Obedience — Missionary Training Center Sunday afternoon district presentation
Obedience – the first law of heaven
1/ President Russell M. Nelson stated here at the Provo MTC: “Disobedience brings consequences, obedience brings blessings, and exact obedience brings miracles.” He also stated that the difference between the two types of obedience lies in the MOTIVATION.
2/ What do John 14:15, Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19, and Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21 reveal about obedience?
3/ Is it possible to “obey” and yet not receive rewards or blessings? D&C 58:26-29
4/ As companionships, find an outstanding scriptural example of exact obedience, and how that example can help us be better missionaries.
5/ The example of Naaman in 2 Kings 5.
- Elisha gave Naaman an opportunity to exercise his faith (vs. 10-11)
- Naaman wanted to be healed IN HIS WAY! (vs. 11-13)
- He brought money, wealth, reference letters, hoping to purchase the healing (vs. 5-6)
- We have mightier rivers in Syria (vs. 12)
- He wanted a spectacle! (vs. 9-10)
- He humbled himself and submitted his will to the prophet’s will (vs. 14-15)
- He gave praise and gratitude afterwards (vs. 17)
How does this story relate to our work as missionaries?
6/ Joshua 24:15 – “Choose ye this day whom ye will …” Let’s change a few words and state – Choose ye this day HOW ye will serve, but as for me, I will serve THE LORD’S WAY !
L – Loyalty. What does the white handbook teach us about our loyalties? Jesus’ loyalty?
O – Obedience. I will obey even if I don’t understand the rule, agree with the rule, if I
consider the rule trivial, if others are disobeying, etc. What was Jesus’ approach to
obedience?
R – Righteousness. Holy Ghost will be my constant companion (Section 121:46).
D – Diligence, devotion, determination. I will serve every day as if the Savior was my
companion (actually, He is! See D&C 84:88). Every second, minute, & hour are precious.
7/ Elder Gerritt W. Gong pointed out that the phrase “…inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land…” is found 68 times in the Book of Mormon, in 7 different books of the Book of Mormon. What is the application for missionary service?
8/ Nephi was commanded to build a boat. What are some of the responses Nephi could have offered as excuses for not building the boat? What are some responses that missionaries could give to the Lord when the work is challenging and difficult? How will we respond?
9/ 2 Nephi 32:5 What is “the way” as it applies to missionary work?
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