YOUTH CLASSES
December 12, 2021
Come, Follow Me
DOCTRINAL TOPICS & ACTIVITIES
December 12
How Do I Find Answers to My Questions?
Teach the Doctrine
Led by an adult leader or youth; approximately 25–35 minutes
Prepare Yourself Spiritually
It is normal to have questions. We wonder about our future and the world around us. We also have questions about God and His plan for us. As you read Official Declarations 1 and 2 this week, notice what prophets and apostles did to find answers to their questions (this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families might be helpful).
WHAT ROLE HAS SEEKING ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS PLAYED IN YOUR GOSPEL LEARNING?
What can you do to encourage members of your quorum or class to seek answers to their gospel questions in a faithful way? As you prepare to teach, consider reviewing Doctrine and Covenants 6:14–15; 9:7–9 and “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” in Doctrinal Mastery Core Document ([2018], 3–5).
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REVELATION – PRAYER – HEAVENLY FATHER
“Communication with Father in Heaven is not a trivial matter, it’s a sacred privilege.” – Elder Richard G. Scott
Learn Together
As members of your quorum or class studied Official Declarations 1 and 2 this week, they may have discovered principles related to receiving answers to questions about the gospel. Give them a few minutes to review the declarations and share what they learned about receiving revelation. The following activities can help those you teach better understand HOW TO SEEK ANSWERS TO GOSPEL QUESTIONS.
“For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me” (D&C 46:8–9; see also verse 26).
The following scriptures teach principles about asking questions and receiving answers: Matthew 7:7; Doctrine and Covenants 6:14–15; 9:7–9. Your quorum or class could read these passages together and make a list on the board of the principles they find.
WHY DOESN’T HEAVENLY FATHER ALWAYS ANSWER OUR QUESTIONS COMPLETELY OR IMMEDIATELY?
How can we continue showing our faith as we wait for answers? (see Doctrine and Covenants 19:23; 78:18). Consider sharing an experience when you had a question about the gospel and received an answer. Ask quorum or class members to share similar experiences.
Can members of your quorum or class think of people in the scriptures who asked questions that led to revelation? (If needed, you may refer them to the scriptures under “Supporting Resources.”) Quorum or class members could read about these people in the scriptures and identify what questions they asked, how they sought answers, and the answers they received. What do we learn from these examples? How can we apply what we learn as we seek answers to our own questions? As part of this activity, you could also show “How Can I Live the Gospel Standards Better?” from “Face to Face with Elder and Sister Bednar” ([worldwide youth broadcast, May 12, 2015], FacetoFace.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
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Elder W. Mark Bassett’s message “For Our Spiritual Development and Learning” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 52–54) provides suggestions about how to seek answers to spiritual questions. Your quorum or class could read together the four paragraphs of his message beginning with “In order to understand the mysteries of God.” Then invite quorum or class members to read 1 Nephi 2:16, 19–20; 10:17–19; 11:1 and identify what Nephi did to seek answers to his questions. Invite quorum or class members to think about what they will do to follow Nephi’s example when they have questions about the gospel.
For Our Spiritual Development and Learning
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The story in Mark 9:14–27 can help quorum or class members when they struggle with questions or doubt. In advance, invite a member of your quorum or class to come prepared to share the story. Then, divide your quorum or class into three groups, and assign each group to study one of the three observations that Elder Jeffrey R. Holland made about the story in his message “Lord, I Believe” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 93–95). How can we apply Elder Holland’s observations when we or someone we know has questions or doubts about the gospel? SEE VIDEO (below)
“Lord, I Believe”
Act in Faith
Encourage quorum or class members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. How does today’s lesson relate to personal goals they have made? If they would like, quorum or class members could share their ideas.
Supporting Resources
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Enos 1:1–8; Alma 5:43–47; 40:3–5; Ether 2:18–23; DOWNLOAD Jaredites crossword puzzle (HERE or below) Doctrine and Covenants 138:1–4, 11; Joseph Smith—History 1:10–18 (Examples of people seeking answers to their questions)
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James B. Martino, “Turn to Him and Answers Will Come,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 58–60
To share examples: DOWNLOAD Turn to Answered Prayers scripture stories wheel – post-and-present activity (HERE or below)
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Gospel Topics, “Answering Gospel Questions,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org
