"Lesson 22: “Inherit the Kingdom Prepared for You”," New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (2002)
President Spencer W. Kimball:
“In the parable [of the 10 virgins], oil can be purchased at the market. In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures—each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions, marriage in the covenant for eternity—these, too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps” (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 256).
Watch this video from the BYU Women's Conference where Elder David A. Bednar likens the small and simple things we do daily to drip irrigation: https://lds.org/church/news/elder-david-a-bednar-teaches-about-the-spiritual-pattern-of-small-and-simple-things?lang=eng&cid=facebook-shared
"Ordinary people who faithfully, diligently, and consistently do simple things that are right before God will bring forth extraordinary results." —Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Purpose
To help prepare ourselves for the Second Coming through living righteously, developing our talents, and serving others.
Preparation
- 1.
Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:
- a.
Matthew 25:1–13. Through the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus teaches that we must prepare for his Second Coming.
- b.
Matthew 25:14–30. Through the parable of the talents, Jesus teaches that we should develop the gifts we receive from God.
- c.
Matthew 25:31–46. Through the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus teaches that we should willingly serve one another.
- a.
"Lesson 22: “Inherit the Kingdom Prepared for You”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)
Matthew 25
- •
The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13) is a representation of the Second Coming. The bridegroom represents the Savior, the ten virgins represent members of the Church, and the oil in the lamps represents preparation for the Second Coming. What are some ways we can add “oil” to our “lamps”?
- •
In Matthew 25:14–30, the talents represent gifts from God. Every person has been given at least one gift from God (D&C 46:11–12), but some gifts are easier to recognize than others. What are some gifts that might be difficult to recognize but that can be used to serve others and glorify God?
- •
What do you think the Savior meant when he said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”? (Matthew 25:40; see also Mosiah 2:17).
Suggestion for Family Discussion
Read the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30), and explain that the talents represent gifts from God. Ask each family member to talk about one or two talents or gifts that he or she has been blessed with. Then have each family member talk about talents or gifts that each of the other family members have been blessed with. Discuss ways family members can use these gifts to help build up the kingdom of God on the earth.
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