Study Guide for "Building a Life Resistant to the Adversary"

In his talk, Elder Jorge F. Zeballos uses the analogy of building a seismic-resistant structure to illustrate the importance of constructing our lives to resist the forces and temptations of the adversary. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation, the use of scriptures, and the strength that comes through the Atonement of Jesus Christ in building a life that is resistant to sin and temptation.

Before Reading

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

What does Elder Zeballos mean by building a life resistant to the adversary?
How does the analogy of building a seismic-resistant structure apply to our spiritual lives?
What are the key elements in building a life that is resistant to sin and temptation?

Topics

Understanding the Concept of a Seismic-Resistant Life

Elder Zeballos uses the concept of building a seismic-resistant structure, a principle he learned in his civil engineering studies, to explain the importance of building a life that can withstand the forces and temptations of the adversary. He emphasizes that the adversary's attacks are inevitable, but we can prepare ourselves to resist them.

What I can teach you is how to design structures that are seismic-resistant, structures that can resist the forces coming from an earthquake, so that the structure remains standing without suffering any serious damage and can then continue offering the service for which it had been conceived.

How blessed we are to count on a knowledge of the plan of salvation created by our Heavenly Father, to have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and to rely on the inspired direction of living prophets!

What is the difference between being "anti-" and being "resistant" to something?
How does the concept of a seismic-resistant structure apply to our spiritual lives?
How can you apply the concept of building a seismic-resistant life to your own spiritual journey?
What steps can you take to build a life that is resistant to the adversary's temptations?

Using Scriptures to Resist Temptation

Elder Zeballos highlights the importance of scriptures in resisting temptations, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ during His temptations in the wilderness. He emphasizes that having scriptures in mind, quoting them, and applying them at the right moment can help us resist the adversary.

In the account of the temptations to which the Savior was submitted, we see that He always answered Satan having scriptures in His mind, quoting them, and applying them at the right moment.

How did Jesus use scriptures to resist Satan's temptations?
Why is it important to have scriptures in mind and to apply them at the right moment?
How can you better incorporate scripture study into your daily routine?
Can you recall a time when a scripture helped you resist temptation or make a difficult decision?

Dealing with Imperfections and Failures

Elder Zeballos acknowledges that despite our best efforts to live according to God's design, we may still experience "cracks" or failures in our lives. He encourages us to understand that these imperfections do not mean our lives have been demolished, but rather that we are ready to move forward and continue building.

In similar fashion, the buffetings of the adversary can also cause "cracks," or some partial damage in our lives, in spite of our efforts to build our lives according to the perfect divine design.

But what is truly relevant is that for having followed the divinely designed plans and specifications, that is, the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are still standing.

What does Elder Zeballos mean by "cracks" in our lives?
How can we continue building our lives even after experiencing failures or setbacks?
How have you dealt with "cracks" or failures in your life?
What steps can you take to keep moving forward after experiencing setbacks?

Finding Joy Amidst Trials

Elder Zeballos explains that the joy promised in the scriptures does not mean an absence of difficulties or sorrows, but rather a perspective of recognizing God's blessings even in difficult times. He uses Nephi's example to illustrate this principle.

This joy has to do with Nephi’s perspective on life when he said, "Having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days."

What does Elder Zeballos mean by the "joy" promised in the scriptures?
How does Nephi's perspective on life illustrate this principle?
How can you cultivate a perspective of recognizing God's blessings even in difficult times?
Can you recall a time when you felt God's blessings amidst trials?

Relying on the Atonement of Jesus Christ

Elder Zeballos emphasizes the role of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in helping us build a life resistant to sin and temptation. He assures us that through the Atonement, we can access all the blessings promised by our Father and Savior, even amidst the sad and difficult times in our lives.

I pray that we may continue to build our lives following the plans and technical specifications of the divine design authored by our Father and achieved through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Thus, because of the grace that reaches us through the Atonement of our Savior, we will be successful in constructing a life resistant to sin, resistant to temptation, and strengthened to endure the sad, difficult times in our lives.

How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ help us build a life resistant to sin and temptation?
What does Elder Zeballos mean by the "grace that reaches us through the Atonement"?
How has the Atonement of Jesus Christ helped you in your life?
What steps can you take to better understand and apply the Atonement in your life?