Study Guide for "The Virtue of the Word"

In his talk, Elder Mark D. Eddy of the Seventy discusses the power and virtue of the word of God, particularly as found in the Book of Mormon. Drawing from the experiences of Alma and other Book of Mormon figures, Elder Eddy invites us to try the virtue of the word of God in our own lives and witness its transformative power.

Before Reading

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

How does Elder Eddy describe the virtue of the word of God?
What examples from the Book of Mormon does Elder Eddy use to illustrate the power of the word of God?
What does Elder Eddy suggest as the source of the virtue of the word of God?
What promises does Elder Eddy extend to those who study the Book of Mormon daily?

Topics

Understanding the Virtue of the Word Through Alma's Decision

Elder Eddy explains the context in which Alma decided to rely on the power of the word of God in addressing the apostasy of the Zoramites. He emphasizes the power of the word of God to inspire and instruct us in our own complex and challenging circumstances.

Among many possible solutions, Alma’s faith led them to rely on the power of the word.

And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.

What decision did Alma make when faced with the apostasy of the Zoramites?
What does this decision teach us about the power of the word of God?
How can you apply the virtue of the word of God in your own challenges?
What experiences have you had where the word of God has had a powerful effect on you or others?

Illustrations of the Virtue of the Word in the Book of Mormon

Elder Eddy provides three examples from the Book of Mormon that illustrate the transformative power of the word of God. These examples show how the word of God can illuminate souls, loose people from spiritual bondage, and guide individuals along the covenant path.

Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word.

Behold, how many thousands of our brethren has he loosed from the pains of hell; and they are brought to sing redeeming love, and this because of the power of his word which is in us.

Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man [and woman] of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery … and land their souls … at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven.

What do these examples teach us about the transformative power of the word of God?
How does the word of God bring about a mighty change in individuals?
How have you experienced the illuminating, liberating, and guiding power of the word of God in your own life?
What steps can you take to more fully lay hold upon the word of God?

The Source of Virtue in the Word of God

Elder Eddy identifies the source of the virtue in the word of God as Jesus Christ Himself. He explains that the words of the prophets are the Lord's words and that there is virtue in them precisely because they come from Christ. He emphasizes the importance of seeking understanding directly from the scriptures.

Ultimately, the virtue of the word of God is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thus we learn that there is virtue in the words of ancient and modern prophets precisely because their words are the Lord’s words.

We must drink deeply and often directly from the source.

What is the source of the virtue in the word of God?
What is the relationship between the words of the prophets and the words of Christ?
How can understanding that the virtue of the word of God is Jesus Christ Himself influence your scripture study?
What can you do to drink more deeply and often directly from the scriptures?

The Promised Blessings of Studying the Book of Mormon

Elder Eddy testifies of the blessings promised by President Nelson to those who study the Book of Mormon daily. These blessings include making better decisions, receiving answers to personal questions, receiving direction for life, and being immunized against the evils of the day.

I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life. I promise that as you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day.

What blessings are promised to those who study the Book of Mormon daily?
How does daily immersion in the Book of Mormon immunize us against the evils of the day?
How have you experienced these promised blessings in your own life?
What can you do to more consistently study the Book of Mormon daily?