Study Guide for "A House of Sequential Order"

In this talk, Elder Vaiangina Sikahema explores the concept of "sequential order" in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He uses his personal experiences and teachings from the scriptures to illustrate the importance of order in our lives, how the Lord teaches us in a sequential manner, and how this order can guide us in our spiritual growth.

Before Reading

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

What is the meaning of "sequential order" in the context of the gospel?
How does Elder Sikahema relate the concept of "sequential order" to his personal experiences?
What examples of "sequential order" does Elder Sikahema provide from the scriptures?
How does "sequential order" relate to our spiritual growth and progression?
What are the implications of not following the "sequential order" prescribed by the Lord?

Topics

Understanding Sequential Order in the Gospel

Elder Sikahema introduces the concept of "sequential order" in the gospel, using examples from the creation of the earth and the teachings of his home teacher, Ned Brimley. He emphasizes that God's house is one of order and that living life in proper sequence brings blessings and reduces chaos.

Ned reminded us that there was order to how God created the earth.

God’s house is one of order. He expects you to live your life with order. In proper sequence.

What is the significance of the order in which God created the earth?
What does it mean to live life "in proper sequence"?
How can you apply the principle of "sequential order" in your daily life?
Can you recall a situation where following "sequential order" brought blessings into your life?

Sequential Order in Spiritual Growth

Elder Sikahema discusses how our spiritual growth follows a "sequential order", similar to the growth of a seed into a tree. He highlights that our capacity to learn and grow is dependent on our willingness, faith, and understanding.

Our growth is unique to each of us individually and a vital component of Heavenly Father’s plan.

Your faith will increase as the word of God begins "to swell within your breasts".

How does the analogy of a seed growing into a tree relate to our spiritual growth?
What factors influence our capacity to learn and grow spiritually?
How have you experienced "sequential growth" in your own spiritual journey?
What steps can you take to further nourish your "seed" of faith?

Sequential Order in Gospel Principles and Ordinances

Elder Sikahema explains how gospel principles and ordinances are sequential in nature, from the ordination of young men to the Aaronic Priesthood to the sacrament and temple ordinances. He also emphasizes that repentance is sequential, beginning with faith in Jesus Christ.

Miracles occur when we first exercise faith. Faith precedes the miracle.

The sacrament is sequential—it begins with the bread, followed by the water.

Repentance is sequential. It begins with faith in Jesus Christ, even if just a particle.

How is "sequential order" demonstrated in the ordinances of the gospel?
Why is faith a necessary first step in the sequence of repentance?
How has understanding the "sequential order" of gospel principles and ordinances deepened your appreciation for them?
How can you apply the principle of "sequential order" in your personal repentance process?

Sequential Order in the Restoration

Elder Sikahema refers to Elder David A. Bednar's teachings to illustrate how the sequence of major events in the Restoration teaches us about spiritual priorities. He emphasizes that this sequence reveals what matters most to God.

As we study, learn, and live the gospel of Jesus Christ, sequence often is instructive.

This inspiring sequence is instructive about the spiritual matters of highest priority to Deity.

What lessons can we learn from the sequence of major events in the Restoration?
How does this sequence reveal the spiritual priorities of God?
How has understanding the "sequential order" of the Restoration events deepened your testimony of the gospel?
How can you align your personal spiritual priorities with those revealed in the sequence of the Restoration?

Living Life in Order

Elder Sikahema concludes by encouraging us to live our lives with order and follow the sequence outlined by the Lord. He assures us that we will be blessed as we recognize and follow the patterns and sequences that the Lord teaches.

May we live our lives with order and seek to follow the sequence the Lord has outlined for us.

We will be blessed as we look for and follow the patterns and the sequence in which the Lord teaches what’s most important to Him.

What does it mean to live life "with order"?
How can we recognize and follow the patterns and sequences that the Lord teaches?
What steps can you take to bring more order into your life?
How has recognizing and following the Lord's patterns and sequences blessed your life?