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Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2

Studying the Scriptures

"Lesson 10: Studying the Scriptures," Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2, 33

OBJECTIVE

Each young man will commit to study the scriptures prayerfully and regularly.

PREPARATION

NOTE

This lesson gives you an opportunity to emphasize the importance of reading and studying the Book of Mormon. President Ezra Taft Benson said, "In 1832, as some early missionaries returned from their fields of labor, the Lord reproved them for treating the Book of Mormon lightly. As a result of that attitude, he said, their minds had been darkened. ... And then the Lord said, 'And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon (D&C 84:54-57)' " (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, pp. 3-4; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, p. 4).

Instead of coming under this condemnation, young men can find great blessings in their study of the Book of Mormon. President Benson has also said: "Young men, the Book of Mormon will change your life. It will fortify you against the evils of our day. It will bring a spirituality into your life that no other book will. It will be the most important book you will read in preparation for a mission and for life. A young man who knows and loves the Book of Mormon, who has read it several times, who has an abiding testimony of its truthfulness, and who applies its teachings will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil and will be a mighty tool in the hands of the Lord" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, p. 56; or Ensign, May 1986, p. 43).

SUGGESTED LESSON DEVELOPMENT

The Scriptures Contain Great Treasures

Scripture story and discussion

Explain that whatever each young man would take is something he values or treasures very much.

Explain that sometimes people place great value on things other than money or jewels. Ask the previously assigned young man to recount the story of Lehi's sons' returning for the brass plates.

Other young men may help as needed in relating the story.

Scripture and discussion

Have the young men read and underline 1 Nephi 5:21-22 to find out how Nephi felt about the scriptures on the plates of Laban after he had obtained them.

Explain that the Book of Mormon tells of another group of people, the Mulekites, who did not have the scriptures. Have the young men read Omni 1:15-17.

Record the young men's responses on the chalkboard. Stimulate their thinking as necessary. Some possible answers are as follows: the scriptures testify that Jesus is the Christ and Savior, tell us how to return to our Father in Heaven, tell us how to treat others and to be happy, teach of blessings for obedience and punishment for disobedience, and tell us what will happen in the future so we can prepare.

Testimony

Testify that the scriptures are a priceless treasure of knowledge that can help each young man on the road to salvation.

We Can Understand the Scriptural Treasure through Prayerful and Regular Study

Scripture and discussion

Have the young men silently read and underline 2 Nephi 31:20.

Quotations

President Harold B. Lee recommended a daily reading of the scriptures when he said, "If we're not reading the scriptures daily, our testimonies are growing thinner, our spirituality isn't increasing in depth" (Regional Representatives' seminar, 12 Dec. 1970).

Use the following statement to help the young men better understand how to study the scriptures.

"I learned to a small degree how all the holy men of God learn to know God and the gospel. It is not a gift to a select few, rather a blessing predicated on the law of obedience, long hours, and study.

"As I read the scriptures, ... I learned some of the basics of pondering and searching.

"1. Pray always before you begin to read the scriptures. Slow your mind down and be free from this world. Also, pray all the while you read-as certain concepts of the gospel illuminate your soul or as you have questions. Don't hesitate to call upon your Father.

"2. Keep a paper and pencil handy while you read. This is a stimulating activity, and often goals, exciting ideas, or original thoughts will creep into a stale mind.

"3. Go slowly! This study is not a race. No longer do you have to finish a prescribed number of chapters before you go to bed. Spend several days with a single chapter or verse. Memorize [a] scripture and it will bloom with hidden meanings you hadn't been cognizant of, meanings pertinent to your life today.

"4. Ask questions as you read the scriptures. ... Question and then call upon the Lord. As I questioned, the doors of my heart unfolded and left room for the Holy Ghost to dwell in me.

"5. Stop many times during the day and ponder the single thought that you have searched out in depth. For instance, consider the truth 'love your neighbor as yourself.' Repeat the scripture, question your every action, and keep the thought with you on a small card.

"All of this is a matter of making yourself take the time; it's a daily renewal. You'll be gratified as it refreshes your viewpoint. There will be a new direction in your life and even daily revelation. ...

"Our beloved prophet Joseph Fielding Smith said, 'All my life I have studied and pondered the principles of the gospel and sought to live the laws of the Lord. As a result there has come into my heart a great love for him and for his work and for all those who seek to further his purposes in the earth.' (Conference Report, Oct. 1971, p. 6.)

"Take the time to ponder. It is a key to unbelievable joy and knowledge here in mortality.

"[The Savior said,] 'I leave these sayings with you to ponder in your hearts, with this commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall call upon me while I am near-

" 'Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you' (D&C 88:62-63.)" (Susan Hill, "Pondering Isn't Preposterous," New Era, May 1976, pp. 49-50).

Testimony

Testify that pondering the scriptures can increase our joy and delight in the scriptures and bring us closer to the Savior. The Holy Ghost inspired those who wrote the scriptures.

Activity

Explain that there are many ways to study the scriptures, such as reading fifteen minutes a day or a chapter every day. Some people read a few verses and then think, ponder, and pray about those verses. Some study the scriptures by picking one topic and reading from all of the scriptures about that topic. Whatever method we use, however, it is important to read at least something in the scriptures every day, even if it is only a verse or two.

Divide the class into groups of two or three young men per group. Give each young man a copy of "Topics and References," and assign each group a topic from the list.

Have the young men write on their papers what they learn from each reference. Ask them to be prepared to give a group report on their topic.

Reports

Have each group report on what they learned about the topic. Ask questions of the group members so that each one contributes something to the report from his notes.

Conclusion

Challenge

Challenge the young men to study some of the other topics on their list.

Topics and References

Celestial Kingdom: 1 Corinthians 15:40-42; D&C 76:50-60, 92-96; 78:7; 131:1-3; 137.

The Devil: 2 Nephi 2:17-18; Alma 30:60; 34:23; 3 Nephi 18:18; D&C 10:20, 22-27, 33; 63:28; 78:10.

The Last Days: Isaiah 2:2-3; 24:20; Daniel 2:44; Malachi 4:1-2; Matthew 24:29-44; D&C 29:14-17.

Melchizedek Priesthood: Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 5:4-6; 7:1-2; D&C 107:1-6, 8, 17-18, 22.

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