Mission Prep Class: Lesson 3: Learning by the Spirit of God

In this presentation, I am teaching Lesson 3 of the Mission Preparation class from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to my teenage kids. The lesson topic is Learning by the Spirit of God. Before missionaries can teach by the Spirit, which is essential, they first must come to understand how to learn by the Spirit.

Please find the video and podcast version of this lesson here:
https://latterdaysaintmissionprep.com/preparing-for-a-mission/mission-prep-class-lesson-3-learning-by-the-spirit-of-god-video-and-podcast/

1. Welcome to Our Missionary Preparation Class Lesson 3: Learning by the Spirit

2. About the Class Instructor My name is Jimmy Smith Founder of Latter-day Saint Mission Prep website I live in Texas in the United States I served my mission to Argentina, 1995-1997

3. About this Mission Prep Class Following the Church’s Missionary Preparation Teacher Manual Teaching my two teenage children and record the lessons for others to enjoy This video, my website, and other content I create is NOT a publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

4. Before We Begin: Make Sure You Have a Way to Take Notes

5. Intro to D&C 11 While Joseph Smith was translating the Book of Mormon, his older brother Hyrum became deeply interested in the work and desired to share the message of the Restoration with others. Seeking the Lord’s will, Hyrum asked Joseph to ask for a revelation in his behalf.

6. The Importance of Gospel Study -D&C Section 11 13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy; 14 And then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive. 15 Behold, I command you that you need not suppose that you are called to preach until you are called. 16 Wait a little longer, until you shall have my word, my rock, my church, and my gospel, that you may know of a surety my doctrine. 17 And then, behold, according to your desires, yea, even according to your faith shall it be done unto you.

7. The Importance of Gospel Study - D&C Section 11 21 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. 22 But now hold your peace; study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men… 26 Therefore, treasure up in your heart until the time which is in my wisdom that you shall go forth. 27 Behold, I speak unto all who have good desires, and have thrust in their sickle to reap.

8. Discuss / Ponder: The Importance of Gospel Study Why did the Lord tell Hyrum to “wait a little longer” before sharing the gospel message with others? What did the Lord direct Hyrum to do as he prepared to share the gospel with others? What does it mean to treasure up the Lord’s word in your heart? How could the Lord’s counsel in these verses help someone today who is preparing to serve a mission?

9. Scripture Study Prepares You to Teach with the Spirit and Power “Your ability to teach with power from the scriptures comes in large measure from the time you personally spend studying them. As you daily feast upon the word, your ability to teach from the scriptures will improve.” (Preach My Gospel Manual) Image used by permission from the Gospel Media library on churchofjesuschrist.org

10. Scripture Study Prepares You to Teach with the Spirit and Power “In addition, your invitations to study and ponder the scriptures will be more powerful because you are doing the same thing in your life. Help people gain faith in Jesus Christ through studying the scriptures—particularly the Book of Mormon—and to gain a testimony that the scriptures are sources of revealed truth. When people come to believe the scriptures, you will be better able to help them understand the doctrine correctly.” (Preach My Gospel Manual) What ideas in this paragraph reinforce the importance of daily scripture study for those who want to become effective missionaries?

11. Use a study journal to understand, clarify, and remember what you learn Elder Richard G. Scott taught, “Knowledge carefully recorded is knowledge available in time of need. Spiritually sensitive information should be kept in a sacred place that communicates to the Lord how you treasure it. This practice enhances the likelihood of your receiving further light.” “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 86

12. Study Journals Take Many Forms Your study journal may be a physical journal or notebook, or an electronic document or digital notes Notes and journal tools on LDS.org / Gospel Library app Record your thoughts in a way that fits how you learn and can be easily accessed in the future Use study journal for Personal study Companion study Missionary meetings Interviews with the mission president

13. Story about first day in mission and taking notes

14. How Do I Study Effectively and Prepare to Teach? “Study is an act of faith requiring the use of personal agency. Many missionaries struggle to know how to study effectively. Some rely heavily on others or on structured programs to tell them what and how to study. While learning from a good teacher is very important, it is more important for you to have meaningful learning experiences on your own. Getting good results from your study depends on having a strong desire to learn, studying with “real intent” (Moroni 10:4), “hunger[ ing ] and thirst[ ing ] after righteousness” (Matthew 5:6), and searching for answers to the questions and concerns of those you are teaching.” (Preach My Gospel Manual)

15. Inviting the Holy Ghost to Teach while Studying the Gospel “For the gospel to be written in your heart, you need to know what it is and grow to understand it more fully. That means you will study it. When I say ‘study,’ I mean something more than reading. It is a good thing sometimes to read a book of scripture within a set period of time to get an overall sense of its message, but for conversion, you should care more about the amount of time you spend in the scriptures than about the amount you read in that time.” “When Thou Art Converted,” Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Ensign, May 2004

16. Inviting the Holy Ghost to Teach while Studying the Gospel “I see you sometimes reading a few verses, stopping to ponder them, carefully reading the verses again, and as you think about what they mean, praying for understanding, asking questions in your mind, waiting for spiritual impressions, and writing down the impressions and insights that come so you can remember and learn more. Studying in this way, you may not read a lot of chapters or verses in a half hour, but you will be giving place in your heart for the word of God, and He will be speaking to you” “When Thou Art Converted,” Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Ensign, May 2004

17. Discuss / Ponder: Learning by the Holy Ghost What blessings can come to us when the Holy Ghost guides our gospel learning? What actions did Elder Christofferson identify that can lead to greater understanding of the scriptures? How do these actions better permit the Holy Ghost to teach you? How has one or more of these actions helped you deepen your understanding of the gospel?

18. Scriptures about Learning by the Holy Spirit We’re going to read the following scriptures D&C 8:2–3 D&C 9:7–8 D&C 11:12–14 D&C 138:1–2, 11 Look for words or phrases that describe how the Holy Ghost communicates with us You may also write a few notes in your study journal about what you learn from these passages

19. How does the Holy Ghost Communicate with Us? D&C 8 2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. 3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground. Image used by permission from the Gospel Media library on churchofjesuschrist.org

20. How does the Holy Ghost Communicate with Us? D&C 9 7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. 8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. Image used by permission from the Gospel Media library on churchofjesuschrist.org

21. How does the Holy Ghost Communicate with Us? D&C 11 12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit. 13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy; 14 And then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive.

22. How does the Holy Ghost Communicate with Us? D&C 138 1 On the third of October, in the year nineteen hundred and eighteen, I sat in my room pondering over the scriptures; 2 And reflecting upon the great atoning sacrifice that was made by the Son of God, for the redemption of the world; 11 As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I saw the hosts of the dead, both small and great. Image used by permission from the Gospel Media library on churchofjesuschrist.org

23. Discuss/Ponder: How the Holy Spirit Communicates with Us What words or phrases did you find that describe how the Holy Ghost communicates with us? How has the Holy Ghost taught you in one of these ways and deepened your understanding of the gospel? What specific experiences have you had with the Holy Ghost? Write it in your journal. How could improving your scripture study skills and habits contribute to your success as missionaries?

24. Six Study Ideas and Suggestions from Preach My Gospel Manual Apply and Live What You Learn Search, Ponder, and Remember Use Study Resources See the Big Picture Explore the Details Mark or Annotate your Scriptures

25. 1. Apply and Live What You Learn “Liken” what you learn to yourself (see 1 Nephi 19:23). Set goals to live what you learn. Substitute your name in a verse of scripture to personalize it. Ask yourself, “How should I change as a result of what I have learned?” Ask yourself, “What is the author’s central message? How might this help a family or person we are teaching?” Image used by permission from the Gospel Media library on churchofjesuschrist.org

26. 2. Search, Ponder, and Remember Be physically and mentally alert as you study. Study at a desk or table where you can write and organize Pray and ask for understanding of the topics you study Visualize what you are studying E.g. imagine Ammon standing before the king Write in your study journal questions you have Use scriptures, prophets, and other resources to find answers Share what you learn with other missionaries You learn much by explaining doctrines to others Memorize important scripture passages

27. 3. Use Study Resources Use the study aids in the scriptures Topical Guide, Bible Dictionary, JST, index, footnotes, maps Review chapter headings in the scriptures Will give you ideas about what to look for in the chapter Use the Preach My Gospel manual, missionary lessons, and other approved Church resources Use your study journal to record what you learn Make notes, physical or digital, to record impressions Organize it to easily recall what you have learned

28. 4. See the Big Picture Get an overview by reading quickly or reviewing headings Seek to understand context and background Rewrite the main idea of a scripture in your own words Use Bible and Church history maps to learn geography Review historical information in the Bible Dictionary

29. 5. Explore the Details Look for key words and unfamiliar terms and try to understand them Use the footnotes, Gospel Library, the Guide to the Scriptures, or the Bible Dictionary for definitions Examine surrounding words for clues Look for connecting words ( therefore , again , thus , and wherefore) Then see how the preceding and following passages relate Use the Topical Guide or Guide to the Scriptures to see how the same word is used in other contexts

30. 6. Mark or Annotate your Scriptures Find a way mark scriptures that works for you Use pencils or colored markers that don’t bleed through the page Highlight, underline, or outline part of a verse, an entire verse, or a group of verses Use the margins to write notes Avoid excessive marking—it can cause confusion If everything is highlighted, then nothing is highlighted When a series of points in a verse or passage are related, number the points Use the footnotes as a resource for interpreting the scriptures

31. Discuss/Ponder: Gospel Study Ideas and Suggestions Which of these suggestions have you implemented in your study? How have these study skills or habits helped you to study the scriptures effectively and learn from the Spirit? How might these recommendations affect a missionary’s ability to effectively share the gospel?

32. When and What to Study is also Important for Missionaries How does the missionary daily schedule illustrate the importance of gospel study? How could having consistent daily scripture study now prepare you for this rigorous schedule as a missionary? 6:30 a.m.  Wake up, pray, exercise 7:30 a.m.  Breakfast 8:00 a.m.  Personal study: the Book of Mormon and other scriptures. 9:00 a.m . Companion study: study Preach My Gospel, prepare to teach, and confirm plans for the day. 10:00 a.m.  Begin proselyting: teaching appointments, finding people to teach, etc. 12:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. Continue proselyting 5:00 p.m. Dinner 6:00 p.m. Continue proselyting 9:30 p.m.  Return to the apartment. Plan the next day. Write in journal, pray. 10:30 p.m.  Go to bed. Sample Mission Schedule

33. Living What You Learn “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” -John 7:17 “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the [doctrine] of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” -Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Nov 1986

34. The Importance of Acting on What We Learn “You will want to apply what you learn. Strive to live in harmony with your understanding. Doing so will strengthen your faith, knowledge, and testimony. Acting on what you have learned will bring added and enduring understanding.” (Preach My Gospel manual) “As gospel learners, we should be ‘doers of the word, and not hearers only’ (James 1:22). Our hearts are opened to the influence of the Holy Ghost as we properly exercise agency and act in accordance with correct principles—and we thereby invite His teaching and testifying power.” Elder David A. Bednar, “Watching with All Perseverance,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 42

35. Treasure What You Learn and Your Desire to Share Will Increase The Lord said, “Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:85). “As you treasure up the words of the scriptures and latter-day prophets by study and faith, your desire to share the gospel will increase. You are promised that the Spirit will help you know what to say when you teach.” (Preach My Gospel Manual)

36. Discuss/Ponder: Acting On and Living What We Learn What difference is there between knowing about the scriptures and living them? What does it mean to be doers of the word and not hearers only? How does acting in “accordance with correct principles” deepen our understanding and our testimonies in a way that study alone cannot? As you have been preparing to serve a mission, how has the Holy Ghost increased your desire to serve?

37. Investigators Are Blessed By Acting on What They Learn – Church Attendance “Missionaries help investigators progress toward baptism by inviting them to keep commitments. For example, when investigators attend church, they can receive increased revelation through the Holy Ghost and desire to draw closer to God. Attending church can help investigators gain a testimony of the restored gospel and prepare to be baptized.” (Mission Prep Teacher’s Manual) Image used by permission from the Gospel Media library on churchofjesuschrist.org

38. Inviting Augustín Zapata to Church

39. Conclusion and Homework Make personal gospel study a priority as you prepare to serve a mission Establish a habit of daily personal gospel study, especially including the Book of Mormon If you have not yet done so, begin to use a journal or study notebook during your gospel study Read or Watch Church Talks and Videos about Gospel Study and Learning by the Spirit Video: “Advice for Studying the Scriptures” Video: “Meaningful Scripture Study” Video: “Elder David A. Bednar's Desire to Learn”