Using Teachings of Church Leaders to Understand the Scriptures

Define

Explain that the Lord’s prophets have the specific responsibility to clarify scripture and doctrine (see 1 Nephi 22:1–2; Doctrine and Covenants 24:5). Prophets and other Church leaders also help us to “liken” and apply the scriptures to our lives (1 Nephi 19:23).

The following resources can help us find teachings from Church leaders relating to specific scripture passages:

• Scripture Citation Index—This is an online tool found at scriptures.byu.edu. A mobile app version is also available for Android and iOS devices. Select the book of scripture, the chapter or section, and then the verse.

• Gospel Library (mobile version)—Use the search function to search by scripture reference or keywords. You can also highlight a phrase in a scripture verse. When the toolbar appears, tap the Search feature. To narrow the search, you could use the “Collections” drop-down and select either General Conference or Magazines. Then look through the results for teachings related to that scripture passage.

• Gospel Library (web version)—Use the search function anywhere on ChurchofJesusChrist.org to search by scripture reference or keywords. Then use the Filter tool to refine your search to “General Conference” or some other collection.

Point out that when using the Scripture Citation Index or searching Gospel Library, it can help to read the paragraphs before and after the immediate text included in the search results. Studying multiple statements by Church leaders about a particular passage can also offer additional insight into its meaning. You may find it helpful to focus on more recent teachings from Church leaders.

Model

Select a scripture passage that has been frequently cited and used by Church leaders in their teachings. One example is Moses 7:18. Using the instructions provided above, model how to use the Scripture Citation Index and the search function on Gospel Library to find teachings from Church leaders about this passage. Share a statement that explains or helps clarify the meaning of the verse. For example, your search might include the following teaching from Elder D. Todd Christofferson, which explains how we can become of “one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18):

We will become of one heart and one mind as we individually place the Savior at the center of our lives and follow those He has commissioned to lead us. (D. Todd Christofferson, “Come to Zion,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 38)

Practice

Select a passage from this week’s scripture study, or you could use one of the scripture passages listed below. You could read the scripture passage as a class. Then invite students to use the resources introduced in the “Define” section to search for teachings from prophets and other Church leaders that relate to that scripture passage. Invite students to share with a partner, in small groups, or with the class (1) the teaching or statement they found and (2) how it helps clarify or deepen their understanding of the scripture passage.

Additional scripture passages for practicing this skill:

• Job 19:25–26

• Matthew 11:28–30

• Doctrine and Covenants 18:10

• Alma 7:11–13

Invite and Follow Up

Invite students to use teachings of Church leaders to enhance their personal scripture study. Ask students to bring to the next class a teaching from a Church leader that helps them better understand a scripture passage. Remember to follow up and allow time when you meet again for students to share what they found and how they found it. You might follow up throughout the week.