How does keeping the commandments affect my ability to learn the gospel?
Last Sunday I taught our Youth Sunday School class on how being obedient to the commandments can help us learn the gospel. As always I wanted to give a review of my lesson just in case fellow teachers want some ideas!
We started the lesson with talking about what helps us learn the gospel. The list went from seminary to friends to personal revelation. I love hearing what teens are doing to learn more about the gospel!
I went over three different topics with them that would help them learn the gospel while of course keeping the commandments. These three topics went along with the three general conference talks provided for this lesson on lds.org.
1. Be Obedient
"Obedience is the first law of heaven." -President Joseph F. Smith
I let them listen to the story from President Monson's talk (linked below) about his experience with obedience.
We read lots of quotes so I made a separate paper for them to follow along and keep. If you'd like a copy the printable will be linked below!
"Obedience is a choice. It is a choice between our own limited knowledge and power and God's unlimited wisdom and omnipotence." -Elder L. Tom Perry
2. Seek Revelation
Just like the prophets we can receive personal revelation for ourselves! But in order to receive revelation we have to be obedient and follow the inspiration we receive.
After reading Elder Scott's quote about being "trusted of the Lord", we discussed what that meant and how we can become "trusted of the Lord".
We also discussed how he'll give us knowledge line upon line. This will help us understand the concepts we learn, and grow on what we already know.
3. Grow Your Testimony
"For spirituality to grow stronger and more available, it must be planted in a righteous environment. Haughtiness, pride, and conceit are like stony ground that will never produce spiritual fruit."
-Elder Scott
After reading that quote from Elder Scott we talked about gardens and how good soil is a vital part of your garden in order to get the fruit you want! You have to nurture your garden and keep it in good condition in order for it to produce fruit. This is just like our testimonies.
"So a seed of faith is already planted in your heart. You may even have felt some of the expansion of your heart promised in Alma. I did. But like a growing plant, it must be nurtured or it will wither. Frequent and heartfelt prayers of faith are crucial and needed nutrients. Obedience to the truth you have received will keep the testimony alive and strengthen it. Obedience to the commandments is part of the nourishment you must provide for your testimony." -President Eyring
We then read the warning from Alma that President Eyring mentioned in his talk. You can also find it in Alma 32: 38-43.
With so much talk about fruit I just had to incorporate it in my handout! I packaged a dipped strawberry and some chocolate dipped grapes to give to each person. I opted for a buying them because I was short on time but you could definitely dip your own. If that's a little too much work or money for you don't worry! You could do a little package of Frooties, Runts, sour cherry candy or Sour Patch Watermelon and attach the tag below.
Talks used:
Scriptures Read:
-Alma 32: 38-43
As always these are obviously great to use if you teach a Youth Sunday School class too, but you could also use these printables for FHE, Visiting Teaching messages, Relief Society Visits and so on!
If you'd like the free printable for the tag and quote page you can go HERE!
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