Going Deep: Practical Tips for Your Scripture Study Journey

It is a joy, isn't it? That deep, quiet moment when the Spirit settles over you, and you open the Book of Mormon or the Bible, ready to hear the Lord’s voice. As returned missionaries, we know how much the scriptures mean—they are the blueprint for the life we are called to live. They are the cornerstone of the Work.

But if you’ve been anywhere near the field, you know that even the most experienced disciple can hit a wall. You read a passage, and you’re left feeling… confused. Or maybe it feels too old, too foreign, too dense. It can feel intimidating.

If you’ve ever felt that way, friend, you are not alone. And honestly, that’s okay. Discipleship isn't supposed to be perfect; it's supposed to be a continuous journey of grace. The video we shared with you this week perfectly captures that feeling—the excitement mixed with the humility of starting fresh, even with something as foundational as the Bible.

When the Scriptures Feel Confusing: A Mentor’s Guide

The world often views the scriptures as simply a text to be read, but they are a living record of God’s covenants. To truly learn from them, we have to adopt a student’s mindset. This is where we can build a powerful skill set that serves us not just in our personal study, but when we are called to share the gospel with an investigator.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the depth of the scriptures—and I mean this with all the love of a fellow disciple—here are a few practical tips we’ve gathered:

• Don't just read, research: As the video highlighted, if a passage is talking about a specific historical context (like the early days of the New Testament), don't hesitate to look up the background. A Bible Handbook or a good study guide can give you the "gist" overview before you dive in.
• Focus on the narrative arc: Instead of trying to understand every single verse, ask yourself: What is the main story here? What covenant is being taught? What action should I take?
• Bring your community: The greatest tool for overcoming confusion is connection. If you are struggling with a difficult passage, don't just struggle alone.

Your Next Disciple Skill: Contextualizing Scripture

This is a mission-prep skill that will benefit you whether you are in the MTC, sitting in missionary discussions, or simply having a cup of coffee with a friend who is learning about the restored gospel. When you are trying to teach or discuss a scripture with someone, don't just quote the verse. Give them the context. Tell them *why* that verse matters, *who* wrote it, and *how* it connects to the life of Christ.

This ability to contextualize is what separates a good student from a true disciple. It’s what allows us to be effective Internet missionaries—sharing the Spirit's power without needing to be physically present in the field.

Leveraging Technology for Deeper Understanding

Fortunately, we don't have to do this all the hard way. The resources available to us as Latter-day Saints are incredible. If you are looking for structured, guided study, check out HolyPlaces. It offers Book Clubs and Bible Study Groups designed to guide you through difficult texts, ensuring you are getting the necessary background before you even open your Bible.

And if you want to test your understanding of complex doctrine or scripture application, I highly recommend using Davee. His AI Investigator role is perfect for this. Instead of just reading the answer, Davee will walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask, helping you practice the art of responding with grace and knowledge.

Staying Rooted in the Work

As we transition into the next season of discipleship, remember that the gospel is meant to be lived, not just read. Don't let the sheer volume of scripture become a barrier to your faith. Use these tools, share these techniques, and let the Spirit guide you.

If you are looking for recommended reading to help deepen your understanding of the covenants, I recommend checking out any recent works by an Iron Rod author available in LivingBook. It's a perfect companion to your scripture study.

Come join us! Want to practice these skills with us? Join a free weekly Disciple Challenge or check out the latest discussions in the Social Scripture Study layer inside LivingBook. We are all in this together, working to help others find the light.