Seminary
Doctrinal Mastery: Mosiah 2:41—“The Blessed and Happy State of Those That Keep the Commandments of God”

“Doctrinal Mastery: Mosiah 2:41—‘The Blessed and Happy State of Those That Keep the Commandments of God,’” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual (2024)

“Mosiah 2:19–41,” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual

Doctrinal Mastery: Mosiah 2:41

“The Blessed and Happy State of Those That Keep the Commandments of God”

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In a previous lesson, you learned that if we keep the commandments of God, He will bless us both temporally and spiritually. This lesson can help you memorize the doctrinal mastery reference and key scripture phrase for Mosiah 2:41, explain the doctrine taught in this passage, and apply principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in real-life situations.

Teaching the scriptures and words of prophets with conviction and purpose. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught, “Unless you feel passionately about something, you cannot possibly hope to make your students feel passionately about it” (“Angels and Astonishment” [address given at the Church Educational System annual training broadcast, June 12, 2019]). Teach with conviction and power based on your own testimony of the Savior and the eternal truths of His restored gospel.

Student preparation: Students could be asked to pick a commandment that they try to obey. Then be ready to share how they have been blessed by keeping the commandment.

Possible Learning Activity

This doctrinal mastery passage lesson is designed to be taught after the lesson “Mosiah 2:19–41,” which is the contextual lesson for the doctrinal mastery passage Mosiah 2:41. If this doctrinal mastery passage lesson needs to be moved to a different week, be sure to teach the corresponding contextual lesson during that week as well.

Memorize and explain

Write Mosiah 2:41 and the key scripture phrase “Those that keep the commandments of God … are blessed in all things” on the board. You could invite students to draw or create a picture that represents the doctrine taught in this passage.

Invite students to share what they created in pairs or small groups. Instruct them to discuss which words or phrases they emphasized in their artwork and why they feel they are important.

Invite students to use the pictures they created to memorize the scripture reference and key phrase.

Practice application

Display the scenario or provide students with a copy as they complete the following activity. This scenario is meant to help students use the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge to understand that blessings and happiness come from obedience. It can also help them remain faithful even if they have difficulty recognizing blessings the Lord is giving them. Consider adjusting this scenario to your students’ needs or situation.

Jenna had a doctrinal mastery lesson in seminary that emphasized that obedience to God’s commandments brings greater happiness and blessings into our lives. Afterward, Jenna felt confused about her own situation. She tries to keep the commandments but does not feel like it makes her life any easier, happier, or better. She still struggles in school and has some problems with family and friends. If her obedience to commandments is supposed to bring happiness, why does she feel this way?

One way to help students apply the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in this situation is to write the three principles as headings on the board (see Doctrinal Mastery Core Document [2023], 3–4). Invite students to write on the board under the appropriate heading the statements they feel would help Jenna. You can invite participation by giving chalk or a marker to a student and then inviting that student to pass the chalk or marker to another student after they finish writing on the board. Discuss what students write on the board.

Act in faith

Read paragraphs 5–6 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023). Look for phrases that could help Jenna.

  • What could you share from these paragraphs to help Jenna act in faith?

  • How do you think this could help Jenna?

You may want to point out a connection between Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s statement in paragraph 6 to “hold fast” and King Benjamin’s promise in Mosiah 2:41 to those who “hold out faithful to the end.” Help students understand that while some blessings are not immediately recognized, we can move forward faithfully trusting that God will fulfill His promises (see Mosiah 2:22).

Examine concepts and questions with an eternal perspective

Read paragraph 8 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document. Look for phrases that could help Jenna.

  • What would you share with Jenna?

  • Why would you share this with her?

Seek further understanding through divinely appointed sources

Read paragraph 11 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document. Look for phrases that could help Jenna.

  • What are some other divine sources you could recommend that Jenna turn to?

  • How do you think this would help her?

Consider inviting students to share blessings they’ve received as they’ve tried to obey God’s commandments. Ask students to share blessings that were immediate and others that were received over time. Testify that in God’s infinite wisdom, He determines not only what blessings to give but also the best time for us to receive them.

Doctrinal mastery review

During upcoming lessons, help students to briefly review the scripture reference and key scripture phrase for Mosiah 2:41. Write the key phrase on the board and invite students to fill in the blanks. You can adapt the example below to emphasize any words your students may need help remembering:

Mosiah : – “Those that the of God … are in .”

Invite students to repeat the reference and key phrase a few times until they have memorized it. You could also review the drawings for this passage they created previously.