Lesson 42: “Pure Religion”

• What counsel did James give to those who “lack wisdom”? (See James 1:5–6.) How was the Prophet Joseph Smith influenced by this counsel? (See Joseph Smith—History 1:11–13.) What experiences have you had with receiving answers to prayer
• James taught that we should be “swift to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19). What experiences in your life have confirmed the wisdom of his counsel?
• What did James emphasize that we should do to live a pure religion? (See James 1:27.) Why do you think visiting and helping people in need is part of pure religion? What can you do to stay “unspotted from the world”?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

James said that part of practicing “pure religion” is keeping ourselves “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). Discuss how this teaching can affect our daily decisions. In your discussion you may want to refer to the pamphlet For the Strength of Youth (34285), which contains counsel from the First Presidency on how to keep ourselves “unspotted from the world.”

Scripture Chain: Receiving Answers to Prayer

• James 1:5–6
• Matthew 21:22
• Alma 37:37
• 3 Nephi 18:20–21
• D&C 112:10
• Joseph Smith—History 1:11–19

Lesson 41: “I Have Finished My Course”

 To view the video I would have shown to close today's Gospel Doctrine Lesson 41 "I have Finished My Course" click on the following link:

Video Elaine Dalton that I would have used to close today's Gospel Doctrine Lesson

ALSO, here are the scriptures that were used in the discussion groups:

Group 1 

What signs of apostasy did Paul describe in his letters to Timothy and Titus? (See 1 Timothy 4:1–3; 2 Timothy 3:1–7, 13; 4:3–4; Titus 1:10–11.)

 How are these signs of apostasy evident today? (See 2 Nephi 28:3–9; D&C 1:15–16.)

 How can we protect ourselves against these evils?

Group 2

Why are some people “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”? (2 Timothy 3:7).

 How can we ensure that our learning brings us to a knowledge of the truth?

  

 What did Paul teach Timothy about the responsibilities of people who teach the gospel? (See 1 Timothy 4:6–7, 13–16; 2 Timothy 2:16, 23–25; 3:14–17; 4:2, 5. You may want to list these responsibilities:

Group 3 
Paul emphasized the importance of teaching and learning true doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3; 4:6, 13; Titus 2:1). How can learning true doctrine help us guard against apostasy?

What are some of the dangers of false teachings?

How has learning the true doctrines of the gospel blessed your life?

Speaking of the power of true doctrine, Elder Boyd K. Packer said: “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. … That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 20; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).

Group 4

How can we be sure that what we teach is true doctrine? (See Mosiah 18:19–20; D&C 52:9.)

 Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin counseled: “God has revealed everything necessary for our salvation. We should teach and dwell on the things that have been revealed and avoid delving into so-called mysteries. My counsel to teachers in the Church, whether they instruct in wards and stakes, Church institutions of higher learning, institutes of religion, seminaries, or even as parents in their homes, is to base their teachings on the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 101; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 77).

What did Paul counsel us to do once we have received sound doctrine? (See 2 Timothy 1:13; Titus 1:9.)

 

What do you think it means to “hold fast”? (See 1 Nephi 15:23–24.

And here are the Readings:

Reading 1

2Timothy 4:16-18

16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading 2

2Timothy 4:6-7

6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Reading 3

1Timothy 6:11-12

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Reading 4

2Timothy 2:22

22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Reading 5

Titus 2:1-8, 12

1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Reading 6

Titus 3:1-2, 8

1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.