Study Guide for "Valiant Discipleship in the Latter Days"

In this talk, Elder Jörg Klebingat speaks about the importance of being valiant disciples of Christ in the latter days. He emphasizes the significance of moral agency, the challenges of living faith in a world that often opposes it, and the need to be bold and unapologetic in our beliefs. He reminds us of the teachings of Christ and His prophets and encourages us to live by every word that comes from God.

Before Reading

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

What is the role of moral agency in our discipleship?
How does the world's view of God's commandments challenge our faith?
What does it mean to be a valiant disciple of Christ in the latter days?
How should we respond to opposition and criticism for our beliefs?
What are the implications of choosing between Zion and Babylon?

Topics

Understanding and Exercising Moral Agency

Elder Klebingat emphasizes the importance of moral agency as a gift from God, which allows us to make choices between good and evil. Our choices reflect our love for the Savior and His commandments. The consequences of our choices will be reaped in the end.

Moral agency is God’s precious gift to each of His children.

In the end we will therefore reap what our lifelong choices have sown.

What is moral agency and why is it important in our lives?
How do our choices reflect our love for the Savior and His commandments?
How can you exercise your moral agency to show your love for the Savior?
What choices can you make today that will reflect your commitment to God's commandments?

Facing Opposition and Criticism for Our Beliefs

Elder Klebingat discusses the challenges of living our faith in a world that often opposes it. He encourages us to be confident, valiant, and faithful, unafraid of the reproach of men. Our love for the Lord should be demonstrated through our wholehearted obedience.

Today it is almost impossible to courageously live our faith without occasionally attracting a few actual and virtual fingers of scorn from the worldly.

Let us be confident, not apologetic, valiant, not timid, faithful, not fearful as we hold up the Lord’s light in these last days.

What challenges do we face when living our faith in today's world?
How should we respond to opposition and criticism for our beliefs?
How can you demonstrate your love for the Lord through obedience?
What steps can you take to remain confident and faithful in the face of opposition?

Choosing Between Zion and Babylon

Elder Klebingat talks about the choice between Zion and Babylon, emphasizing that they are incompatible. We cannot serve two masters and should remember the Savior's teachings in all our actions. He encourages us to demonstrate our love for the Lord through wholehearted, voluntary obedience.

Zion and Babylon are incompatible.

Let us demonstrate our love for the Lord through wholehearted, voluntary obedience.

What does it mean to choose between Zion and Babylon?
How does our choice between Zion and Babylon reflect our love for the Lord?
How can you demonstrate your choice for Zion in your daily life?
What actions can you take to show your wholehearted, voluntary obedience to the Lord?

Rejecting Moral Relativism

Elder Klebingat warns against the dangers of moral relativism, which advocates that there are no moral absolutes and that all actions are justified. He encourages us to remain valiant disciples of Christ and not to back down from our beliefs.

Moral relativists advocate that truth is merely a social construct, that there are no moral absolutes.

But as faithful disciples, "we need not apologize for our beliefs nor back down from that which we know to be true."

What is moral relativism and why is it dangerous?
How should we as disciples of Christ respond to moral relativism?
How can you stand firm in your beliefs against the tide of moral relativism?
What steps can you take to remain a valiant disciple of Christ in the face of moral relativism?

Following the Prophets and Apostles

Elder Klebingat emphasizes the importance of following the teachings of the prophets and apostles. They are the servants of God who lead His Church and proclaim His word. He encourages us to receive their words as if from the Lord's own mouth.

In conclusion, a word about the 15 servants of God seated behind me.

Their words we should receive as if from the Lord’s own mouth "in all patience and faith."

Why is it important to follow the teachings of the prophets and apostles?
How can we receive their words as if from the Lord's own mouth?
How can you better follow the teachings of the prophets and apostles in your life?
What steps can you take to receive their words with patience and faith?