3 Nephi 23

Searching the Scriptures Diligently

How are you doing with your personal scripture study? What difference does this make in your life? In 3 Nephi 23, Jesus emphasized the importance of preserving and studying the scriptures and the words of prophets. This lesson is intended to help you study the Lord’s words more diligently.

Your personal scripture study

In the next minute, see how many of the following you can search for and find in your room or house: a phone, a book, a picture, a cup, a pillow, and a shoe.

• What does it mean to search?

• What is interesting or exciting about searching?

• What can be difficult or discouraging about it?

The Savior’s invitation

Read 3 Nephi 23:1–5, looking for what the Savior commanded us to search and why.

In the previous chapters, the Savior quoted much of Isaiah to help and bless the Nephites. (See 3 Nephi 16:18–20; 20:32, 34–45; 21:8; 22:1–17.)

• What reasons did the Lord give for us to search the words of Isaiah? (see 3 Nephi 23:1–3).

• According to 3 Nephi 23:5, why should we hearken to the Lord’s words and the words of the prophets?

One of the important principles we learn in this lesson is that the Savior commands us to heed His words and search diligently the words of the prophets.

• What do you think it means to search the scriptures diligently?

Take a moment to reflect on your scripture study. This can include personal and family study as well as study in church and seminary. Do you feel you search the scriptures diligently? Why or why not?

1. Answer the following questions:

   • What are some reasons it might be difficult to search the scriptures diligently?

   • Despite these difficulties, what are some things you have done, or could do, to have a meaningful scripture study experience?

Here are some examples:

• Pray before you study.

• Mark important words and phrases, especially those that help you know the Savior better.

• Look up words or phrases that are difficult to understand.

• Pause and summarize what you have read.

• Use cross-references to understand a topic or doctrine better.

To practice two of these skills, read 3 Nephi 23:6–14 and do the following:

• Summarize in your own words what you read.

• Mark any words or phrases that help you better understand the Savior.

• What words make it clear that the Savior cares about what is recorded in scripture?

• How might knowing this about the Savior affect how you study the scriptures?

Practicing effective scripture study

Take a few minutes to practice searching the scriptures diligently. You might choose to study a chapter or to search verses about a topic you want to know more about. Use at least one scripture skill you thought of or discovered in the list above.

2. Answer the following questions:

   • What study approach did you use? Why might this help you study more diligently?

   • What did you learn about the Savior that you had not understood before?

   • Which of these skills could you implement into your future scripture study? How will you do it?

During the coming week, reflect on what you have learned today. Choose one way you can strive to search the scriptures more diligently. Consider how this can help you in your life.

Optional: Want to Learn More?

What are some blessings that can come from studying the scriptures?

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Pondering a passage of scripture can be a key to unlock revelation and the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior. They can accelerate physical healing. (Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Scripture,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 6)

How can reading the Book of Mormon help my family?

President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught:

Through the Book of Mormon the Lord can also teach us about being with and serving people. This book reveals the will of the Lord for family life in a way that the other scriptures don’t even approach. I believe that is largely because of its interesting structure. It’s about families; it’s about people’s relationships. It starts with families, it ends with families, and we come to love these families. (Henry B. Eyring, “A Discussion on Scripture Study,” Ensign or Liahona, July 2005, 22)

How can I improve my own scripture study?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

One of the best ways to draw near unto Him and to both learn about and become more like the Lord Jesus Christ is to consistently study the holy scriptures—to daily “feast upon the words of Christ” (2 Ne. 32:3).

Please notice that I used the word study and not the word read. Studying and feasting suggest a focus and an intensity that reach far beyond casual reading or quick perusing. Studying and feasting, followed by sincere prayer and steadfast application of the truths and principles we learn, yield personal resolve, spiritual commitment, and the bright light of testimony. Studying, learning, praying, and appropriately applying gospel truths are all key elements in the process of coming unto the Savior. (David A. Bednar, “Because We Have Them before Our Eyes,” New Era, Apr. 2006, 4)