5 Quotes Plus Discussion-Promoting Questions

See also Teaching Helps

Elder Renlund’s talk is one of my favorites from this General Conference. He expounds on several New Testament parables with amazing insight. This lesson covers: the Holy Ghost, avoiding deception, developing your talents, serving with your talents, and preparing for the Second Coming.

You can find his full talk here. Unless you opt to spend a lot of time on a particular quote, try to pick around 2 questions per quote. Choose the questions that resonate the most with you and make a meaningful discussion for your group of personalities. These highlights and questions fit with Lesson Template 1 or Template 2. You can also check out several other General Conference Talks with 5 Highlights.

All blue quotes by Dale G. Renlund, April 2025 General Conference talk (unless otherwise noted).

Lesson Prep

• You can arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you. I suggest starting with the most important ones and working your way down. Don’t worry about covering all the quotes.
• If you want the discussion to be more meaningful, hand out reading assignments ahead of time and ask the reader to answer one question about them (pick one of the questions below and give it to them, along with the assigned quote). The sooner you do this, the better, but if possible, at least show it to them before the Sacrament meeting. You can also text or email it.
• Ask various people to read and participate – especially those who aren’t asked as much.

Lesson Delivery

• Ensure every class member has the conference talk and scriptures in front of them or on their phone. Always invite the class to read along—hearing and seeing the words together increases comprehension and engagement.
• Avoid videos – they shut down discussion. Save them for personal study.
• If the discussion gets too non-spiritual, pull it back by going to the next quote or question.
• Make sure you assign others to read the quotes. You’re talking enough already, and letting others read allows more people to participate.
• Encourage discussion by accepting all reasonable answers. Validate people for participating, and be thankful they spoke up. Engage with the answer in a conversational way whenever it feels natural. Never say, “That’s not the right answer,” or “We haven’t got to that part of the lesson yet.”
• Remember, spiritual discussion is golden. We want people to talk about the gospel together.
• If the discussion takes a different turn than your planned lesson, roll with it. The Spirit intends for you to be successful.

Quote #1 (virgins)

Possible engagement tool: Beforehand, assign someone to give a short, 1-minute summary of the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13).

Remind your class that Elder Renlund cited three things this parable teaches us. Have them listen for those three items as you read the following quote together.

The essential lesson of this parable of the ten virgins is that we are wise when we accept the gospel, seek to have the Holy Ghost with us, and avoid deception. The five wise virgins could not help those without oil; no one can accept the gospel, take the Holy Ghost as a guide, and avoid deception on our behalf. We have to do this for ourselves.

…If we are wise, we receive the truth by accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ through priesthood ordinances and covenants. Next, we strive to remain worthy of having the Holy Ghost always with us. This capability must be acquired individually and personally, drop by drop. Consistent, personal, private acts of devotion invite the Holy Ghost to guide us.

The third element that Jesus highlighted is avoiding deception.

Possible activity: Have your class help you pull out the three essential takeaways from the parable. (It does not have to be in the same order or worded the same way.)

• accept the gospel,
• seek to have the company of the Holy Ghost
• avoid deception

Possible discussion questions: How do we accept the gospel? (Accept all reasonable answers – Elder Renlund says: through priesthood ordinances and covenants.) Probably one of the most powerful quotes in his talk >> How did Elder Renlund say we could have the Holy Ghost always with us? (This capability must be acquired individually and personally, drop by drop. Consistent, personal, private acts of devotion invite the Holy Ghost to guide us.) What private acts of devotion help you invite the Holy Ghost into your life?

Note: Deception is fully discussed in Quote #2)

For printable copies of this lesson – click here.

Quote #2 (deception)

This is a powerful statement. Spend time on this one if you feel your group might need it.

Possible Intro: Our world is full of deception and misleading philosophies, even among Church membership. Elder Renlund has an inspired solution for us.

The Savior warned:

“Take heed that no man deceive you.

“For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”

The Savior knew pretenders would try to deceive the very elect and that many disciples would be duped. We should neither believe those who falsely claim divine sanction nor venture into metaphorical deserts or secret chambers to be taught by counterfeits.

…We can also avoid deception by worshipping regularly in the temple. This helps us maintain an eternal perspective and protects us from influences that might distract or divert us from the covenant path.

Possible discussion questions: Does the Savior make the Gospel messages of our latter times hard to find or only available to a few select people? Why should we be wary of deceptive teachings and counterfeit spirituality? What solution is Elder Renlund suggesting? (Accept all reasonable answers – go to the temple!)

Optional – Deepen the Understanding

This particular quote is laser-guided to our times. Elder Renlund draws on notable prophecies about our day. Let’s break down what he said.

1. “The Savior knew pretenders would try to deceive the very elect and that many disciples would be duped.”

This draws from Matthew 24:24, where Jesus warns, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” The “elect” refers to God’s chosen or faithful followers—those striving to follow Christ’s teachings and live righteously. “Pretenders” refers to false prophets or teachers who claim divine authority but lack it.

We believe that deception will increase as the world approaches Christ’s return. “Disciples being duped” means that even sincere followers of Christ might be misled if they are not vigilant.

2. “We should neither believe those who falsely claim divine sanction…”

“Divine sanction” refers to the authority or approval of God. True divine authority (priesthood power) is held only by those properly called and ordained within the Church, such as prophets and apostles. False claimants might include self-proclaimed religious leaders, charismatic figures, or even well-meaning but misguided individuals who assert they speak for God without proper authority.

Elder Renlund cautions members not to follow individuals or teachings that lack the Church’s official endorsement. This could apply to fringe groups or individuals within or outside the LDS community who claim new revelations or doctrines that contradict established Church teachings.

3. “…nor venture into metaphorical deserts or secret chambers to be taught by counterfeits.”

This part of the phrase refers to Matthew 24:26, where Jesus warns, “Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.” In this context, Jesus speaks about false messiahs or prophets who might lure people to remote or hidden places with claims of spiritual enlightenment or divine appearances.

Secret Chambers refers to hidden or exclusive settings where false teachers might claim to have special knowledge or revelations. In a modern context, this could symbolize secretive groups, cults, or online communities that promote unorthodox teachings under the guise of spiritual truth.

Quote #3 (talents)

Possible engagement tool: Beforehand, assign someone to give a short, 1-minute summary of the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30).

One message of this parable is that God expects us to magnify the abilities we have been given,

…Indeed, God will be disappointed if we do not rely upon the merits, mercy, and grace of the Savior to magnify the God-given abilities we have received. With His loving assistance, He expects us to become the best version of ourselves. That we may start with differing abilities is irrelevant to Him. And it should be to us.

Possible discussion questions: Why is it essential to develop our skills, talents, and gifts—who has asked us to do that? What resources have you used to develop yourself more fully? Why is it important to give time to your talents, wanted talents, abilities, and self-mastery daily? (One popular theory is that 10,000 hours of deliberate practice will make you an expert at anything.) What could you picture yourself maybe spending 10,000 hours on?

Quote #4 (goats)

Possible Intro: Elder Renlund invites us to use our talents, blessings and gifts to serve others.

Possible engagement tool: Beforehand, assign someone to give a short, 1-minute summary of the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31–46).

The message of the parable is clear: when we serve others, we serve God; when we don’t, we disappoint. He expects us to use our gifts, talents, and abilities to bless the lives of Heavenly Father’s children.

…The lesson of the Savior’s parable of the sheep and goats is that we are to use the gifts we have been given—time, talents, and blessings—to serve Heavenly Father’s children, especially the most vulnerable and needy.

I can testify that spending time on our talents and gifts brings happiness into our lives, and donating our talents and gifts on behalf of others brings JOY.

Possible discussion question: What’s a talent, or gift of time, you enjoy giving others? How do you feel when you serve others? Why is it essential to make time to serve? Who do we serve when we take the time for anyone around us, including those outside our families? Why is it important to serve outside of our friends and families? Do you feel you give service often enough?

Quote #5 (second coming)

Wonderful Closing Quote!

My invitation to…each of you is to follow Jesus Christ and to trust the Holy Ghost as you would a cherished friend. Rely on those who love you and who love the Savior. Seek God’s guidance to develop your unique abilities, and help others, even when it isn’t easy. You will be ready to meet the Savior, and you can join President Nelson in being joyfully optimistic. In doing so, you help the world prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and you will be blessed with sufficient hope to enter the rest and joy of the Lord, now and in the future.

Possible discussion questions:

Summary

Summarize class discussion highlights and/or share your testimony and feelings about Elder Renlund’s talk. Thank your class for their excellent contributions and insights.

Final Comment

Please teach the quotes in any order that makes sense to you.

Teach with confidence, and if you would like some tips on how to feel more confident while teaching – try “9 Tips for More Class Participation.” May the Spirit bless and guide your efforts.