Seminary
Doctrinal Mastery: 2 Timothy 3:15–17

Doctrinal Mastery: 2 Timothy 3:15–17

“The Holy Scriptures … Are Able to Make Thee Wise unto Salvation”

A young man sits on his bed and reads the scriptures. He is dressed in a blue suit and reading in Spanish.

Regular scripture study can bless your life in many ways, including helping you navigate many challenges of the last days. This lesson can help you memorize the doctrinal mastery reference and key scripture phrase for 2 Timothy 3:15–17, explain the doctrine, and apply principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in a real-life situation.

Memorize and explain

Draw a picture of an open book of scriptures that fills most or all of a piece of paper. At the top of your drawing, write 2 Timothy 3:15–17. Inside your drawing, write the key scripture phrase The holy scriptures … are able to make thee wise unto salvation. Cover the phrase with something and write it again from memory. Check for accuracy and repeat the exercise several times until you have filled up your drawing.

In the previous lesson you learned that as we study the scriptures, we can gain wisdom that will lead us to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Read 2 Timothy 3:15–17 again, looking for evidence of this principle, as well as other blessings we can receive from scripture study.

Imagine you are a missionary teaching a young woman named Suravi. Suravi has been receptive to the message of the Restoration but has been hesitant to read scripture passages you and your companion have suggested. During a visit, you ask Suravi what has been keeping her from reading the scriptures. She replies that she doesn’t enjoy reading the scriptures and finds them boring.

Writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil. 1. Complete the following in your study journal: 

Using 2 Timothy 3:15–17, write a response explaining the blessings and benefits of scripture study in a way that might motivate Suravi. If possible, consider adding personal experiences and testimony as part of your response.

Practice application

  • If you had to summarize the three principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in one sentence each, what would you say?

If necessary, spend a few minutes reviewing paragraphs 5–12 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2022).

Even if we know and understand the blessings of scripture study, it can sometimes be difficult to do it regularly and effectively.

  • What are some challenges that can make it difficult to study the scriptures regularly and effectively?

Seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost to help you identify one or two obstacles that prevent you from studying the scriptures regularly and effectively. (If you do not face any obstacles, think of obstacles that a friend or family member may face.)

Writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil. 2. Complete the following in your study journal:

Write down at least three ways you might use the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge to help you overcome these obstacles. The following questions and ideas may help.

  • How can you examine obstacles to your scripture study with an eternal perspective?

  • How might the truths in 2 Timothy 3:15–17 help you have an eternal perspective when you are struggling with scripture study?

  • How can you seek further understanding through divinely appointed sources?

The following are some ideas:

  1. Find passages about scripture study in the Guide to the Scriptures or the Topical Guide, available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, looking for blessings and promises that may help with your obstacle. Scriptures like Joshua 1:8; 2 Nephi 32:3; and Doctrine and Covenants 1:37 may be useful.

  2. Ask someone you trust why they study their scriptures daily and how they recommend you might overcome your obstacle.

  3. Look up statements by General Authorities or articles in Church magazines that may help. For example, the following statement may help someone who struggles to find time for scripture study.

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

Final official portrait of Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 2004. Passed away 22 September 2015.

Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If so, do it!

(Richard G. Scott, “Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 93)

Take a few minutes to start on one of your ideas.

  • How could you act in faith to overcome obstacles to effective daily scripture study? List several ideas in your study journal.