D&C 11:21 "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed"
Who do we teach? Non-members, family members, those we visit teach, others in our wards. Sometimes we are called as actual teachers. We realize that we are always teaching -- whether it is verbally or through our actions.
Where do we seek the word of the Lord? Scriptures, magazines, general conference, personal revelation. We also hear the word of the Lord when we attend our meetings -- not only from the speakers and the teachers, but from the comments of others.
In the manual, it says "to teach effectively, you need to obtain spiritual knowledge"
What's the difference between spiritual and temporal knowledge? Spiritual knowledge is a gift from the Lord, it comes through learning and faith.
Why is it important to study the gospel? We need to fill up our well of knowledge so that when needed, the Holy Ghost can bring it to our remembrance. Feeling comfortable in our gospel knowledge can help us better articulate our beliefs.
How will my study affect those I teach? At first, the better question seemed to be, how will my study affect my teaching? But asking about the affect on others reminds us all that we study the gospel in order to be able to bless the lives of other people.
Sometimes the person who is affected is ourselves -- prior scripture study can help us with present trials and questions.
From the manual: "Effective daily study must always begin with prayer" Why would this be important? How has prayer help you be more effective in your study? We discussed the idea that prayer leads us to open our hearts and be ready to listen to the Spirit.
Elder Larry Spackman, when he was president of the Calgary stake, taught that when we read our scriptures we need to pray to be ready to receive the revelations that the Lord wants us to hear.
Elder Richard G. Scott taught this same method of receiving revelation in his conference talk "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance"
The manual teaches us that scripture study "prepares you for service, offers solace, resolves problems, and gives you the strength to endure to the end."
Finally, we discussed the 3 steps to effective scripture study:
1. Read
2. Pray and have faith
3. Obey and act
This goes along with the 3 levels of questions that can be used in teaching/studying:
1. Context -- what is going on
2. Doctrines/principles -- what is the Lord teaching
3. Application -- what does this mean for me
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