Step 5 - Once principles and doctrines have been identified and one in particular really shines as the treasure you are after you're ready to go scuba diving in the scriptures. Scuba diving in the scriptures is where you work your way further down to the treasure by understanding, analyzing, and illustrating the principle. You can do this first by looking at the scripture block. Often the scripture block itself contains clarifying commentary that can help you grasp the meaning of a statement of doctrine or principle. If you can, try to make a list using the scripture block that goes along with the principle. In your scriptures write out and circle the title of the list you come up with at the top the scripture page. Next, circle verses, words, or things that can be written next to the verses to show what is apart of your list.
Another way to understand the doctrine or principle is explaining the gospel truth in your own words or illustrating what the gospel truth looks like at home, at school, or at play. Illustrating the principle is so important to opening up your treasure and seeing what is really there for you. Going to other places in the scriptures for related teachings and additional insights, plus turning to the words and teachings of latter-day prophets and apostles also helps in understanding, analyzing, and illustrating the principle. The best way to illustrate the principle and be inspired is by finding a teaching or a story from the life of the Savior that matches what is being discovered. Don't forget to pray for the help of the Holy Ghost to help you ponder and be led to the right verses and quotes. Keep in mind also that understanding continues to deepen as principles are applied.
As you work your way down to the bottom of the scripture ocean floor ask questions that lead yourself to analyze and visualize the scriptures. For example, from the story of the 2,000 stripling warriors in the Book of Mormon, we can learn the principle that if we do not doubt, God will deliver us (see Alma 56:47–48). In order to gain a greater understanding of what this principle means, consider such questions as:
- What is it that the stripling warriors did not doubt?
- What evidence is there that these young warriors did not doubt?
- How did God deliver the stripling warriors?
- What are some “battles” the youth of the Church are fighting today?
- What are some ways God might deliver them from such battles?
- What does the experience of Abinadi, Joseph Smith, or Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego teach us about what it means to be delivered.
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