Doctrinal Mastery: Finding Answers to My Questions: Lesson 161
Strengthening Your Spiritual Foundation
Introduction to Doctrinal Mastery
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
Ana and Veronica are good friends. Both are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ana seems less interested in the gospel and does not go to seminary. While hanging out, Ana told Veronica that while she was walking to school, someone gave her a pamphlet. It had some information that was critical of the Church. Ana said that what she found seemed pretty mean. She wanted to know what Veronica thought. In her mind, Veronica panicked.
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Have you ever read or heard something about the Church that tested your faith? What do you do to remain true to the Lord when this happens?
How we handle challenges, questions, and concerns in our lives can lead us closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ or further from Them.
Veronica thought about what helps her remain faithful. She thought about activities like praying, reading scriptures, and going to church. But in that moment, something stood out.
“It’s doctrinal mastery,” Veronica said confidently.
Ana looked puzzled. “Doctrinal what?”
“Doctrinal mastery. It’s something we do in seminary. It helps me with stuff like this. It helps me stay focused on Jesus.”
Ana’s interest was evident. “So, what exactly is doctrinal mastery?”
As you learn about doctrinal mastery today, be open to what the Holy Ghost might teach you. Seek to know how doctrinal mastery can help you respond to unexpected information with faith in Jesus Christ and help others do the same.
Lesson Purpose: To help you understand how doctrinal mastery can bless your life and how it can help you build your spiritual foundation on Jesus Christ.
Learn How
Building your foundation on Jesus Christ
Read the first two paragraphs under “Introduction to Doctrinal Mastery” in the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023). Look for what doctrinal mastery is intended to help us do.
How would you summarize the purpose of doctrinal mastery?
You may want to record, in a note next to one of the paragraphs, the following truth: Doctrinal mastery helps me build my foundation on Jesus Christ.
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What do you think it means to build your foundation on Jesus Christ?
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Why is it good for people to build their lives on Jesus Christ and His teachings?
Dig Deeper: To study more about why we should build our lives on Jesus Christ, you could study the following: Psalm 118:22; Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:11; and Helaman 5:12.
Several prophets have spoken on the importance of building our lives on Jesus Christ. Read the following passages. Mark blessings that can come when we choose to build our lives on Him.
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Isaiah 28:16 (Note: The phrase make haste can mean “be shaken” or “panic.”)
In your notebook, record blessings you have experienced as you have built your life on Jesus Christ. If this is hard, you can add some that you found from the passages you read in Isaiah and Jacob.
If available, watch the video “What Is Doctrinal Mastery?” (3:56).
President M. Russell Ballard (1928–2023) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared the following with religious educators:
[Doctrinal mastery focuses] on building and strengthening our students’ faith in Jesus Christ and fortifying them with increased ability to live and apply the gospel in their lives. Drawing on the scriptures and the words of the prophets, they will learn how to act with faith in Christ to acquire spiritual knowledge and understanding of His gospel. And they will have opportunities to learn how to apply the doctrine of Christ and gospel principles to the questions and challenges they hear and see every day among their peers and on social media.
This initiative is inspired and timely. It will have a wonderful influence on our young people. (“The Opportunities and Responsibilities of CES Teachers in the 21st Century” [evening with a General Authority, Feb. 26, 2016], Gospel Library)
doctrinal mastery
Respond to the question that you relate to:
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If you are new to doctrinal mastery: How do you think doctrinal mastery might influence your life?
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If you are familiar with doctrinal mastery: How has doctrinal mastery influenced how you answer gospel questions?
Using doctrinal mastery scripture passages
Remember Ana and Veronica? Put yourself in Veronica’s place. Prepare an encouraging response for Ana. Look up some doctrinal mastery scripture passages, and read the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document. Use these to encourage Ana to build her foundation on Jesus Christ. Record your response in your notebook.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: This lesson can help you understand how doctrinal mastery can bless your life and how it can help you build your spiritual foundation on Jesus Christ.
Share the following with your teacher or class:
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Your response to Ana.