Assess Your Learning 2

Matthew 3–7; Luke 3–6; Mark 1; John 2–4

This lesson is intended to help you evaluate the goals you have set, what you are learning, and the personal growth you have experienced during your study of the New Testament this year.

Following Jesus Christ

What you are learning from the New Testament in seminary is intended to help you more fully come unto Jesus Christ and be His disciple, or His follower. Do one of the following three activities, looking for the blessings that come when we follow the Savior by acting on His teachings. Then answer the two questions that follow.

1. Sing or listen to the Primary song “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281), and read Matthew 7:24–27.

2. On a piece of paper or in your study journal, draw a simple representation of the Savior’s teachings in Matthew 7:24–27.

3. Using blocks or cups, build a simple house or structure on a sturdy foundation, like the floor or a desk or table. Then build another simple structure on a less sturdy foundation, like a bed, folded blanket, or pillow. Use your hands to push down on the surface next to each structure, and observe what happens. Read Matthew 7:24–27, looking for similarities between this activity and the Savior’s parable.

• What did you learn from this activity?

• What blessings do we receive if we act on the Savior’s teachings?

Think about the growth you have experienced as you have studied and strived to apply the Savior’s teachings from the New Testament this year. Answer one or more of the following questions:

• What are some teachings of Jesus Christ you have studied that are especially meaningful to you?

• In what ways have you come closer to the Savior as you have studied His words?

• What are some teachings you have studied this year that you have been able to apply in your life? What blessings have you experienced as a result?

This lesson will help you assess some ways you are building your life on the rock of Jesus Christ so you can withstand challenges that may come.

Explain the significance of repentance, baptism, and confirmation

The following activity can help you evaluate how well you understand and can explain the Savior’s doctrine of repentance, baptism, and confirmation. Consider the following two statements, and write a response to each to help resolve the stated concern. Use at least one scripture from your recent study. The scripture references in parentheses may help. Feel free to include any personal experiences or testimony.

1. In your study journal, write responses to help resolve each of the following concerns:

1. I’m a pretty good person. Why should I worry about repenting if I’m not committing big sins? (See Matthew 3:1–8; Luke 3:7–14.)

2. I believe in Jesus Christ, but I don’t think I need to be baptized and confirmed to return to live with God. (See Mark 1:1–9; John 3:5; 2 Nephi 31:5–12, 17–18.)

Assess your ability to resist and overcome evil through faith in Jesus Christ

You recently studied about the Savior resisting temptations and had an opportunity to make a plan to follow His example and rely on Him as you face your own temptations. (It may be helpful to review Matthew 4:1–11 and what you wrote in your study journal for that lesson.)

To help you evaluate how you have applied what you learned, take a few minutes to ponder your efforts to follow the Savior’s example and rely on Him to resist temptation. (This could include scriptures you have tried to remember or memorize.) Think about what you have learned from your experience as you consider the following scenario:

Imagine that a friend has struggled to resist the temptation to look at pornography. She has tried to remove the temptation by not using the internet when she is alone and not keeping her phone in her room at night. She experienced some great success for several days but gave in to temptation afterward. She was so upset with herself that she managed to avoid pornography for several more days before giving in again. She needs some additional ideas and help to draw on the Savior’s power to resist this temptation.

2. Complete the following in your study journal:

Without sharing your own specific temptations, write a note to your friend. Include two or more of the following in your response:

• something you have done to turn to the Lord that has helped you overcome temptation

• what you know about Jesus Christ that could help your friend feel loved and motivated to continue resisting temptation

• what you recommend your friend do to follow the Savior’s example and rely on Him to resist temptation

• what successes and challenges your friend might encounter moving forward and advice on how to rely on the Lord as she deals with them

Consider how this activity might help you personally. What would you like to do to continue to resist and overcome temptation with strength in Jesus Christ? If you feel discouraged or confused, consider praying about your concerns and feelings. It can also be helpful to speak with a parent or a bishop. Do not lose hope as you strive to build your life upon the Savior and His teachings.

Reflect on your desire to sincerely worship and follow God

One final principle to reflect on is your desire to sincerely worship God and follow Jesus Christ. In a previous lesson, you learned that if we perform righteous acts to please Heavenly Father, then He will reward us openly (see Matthew 6:1–6; 16–18). As you studied this truth, you may have filled out a chart that looked like this:

What are three good works you have done in the past week? (List one per row.)	What were your reasons for doing them?	How did you feel after you did these “good works”?

Consider adding to the chart one or two good works you have done since that lesson and answering the follow-up questions in the chart. Ponder whether you have been able to focus more sincerely on God.

• If someone felt they were struggling to do good works to please God, what advice would you give them?