Study Guide for "The Teachings of Jesus Christ"

In this talk, President Dallin H. Oaks shares a selection of teachings from Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. These teachings provide guidance and direction for our lives, and President Oaks emphasizes the importance of following these teachings as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Before Reading

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

What are some of the teachings of Jesus Christ that President Oaks highlights?
How does President Oaks suggest we should apply these teachings in our lives?
What is the significance of these teachings for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Topics

Understanding the Scriptures

President Oaks emphasizes the importance of the scriptures in our lives, particularly the teachings of Jesus Christ. He suggests that the scriptures provide direction for our lives and that we should feast upon the words of Christ.

We are given the scriptures to direct our lives. As the prophet Nephi taught us, we should “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.”

What does it mean to "feast upon the words of Christ"?
How can the scriptures direct our lives?
How can you incorporate more scripture study into your daily routine?
What teachings of Christ have you found particularly relevant or impactful in your life?

Living Righteously

President Oaks shares several teachings of Jesus Christ that provide guidance for living righteously. These include concepts such as being peacemakers, loving our enemies, forgiving others, and seeking first the kingdom of God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

“If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:”

“Wherefore, seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

What does it mean to be a peacemaker?
How can we show love to our enemies?
Why is forgiveness important?
What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God?
How can you strive to be a peacemaker in your daily interactions?
What are some ways you can show love to those who might be considered your enemies?
Who might you need to forgive, and how can you work toward that forgiveness?
How can you prioritize seeking the kingdom of God in your life?

Following Christ's Example

President Oaks highlights teachings of Jesus Christ that invite us to follow His example. These include teachings about self-denial, carrying our cross, forsaking the world, and coming unto Christ.

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.”

“Therefore, forsake the world, and save your souls; for what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

What does it mean to deny ourselves and take up our cross?
What does it mean to forsake the world?
How does coming unto Christ provide us with rest?
What are some ways you can deny yourself and take up your cross in your life?
How can you forsake worldly things in favor of spiritual things?
What steps can you take to come unto Christ and find rest in Him?

Recognizing Truth

President Oaks discusses teachings of Jesus Christ that help us recognize truth. He emphasizes the importance of discernment, knowing by their fruits, and seeking knowledge through prayer.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”

“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

What does it mean to beware of false prophets?
How can we know people by their fruits?
How can asking, seeking, and knocking help us find truth?
How can you improve your discernment to recognize truth and avoid deception?
How have you seen the principle of "knowing them by their fruits" play out in your life?
What truths are you currently seeking, and how can you use prayer to aid in your search?

Living the Great Commandments

President Oaks discusses the great commandments as taught by Jesus Christ: loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. He emphasizes the importance of these commandments in our lives.

“[The great commandment in the law is this:] Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

What does it mean to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind?
How can we love our neighbors as ourselves?
How can you show your love for God in your daily actions?
What are some ways you can better love your neighbors as yourself?