Good sanitation practices, hygiene, getting adequate medical and dental care are important health practices.

             DISCUSSION: What are some ways to practice good sanitation and hygiene? Why is it important to see a doctor and/ or dentist when a health issue arises?

PRINCIPLE 4: Adequate rest and not overstressing the body promotes a healthy body and mind.

A.DISCUSSION: What are the self-reliance promises in the following scripture?  Doctrine and Covenants 88:124 Cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.  (This is another scriptural instruction that tells us how to preserve our self-reliance.)

B.DISCUSSION: How does the following scripture apply to our bodies our minds and our emotions?  Also how does it apply to our temporal self-reliance?  D&C 10:4 Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength. This is another scriptural instruction that tells us how to preserve our self-reliance.

PRINCIPLE 5: Obedience to gospel law, including the Word of Wisdom, brings temporal and spiritual blessings, which promotes self-reliance.        

             A. DISCUSSION: What if I have an addiction to something, it’s so hard to overcome.      1 Ne. 3:7 I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

B. DISCUSSION: Why is obedience such an important principle in everyday living?  Isa. 1:19–20 “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:  But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.   I Samuel:15:22  And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice….”  (This scripture suggests that our obedience to God causes us to have the necessities of life and thus, builds our self-reliance.)

C. DISCUSSION: Discussion: Our bodies are so important that the Lord calls them temples of God.  How does taking care of our temple bodies bring spiritual blessings?  Compare how we reverence the temple to how we should reverence the body.  1 Corinthians 3:16–17 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

D. DISCUSSION: How does obeying the Word of Wisdom build self-reliance? We will be able to “rely” more upon our body because it will be healthier. “The Word of Wisdom does not promise you perfect health, but it teaches how to keep the body you were born with in the best condition and your mind alert to delicate spiritual promptings.“ (The Word of Wisdom: The Principle and the Promises, Boyd K. Packer)

The Stewardship We Have

 for Our Spirit and Body

 Lesson Outline for 8/2/15

Objective: Understand the Importance of maintaining a healthy stewardship over our body and spirit and how this relates to self-reliance.

PRINCIPLE 1:  God created us and made us stewards over our bodies and spirits.

             A. DISCUSSION: What does it mean to be stewards? The dictionary defines steward as a “person employed to manage another's property. What are some things for which we are stewards?  Answers might include our families, our jobs, our homes and property.  Two priorities for which we have a stewardship are our spirits and our bodies.  Doctrine & Covenants; 136:27 Thou shalt be diligent in preserving what thou hast, that thou mayest be a wise steward; for it is the free gift of the Lord thy God, and thou art his steward.     D&C 51:19 19 And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life

      

             B. DISCUSSION: How does knowing that we are God’s offspring prepares us to be stewards over our bodies?

Moses 3:7 And I, the Lord God, formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul, the first flesh upon the earth, the first man also; nevertheless, all things were before created; but spiritually were they created and made according to my word.  D&C 104:13   13 For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for my creatures.

             C. DISCUSSION: Play the video, “God’s Greatest Creation,” by Elder Russell M. Nelson.  Discuss your “take-a-ways from this video.

PRINCIPLE 2. Our bodies are temples.

             A. DISCUSSION: Temples are holy edifices of God and no unclean thing can enter in. In what ways can we treat our bodies like temples?  1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

For the Strength of Youth it says: “Your body is God’s sacred creation. Respect it as a gift from God, and do not defile it in any way. Through your dress and appearance, you can show the Lord that you know how precious your body is. … The way you dress is a reflection of what you are on the inside” ([2001], 14–15).

            B.  DISCUSSION: Does our spirit affect our body?   - How?   Does our body affect our spirit?  - How?  1 Cor. 15:44: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. Read Doctrine and Covenants 138:16-18 to get a sense of what our spirit feels without its body.  What does this suggest to us regarding the relationship between body and spirit?

PRINCIPLE 3:  Practicing good health rules strengthens us physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.

             DISCUSSION:  What health rules or practices should we follow to maintain good healthy bodies and spirits? 

 D&C 88:124 “Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.”  What else might we add to this list?  “Then let us seek to extend the present life to the uttermost, by observing every law of health, and by properly balancing labor, study, rest, and recreation, and thus prepare for a better life. Let us teach these principles to our children” (Discourses of Brigham Young)

PRINCIPLE 4: Maintaining a healthy stewardship over our bodies and spirits will help us be more self-reliant.

             DISCUSSION: Being in good health gives us opportunities to progress, gain blessings. In what ways can this help us become self-reliant?   Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

How Service Builds Self-reliance (7/26/15)

 - Outline for 7/26/15 

Objective: Learn how service builds self-reliance.

PRINCIPLE 1: We are to follow Christ’s example in serving one another.

           DISCUSSION: Have someone read the following scripture.   (John 13:12-17)  "So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.”If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" What is the message of this scripture regarding service? Answers might include Any power or authority that comes to us by way of priesthood or church callings is for the purpose of serving others. Why would the Savior put such emphasis on us learning to serve others? Answers may include: Because at whatever stage of life we are in, now and throughout the eternities we will be serving others. Therefore now is the time and place to make service an integral part of our lives.  Have someone read the following statement from President Spencer W. Kimball, “Service to others deepens and sweetens this life while we are preparing to live in a better world. It is by serving that we learn to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we also put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves. In the midst of serving, there is the promise of Jesus that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves!” How does President Kimball’s statement relate to building our own self-reliance?

PRINCIPLE 2: THE LORD WILL OFTEN USE US AS HIS AGENTS IN MINISTERING TO OTHERS NEEDS.

A. DISCUSSION: How does the following story relate to self-reliance?

Matthew 25:34-40 “34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”  In what ways do we increase in spiritual strength when we minister another’s needs?

             B. DISCUSSION: Have someone explain how the following concept works in our daily lives. God often meets others’ needs through our small acts of service.  We need to help those we seek to serve to know for themselves that God not only loves them, but he is ever mindful of them and of their needs. …  God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom.

           C. DISCUSSION: Read Luke 10:30-37 about the Good Samaritan or show the “Bible Video” regarding the Good Samaritan and discuss how this story relates to self-less service and how such service builds self-reliance

PRINCIPLE 3:  There are many ways to serve others.

            DISCUSSION: Have class members list all the ways to serve others (list on board). Answers should include: (1) Visiting them when ill. (2) Helping them with household chores when needed. (3) Praying for them. (4) Providing supportive counsel when requested. (5) Staying in touch with them by phone, mail, Email, or visits. (6) Run errands for them.  (7) Help babysit their children when needed. (8) Provide transportation for them. (9) Help them mend or repair items when needed. (10) Take in meals when there is an illness.  How does rendering such services build our own self-reliance? Answers may include: (a) Maintaining a regular pattern of service increases our own spiritual reservoirs, (b) Focusing on others’ needs helps us to not be overwhelmed with our own needs. 

PRINCIPLE 4: The training ground for building self-reliance through Godly service is in our own families?

             DISCUSSION: What is our responsibility to teach our children about service?

Mosiah 4:15 King Benjamin said, "Ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.” Name some ways in which we teach these things to our children today.  Relate the following story: My mother often took me along when she went visiting teaching. When we lived in Illinois, she visited Sister Gonzalez. I will never forget listening to them trying to communicate. Mother spoke no Spanish. Sister Gonzalez spoke no English. Nobody understood anybody; but they loved each other, and the Spirit was there. My mother told me over and over again that when we served Sister Gonzalez, we were really serving Heavenly Father. As I watched my mother love and serve others, both inside and outside the family, I developed that same love myself. 

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