1 Samuel 17–18; 24–26; 2 Samuel 5–7

1 Samuel 17–18; 24–26; 2 Samuel 5–7

Overview

The Israelites faced the Philistines in battle, and the giant Goliath challenged them. King Saul and his army feared facing Goliath. When David came to the battlefront to deliver supplies to his brothers in the army, he heard Goliath’s challenge. David volunteered to fight Goliath. Armed with his faith in God, a sling, and five stones, David defeated Goliath. Years later David had to flee from King Saul into the wilderness. While in the wilderness, David and his men were kind to a man named Nabal. When Nabal refused to help them, David sought revenge. Nabal’s wife, Abigail, interceded on behalf of her husband and pacified David.

Focus on truths that lead to conversion and build faith in Jesus Christ. When the Savior taught, He focused on truths that pointed His listeners to Him and His Father. Examples of converting truths include a focus on Heavenly Father’s plan, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the commandments to love God and our neighbors. When we teach these simple truths of the gospel, we help others build their faith in Jesus Christ and become converted to Him. To learn more, see “The Savior Taught Truths That Lead to Conversion and Build Faith” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way [2022], 22). An example of how to do this can be found in Lesson 74: “1 Samuel 17.”

Prepare to teach

The following information provides you with ideas of what you may need to prepare in advance for each lesson.

1 Samuel 17

Lesson purpose: To help students rely on the Lord as they face their challenges.

• Student preparation: Invite students to think of situations when a youth might need to demonstrate courage. Students could ask a family member or friend for experiences they have had that required courage.

• Materials: Tape or another type of marker to indicate Goliath’s height

• Image: David and Goliath

• Videos: “David and Goliath” (2:36) from time code 0:00 to 1:20 and from time code 1:20 to 2:36; “The Lord Will Deliver Me” (3:23) from time code 0:47 to 1:59 and from time code 1:59 to 3:23; “Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth” (14:11) from time code 13:00 to 13:24

• Items to display: Five stones

• Content to display: Instructions at the end of the lesson

1 Samuel 25

Lesson purpose: To help students understand how Jesus Christ can help them forgive others.

• Student preparation: Invite students to read, watch, or listen to “Beauty for Ashes: The Healing Path of Forgiveness” by Sister Kristin M. Yee (Liahona, Nov. 2022, 36–38). They could study the entire address or portions that you have preselected. Invite students to come to class prepared to share insights that they gain about receiving the Savior’s help to forgive others.

• Image: An image of Jesus Christ

• Content to display: Statement from President Russell M. Nelson

• Video: “Four Gifts That Jesus Christ Offers to You” (15:03) from time code 6:42 to 7:18

Doctrinal Mastery Practice 5

Lesson purpose: To help students memorize the key scripture phrases in doctrinal mastery passages and apply the divine principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge.

• Student preparation: Consider inviting students to choose and start memorizing a doctrinal mastery scripture passage. The Doctrinal Mastery app could be a helpful resource. A list of the passages can be found in the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023).

• Content to display: List of doctrinal mastery passages studied so far

• Video: “Bullying—Stop It” (10:23) from time code 0:00 to 6:50 and from time code 6:51 to 10:23