Lesson 14

Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge (Part 3)

Introduction

The teaching materials for Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge are divided into three parts. Part 3 contains a practice exercise. This practice exercise is intended to take approximately 20 minutes. If you did not have time to cover all the material from parts 1 and 2 of the Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge lessons, consider teaching that material during this class session. If you were able to cover the materials from parts 1 and 2, you could use the remainder of this class session to review any material from sequential scripture lessons in the Old Testament that you were not able to cover during class time.

Suggestions for Teaching

Practice Exercise (20 minutes)

Review with students God’s divinely ordained pattern for acquiring spiritual knowledge, which is outlined in paragraph 2 of the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document. This pattern includes (1) having an honest desire to know the truth, (2) being willing to live according to the truth God has revealed, (3) seeking truth through prayer, and (4) diligently studying the word of God. Also review with students the following principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge, which are outlined on pages 4–5 of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document: act in faith, examine concepts and questions with an eternal perspective, and seek further understanding through divinely appointed sources. Discuss any questions students may have about these three principles.

After reviewing the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge, read the following scenario to the class:

During a health class at school, Samuel’s teacher is discussing some of the latest research on nutrition. As part of her presentation, she shows the class some recent studies that show the health benefits of coffee. (Note: Feel free to mention a food item or drink that may be more relevant to the country and culture in which you live. For example, alcohol or tea could be mentioned instead of coffee.) The research seems legitimate, and Samuel begins wondering about the Word of Wisdom. “Why would the Lord prohibit something that has these health benefits?” he asks himself as he leaves the class. Throughout the rest of the day, this question about coffee continues to bother Samuel, and he wonders how inspired the Word of Wisdom is.

Divide students into groups of three or four, and give each group a copy of the following handout. Ask each group to read the handout together and discuss the questions on it.

Principles of Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge

Act in Faith

• What do you think Samuel could do to act in faith in this situation? (If you struggle to answer this question, consider reviewing paragraphs 5–7 in the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document.)

Examine Concepts and Questions with an Eternal Perspective

Samuel wondered, “Why would the Lord prohibit something that has these health benefits?” Consider how Samuel could examine this question from an eternal perspective by answering the following questions.

• What do you know about Heavenly Father and His plan of salvation that can help when secular knowledge contradicts God’s revealed word through His prophets?

• Even if there are health benefits to drinking coffee, how could having an eternal perspective help us to see that we should continue to obey the Word of Wisdom?

Seek Further Understanding through Divinely Appointed Sources

• How should we think and feel about God’s revealed word to His prophets and apostles compared to other sources of knowledge?

• How can Isaiah 5:20 and Proverbs 3:5–6 help us understand which sources we should trust and prioritize above others?

• What divinely appointed sources would you use to better understand the issue Samuel faced? Consider using your mobile device (if available) to search some of these sources for divinely appointed counsel related to this scenario.

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After students have had sufficient time to work through the handout, invite them to share with the class what they learned from their group discussion. Ask students to share any challenges or concerns they had as they discussed the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in the context of the scenario with Samuel. If students share concerns, be careful not to be too hasty in trying to resolve their concerns for them. Invite other class members to share their insights, and give them the opportunity to discuss and resolve concerns themselves or to think of things they could do to resolve their concerns.