Monday, May 29, 2017

Lesson 20: The Kingdoms of Glory

Purpose
To help class members carefully consider the eternal inheritances in the three kingdoms of glory and to encourage them to live in such a way that they will be able to inherit celestial glory and dwell in Heavenly Father’s presence with their families.

Preparation
To gain a greater understanding of historical events related to the doctrine in this lesson, consider reviewing the following:

Discussion and Application

1. The kingdoms of glory and “the testimony of Jesus”
  • What circumstances led to the vision that is recorded in D&C 76? (See D&C 76:11–19; see also the heading to D&C 76.)
  • The entire vision testifies of Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement. Joseph Smith’s description of the vision begins and ends with a testimony of the Savior. 
  • Doctrine and Covenants 76 shows that Heavenly Father has provided three kingdoms of glory in which most people will live after they are resurrected: the telestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, and the celestial kingdom. Each of us will inherit a kingdom of glory based on the manner in which we have “received the testimony of Jesus” (D&C 76:51).

2. Perdition
  • The word perdition refers to a state of loss and destruction rather than a kingdom of glory. Those who experience this are called “sons of perdition” because they follow Satan, who is called Perdition (D&C 76:25–26, 31–32).
  • When Lucifer rebelled in the Council in Heaven, he was thrust down to earth (Revelation 12:7–9; D&C 29:36–37; 76:25–28; Moses 4:1–3). 
  • What did the Lord reveal about the suffering of the sons of perdition? (See D&C 76:32–34, 36–38, 44–49.) 
    • Why are sons of perdition condemned to experience such great suffering? (See D&C 76:30–31, 35.) 
    • For an explanation of what it means to deny the Holy Ghost, see the following quotation.) 
      • The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “What must a man do to commit the unpardonable sin? He must receive the Holy Ghost, have the heavens opened unto him, and know God, and then sin against Him. After a man has sinned against the Holy Ghost, there is no repentance for him. He has got to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it; he has got to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens have been opened unto him, and to deny the plan of salvation with his eyes open to the truth of it; and from that time he begins to be an enemy” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 358).

3. The telestial kingdom
  • The telestial kingdom is the lowest kingdom of glory. The Lord compared its glory to the glory of the stars (D&C 76:81, 98; see also 1 Corinthians 15:40–41, including Joseph Smith’s translation in footnote 40a).
  • Who will inherit the telestial kingdom? (See D&C 76:81–83, 98–101, 103.)
  • What conditions or limitations will be placed on those in the telestial kingdom? (See D&C 76:84–86, 102, 104–6, 112.) 
    • The “hell” referred to in verses 84 and 106 is spirit prison, a temporary state between death and resurrection. Those in spirit prison who do not accept the gospel will eventually be resurrected and inherit telestial glory. 
    • Read the second paragraph in the Bible Dictionary definition of the word hell.

4. The terrestrial kingdom
  • The Lord compared the glory of the terrestrial kingdom to the glory of the moon (D&C 76:78, 97; see also 1 Corinthians 15:40–41).
  • Who will inherit the terrestrial kingdom? (See D&C 76:71–75, 79. 
    • Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve explained: “Those destined to inherit the terrestrial kingdom are: (1) those who died ‘without law’—those heathen and pagan people who do not hear the gospel in this life, and who would not accept it with all their hearts should they hear it; (2) those who hear and reject the gospel in this life and then accept it in the spirit world; (3) those ‘who are honorable men of the earth, who [are] blinded by the craftiness of men’; and (4) those who are lukewarm members of the true church and who have testimonies, but who are not true and faithful in all things” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 146).
  • What conditions or limitations will be placed on those in the terrestrial kingdom? (See D&C 76:76–78.)
  • How can we keep ourselves from being “blinded by the craftiness of men”? (For some answers to this question, see Ephesians 4:11–15; 1 Nephi 15:24; Helaman 5:12; D&C 3:7–8; 21:4–6; 52:14–20.)

5. The celestial kingdom
  • The celestial kingdom is the highest kingdom of glory. The Lord compared its glory to the glory of the sun (D&C 76:70, 78, 96; see also 1 Corinthians 15:40–41).
  • Who will inherit the celestial kingdom? (See D&C 76:50–53, 68–69. Note: the Holy Spirit of Promise is the Holy Ghost, who confirms that the priesthood ordinances we have received and the covenants we have made are acceptable to God. This approval depends on our faithfulness.)
  • About four years after the vision in D&C 76 was revealed, Joseph Smith received a vision in which he saw his older brother Alvin in the celestial kingdom (D&C 137:1–5). Alvin had died in 1823, before the Church was restored. 
    • What did Joseph learn from seeing Alvin in the celestial kingdom? (See D&C 137:7–9.) 
    • What else did the Prophet learn about who inherits celestial glory? (See D&C 137:10.) 
    • How can these truths bring us comfort?
  • What blessings will we receive if we inherit the celestial kingdom? (See D&C 76:54–67, 94–95.)
  • How does our testimony of Jesus determine the kingdom we will inherit after we die? (See D&C 76:31, 35 [perdition]; D&C 76:82, 101 [telestial]; D&C 76:79 [terrestrial]; D&C 76:51–53, 69; 121:29 [celestial].) 
    • What does it mean to you to be “valiant in the testimony of Jesus”? (D&C 76:79). 
      • Elder Bruce R. McConkie:
        “What does it mean to be valiant in the testimony of Jesus?
        “It is to be courageous and bold; to use all our strength, energy, and ability in the warfare with the world; to fight the good fight of faith. … The great cornerstone of valiance in the cause of righteousness is obedience to the whole law of the whole gospel.
        “To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to ‘come unto Christ, and be perfected in him’; it is to deny ourselves ‘of all ungodliness,’ and ‘love God’ with all our ‘might, mind and strength.’ (Moro. 10:32.)
        “To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to believe in Christ and his gospel with unshakable conviction. It is to know of the verity and divinity of the Lord’s work on earth.
        “But this is not all. It is more than believing and knowing. We must be doers of the word and not hearers only. It is more than lip service; it is not simply confessing with the mouth the divine Sonship of the Savior. It is obedience and conformity and personal righteousness. …
        “To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to ‘press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.’ It is to ‘endure to the end.’ (2 Ne. 31:20) It is to live our religion, to practice what we preach, to keep the commandments. It is the manifestation of ‘pure religion’ in the lives of men; it is visiting ‘the fatherless and widows in their affliction’ and keeping ourselves ‘unspotted from the world.’ (James 1:27.)
        “To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to bridle our passions, control our appetites, and rise above carnal and evil things. It is to overcome the world as did he who is our prototype and who himself was the most valiant of all our Father’s children. It is to be morally clean, to pay our tithes and offerings, to honor the Sabbath day, to pray with full purpose of heart, to lay our all upon the altar if called upon to do so.
        “To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to take the Lord’s side on every issue. It is to vote as he would vote. It is to think what he thinks, to believe what he believes, to say what he would say and do what he would do in the same situation. It is to have the mind of Christ and be one with him as he is one with his Father” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1974, 45–46; or Ensign, Nov. 1974, 35).
  • Eleven years after the vision in D&C 76 was revealed, the Prophet Joseph taught that there are three degrees within the celestial kingdom (D&C 131:1). 
    • Who will be exalted in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom? (See D&C 131:1–3; 132:19.)
  • What blessing is available only to those who are exalted in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom? (See D&C 131:4; 132:19–20. Note: The phrases “an increase” and “a continuation of the seeds forever and ever” mean that those who abide in the covenant and are exalted in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom will have spirit children in the eternities.)
  • President Joseph Fielding Smith of the Quorum of the Twelve said: “Section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants … should be treasured by all members of the Church as a priceless heritage. It should strengthen their faith and be to them an incentive to seek the exaltation promised to all who are just and true” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 2 vols. [1953], 1:279). 
    • How can this revelation strengthen our faith and inspire us to seek exaltation? 
    • How can we overcome any discouragement we may feel as we strive for celestial glory?
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Thursday, May 25, 2017

Lesson 19: The Plan of Salvation

Purpose
To help class members understand the grand scope of the plan of salvation and to encourage them to live according to their knowledge of the plan.

 Preparation

Read the Following Scriptures:
To gain a greater understanding of historical events related to the doctrine in this lesson, consider reviewing the following:
  • This article discusses an early revelation on the premortal existence that is now found in Doctrine and Covenants 93."Man Was Also in the Beginning with God"
  • "The Vision": This article gives context for the vision about life after death and the three kingdoms of glory, which is now recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 76. 
  • "Becoming like God": This Gospel Topics essay gives some historical context for Church teachings on exaltation. 
  • "Accounts of the 'King Follett Sermon'": This page from the Joseph Smith Papers website links to accounts of Joseph Smith's last general conference address, which laid out some of his teachings about our divine nature and potential. 

 Questions to Ponder

1. The plan of salvation is "one of heaven's best gifts to mankind."

The prophet Alma referred to Heavenly Father's plan as "the great plan of happiness" (Alma 42:8).
  • How can the plan of salvation bring us happiness?
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, "The great plan of salvation is a theme which ought to occupy our strict attention, and be regarded as one of heaven's best gifts to mankind" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 68).
  • What can we do to give the plan of salvation "our strict attention"?

2. Premortal life

The plan of salvation can be divided into three parts: premortal life, mortal life, and life after death.
One significant blessing of the Restoration is our increased knowledge of our premortal life. This knowledge helps us understand life's purpose and our part in God's plan of salvation.
  • We are sons and daughters of God, and we lived in a premortal existence as His spirit children (D&C 76:24;93:29). How does the knowledge that you are a child of God influence you?
  • Before the earth was created, Heavenly Father called a council in heaven and presented the plan of salvation to all His spirit children. What were some elements of the plan that Heavenly Father presented in the premortal world? (See 2 Nephi 2:24–26; Alma 34:8–9; Abraham 3:24–25.)
  • How did Jehovah, the Firstborn of the Father, respond to the plan of salvation? (See Moses 4:2, D&C 19:16–19 and D&C 76:40–42). 
  • Lucifer rebelled against the plan of salvation, seeking to destroy our agency and gain Heavenly Father's power (Moses 4:1, 3; D&C 29:36). He became Satan, and he and his followers were cast out of the Father's presence and denied mortality (D&C 29:36–38; 76:25–27; Moses 4:4; Abraham 3:26). Why is it important for us to know about the existence of Satan and his followers?
  • How did we respond to the plan of salvation? (See Job 38:4–7.)
In the premortal world, Heavenly Father chose and foreordained noble spirits to carry forth His work on the earth (D&C 138:55–56; Abraham 3:22–23; see also Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 365).
  • In what ways might our knowledge of premortal life influence our daily decisions? How can our knowledge of our premortal life help us when we face trials?

3. Mortal life

When we accepted Heavenly Father's plan in our premortal life, we kept our "first estate." Because of our faithfulness, we were given the opportunity to come to earth, which is our "second estate" (Abraham 3:26).
Because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, we are in a fallen state in mortality (D&C 29:40). We are subject to physical death and also to spiritual death, or separation from the presence of God (D&C 29:41–42; Alma 42:9, 14;). From latter-day revelation we learn that the Fall is a necessary step in our eternal progress. Eve spoke of the blessings of the Fall: "Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient" (Moses 5:11).
  • What are some purposes of mortal life?
  • The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles proclaimed that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children. … The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally" ("The Family: A Proclamation to the World," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).
    • How does your understanding of the purposes of mortality make a difference in your life? How does your understanding of these purposes influence the decisions you make?
    • As part of our mortal life, Satan is allowed to tempt us (D&C 29:39). Why? (See D&C 29:39; see also 2 Nephi 2:11–13.) Why is agency an important part of the plan of salvation? (See D&C 58:27–28; 101:78;2 Nephi 2:25–27.)

4. Life after death

  • When we die, our spirits will enter the spirit world (see Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 309–10.) How will our works during mortality influence our life in the postmortal spirit world? (See Alma 34:34;40:11–14.)
  • People who do not receive the gospel on earth will have that opportunity in the spirit world (D&C 137:7–9; 138:30–34). What can we do to help them receive all the blessings of the plan of salvation? (See D&C 128:6–8, 15.
  • The Fall brought physical and spiritual death into the world. How will we be delivered from physical death? (See Alma 11:42; D&C 88:14–16; 93:33.) How can we be delivered from spiritual death? (See Alma 42:11–13, 15; Articles of Faith 1:3.)
After we are resurrected, we will return to the presence of God to be judged according to our works (Alma 11:43–45; D&C 76:111). We will inherit a place in the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, or the telestial kingdom based on the manner in which we have "received the testimony of Jesus" (D&C 76:51; see also verses D&C 76:50, 79–82).
  • In what ways does the knowledge of life after death help us during mortality?
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Saturday, May 20, 2017

Lesson 18: “Establish … a House of God”

Purpose
To help class members understand the significance of temples and encourage them to seek the blessings of the temple in their own lives.

Preparation

Questions to Ponder

1. The Lord commanded the Saints to build the Kirtland Temple.

  • Read D&C 95. Temples are an essential part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In December 1832, the Lord commanded the Saints to build a temple in Kirtland, Ohio (D&C 88:119; 109:2. Five months later the Saints had done little to fulfill this command, so the Lord called on them to repent and hasten their work (D&C 95). Four days later, men began hauling stone and digging trenches in preparation for building the temple.
  • Read D&C 95:3–4, 8–9, 16–17; 109:5, 8. What do these verses teach about the purposes for building the Kirtland Temple?
  • What did the Lord reveal to Joseph Smith about how to build the Kirtland Temple? (See D&C 95:13–17)
    •  Some of the workers suggested they build the temple with logs or boards. But Joseph Smith replied: "Shall we … build a house for our God, of logs? No. … I have a plan of the house of the Lord, given by himself; and you will soon see by this, the difference between our calculations and his idea of things" (quoted in Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, ed. Preston Nibley [1958], 230).
      The Lord revealed His plans for the Kirtland Temple in a vision to the First Presidency (Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams). President Frederick G. Williams said they knelt together in prayer, and a model of the building "appeared within viewing distance. … After we had taken a good look at the exterior, the building seemed to come right over us." When the temple was completed, Frederick G. Williams said it looked exactly as it had in the vision. (In The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. Lyndon W. Cook [1981], 198.)
  • Even today the First Presidency, through revelation, determines when and where to build temples.

 2. The Saints were blessed for their great sacrifices in building the temple.
  • The Kirtland Temple was the first temple built in this dispensation. 
    • What were some of the challenges and sacrifices associated with building the temple? (See D&C 109:5 and Our Heritage, pages 33–34.)
  • How were the Saints blessed for the sacrifices they made in building the Kirtland Temple? (See Our Heritage, pages 34–35.)
  • What sacrifices have you seen members of the Church make to receive temple blessings or to participate in temple work? 
  • What are some sacrifices we could make to participate in temple work?
3. Joseph Smith dedicated the Kirtland Temple.
  • On 27 March 1836, the Prophet Joseph Smith dedicated the Kirtland Temple. The dedicatory prayer, which the Lord revealed, is recorded in D&C 109. The dedicatory service lasted seven hours and was accompanied by a great outpouring of the Spirit. It included the dedicatory prayer, hymn singing, testimony bearing, the passing of the sacrament, sermons, and a solemn assembly in which members sustained Joseph Smith and other Church leaders. The service ended with the Saints giving the Hosanna Shout—raising their hands above their heads and shouting three times, "Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb, amen, amen, and amen" (History of the Church, 2:427–28).
  • Why do we dedicate temples? 
  • How are temples different after they are dedicated? 
  • What spiritual manifestations occurred during the dedication of the Kirtland Temple? (See Our Heritage, pages 34–35.)
    • In the dedicatory prayer, the Prophet emphasized some responsibilities of Church members with regard to temples. 
      • What responsibilities did he emphasize? 
a. D&C 109:7, 14. (We should seek diligently to learn by study and by faith.) Why is this an important responsibility with regard to temples?

 b. D&C 109:9, 17–19. (Our incomings, outgoings, and salutations should be in the name of the Lord.) How can we fulfill this responsibility?

 c. D&C 109:20–21. (We must be clean to enter the temple.) Why is it necessary that we be worthy when we enter the temple? (See D&C 97:15–17.) 
How do we verify our worthiness to enter the Lord's house?

 d. D&C 109:23. (We should leave the temple bearing the great tidings of the gospel to the ends of the earth.) How can temple attendance inspire us to do this?
    • In the dedicatory prayer, the Prophet prayed for many great blessings. 
      • What blessings did he pray for?
a. D&C 109:15. (The Lord's people would receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost.) How has temple attendance increased the influence of the Spirit in you life?

 b. D&C 109:22. (The Lord's people would go forth from the temple armed with power and watched over by angels.)

 c. D&C 109:25–26. (No weapon or wickedness would prevail against the Lord's people.) How does temple attendance protect us from evil?

 d. D&C 109:32–33. (The Lord would break off the yoke of affliction from His people.) How has temple attendance helped you overcome or bear affliction?

 e. D&C 109:36–37. (There would be an outpouring of the Spirit, as on the day of Pentecost; see Acts 2:1–4.) 
  • One fulfillment of this part of the prayer occurred during a priesthood meeting on the night of the dedication. The temple was filled with the sound of a mighty wind, and many brethren spoke in tongues, prophesied, and saw visions (History of the Church, 2:428).
f. D&C 109:54–58. (The Lord would have mercy on the nations of the earth, softening the hearts of the people to prepare them for the gospel message.)

 g. D&C 109:61–64, 67. (The scattered children of Israel would begin to be gathered and redeemed.) How does temple work help bring about this blessing?

 h. D&C 109:72–74. (The Lord's Church would fill the whole earth.) How does temple work help bring about this blessing?
  • President Howard W. Hunter, the 14th President of the Church, described these promises in the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple as "stirring and wonderful" ("The Great Symbol of Our Membership," Ensign, Oct. 1994, 5). This prayer, he said, "continues to be answered upon us individually, upon us as families, and upon us as a people because of the priesthood power the Lord has given us to use in His holy temples" (Ensign, Oct. 1994, 4).

 4. The Lord accepted the Kirtland Temple, and ancient prophets restored priesthood keys.
  • Read D&C 110. The Lord fulfilled His promise to endow His servants with power from on high when the Kirtland Temple was completed (D&C 95:8). This endowment of power included an appearance of the Savior in the temple, an outpouring of the Spirit, many revelations, and the restoration of priesthood keys by Moses, Elias, and Elijah. With these sacred experiences and keys, the Lord's servants were able to move His work forward with greater power and authority.
  • How did the Prophet Joseph Smith describe the appearance of the Savior in the Kirtland Temple? (See D&C 110:1–3.) 
    • What did the Savior say about Himself? (See D&C 110:4.) 
    • What did He say to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery about the temple? (See D&C 110:6–10.)
  • What priesthood keys did Moses, Elias, and Elijah restore? (See D&C 110:11–16.) 
    • What blessings and responsibilities do we have today because Moses restored the keys of the gathering of Israel? 
    • Because Elias restored the keys of the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham? 
    • Because Elijah restored the keys of the sealing power?

 5. Temple building and temple work accelerate in our day.
  • How has temple building accelerated in our day?
  • Along with the acceleration in temple building, Church leaders have given renewed emphasis to participating in temple work. 
    • Read D&C 138:53–56. Worthy Church members today are among the "choice spirits who were reserved to come forth in the fulness of times to take part in … the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein." 
      • How can we help accelerate temple work? 
      • President Howard W. Hunter said: "Let us be a temple-attending and a temple-loving people. Let us hasten to the temple as frequently as time and means and personal circumstances allow. Let us go not only for our kindred dead, but let us also go for the personal blessing of temple worship, for the sanctity and safety which is provided within those hallowed and consecrated walls. The temple is a place of beauty, it is a place of revelation, it is a place of peace. It is the house of the Lord. It is holy unto the Lord. It should be holy unto us" (Ensign, Oct. 1994, 5).
  • What counsel did we receive in recent General Conferences?
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Thursday, May 11, 2017

Lesson 17: The Law of Tithing and the Law of the Fast

Purpose

To help class members strengthen their desire to pay a full tithe and live the law of the fast.

 Preparation

Questions to Ponder

 

1. The Lord has commanded us to pay tithing. He has promised great blessings to those who obey this commandment.


The Lord's definition of tithing

  • The Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation on tithing on 8 July 1838 in Far West, Missouri. Read D&C 119:3–4. What is the Lord's definition of tithing as revealed in these verses?
    The First Presidency gave the following definition of tithing: "The simplest statement we know of is the statement of the Lord himself, namely, that the members of the Church should pay 'one-tenth of all their interest annually,' which is understood to mean income. No one is justified in making any other statement than this" (First Presidency letter, 19 Mar. 1970).
    President Joseph Fielding Smith of the Quorum of the Twelve explained: "It is remarkable how many excuses can be made and interpretations given as to what constitutes the tenth. … It is written, however, that as we measure it shall be measured to us again. If we are stingy with the Lord, he may be stingy with us, or in other words, withhold his blessings" (Church History and Modern Revelation, 2 vols. [1953], 2:92).

The Lord's promises to tithe payers

  • Read Malachi 3:8–9 or 3 Nephi 24:8–9. In what ways do we "rob God" if we do not pay tithes and offerings? (also read D&C 59:21 and D&C 104:14 )
  • Read Malachi 3:10–12 or 3 Nephi 24:10–12. What does the Lord promise those who pay tithing?
    • Elder John A. Widtsoe of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke of spiritual blessings that come when we pay tithing:

      "The tithe-payer establishes communion with the Lord. This is the happiest reward. Obedience to the law of tithing, as to any other law, brings a deep, inward joy, a satisfaction and understanding that can be won in no other way. Man becomes in a real sense a partner, albeit a humble one, with the Lord in the tremendous, eternal program laid out for human salvation. The principles of truth become clearer of comprehension; the living of them easier of accomplishment. A new nearness is established between man and his Maker. Prayer becomes easier. Doubt retreats; faith advances; certainty and courage buoy up the soul. The spiritual sense is sharpened; the eternal voice is heard more clearly. Man becomes more like his Father in Heaven" (in Deseret News, 16 May 1936, Church Section, 5).

      The following story, related by Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve, illustrates how we can receive temporal blessings as we pay tithing:

      "During World War II, my widowed mother supported her three young children on a schoolteacher's salary that was meager. When I became conscious that we went without some desirable things because we didn't have enough money, I asked my mother why she paid so much of her salary as tithing. I have never forgotten her explanation: 'Dallin, there might be some people who can get along without paying tithing, but we can't. The Lord has chosen to take your father and leave me to raise you children. I cannot do that without the blessings of the Lord, and I obtain those blessings by paying an honest tithing. When I pay my tithing, I have the Lord's promise that he will bless us, and we must have those blessings if we are to get along'" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1994, 43–44; or Ensign, May 1994, 33).
  • How have you been blessed spiritually and temporally  as you have lived the law of tithing?

Reasons for paying tithing

We should pay tithing because we love the Lord and have faith in Him, not just because we need blessings.
  • How does paying tithing show our love for the Lord? How does it affect our relationship with Him?
  • Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve said that "the payment of tithing has less to do with money, but more to do with faith" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1990, 41; or Ensign, May 1990, 32). How is tithing more about faith than money?
  • Why is it sometimes a challenge to pay tithing? What can we do to overcome that challenge?

Use of tithing funds

  • Who determines how tithing funds are used? (See D&C 120. Note that in this revelation, the phrase "the bishop and his council" refers to the Presiding Bishopric. The phrase "high council" refers to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, and Presiding Bishopric constitute the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes.)
President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke of the deep respect the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes has for tithing funds:
"I keep on the credenza behind my desk a widow's mite that was given me in Jerusalem many years ago as a reminder, a constant reminder, of the sanctity of the funds with which we have to deal. They come from the widow; they are her offering as well as the tithe of the rich man, and they are to be used with care and discretion for the purposes of the Lord. We treat them carefully and safeguard them and try in every way that we can to see that they are used as we feel the Lord would have them used for the upbuilding of His work and the betterment of people" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 69; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 50).
  • What are tithing funds used for?
    Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained: "[Tithing] funds are spent to build and maintain temples and houses of worship, to conduct our worldwide missionary work, to translate and publish scriptures, to provide resources to redeem the dead, to fund religious education, and to support other Church purposes selected by the designated servants of the Lord" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1994, 46; or Ensign, May 1994, 35).
Reflect on Elder Oaks's statement and consider how you have been blessed because of temples, meetinghouses, missionary work, the scriptures, the work to redeem the dead, and seminary or institute. The greatest blessings we can receive are tied directly to obedience to the law of tithing. As we ponder these blessings, we can see that the Lord truly does "open … the windows of heaven, and pour … out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10; see also 3 Nephi 24:10).


2. The Lord has commanded us to fast and to pay generous fast offerings.

Another law that the Lord has restored in the latter days is the law of the fast. In obedience to this law, we fast as a Church once each month, usually on the first Sunday of the month. We are instructed that a proper fast day observance includes abstaining from food and drink for two consecutive meals and attending fast and testimony meeting. In addition to fasting on fast days, we may fast for reasonable amounts of time whenever we feel a special need to do so.
Fasting is more than simply going without food. Fasting can be a joyful experience when we fast with a purpose, prepare for the fast, and pray.
  • What are some purposes for fasting? In what ways has fasting with a purpose added meaning to your fasts?
  • What are some things we can do to prepare to fast? In what ways is our fasting more meaningful when we prepare for it?
  • We should pray at the beginning of a fast, during the fast, and the end of the fast. Why is it important to pray when we fast?
  • Read D&C 59:13–14 and Matthew 6:16–18 or 3 Nephi 13:16–18. According to these scriptures, how should we act when we fast? Why do you think fasting is equated with joy and rejoicing? What have you done to make fasting a joyful experience?
On fast Sunday, a proper fast includes giving a generous fast offering to help care for those in need. Fast offerings are first used to help those in the ward and stake where the members reside. Bishops may use these funds to provide food, shelter, clothing, and other life-sustaining aid to those in need.
  • Why is giving fast offerings an important part of living the law of the fast?
  • How generous should we be when we pay fast offerings?

    President Spencer W. Kimball said: "Sometimes we have been a bit penurious [unwilling to share] and figured that we had for breakfast one egg and that cost so many cents and then we give that to the Lord. I think that when we are affluent, as many of us are, that we ought to be very, very generous … and give, instead of the amount we saved by our two meals of fasting, perhaps much, much more—ten times more where we are in a position to do it" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1974, 184).
     
  • What are some of the consequences when we pay generous fast offerings? (See Isaiah 58:6–7 and the following quotation.)

    President Gordon B. Hinckley said: "Think … of what would happen if the principles of fast day and the fast offering were observed throughout the world. The hungry would be fed, the naked clothed, the homeless sheltered. Our burden of taxes would be lightened. The giver would not suffer but would be blessed by his small abstinence. A new measure of concern and unselfishness would grow in the hearts of people everywhere" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1991, 73; or Ensign, May 1991, 52–53).
  • Read Isaiah 58:8–12. What has the Lord promised to those who obey the law of the fast? In what ways has fasting helped you? What can we do to become more diligent in living the law of the fast?
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