A Framework for Personal Revelation
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the role of the Holy Ghost in providing personal revelation?
- What are the elements of the framework for receiving personal revelation?
- How does personal revelation align with God's commandments and our covenants with Him?
- What does Elder Renlund say about seeking revelation for things God has already revealed to us?
Topics
Understanding the Framework for Personal Revelation
Elder Renlund explains that personal revelation operates within a specific framework. This framework includes the scriptures as the first element, the understanding that personal revelation is only received within our purview and not within the prerogative of others, the principle that personal revelation will be in harmony with God's commandments and the covenants we have made with Him, and the recognition of what God has already revealed to us personally.
In a similar way, we receive personal revelation within a framework.
The promise of personal revelation through the Holy Ghost is awe-inspiring, much like an airplane in flight.
When we operate within the framework, the Holy Ghost can unleash astonishing insight, direction, and comfort.
- What does it mean to operate within the framework for personal revelation?
- How does the Holy Ghost function within this framework?
- What are some examples of personal revelation you have received within this framework?
- How can you better align your prayers and requests for revelation within this framework?
- What steps can you take to ensure you are not asking for revelation outside of this framework?
- How can you better listen to and recognize the Holy Ghost's guidance within this framework?
Recognizing the Role of Scriptures in Personal Revelation
The first element of the framework for personal revelation is the scriptures. Elder Renlund emphasizes that feasting on the words of Christ, as found in the scriptures, stimulates personal revelation.
The scriptures form the first element of this framework for personal revelation.
Feasting on the words of Christ, as found in the scriptures, stimulates personal revelation.
When we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures.
- How do the scriptures stimulate personal revelation?
- Why is it important to feast on the words of Christ in the scriptures?
- How have the scriptures played a role in your personal revelations?
- How can you increase your study of the scriptures to stimulate more personal revelation?
- What scriptures have played a significant role in your personal revelations and why?
- How can you better listen to God speaking to you through the scriptures?
Recognizing the Limitations of Personal Revelation
Elder Renlund explains that personal revelation is only received within our purview and not within the prerogative of others. This means that we can only receive revelation for ourselves and our responsibilities, not for the Church or others.
A second element of the framework is that we receive personal revelation only within our purview and not within the prerogative of others.
Personal revelation rightly belongs to individuals.
Church leaders may teach doctrine and share inspired counsel, but the responsibility for these decisions rests with you. That is your revelation to receive; that is your runway.
- What does it mean to receive personal revelation within your purview?
- Why is it important to understand the limitations of personal revelation?
- How does this understanding affect the way you seek and interpret personal revelation?
- How can you ensure that you are seeking personal revelation within your purview?
- What experiences have you had with receiving personal revelation for your own life and decisions?
- How can you better recognize and respect the boundaries of personal revelation?
Aligning Personal Revelation with God's Commandments and Covenants
Elder Renlund teaches that personal revelation will be in harmony with God's commandments and the covenants we have made with Him. He warns against seeking revelation for things that go against God's commandments or seeking to reinterpret God's will.
A third element of the framework is that personal revelation will be in harmony with the commandments of God and the covenants we have made with Him.
When we ask for revelation about something for which God has already given clear direction, we open ourselves up to misinterpreting our feelings and hearing what we want to hear.
The rule that personal revelation will be in harmony with God’s commandments.
- Why is it important that personal revelation aligns with God's commandments and our covenants with Him?
- What are some dangers of seeking revelation that goes against God's commandments or covenants?
- How can you ensure that your personal revelations are in harmony with God's commandments and covenants?
- How can you better align your requests for personal revelation with God's commandments and your covenants with Him?
- What experiences have you had with receiving personal revelation that was in harmony with God's commandments and covenants?
- How can you better discern between your own desires and true personal revelation?
Recognizing and Trusting Prior Personal Revelations
Elder Renlund emphasizes the importance of recognizing what God has already revealed to us personally and trusting in those revelations. He warns against repeatedly seeking revelation for the same question, especially when circumstances have not changed.
The fourth element of the framework is to recognize what God has already revealed to you personally, while being open to further revelation from Him.
If God has answered a question and the circumstances have not changed, why would we expect the answer to be different?
If we have received personal revelation for our situation and the circumstances have not changed, God has already answered our question.
- Why is it important to recognize and trust in prior personal revelations?
- How can repeatedly seeking revelation for the same question lead to confusion or misunderstanding?
- How have you experienced the truth of this principle in your own life?
- How can you better recognize and trust in the personal revelations you have already received?
- What experiences have you had with receiving the same answer to a question through personal revelation?
- How can you develop more faith in the personal revelations you have received?
