Power to Overcome the Adversary
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What are the "three Ds" the adversary uses against us?
- How does Elder Johnson suggest we can overcome these tactics?
- What role does the Book of Mormon play in resisting the adversary's tactics?
- How can the sacrament help us overcome the adversary?
- What does it mean to have a "divine appointment"?
Topics
Understanding Our Divine Heritage
Elder Johnson emphasizes the importance of understanding and remembering our divine heritage as children of God. This understanding is crucial in resisting the adversary's attempts to deceive us into forgetting who we truly are and limit our earthly and heavenly potential.
It is my prayer that we will recognize the confirming influence of the Holy Ghost as we come to fully understand that we are children of God.
You are elect sons and daughters of God. You have the power to overcome the adversary.
- What does it mean to be a child of God?
- How can understanding our divine heritage help us resist the adversary's deceptions?
- How can you remind yourself daily of your divine heritage?
- Have you ever experienced a time when understanding your divine heritage helped you make a difficult decision or resist temptation?
Resisting Deception, Distraction, and Discouragement
Elder Johnson discusses the "three Ds" that the adversary uses to limit our potential: Deception, Distraction, and Discouragement. He provides examples from his own life and from scripture to illustrate these tactics.
The adversary, however, is aware of who you are. He knows of your divine heritage and seeks to limit your earthly and heavenly potential by using the three Ds: Deception, Distraction, Discouragement.
The adversary attempts to deceive by having us forget who we truly are. If we do not understand who we are, then it is difficult to recognize who we can become.
- What are some examples of the adversary's deceptions?
- How can distractions limit our divine potential?
- Why does the adversary use discouragement as a tactic?
- Can you identify a time when you were deceived, distracted, or discouraged by the adversary?
- What steps can you take to resist these tactics in the future?
Using Prayer, Scripture Study, and the Sacrament to Resist the Adversary
Elder Johnson shares practical advice on how to resist the adversary's tactics. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, daily study of the Book of Mormon, and weekly partaking of the sacrament. These practices can help us feel the love of God, remember who we are, and receive the strength to overcome the adversary.
Pray unto the Father in the name of Jesus Christ every day, every day, every day.
Read and study the Book of Mormon every day, every day, every day.
Prayerfully partake of the sacrament every week, every week, every week.
- Why are prayer, scripture study, and the sacrament important in resisting the adversary?
- How can these practices help us remember who we are and feel the love of God?
- How can you make prayer, scripture study, and the sacrament a more integral part of your daily and weekly routines?
- Can you recall a time when these practices helped you resist the adversary's tactics?
The Role of Technology in Our Spiritual Lives
Elder Johnson discusses the role of technology in our lives, acknowledging its potential to distract us from our divine potential. However, he also points out that when used appropriately, technology can bring forth the power of heaven and assist us in accomplishing the Lord's work.
In our day, there are many distractions, including Twitter, Facebook, virtual reality games, and much more.
Let us be careful and not casual in our use of technology. Continually seek for ways that technology can draw us closer to the Savior and allow us to accomplish His work as we prepare for His Second Coming.
- How can technology be a distraction in our spiritual lives?
- How can we use technology to draw closer to the Savior and accomplish His work?
- How can you use technology in a way that supports your spiritual growth?
- Can you think of a time when technology helped you accomplish the Lord's work?
Our Divine Appointment
Elder Johnson concludes by reminding us of our "divine appointment" to gather Israel and prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Messiah. This understanding can empower us to resist the adversary and fulfill our divine potential.
We have a divine appointment to gather Israel and prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Messiah.
- What does it mean to have a "divine appointment"?
- How does this understanding empower us to resist the adversary?
- How can you fulfill your "divine appointment" in your daily life?
- Can you think of a time when understanding your "divine appointment" helped you make a decision or take action?
