Why is it important to study the scriptures?

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

The scriptures contain the word of God. Latter-day prophets counsel us to study the scriptures every day, both individually and with our families. Studying the scriptures can help us know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, give us power to resist temptation, and strengthen us in our challenges.

Resources to Help You Prepare

These resources are to help you prepare for the “Learn together” section of the meeting.

• Joshua 1:8; Psalms 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 1 Nephi 15:24–25; 2 Nephi 32:3; Alma 17:2–3; Helaman 3:29–30; Doctrine and Covenants 18:33–36; 21:4–6; 84:85 (Blessings of studying the scriptures)

• Boyd K. Packer, “The Key to Spiritual Protection,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 26–28

• Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Scripture,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 6–8

• D. Todd Christofferson, “The Blessing of Scripture,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 32–35

• Fulfilling My Duty to God (2010), 14–15, 38–39, 62–63

• “Scriptures,” True to the Faith (2004), 155–59

• “Fulfilling Your Duty to God” (video)

• “The Book of Mormon: Messages from Heaven” (video)

• “Daily Bread: Pattern” (video)

Questions to Ponder before You Teach

How has studying the scriptures been a blessing in your life? What experiences can you share with the young men?

What verses of scripture do you think could be meaningful to the young men in the quorum? What can you do to help the young men make their scripture study more meaningful and effective?

What can the young men do to prepare to learn? For example, they could read a talk, watch a video, or study a scripture related to this doctrine.

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

The Savior used the scriptures to teach and testify about His mission. He taught people to think about scriptures for themselves and use them to find answers to their own questions. How can you help the young men use the scriptures to find answers to their questions?

Meeting Outline

1. Counsel Together and Share Experiences

Led by a member of the quorum presidency; approximately 5–10 minutes

Lead a discussion about items such as the following:

• Our quorum: Who is missing today? What visits do we need to make? Who should we invite to an upcoming activity? Who needs our help and prayers?

• Our duties: What assignments do we need to make? What assignments have we fulfilled? How have we invited others to come unto Christ, and how can we invite others now?

• Our lives: Remind the quorum of the discussion from the last meeting. What experiences have we had with applying what we learned? What experiences have we had in the past few weeks that strengthened our testimonies of the gospel?

If possible, discuss these items beforehand in a quorum presidency meeting.

2. Learn Together

Led by a leader or teacher or a member of the quorum; approximately 25–35 minutes

After studying the above resources and following the inspiration of the Spirit, you may select one or more of the activities below to help quorum members understand the doctrine.

• Invite the young men to open their Duty to God books to page 14 or 38. Assign one of the scripture references from these pages to each member of the quorum (see also the scriptures listed in this outline). Invite quorum members to look for and share words that describe how we should approach a study of the scriptures and the blessings that will come as we study the scriptures. Invite them to make plans to begin or strengthen a habit of regular scripture study (see Duty to God, page 15, 39, or 63).

• Ask each young man to ponder one of the following questions: How does scripture study affect my ability to keep the commandments? How does scripture study affect my relationships with my family? How does scripture study affect my relationship with God? Ask the young men to share their thoughts with the quorum. (See Duty to God, 62.) Invite them to turn to page 15, 39, or 63 of their Duty to God books and write down their plans to improve their personal scripture study.

• Invite the quorum members to read sections of one of the talks suggested in this outline. Ask them to share what they learn about the scriptures and the blessings of scripture study. When have they seen the power of scripture study in their own lives?

• Invite the young men to watch one of the videos suggested in this outline or to read “Importance of Daily Scripture Study” from True to the Faith (pages 155–56). Ask them to look for answers to the question “Why is it important that I study the scriptures?” Invite them to share what they find. Ask a few young men to share how they study the scriptures. With permission of the bishop, consider inviting a father or other ward member to share briefly how he or she studies the scriptures.

• Invite the young men to select one of the study activities on pages 25–27 of Preach My Gospel and work on it in pairs or individually.

3. Plan to Act

Led by a member of the quorum presidency; approximately 5–10 minutes

• Ask the young men to discuss any feelings or impressions they had during the meeting. What was meaningful to them? Is there something they can do personally or as a quorum to apply what they have learned?

• Give the young men a few minutes to record what they will do in the coming weeks to act on their impressions. Invite them to share their ideas.

• Remind the young men that they will have the opportunity to share their experiences at the beginning of the next meeting.

Related Youth Activities

Plan a Mutual activity that will help the young men apply what they learned in this lesson.