February 13

How Can We Remain True to the Savior in a Wicked World?

Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2

Counsel Together

Led by a member of the quorum or class presidency; 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Young Women Theme or the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme. Then lead a discussion about the work of salvation and exaltation using one or more of the questions below or questions of your own (see General Handbook, 10.2, 11.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. How have we come closer to the Savior? How are we trying to be more like Him?

• Care for those in need. Who has been on our minds lately? How can we help these individuals?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. How can we answer our friends’ questions about the Church in a way that strengthens their faith in the Savior?

• Unite families for eternity. What are some ways we can better connect with extended family members, such as grandparents and cousins?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind class or quorum members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

Living righteously in a wicked world has never been easy. For Abraham, the pressure to turn away from God didn’t come just from the outside world—even Abraham’s father had forsaken the Lord (see Abraham 1:5–12; 2:5). Abraham and Sarah faced hardships, yet they trusted the Lord’s promises “and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13).

How can you help class or quorum members remain faithful when they feel like “strangers and pilgrims” in the world because they live the Lord’s standards? How can you inspire them to be courageous as they live true to the Lord? As you prepare to teach, consider reviewing John 15:18–20 and Elder Neil L. Andersen’s message “Overcoming the World” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 58–62).

Disciples of Jesus Christ can find peace as they live faithfully despite opposition.

Learn Together

Your class or quorum members may have been inspired by Abraham’s example this week as they studied Genesis 12–17 and Abraham 1–2. You might invite them to review Abraham 1:1–19 and share what inspires them about Abraham’s example. What similarities do we see between the challenges Abraham faced and the challenges we face today? Select one or more of the activities below to encourage discussion about how we can remain faithful to Jesus Christ in all circumstances.

• The Lord and His prophets have often urged those they taught to live faithfully despite the wickedness around them. What are some ways that Satan tempts young people to break God’s commandments in our day? Those you teach could read some of the scriptures listed in “Supporting Resources.” Invite them to discuss what they learn about remaining true to Christ when the world tempts us to do otherwise or mocks us. They could share ways they have found to live faithfully when others do not. When have we or others we know been able to do this? You could also show one or more of the videos in “Supporting Resources.”

• To help your class or quorum understand how to overcome the world and receive the blessings that come from doing so, write on the board Overcoming the world is … and Overcoming the world results in … You could then ask the youth to review Elder Neil L. Andersen’s message “Overcoming the World.” Invite them to find ways to complete these sentences, writing what they learn on the board. Discuss what they find. Invite one person in advance to come prepared to share a story showing how Jesus Christ remained true to His Father despite opposition (see, for example, Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 22:39–44). What does the Savior’s example help us understand about overcoming the world? (see John 16:33).

• Disciples of Jesus Christ are to be “in the world but not of the world.” Being “in the world” can mean that we face opposition when we live our standards. But it also means that we can influence others for good. To teach this principle, you could ask someone to come to class prepared to share one or more of the stories in President Bonnie H. Cordon’s message “That They May See” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 78–80). What do we learn from these stories about using our light to help others come closer to Jesus Christ? Invite the class or quorum to search President Cordon’s message for sentences that inspire them to be a light to others in a wicked world. Invite them to read their sentences aloud and share what they feel inspired to do.

Act in Faith

Encourage class or quorum members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. If they would like, they could share their ideas. Invite them to think about how acting on their impressions will strengthen their relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Supporting Resources

• Matthew 5:14–16; 1 Nephi 15:23–25; Helaman 5:12; Doctrine and Covenants 10:5; 27:15–18; 87:8 (How to remain true to Jesus Christ in a wicked world)

• “Stand Ye in Holy Places—Bloom Where You’re Planted,” “195 Dresses,” “Guided Safely Home” (videos), ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

The Savior invited Peter to testify by asking, “Whom say ye that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). As Peter answered, his testimony was strengthened. What questions will invite those you teach to testify so that the Spirit can strengthen their testimonies?