Remembering scripture passages and what is taught in them can help you in many ways. This lesson is intended to help you memorize some of the New Testament doctrinal mastery scripture references and key scripture phrases.
Using variety to engage students. Using a variety of teaching strategies can help students learn more effectively. Adapt lesson material so that it is engaging to students and can best help them learn.
Student preparation: Invite students to read one or two of the doctrinal mastery passages they have been studying. Challenge them to memorize the scripture reference and key scripture phrase or, if possible, the entire doctrinal mastery passage.
Possible Learning Activities
A doctrinal mastery passage lesson may need to be taught in place of this review lesson. Refer to the pacing schedule provided by the area or region director or coordinator to ensure that each doctrinal mastery passage lesson will be taught while seminary is in session.
Why might you memorize some of the following: song lyrics, a schedule, or facts about sports players or performers?
What are other examples of things you memorize? Why do you memorize them?
Consider sharing a personal example of memorizing something and reasons for memorizing it.
What are some reasons to memorize scriptures?
Read the following statement by Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, or watch the video “He Lives,” available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 5:27 to 6:05. Look for at least three blessings that memorized scriptures can offer us.
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Elder Richard G. Scott
I suggest that you memorize scriptures that touch your heart and fill your soul with understanding. When scriptures are used as the Lord has caused them to be recorded, they have intrinsic power that is not communicated when paraphrased. Sometimes when there is a significant need in my life, I review mentally scriptures that have given me strength. There is great solace, direction, and power that flow from the scriptures, especially the words of the Lord.
(Richard G. Scott, “He Lives,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 87–88)
What are some blessings you have experienced from memorizing scriptures or key phrases from the scriptures?
How has memorizing the words of the Lord recorded in scripture helped you feel closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
If students need additional help understanding the benefits of memorizing scripture, consider sharing the article “Why Memorize Scriptures?” (Jared R. Moon, New Era, Sept. 2014, 17).
Flash cards
One way to memorize scripture references and key phrases is to use flash cards. To create flash cards, fold a blank piece of paper in half and then in half again to create four sections. Unfold the paper, and cut on the folded lines to make four cards.
If needed, replace the following references and key scripture phrases with the references and key phrases of doctrinal mastery passages that students have been studying.
Write each of the following references on one side of each card. On the other side, write the key scripture phrase.
“The holy scriptures … are able to make thee wise unto salvation.”
Get creative to help you memorize. Choose one of the following ideas or come up with one of your own.
Quiz yourself: Hold the flash cards so that you can see only the reference or key scripture phrase. Try saying the corresponding key scripture phrase or reference. Repeat this several times with each reference and corresponding phrase.
Text review: Text a reference to friends in your seminary class and see who texts back with the correct key phrase.
Matching activity: Partner with another classmate or family member. Have one person place their cards with the reference face up and the other person place their cards with the key scripture phrase face up. Match the key scripture phrase to the corresponding reference by placing the card with the key scripture phrase on top of the reference card.
Use the app: Use the Doctrinal Mastery app to help you memorize.
Consider dividing students into groups of four. Invite each group to use one set of flash cards and to divide this set amongst the members of the group. Read a key scripture phrase to the class. The student in each group who has the card with the matching reference should then run the card to the teacher. Challenge each group to bring the correct card to the teacher within a time limit (for example, five seconds). Encourage students to help other members of their team. Students could also be invited to switch cards with another person in their group to help them learn all of the references and key scripture phrases.
Select one of the doctrinal mastery passages.
Why would you want to have this passage or key scripture phrase memorized?
How might it help deepen your understanding of Jesus Christ and His gospel?
If any time is remaining, students could make flash cards for other references and corresponding key scripture phrases.