Study Guide for "We Will Prove Them Herewith"

In his talk "We Will Prove Them Herewith", Elder David A. Bednar examines the importance of tests in our mortal lives and the need for preparation and pressing forward with faith in Christ. Drawing from his experiences as a university teacher and a disciple of Christ, Elder Bednar shares insights on how we can navigate through the trials of life, using them as opportunities to prove our devotion to Heavenly Father's eternal plan of happiness.

Before Reading

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

What is the significance of tests in our mortal lives?
How can we prepare ourselves for the trials and tests of life?
Why is it important to press forward with a steadfastness in Christ?
What lessons can we learn from the global pandemic and other challenging experiences?
What does it mean to prove ourselves in the context of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Topics

Understanding the Importance of Tests

Elder Bednar emphasizes the importance of tests in our mortal lives, drawing parallels between academic tests and life's trials. He notes that tests are essential to our eternal progression and are a means of demonstrating our spiritual knowledge, understanding, and devotion to Heavenly Father's eternal plan.

Likewise, tests in the school of mortality are a vital element of our eternal progression.

He who authored the plan of salvation described the very purpose of our mortal probation using the words prove, examine, and try in ancient and modern scripture.

Why are tests essential in our mortal lives?
How do tests help us demonstrate our spiritual knowledge and understanding?
What is the purpose of our mortal probation according to the scriptures?
How have you experienced tests in your life?
What have these tests taught you about your spiritual knowledge and understanding?
How can you use these experiences to strengthen your devotion to Heavenly Father's eternal plan?

Learning from Present-Day Trials

Elder Bednar discusses the trials and challenges of the year 2020, including the global pandemic. He encourages us to learn valuable lessons from these experiences and to acknowledge God's greatness and His ability to consecrate our afflictions for our gain.

The year 2020 has been marked, in part, by a global pandemic that has proved, examined, and tried us in many ways.

I pray that we as individuals and families are learning the valuable lessons that only challenging experiences can teach us.

How have the trials of 2020 proved, examined, and tried us?
What valuable lessons can we learn from challenging experiences?
What challenges have you faced in 2020?
What lessons have you learned from these experiences?
How have these experiences strengthened your faith in God?

Preparing for Life's Proving Experiences

Elder Bednar emphasizes the importance of preparation in facing life's trials. He discusses both temporal and spiritual preparation, citing the example of the Savior's balanced readiness. He also shares a personal experience of assessing his and his wife's preparedness during the pandemic and earthquakes in Utah.

Our efforts to prepare for the proving experiences of mortality should follow the example of the Savior, who incrementally “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man”—a blended balance of intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social readiness.

Effective and timely preparation precedes successful proving.

Why is preparation important in facing life's trials?
What does it mean to prepare both temporally and spiritually?
How can we follow the Savior's example in our preparation?
How have you prepared yourself temporally and spiritually for life's trials?
What areas of your life do you need to improve in preparation for future challenges?
How can you follow the Savior's example in your preparation?

Pressing Forward with Steadfastness in Christ

Elder Bednar discusses the principle of pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ, even in the face of trials and challenges. He shares the story of a family who remained steadfast in their faith despite the tragic loss of their son. Elder Bednar emphasizes the importance of trusting in Christ and His promises.

As we “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men,” we are blessed with an eternal perspective and vision that stretches far beyond our limited mortal capacity.

Faithfulness is not foolishness or fanaticism. Rather, it is trusting and placing our confidence in Jesus Christ as our Savior, on His name, and in His promises.

What does it mean to press forward with a steadfastness in Christ?
How does faithfulness in Christ help us in our trials?
How have you pressed forward with steadfastness in Christ during your trials?
How has your faith in Christ helped you navigate your challenges?
What steps can you take to strengthen your trust and confidence in Christ?

Receiving the Ultimate Reward

Elder Bednar concludes his talk by reminding us that the process of proving ourselves is a fundamental part of Heavenly Father's plan of happiness. As we prepare and press forward with faith in the Savior, we can receive the ultimate reward - to enter into the joy of the Lord.

I promise that as we both prepare and press forward with faith in the Savior, we all can receive the same grade on the ultimate examination of mortality: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

What is the ultimate reward we can receive as we prove ourselves?
How does our preparation and pressing forward with faith in the Savior lead us to this reward?
How are you preparing and pressing forward with faith in the Savior?
How does the promise of the ultimate reward motivate you in your journey?
What steps can you take to ensure you receive this reward?