Study Guide for "Jesus Christ Is the Treasure"

In his talk, Elder Dale G. Renlund uses the story of the archaeological excavation of King Tutankhamun's tomb as a metaphor for spiritual discovery. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus Christ as our ultimate treasure, warning against the tendency to overlook or undervalue His role in our lives. Elder Renlund also highlights the importance of daily repentance, participating in the sacrament, and making and keeping covenants, particularly temple covenants.

Before Reading

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

How does Elder Renlund use the story of the excavation of King Tutankhamun's tomb as a metaphor for spiritual discovery?
What is the danger of "looking beyond the mark" in our spiritual lives?
Why is Jesus Christ considered our ultimate treasure?
What is the role of repentance and the sacrament in our spiritual journey?
What is the significance of making and keeping temple covenants?

Topics

Understanding the Danger of "Looking Beyond the Mark"

Elder Renlund warns of the tendency to overlook or undervalue the role of Jesus Christ in our lives, a tendency he refers to as "looking beyond the mark". He emphasizes that we need to guard against this lest we fail to recognize the many blessings Christ offers us.

Jacob’s prediction proved accurate. During Jesus’s mortal ministry, many looked beyond the mark, beyond Him. They looked past the Savior of the world.

We need to guard against this tendency lest we miss Jesus Christ in our lives and fail to recognize the many blessings He offers us.

What does it mean to "look beyond the mark" in our spiritual lives?
Why is it dangerous to look beyond the mark?
How can we guard against this tendency?
Can you recall a time when you "looked beyond the mark" in your spiritual life? What were the consequences?
What steps can you take to ensure you focus on Jesus Christ in your daily life?

Recognizing the Importance of Daily Repentance

Elder Renlund emphasizes the importance of daily repentance in our spiritual journey. He explains that sins are cleansed by the power of Jesus Christ through His atoning sacrifice as we make and keep the baptismal covenant.

The Savior has given us many ways to focus on Him intentionally, including the daily opportunity to repent.

I have learned that sins are cleansed by the power of Jesus Christ through His atoning sacrifice as we make and keep the baptismal covenant.

What role does repentance play in our spiritual journey?
How are sins cleansed according to Elder Renlund?
How can you incorporate daily repentance into your spiritual routine?
Reflect on a time when you experienced the cleansing power of Christ's atonement through repentance.

Valuing the Sacrament and the Holy Ghost

Elder Renlund highlights the importance of the sacrament in retaining a remission of our sins and having the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. He warns against taking these blessings for granted and emphasizes the need for worthy participation.

Just like the treasure that was under the feet of Carter and Carnarvon, the treasured blessings of the sacrament are available to us each time we attend sacrament meeting.

We are promised that the Holy Ghost will be our constant companion if we approach the sacrament the way a new convert approaches baptism and confirmation, with a broken heart and contrite spirit and a determination to live up to that baptismal covenant.

What are the blessings of the sacrament according to Elder Renlund?
How should we approach the sacrament?
How can you better prepare to partake of the sacrament each week?
Reflect on a time when you felt the companionship of the Holy Ghost after partaking of the sacrament.

Making and Keeping Temple Covenants

Elder Renlund discusses the importance of making and keeping temple covenants, and warns against taking the temple for granted, especially when it is nearby. He encourages maintaining a strong commitment to temple attendance.

When we have the Holy Ghost with us, we will be inspired and guided to make and keep other covenants, such as those we make in temples.

Our commitment to attend should be at least as strong when the temple is nearby as when it is distant.

What is the relationship between having the Holy Ghost and making and keeping temple covenants?
Why is it important to maintain a strong commitment to temple attendance?
What steps can you take to ensure regular temple attendance?
Reflect on a time when you felt the blessings of making and keeping temple covenants.

Trusting in the Prophet's Counsel

Elder Renlund emphasizes the importance of trusting in and acting on the counsel of God's prophet. He suggests that doing so can lead to happiness and healing.

When we trust God’s prophet on the earth today and act on his counsel, we will find happiness, and we too can be healed.

Why is it important to trust and act on the prophet's counsel?
What blessings come from following the prophet's counsel?
How can you better implement the prophet's counsel in your life?
Reflect on a time when you experienced blessings from following the prophet's counsel.