Isaiah 40–49: Lesson 122

Doctrinal Mastery Practice 8

Apply Truths in Doctrinal Mastery Passages and Principles of Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

Doctrinal mastery can help you build your life upon the foundation of Jesus Christ and His gospel. This lesson can help you apply truths found in doctrinal mastery passages and the divine principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge.

Doctrinal Mastery Review: Apply

Choose one of the following short scenarios or write one of your own:

1. Yoon is feeling very discouraged after she again committed a serious sin. Even though she is trying hard to stop, she hasn’t quite overcome it. She really worries that she can’t be forgiven.

2. Mateo has been invited by some friends to play pato at a local field. He has always wanted to try it. However, the only time they play is on Sunday. Mateo is not sure if he should join them.

3. Matilda has a friend who is a member of a different church. After talking about the Book of Mormon and the story of Joseph Smith, Matilda’s friend says, “My pastor says everything we need is in the Bible. I might believe what you are saying if there was evidence of it in the Bible.”

Complete the following steps. Record your answers in your notebook:

1. Review the Old Testament doctrinal mastery passages using the list in the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023).

2. Record how various passages could apply to the situation you chose. (You could also use doctrinal mastery passages from other books of scripture.)

3. Record how the truths in the passages you chose could help the person in your scenario.

Learn and Apply

Consider the following scenario:

When Julietta was a child, she assumed most people agreed with the teachings of Jesus Christ she learned in her home and at church. Now that she is in secondary school, it seems like the opposite. Most people she knows seem to disagree with the doctrine and standards taught in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

For example, many of her classmates make fun of her belief in living prophets; even some of her friends can’t understand why she chooses not to participate in immoral activities and entertainment.

Review the principles in paragraphs 5–12 of the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section in the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document, looking for principles that could help someone experiencing a similar situation to Julietta.

Review the following study options. Complete one or more. Then complete the “Now What?” section at the end of the lesson.

Option A

How could Julietta act in faith?

Think about Julietta’s situation. In your notebook, answer two or more of the following questions:

• How could Julietta’s situation be an opportunity for her to strengthen her faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to His Church?

• What might she feel tempted to do that could lead her away from Jesus Christ?

• How would you suggest she handle those temptations with faith in Jesus Christ?

Option B

How could Julietta examine this issue with an eternal perspective?

Review paragraph 8 in the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023). Study “Consult Reliable Sources” (Topics and Questions, “Seeking Answers to Questions,” Gospel Library).

Record in your study journal one statement from paragraph 8 of the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section in the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document that you think could help Julietta and why.

Share with someone you trust—such as your teacher, another student, a friend, or a family member—what you found and how you think it could help Julietta.

Option C

What divinely appointed sources could Julietta seek for further understanding?

Consider more of Julietta’s story:

Since so many people disagree with her, Julietta starts to wonder if the doctrine and standards taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are really from God.

To help Julietta seek answers from divinely appointed sources, review the Old Testament doctrinal mastery passages using the list in the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023). Choose one or two passages that might help her. Examples of passages you might use include Joshua 24:15; Proverbs 3:5–6; Isaiah 5:20; Matthew 5:14–16; and Doctrine and Covenants 6:36.

Complete the following two statements in your notebook:

• The people and sources Julietta uses to find information are important because …

• I would counsel Julietta to look for answers by going to … and against looking for answers by going to …

Now What?

Think of someone you trust, like a friend of family member. Write them a short letter using the following questions.

• What do you feel Heavenly Father would have you do with what you learned or felt today?

• How can choosing to follow the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in your life affect your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you apply truths found in doctrinal mastery passages and the divine principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge.

Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

• The scenario you chose and the doctrinal mastery passages that you used.

• Your letter to a friend or family member.

• Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

• Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?