Doctrinal Mastery Review 9

Practice Understanding and Explaining Truths

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Two young men are talking to each other. They are seated outside.

Doctrinal mastery scripture passages contain important truths about Jesus Christ and His gospel. This lesson can help you gain a greater understanding of these truths and help you practice explaining them to others.

Developing a skill

What is something you are really good at?
How did you become good at it?

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles talked about how to develop a skill.

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Official portrait of Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 2015.

For someone to be really good at anything, it takes, in addition to natural talent, great discipline, sacrifice, and countless hours of training and practice.

(Gary E. Stevenson, “Your Priesthood Playbook,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 47)

How might this apply to your study of the scriptures?
How confident are you in your ability to explain the Savior’s teachings to others?

Today you will use doctrinal mastery scripture passages to deepen your understanding of truths the Savior taught, and you will practice explaining these truths to others. First, it may be helpful to review the doctrinal mastery passages you have studied recently. Try matching the doctrinal mastery scripture reference with its correct key scripture phrase.

1. Matthew 11:28–30	A. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine.”
2. Matthew 16:15–19	B. Jesus said, “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom.”
3. John 7:17	C. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
4. Matthew 22:36–39	D. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God. … Thou shalt love thy neighbour.”

Understanding the passage

Select a doctrinal mastery scripture passage you would like to understand more deeply. To help you gain a deeper understanding of this passage, first read it slowly and carefully, pondering its meaning.

1. Complete the following in your study journal:

Write down as many questions as you can about the doctrinal mastery passage. (Examples of questions you could ask include the following: What does this phrase mean? Who was the Savior speaking to, and why? What truth did the Savior teach, and why? When could this teaching be helpful to me?) Seek answers to your questions using resources such as other scripture passages, prayer, gospel study helps, and people you trust. Record any answers you find.

It is important to remember that not all answers can be found quickly. Some require extra time, extra study, and personal revelation. However, the exercise of asking questions and seeking answers can strengthen your relationship with your Father in Heaven and help you grow in your ability to be spiritually self-reliant.

Explaining the truth

Imagine a friend read the doctrinal mastery scripture passage you just studied but had a hard time understanding it and how it is relevant to their life. They ask you about it.

2. Complete the following in your study journal:

Write an explanation of the doctrinal mastery scripture passage to your friend. Be sure to identify important truths and explain why they are important to you.

Following up on practicing

Reflect on this experience of seeking to more deeply understand and explain truths found in doctrinal mastery scripture passages.

How did deepening your understanding affect your ability to explain gospel truths?
What could you do in the future to be ready to explain to others the truths found in doctrinal mastery passages and in other scripture passages?