Lesson 8

Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge (Part 1)

Prepare to Learn

Take some time to prepare your mind and heart to learn. Remember that studying the gospel prayerfully with a desire to learn will help you to be taught and edified by the Holy Ghost.

Begin your study with prayer.

How can we obtain a testimony for ourselves?

It is essential that we know for ourselves that the gospel is true. Consider the counsel given by President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency as you watch his message. You can read the text for this video here: “Testimony,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 27.

A Question Unanswered

Elder James B. Martino of the Seventy experienced a challenge when he was first introduced to the restored gospel. What was it?

You can read the text for this video here: “Turn to Him and Answers Will Come,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 58.

Elder James B. Martino of the Seventy experienced a challenge when he was first introduced to the restored gospel. What was it?

“When I was a young man, my parents joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We knew that the missionaries had been teaching them, but my parents had taken the missionary lessons alone.

“After this surprising announcement, my brothers and I began to listen to the missionaries as well, and they each received the message of the Restoration with gladness. Although I was curious, my heart was not into changing my life. I did, however, accept the challenge to pray about whether the Book of Mormon was the word of God, but I did not receive an answer” (James B. Martino, “Turn to Him and Answers Will Come,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 58).

1. What might be some reasons why a person does not receive an answer after praying to know whether the Book of Mormon is true?

Principles of Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge

Have you ever prayed for spiritual knowledge and felt as though you did not receive an answer? There can be many reasons for this, but sometimes we don’t receive an answer to our prayers because we haven’t properly applied the principles for acquiring spiritual knowledge.

During your seminary experience, you will have many opportunities to learn how to obtain spiritual knowledge from Heavenly Father. As you participate in Doctrinal Mastery, you will have opportunities to learn how to apply the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge and to develop a deeper understanding of the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Source of All Truth

Read paragraph 1 in the section titled “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” in the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document. What must we understand if we want to acquire spiritual knowledge from God?

2. Answer these questions:

• Why would it be important for a person who is seeking to acquire spiritual knowledge to first understand that God is the source of all truth?

• What words or phrases in paragraph 1 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document describe how we should go about obtaining divine truth? (You may want to mark these words or phrases.)

What Is a Pattern?

A pattern is a model or design that a person can follow or copy in order to create something. Look at this pattern for a shirt and pair of pants. If someone knew how to follow this pattern and had the necessary skills and materials, he or she would most likely be able to make these items of clothing.

What problems could result if a person chose not to follow the pattern while trying to sew this shirt and pair of pants?

A Divine Pattern

God has established a pattern to help us in our efforts to acquire spiritual knowledge. If we understand God’s pattern for acquiring spiritual knowledge and how to use this pattern, we can obtain and apply spiritual truths.

Read paragraph 2 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document.

Quiz 1

1. According to what you read, what four things must we do to follow the pattern God has given to help us acquire spiritual knowledge? Select all that apply.

   1. Search the internet.

   2. Have an honest desire to know truth.

   3. Diligently study the word of God.

   4. Obtain a college degree.

   5. Seek truth through prayer.

   6. Be willing to live according to the truth that God has revealed.

Spiritual Knowledge

3. Answer two of the following three questions:

• Why do you think it is important for us to have an honest desire to know the truth and to be willing to live according to the truth God gives us?

• How should we pray in order to receive answers and spiritual knowledge?

• How can diligently studying the scriptures and the words of the prophets help you acquire spiritual knowledge?

The Role of Asking Questions

As you consistently strive to follow God’s pattern for acquiring spiritual knowledge, you will be much more prepared to receive guidance and direction from Heavenly Father when difficult situations or questions arise.

Read paragraph 3 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document.

What does this paragraph teach about the role of asking questions and seeking answers in our effort to learn truth?

A Vital Part of Learning Truth

You may want to mark this statement you just read in your copy of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document: It is important to remember that asking questions and seeking answers is a vital part of our effort to learn truth.

As you read the following statement, look for why President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, while serving in the First Presidency, encouraged the youth to ask questions:

“My dear young friends, we are a question-asking people. We have always been, because we know that inquiry leads to truth. …

“… Inquiry is the birthplace of testimony. Some might feel embarrassed or unworthy because they have searching questions regarding the gospel.

“But they needn’t feel that way. Asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a precursor of growth. God commands us to seek answers to our questions [see James 1:5–6] and asks only that we seek ‘with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ’ [Moroni 10:4]. When we do so, the truth of all things can be manifested to us ‘by the power of the Holy Ghost’ [Moroni 10:5]. Fear not. Ask questions. Be curious, but doubt not. … Always hold fast to faith and to the light you have already received” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Reflection in the Water“ [Church Educational System fireside for young adults, Nov. 1, 2009], lds.org/media-library).

4. In your own words, explain what President Uchtdorf teaches us about questions we may have regarding the gospel.

Our Ability to Receive

Reread paragraph 3 in “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge.”

What will affect our ability to receive answers?

Our Attitude and Intent

You may want to mark this principle in your copy of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document: The attitude and intent with which we ask questions and seek answers will greatly affect our ability to learn through the Holy Ghost.

Consider how this truth relates to the experience Elder Martino had when he did not receive an answer to his prayers. Here is the rest of the story.

You can read the text for this video here: “Turn to Him and Answers Will Come,” 60.

Consider how this truth relates to the experience Elder Martino had when he did not receive an answer to his prayers. Here is the rest of the story.

“May I return to my personal story. Eventually I began to be sincere. I remember when the missionary who was teaching me asked if I was ready to be baptized. I replied that I still had some questions. This wise missionary told me that he could answer them but that I would have to answer his question first. He asked me if the Book of Mormon was true and if Joseph Smith was a prophet. I told him that I did not know, but I wanted to know.

“My questions led to increased faith. For me, the answer came not as an event but as a process. I noticed that as I did ‘experiment upon [the] words’ and began to ‘exercise a particle of faith,’ the Book of Mormon became ‘delicious to me’ and it did ‘enlighten my understanding’ and truly did ‘enlarge my soul.’ Eventually I had that experience the scriptures describe as a swelling within your breast. It was at this point that I desired to be baptized and to commit my life to Jesus Christ.

“I truly know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. Oh, I still have things I do not comprehend, but my testimony of truth draws me closer to the Savior and builds my faith” (James B. Martino, “Turn to Him and Answers Will Come,” 60).

How did Elder Martino’s sincerity and desire to know whether the Book of Mormon is true and whether Joseph Smith was a prophet of God affect his ability to learn through the Holy Ghost?

Your Experiences

The following principles were identified in this lesson:

• Asking questions and seeking answers is a vital part of our effort to learn truth.

• The attitude and intent with which we ask questions and seek answers will greatly affect our ability to learn through the Holy Ghost.

Think about experiences you may have had with asking questions that led to acquiring spiritual knowledge. You may want to share an experience with your teacher and your class in your next weekly gathering.

Answer Key

Quiz 1: (1) b, c, e, f

Reference for Quiz 1

See paragraph 2, “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge,” Doctrinal Mastery Core Document.