Studying and Learning by Faith

Michael taught his lesson on Ezekiel 37 last Monday, emphasizing the dual meaning of two passages in that chapter (i.e. dry bones coming back to life=resurrection and, also the return of spiritual life & blessings to the House of Israel AND Sticks of Joseph and Judah coming together=the reuniting or gathering of Israel and Judah in addition to the Book of Mormon and Bible coming together to testify of Christ).

Because of our recent emphasis on student teaching, we have also explored our dual roles as teachers and learners in our gospel study. Read a few responses to part of my "Student Teaching Survey":

1. What is something significant you learned while another student was acting as a teacher?
Chad: [Deanna’s] lesson about striving to not be ripe in iniquity really inspired me to never tempt the Lord.
Annie: The Spirit allows us to understand what the lesson is about.
Deanna: Some of the strongest points made were through the testimonies of the teachers.
Sam: I learned that I can still feel the Spirit when a student is teaching.
Annalisa: That being a good teacher takes time
2.What important lesson did you learn in the process of teaching?
Stephanie: I learned that a lot of work goes into preparing a Seminary lesson.
Erik: That it takes time
Ryan P: I learned that preparation is important.
Deanna: Preparation
Sara: That I should have prepared more
Tyler K: It is hard to teach. I give props for that.
Bethany: The kids in our class don’t want us to fail.
Michael: Scriptures have multiple meanings.
Annalisa: Being respectful to your teacher really helps the lesson go well.
3. How would your lesson be different if the Savior had been in the room? Pres. Monson? Your Bishop? Your parents? A non-LDS friend?
Stephanie: I probably would have been more organized and elaborate on things more than I did.
Erik: I would have prepared more and taught by the Spirit more.
Chad: Probably more sincere and I wouldn’t do anything to disrupt the Spirit.
Deanna: I probably would have tried to prepare better and made a better effort to try to involve Annie in that preparation.
Ryan R.: I would let the Savior/Pres. Monson/Bishop teach.
Sam: I would have prepared better.
Tyler K.: I would have tried to… teach with the Spirit.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated: "Ultimately, the responsibility to learn by faith and apply spiritual truth rests upon each of us individually. This is an increasingly serious and important responsibility in the world in which we do now and will yet live. What, how, and when we learn is supported by - but is not dependent upon - an instructor; a method of presentation or a specific topic or lesson format."
Address to CES Religious Educators, Feb. 3, 2006

In response to Elder Bednar's statement the students offered the following insights:
Annalisa - I am learning by study and by faith when I try to have the Spirit teach me something rather than my teacher.
Erik - I am learning by study and by faith when I pay attention to the teacher's words and apply the lesson to myself. When I take the time to understand the specific principles we've talked about, I grow in faith.
Sara - I am learning by study and by faith when I come across ideas that interest me and that I know I will benefit from. It is easier to learn and study by faith when you know you will use that knowledge you've gained.
Tyler - I am learning by study and by faith when I apply what I learn in Seminary to my life's problems. I can learn more about myself and about the Savior when I listen to the messages that the scriptures give us.
Bethany - I am learning by study and by faith when I take initiative and motivate myself to delve into the questions I have to find my answers.
Chad - I am learning by study and by faith when I ignore distractions in Sunday School so I can better feel the Spirit from the teacher's lesson, and by attending optional meetings such as missionary prep class.
Ryan P. - I am learning by study and by faith when I don't let myself off the hook. I hold onto whatever I am learning because I know that it is true. The Spirit manifests itself unto those with a welcome heart and a willing soul.

I am grateful to spend my early morning hours with the willing souls and welcoming hearts that make up our class. We are continually learning from and teaching each other, aided by the Spirit. The Holy Ghost influences our prayers, our ponderings, our questions, and the answers we receive. He confirms our faith in the Savior and increases our gratitude for the Lord's patience, loving kindness, mercy and grace. How blessed we are to study and learn by faith!