Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion
D. Todd Christofferson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Christofferson invites us to bury our "weapons of rebellion" and fully embrace God's will.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by reading the story of the Lamanites" conversion and discuss what it means to "bury weapons of rebellion."
- Invite a class member to share a personal experience of overcoming a personal "weapon of rebellion" and how it changed their life.
- Start with a group discussion on what "rebellion" means in today's context and how it can manifest in our lives.
- Play a short video clip of a related General Conference talk that addresses the theme of repentance and conversion.
- Ask the class to ponder silently on what personal "weapons of rebellion" they might need to bury as they listen to the lesson.
Topics
Bury Weapons of Rebellion
Elder Christofferson discussed how the converted Lamanites laid down their weapons of rebellion, both literal and figurative, and became a righteous people. This act symbolized their repentance and complete conversion to the Lord.
For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren.
- What are some "weapons of rebellion" in our own lives that we might need to bury?
- How does burying our weapons of rebellion lead to a deeper conversion?
- What can we learn from the Lamanites about true repentance?
- Why is it important to not only repent but to also bury the desire for sin?
- How can we help others in their journey to lay down their own weapons of rebellion?
Recognize Active and Passive Rebellion
Elder Christofferson explained that rebellion against God can be both active, like Lucifer's opposition, and passive, like ignoring God's will. Both forms hinder our spiritual progress.
Rebellion can be active or passive. The classic example of willful rebellion is Lucifer... Perhaps the more insidious form of rebellion against God, however, is the passive version—ignoring His will in our lives.
- How can we identify active versus passive rebellion in our lives?
- Why might passive rebellion be considered more insidious?
- What are some examples of passive rebellion in modern life?
- How can we ensure that we are following God's will rather than our own?
- What steps can we take to overcome passive rebellion?
Repentance and Forgiveness
Elder Christofferson shared the story of William W. Phelps as an example of sincere repentance and forgiveness. Phelps returned to full fellowship after turning away from rebellion.
With sincere repentance, William Phelps buried his "weapons of rebellion" and was received once more in full fellowship, never again to fall away.
- What can we learn from William W. Phelps" story about repentance?
- How does forgiveness play a role in overcoming rebellion?
- Why is it important to seek forgiveness from those we have wronged?
- How can we extend forgiveness to others who have rebelled against us?
- What does it mean to return to full fellowship after repentance?
Avoid Misusing Good Things
Elder Christofferson cautioned against turning inherently good things, like speech or careers, into weapons of rebellion when misused or prioritized above God's will.
In this same way, there are things in our lives that may be neutral or even inherently good but that used in the wrong way become "weapons of rebellion."
- What are some examples of good things that can become weapons of rebellion?
- How can we ensure that our speech edifies rather than demeans?
- In what ways can a career become a form of rebellion?
- How can we balance our career aspirations with our spiritual responsibilities?
- What role does prioritizing God's will play in preventing rebellion?
Let God Prevail in Our Lives
Elder Christofferson urged us to let God prevail by yielding to the Holy Spirit and putting off the natural man, which leads to true conversion and joy.
Burying our weapons of rebellion against God simply means yielding to the enticing of the Holy Spirit, putting off the natural man, and becoming "a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord."
- What does it mean to let God prevail in our lives?
- How can yielding to the Holy Spirit help us overcome rebellion?
- Why is putting off the natural man essential for true conversion?
- What are some ways we can ensure God is the priority in our decision-making?
- How does letting God prevail lead to joy?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we identify the 'weapons of rebellion' in our lives?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us bury our weapons of rebellion?
- How can we apply the lessons from the Lamanites' conversion to our own lives?
- In what ways can we support each other in overcoming rebellion?
- Why is it important to replace rebellion with a willing heart and mind?
- How does focusing on God's will help us avoid passive rebellion?
- What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our careers do not become a form of rebellion?
- How can we use our speech to uplift others rather than rebel against God?
- What changes can we make in our daily lives to let God prevail?
- How can we help others see the joy that comes from burying their weapons of rebellion?
