Study Guide for "The Prophet of God"

In his General Conference address, "The Prophet of God," Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks about the divine call of President Russell M. Nelson as the prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Andersen emphasizes the heavenly ordination and the spiritual significance of sustaining the prophet. He discusses the reasons why members follow the prophet, the role of the prophet as a watchman, and the personal witness each member can receive of the prophet’s divine calling. Elder Andersen also addresses the challenges that may come when the prophet’s counsel contradicts popular opinions and underscores the importance of aligning our will with the teachings of the prophet to increase our faith in Jesus Christ.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

Why is the selection of a prophet considered a divinely decreed event?
What are some qualities of President Russell M. Nelson that make him a respected leader?
How does Elder Andersen describe the role of a prophet as a "watchman on the tower"?
What does Elder Andersen promise to those who seek a personal witness of the prophet’s divine calling?
How should members respond when the prophet’s counsel challenges popular opinions?

Topics

Understand the Divine Selection of the Prophet

Elder Andersen explains that the selection of a prophet is made by the Lord Himself, without any campaigning or debates. He emphasizes that President Russell M. Nelson’s call as a prophet was foreordained and confirmed by the power of heaven.

The selection of a prophet is made by the Lord Himself. There is no campaigning, no debates, no posturing for position, no dissension, distrust, confusion, or commotion.

The Lord’s words to Jeremiah also apply to President Nelson: "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

How is the selection of a prophet different from other leadership selections?
What does it mean that President Nelson was foreordained to be a prophet?
How can understanding the divine selection of the prophet strengthen your testimony?
What experiences have you had that confirm the prophet’s divine calling?

Follow the Prophet for Spiritual Safety

Elder Andersen highlights the importance of following the prophet, who serves as a watchman on the tower, protecting us from spiritual dangers. He explains that the prophet’s counsel brings spiritual safety and peace, especially in turbulent times.

A prophet is a watchman on the tower, protecting us from spiritual dangers we may not see.

Following the prophet in a world of commotion is like being wrapped in a soothing, warm blanket on a freezing cold day.

Why is the prophet compared to a watchman on the tower?
What are some spiritual dangers that the prophet warns us about?
When have you felt spiritually protected by following the prophet’s counsel?
How can you better heed the prophet’s warnings in your daily life?

Seek a Personal Witness of the Prophet’s Calling

Elder Andersen encourages members to seek a personal witness of the prophet’s divine calling. He shares that such a witness will come through humble and worthy seeking, and it will increase our faith in Jesus Christ.

We have the privilege as Latter-day Saints to receive a personal witness that President Nelson’s call is from God.

I promise you that this greater witness will come to you as you humbly and worthily seek it.

What steps can you take to seek a personal witness of the prophet’s calling?
Why is it important to have a personal witness of the prophet’s divine calling?
What experiences have strengthened your testimony of the prophet’s calling?
How can you seek a deeper assurance of the prophet’s divine role?

Respond to the Prophet’s Call for Change

Elder Andersen advises members to not be surprised when the prophet’s counsel challenges popular opinions or requires personal change. He emphasizes the importance of humility and faith in following the prophet’s guidance.

The prophet’s voice, while spoken kindly, will often be a voice asking us to change, to repent, and to return to the Lord.

Don’t be surprised if at times your personal views are not initially in harmony with the teachings of the Lord’s prophet.

Why might the prophet’s counsel sometimes contradict popular opinions?
How should we respond when the prophet’s teachings challenge our personal views?
What changes have you made in your life as a result of the prophet’s counsel?
How can you cultivate humility and faith to better follow the prophet’s guidance?

Increase Your Faith in Jesus Christ by Following the Prophet

Elder Andersen testifies that following the prophet’s counsel increases our faith in Jesus Christ. He explains that the prophet’s role is to point us to the Savior and that setting aside the prophet’s counsel can cloud our eternal perspective.

I promise you that as you remain resolute in following the prophet, your faith in the Savior will increase.

A prophet’s greatest responsibility and most precious gift to us is his sure witness, his certain knowledge, that Jesus is the Christ.

How does following the prophet increase our faith in Jesus Christ?
What is the prophet’s greatest responsibility according to Elder Andersen?
How has your faith in Jesus Christ grown by following the prophet’s counsel?
What can you do to more diligently follow the prophet’s teachings?