2016 Priesthood and Relief Society 4th-Sunday Lesson Plan



Introduction:

The purpose of “Survive and Thrive” is to help us as disciples have success. Success in our family relationships, at work, at home, and in our church callings. Success physically, emotionally, spiritually. 

If we are “going downhill” or dying in one or more aspects of our life then these principles can and will help us survive. If we are surviving well then the study and application of these principles will help us truly thrive. When we are thriving we are in a position to bless the lives of those around us.

It is critical to understand that we strive for successes to glorify God. Knowledge is knowing what is right. Wisdom is not only knowing but doing the right things. We are blessed when we are not only doing the right things, but doing the right things for the right reasons. It is our prayer that we will know, understand, be wise and be blessed.

President Van Oostendorp
Asheville Stake President
​
Overview:
  • The general topic for the year is “Survive and Thrive,” focused on practical skills at home, work, and Church.
  • This is a working document, which we'll update as the topics are expanded upon. We are also emailing this material each month to the bishoprics, branch presidents, relief society and elders quorum presidencies, and the high priest group leaderships.
  • There are only 10 lessons to teach through the 12 months, knowing that there may be some unavoidable scheduling conflicts. We do ask that all 10 topics be covered by the end of the year.
  • We are encouraging a highly-participative teaching style for these lessons, drawing out the understanding and wisdom of those in the wards and branches, so that they are building understanding together and can work together in the future on the implementation of these concepts.
  • We also encourage each ward/branch RS, group, and quorum to end each lesson with a sharing of commitments, that are recorded and followed up in future meetings. It is also our hope that these topics make their way to ward and branch council discussions.

JanuaryFebruaryMarch
  • Topic: “Self Worth”
    • Introduction:  This month we would like you to teach each other about self­ worth. In Doctrine and Covenants 88 it reads :

      77 And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
      78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;

      Please share with one another experiences and scripture that relate to self worth, confidence, power, and faith. Below are some recent conference talks and a few of my favorite quotes and scriptures related to the subject.

      (Teacher, please review references below and use what you feel inspired to share and discuss. You will not be able to cover everything in depth. I would recommend that you use a video towards the beginning of the lesson)
    • Resources:
    • Quotes
      • “If you have repented from serious transgression and mistakenly believe that you will always be a second­-class citizen in the kingdom of God, learn that is not true. The Savior said: ‘Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. ‘By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins–behold, he will confess them and forsake them.’16 Find encouragement in the lives of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah. They were tragically wicked. Yet their full repentance and service qualified them to be considered as noble as righteous Captain Moroni.17 To you who have sincerely repented yet continue to feel the burden of guilt, realize that to continue to suffer for sins when there has been proper repentance and forgiveness of the Lord is prompted by the master of deceit. Lucifer will encourage you to continue to relive the details of past mistakes, knowing that such thoughts can hamper your progress. Thus he attempts to tie strings to the mind and body so that he can manipulate you like a puppet to discourage personal achievement.” Richard G. Scott – General Conference, October 20
      • “The first test of a truly great man is his humility. I do not mean, by humility, doubt of his own power…[but really] great men… have a curious… feeling that… greatness is not in them, but through them… and they see something Divine… in every other man, and are endlessly, foolishly, incredibly merciful.” John Ruskin, The Works of John Ruskin, 5:331
      • “Where doubt and uncertainty are there faith is not, nor can it be. For doubt and faith do not exist in the same person at the same time; that persons whose minds are under doubts and fears cannot have unshaken confidence; and where unshaken confidence is not the faith is weak.” Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith 
    • More

      There is a lot more great information on the topic of self worth, confidence, power and faith. If there is a scripture story or stories that you feel would be worth discussing feel free. There will likely be a scripture or scripture story shared by a member of your class that is profound, so try to uncover it.

      Pres Van

April
  • Catch-up month.
May
  • Topic:  “Being Good Stewards & Agents”
  • Main Ideas
    • Taking charge of all of the aspects of our lives
    • Being proactive on a daily basis--being an “agent” 
    • Faithful confidence in our ability to move forward
  • Scriptural Basis
    • Stewardship
      • (Parable of the Talents) Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: Matt. 25:14–23;
      • Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: Luke 12:48; ( D&C 82:3; )
      • Whoso is found a faithful steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord: D&C 51:19;
      • Every man is to give an account of his stewardship: D&C 72:3–5;
      • He that is a faithful and wise steward shall inherit all things: D&C 78:22;
      • The Lord will make every man accountable as a steward over earthly blessings: D&C 104:11–17; ( D&C 42:32; )
      • Be diligent that thou mayest be a wise steward: D&C 136:27;
    • Agency
      • 2 Nephi 2;
      • Ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves: Hel. 14:30;
      • The Lord gave unto man his agency:Moses 7:32;
  • Additional Resources
​June
  • Topic:  “True Success and Self-Reliance”
  • Define Success Correctly (True Success)
    • Elder Boyd K. Packer: The Choice
      • You need not be either rich or hold high position to be completely successful and truly happy. In fact, if these things come to you, and they may, true success must be achieved in spite of them, not because of them.
  • The Power of Work
    • Elder David F. Stanley: The Principle of Work
      • [Work] is the bottom line of any forward motion of success.
      • Alma 29:15
      • We are becoming the world experts in meeting, thinking, planning, and organizing about working the work, but we need to do it. We need to work.
  • Attitude Determines Altitude
  • Self Reliance - Agency
    • Moses 4:1-3 - Agency central in Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness.
    • 2 Nephi 2:27
    • Pres. Uchtdorf: Providing in the Lord’s Way
      • Once you have studied the doctrines and principles of the Churchwide welfare plan, seek to apply what you have learned to the needs of those within your stewardship. What this means is that, in large measure, you’re going to have to figure it out for yourself. Every family, every congregation, every area of the world is different. There is no one-size-fits-all answer in Church welfare. It is a self-help program where individuals are responsible for personal self-reliance.
    • Elder Oaks: Repentance and Change
      • The growth required by the gospel plan only occurs in a culture of individual effort and responsibility. It cannot occur in a culture of dependency. Whatever causes us to be dependent on someone else for decisions or resources we could provide for ourselves weakens us spiritually and retards our growth toward what the gospel plan intends us to be.
  • Scriptural Basis
    • “It is my purpose to provide for my saints” (D&C 104:15)
    • it must needs be done in [His] way” (D&C 104:16)
  • Additional Resources
July
  • Topic:  “Learning and Education”
  • Scriptural Basis
    • “The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.” Doctrine and Covenants 93:36
    • “Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.” Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19
    • “Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.” Doctrine and Covenants 6:7
    • “And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom. Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand; Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.” Doctrine and Covenants 88:77-80
    • “And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” Doctrine and Covenants 88:118
    • Also:  Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 4:7, John 8:32, 2 Nephi 9:29, 2 Nephi 28:30, D&C 90:15, D&C 93:53
  • Additional Resources

AugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
  • ​Catch up month or at leader choice

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