Lesson 4

Search the Scriptures and Put on the Armor of God

Preach My Gospel, Chapter 2

Studying and applying truths found in the word of God is central to conversion and helping people come to Jesus Christ. Righteous use of technology can enhance our study and help us find answers to our gospel questions. Following safeguards while using technology is an important way to “put on the whole armour of God” (Ephesians 6:11).

Review and Follow Up

Discussion leader: Invite learners to think about their recent efforts to apply what they are learning in this class. You could invite them to share some of their efforts with a partner or together as a class.

Learning Activity Options

Discussion leader: Prayerfully select the learning option or options that would most benefit your class. Be sure to leave plenty of time for practice and application.

Option A: How can I have a more meaningful experience studying the scriptures?

Study

Evaluating My Personal Scripture Study

Rate your experience with the scriptures by answering the following statements on a scale of 1 (never) to 5 (almost always).

I regularly make efforts to study the scriptures. ____

When I study the scriptures:
I focus on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. ____
I take time to ponder what I am reading. ____
I seek guidance and understanding from the Holy Ghost. ____
I look for answers to my questions. ____
I strive to live what I learn. ____

Discussion leader: Encourage class members to pay attention during the learning activity to spiritual impressions they might have about how to improve their scripture study experience.

Display the following instructions, and give learners time to complete the study activity:

Choose one or two areas from your self-assessment that you want to work on. The following numbered resources correspond to the numbers from the self-assessment. They will take you to relevant resources in chapter 2 of Preach My Gospel.

1. Study the introductory section of “Search the Scriptures” (pages 17–18).
2a. Study the introductory section of “Search the Scriptures” (pages 17–18).
2b. Complete the activity in the “Personal Study” box on page 18.
2c. Study “Seek the Spirit” (page 18), and complete the activity in the “Scripture Study” box on pages 18–19.
2d. Study “Look for Answers to Questions” (page 19).
2e. Study “Live What You Learn” (page 19), and complete the activity in the “Personal Study” box on page 19.

Practice

Discussion leader: Provide learners an opportunity to share what they learned from the study activity. To do this, you could display the following questions. Give class members time to discuss one or more of them with a partner or small group.

Based on what you studied, how can you improve your study of the scriptures?
What is a scripture passage or statement from Preach My Gospel that you found especially helpful? Why did you feel it was important?
What is a positive experience you have had studying the scriptures?

Discussion leader: Consider concluding this portion of the learning activity by reading the statement from Elder D. Todd Christofferson under “Search the Scriptures” (Preach My Gospel, 18). Invite some learners to share how their scripture study has strengthened their faith and testimony in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

For additional practice, you could use Skill Practice 2: “Use the Scriptures in Your Teaching.”

Set a goal

Discussion leader: Give class members time to reflect on what they have learned today and to set goals. One way you could do this is by inviting them to make a simple plan to improve their personal scripture study. Consider displaying the following to guide them. Give them time in class to record their plans.

My scripture study plan

When will I study?
How long will I study?
Where will I study?
What will I study?
What will I do to improve my experience?

Discussion leader: If learners have a group to share their goals with, give them time to share how they will support or remind each other before the next class.

Option B: How can using Gospel Library help me find answers to my questions?

Study

Discussion leader: Consider discussing the following questions and writing class members’ answers on the board.

What are some questions you have been asked about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
What are some common sources people use to answer their questions about the Church?

Discussion leader: Invite learners to ponder questions they personally have. Encourage them to keep these questions in mind during this learning activity. Explain that the Holy Ghost can guide them in finding answers to their questions.

Read “Look for Answers to Questions” in chapter 2 of Preach My Gospel (page 19). Look for counsel that can help us when we have gospel questions.

What stood out to you?
What should be our primary sources in seeking answers to gospel questions? Why?

Discussion leader: Consider inviting learners to share experiences when Heavenly Father answered their questions through the scriptures or other reliable sources. You could also show the video “How I #HearHim: Elder Ronald A. Rasband” (2:55; Gospel Library).

Practice

Discussion leader: To help learners practice using Gospel Library to find answers, display the following scenarios and instructions. Explain that the purpose of this activity is to discover the resources available in Gospel Library, not to have lengthy discussions about the topics presented.

Someone asks, “Does your church believe that people need grace to be saved?” Go to Guide to the Scriptures, and find the entry on “Grace.” (Gospel Library > Scriptures > Study Helps > Guide to the Scriptures > Grace)
The other day, you heard someone talk about Mother in Heaven, and you now wonder what the Church teaches about her. Go to Topics and Questions, and find the entry “Mother in Heaven.” (Gospel Library > Topics and Questions > Mother in Heaven)
You want some help to better protect yourself against pornography. Go to Life Help. See what you can learn in “Help for Me” under “Pornography,” and review the questions presented. (Gospel Library > Life Help > Pornography > Help for Me)
Your sister asks, “How can I prepare to receive a patriarchal blessing?” Using the search function in Gospel Library, see what you can find.
You want ideas about how you can share the gospel with others. Go to Gospel Library > Sharing the Gospel and look for helpful resources.

Discussion leader: If class members would like more practice, you could refer them to the questions in the “People May Wonder” boxes at the top of lessons 1, 2, or 3 in chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel (pages 30, 46, 61). They could select a question and practice finding resources to address it in Gospel Library.

After participants practice, consider inviting them to share what they learned.

Set a goal

Discussion leader: Give class members time to reflect on what they have learned today and to set goals. You could display the following to help them:

Set a goal that relates to what you have studied. Use ideas like the following, or think of your own.

Spend time exploring some of the entries in Guide to the Scriptures or Topics and Questions in Gospel Library.
Invite friends and family members to ask you questions so you can practice finding answers in Gospel Library.

My goal

I will … (action you will take).
I will accomplish my goal by … (a simple plan).

Discussion leader: If learners have a group to share their goals with, give them time to share how they will support or remind each other before the next class.

Option C: How can I use technology righteously?

Study

Discussion leader: Hold up a smartphone or display an image of one, then invite class members to discuss the following question:

What role do electronic devices like smartphones and computers play in furthering the Lord’s work?

Discussion leader: Explain that chapter 2 of Preach My Gospel contains guidelines about using technology righteously. You could read together “Use Technology Righteously” (page 20) to introduce this topic.

What are some challenges or temptations associated with technology use?

Discussion leader: As part of your discussion, consider watching “Taking Charge of Technology: The Challenge” (3:18; Gospel Library).
Explain that Preach My Gospel describes four safeguards for using technology. To help class members learn about these safeguards, display the following instructions. You could assign learners to each study one of the safeguards and prepare to report what they learn in small groups. (One member of the group could study safeguards 1–2 so that each group member is reading about the same amount.)

Learn about four safeguards for using technology righteously by studying the following headings in chapter 2 of Preach My Gospel:

Safeguard 1: “Be in Tune with Spiritual Promptings” (page 20)

Safeguard 2: “Be Focused on Your Missionary Purpose” (page 20)

Safeguard 3: “Be Disciplined” (page 21)

Safeguard 4: “Be One” (page 21)

Be prepared to share the following:

A short summary of what you studied, including what your section teaches about the Lord
How you think these teachings could apply to anyone, not just full-time missionaries
What has helped you use technology in righteous ways

Practice

Discussion leader: Invite learners to take turns sharing with their group what they learned from the study activity.

For additional practice, you could use Skill Practice 9: “Use Technology Righteously.”

Set a goal

Applying Safeguards when Using Technology

Think about current challenges you face related to technology use. Consider how the following safeguards from Preach My Gospel can help you in your circumstances.

Safeguard 1: Be in Tune with Spiritual Promptings

Some ideas:

Pray for guidance on using technology righteously.
Record in your journal the impressions you receive about your digital devices.
Prioritize habits that invite the Spirit, such as scripture study, prayer, and temple work.

Safeguard 2: Be Focused on Your Purpose

Some ideas:

Avoid using your device when you don’t have a specific purpose in mind.
Before using technology, ask yourself if its use will invite or hinder the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
If you use social media, only follow people who help you stay close to the Lord.

Safeguard 3: Be Disciplined

Some ideas:

When you are with other people, put your device away and engage with the people around you.
Give yourself a daily limit for screen time.
Have device-free areas, like your bedroom or the bathroom.
When you are feeling weak and tempted, turn your device off and go for a walk.

Safeguard 4: Be One

Some ideas:

Ask for help from a loved one when you are feeling weak or tempted.
Share your plan to use technology righteously with someone you trust.
Think about how you can become a trusted friend to others.

Write your plan below.

Discussion leader: If learners have a group to share their goals with, give them time to share how they will support or remind each other before the next class. You could show the video “Texting Truth” (2:22; ChurchofJesusChrist.org) to help class members see an example of teens using technology to help and uplift each other.

Next Time

Discussion leader: If you are ready to teach lesson 5 next time, consider inviting learners to read the first three pages of “Study and Teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ” from chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel (pages 25–27) in preparation. You might also want to send them a reminder.

Applying Safeguards when Using Technology