Article Sample: Scripture Study: A Cycle of Learning and Acting
The scriptures recount God’s miracles and mercy, declaring the glad tidings that Jesus Christ rose on the third day as our Savior. Effective scripture study is a cycle of learning and applying God's truth into our lives.
Learn about the cycle of studying and applying God's word with this link!
The scriptures recount God’s miracles and mercy, declaring the glad tidings that Jesus Christ rose on the third day as our Savior. They are the words of Christ, so it’s vital to read them to understand His doctrine. Part of coming closer to Christ is knowing the revelations He has given through the prophets. Effective scripture study is a two-step cycle of learning and applying God's truth into our lives.
Step 1: Learning. The scriptures teach us what God has said, whether through His prophets or by His own words (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:37-39). To live God's commandments, we must know what they are in the first place. The more you learn, the more you can apply.
A teacher instructs students so they have enough knowledge to pass an upcoming test. Parents teach their children right from wrong so they can avoid mistakes and choose what is better. It’s difficult to make the right decision in a vacuum, so we need the knowledge to discern between right and wrong. Mormon testified that the word of God “is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil” (Helaman 3:29).
President Milton Camargo, First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, teaches that “When we seek, we are humbly acknowledging that we still have much to learn, and the Lord will expand our understanding, preparing us to receive more” (Ask, Seek, and Knock, October 2020). The purpose of this life is to learn to be like Christ, and the first step is learning His doctrine.
Step 2: Acting. Acting is how we apply the knowledge we gain from the scriptures. We gain the strength to keep God’s commandments as we act on the impressions we get while reading the scriptures. When Enos went to pray, he was pondering in his heart the words of his father, the prophet. Enos felt compelled to kneel down and pray for an entire day because he was certain of what he had to do (see Enos 1). Enos knew that the power of faith increases when we act on what we learn.
While serving as a missionary, my companions and I learned that newcomers need to understand true principles before they can live true doctrine. That’s why missionary lessons begin with the most important lesson: God is our Heavenly Father and He loves us. Someone who knows that Heavenly Father loves them knows that He gives commandments for our benefit.
As we learn what the scriptures teach, our knowledge turns into faith-filled actions. We become better equipped to stand against the cold winds of life when our knowledge and faith burn bright. Seeking the doctrine of Christ in the scriptures, then applying it, is a cycle of faith and power that invites the Lord’s help into our spiritual development.
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