Doctrinal Mastery: Alma 7:11–13

“And He Shall Go Forth, Suffering Pains and Afflictions and Temptations of Every Kind”

In your study of Alma 7:1–13, you learned about some of what the Savior suffered as part of His Atonement so “he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people” (Alma 7:12). This lesson can help you memorize the doctrinal mastery reference and key scripture phrase for Alma 7:11–13, explain the doctrine taught in this passage, and apply principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge to real-life situations.

Memorize and explain

The key scripture phrase for Alma 7:11–13 is “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind.” Consider marking this phrase in your scriptures if you have not already done so.

The following activity may help you memorize the reference and key scripture phrase. Write as much of the reference and key scripture phrase as you can from memory. If you cannot do it on the first try, reread the reference and phrase, and then attempt to write it. Repeat reading and writing until you can write the whole thing from memory.

In a previous lesson, you learned from Alma 7:11–13 that Jesus Christ suffered to save you from sin and death and to help you through the challenges of mortality.

Suppose that a friend texted you about something difficult they are going through. You think the message in Alma 7:11–13 will be helpful for your friend but worry they won’t read it if you only send them the scripture reference.

1. Answer the following question:

   • How would you summarize Alma 7:11–13 in a way that might help your friend through their difficulty?

Practice application

Locate the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023). Write these principles as headings in your study journal, leaving space between each so you can answer questions about them later in the lesson.

Consider how the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge and the doctrine taught in Alma 7:11–13 could help in the following scenario.

Ever since Peter’s parents divorced a few years ago, he has felt like his life has become more and more difficult. He has been struggling in school, and some of his friends don’t seem to include him as much as they used to. Peter has also mostly stopped attending church, reading his scriptures, and praying to God. One day, Peter opened up to one of his friends about his struggles. He said, “I want things to get better, but I don’t know where to turn. I feel so alone and stuck in my situation.”

Imagine that you are the friend Peter was speaking to and that he also asked you for advice about how to overcome his difficult situation. Use the teachings in Alma 7:11–13 and the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge to help Peter with his challenge.

Act in faith

Read paragraphs 5–7 of the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document. Consider marking what you find helpful.

2. Answer at least one of the following questions:

   • What could you teach Peter about Jesus Christ and His Atonement that might help Peter act in faith?

   • What could Peter do to receive the help Jesus Christ can give?

Examine concepts or questions with an eternal perspective

Read paragraph 8 of the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document. Consider marking what you find helpful

3. Answer at least one of the following questions:

   • How do you think Heavenly Father would want Peter to think about his situation?

   • Why do you think it would be helpful for Peter to see his situation with an eternal perspective?

Seek further understanding through divinely appointed sources

Read paragraphs 11–12 of the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document, looking for teachings that could help Peter.

4. Answer at least two of the questions in this section:

   • What types of divinely appointed sources could you direct Peter to that could provide him with the help he needs?

   One important divinely appointed source that could help in this situation is Alma 7:11–13. Reread these verses, looking for teachings that could be helpful for Peter.

   • What would you want Peter to understand and feel from these verses?

   • Can you think of any other passages of scripture that teach what Heavenly Father might want Peter to know?