To increase class members’ appreciation for the restoration of the priesthood, to encourage brethren to magnify their offices and callings inthe priesthood, and to help all members enjoy more fully the blessings of the priesthood.
Preparation
- Prayerfully study the following scriptures and other materials:
- Doctrine and Covenants 13; 20:38–67; 27:12–13; 84:6–30; 107:1–20; 110:11–16; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–73.
- Oliver Cowdery’s account of the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood, in the footnote to Joseph Smith—History 1:71.
- Our Heritage, pages 11–14.
- Review the material for this lesson in the Class Member Study Guide (35686). Plan ways to refer to the material during the lesson.
- To gain a greater understanding of historical events related to the doctrine in this lesson, consider reviewing the following:
- Additional reading:
Discussion and Application
1. Definition and purpose of the priesthood
The priesthood is one of the main themes in the Doctrine and Covenants. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord gave many revelations that add greatly to our understanding of the keys, offices, organization, ordinances, duties, and blessings of the priesthood. These revelations provide guidance in using the priesthood to move forward God’s work on the earth.
- What is the priesthood?
- The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. It is the power by which He created and governs the heavens and the earth. It is also the power by which He redeems and exalts His children. He gives a portion of His priesthood power and authority to worthy male members of the Church so they can preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern His kingdom on earth.
- Why is it important to have the priesthood on the earth?
- What are some ways in which priesthood holders act on behalf of God to bless His children? (See selected verses from D&C 20:38–55; 107:8–12, 23, 35.)
- How have you been blessed through the service of priesthood holders?
- What influence has the priesthood had on you?
- How have you seen the power of the priesthood manifested in your life?
- How has the priesthood blessed and strengthened your family?
- How can you make the influence and power of the priesthood more effective in your life and for your family?
2. The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood
Read Joseph Smith—History 1:68–72; D&C 13; 84:26–27; 107:20.
The Aaronic Priesthood “is an appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood” (D&C 107:14).
- How was the Aaronic Priesthood restored to the earth in the latter days? (See Joseph Smith—History 1:68–72 and Our Heritage, pages 11–13; see also D&C 13.
- The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood was the first bestowal of divine authority in this dispensation.
- How did Oliver Cowdery feel about receiving the Aaronic Priesthood (see the footnote to Joseph Smith—History 1:71).
- (For priesthood holders) How did you feel when you received the Aaronic Priesthood?
- Elder James E. Talmage, who served in the Quorum of the Twelve, describes how his ordination to the office of deacon affected him:
- “As soon as I had been ordained, a feeling came to me such as I have never been able to fully describe. It seemed scarcely possible, that I, a little boy, could be so honored of God as to be called to the priesthood. … I felt strong in the thought that I belonged to the Lord, and that he would assist me in whatever was required of me.
- “The effect of my ordination … entered into all the affairs of my boyish life. … When at play on the school grounds, and perhaps tempted to take unfair advantage in the game, when in the midst of a dispute with a playmate, I would remember, and the thought would be as effective as though spoken aloud—‘I am a deacon; and it is not right that a deacon should act in this way.’ On examination days, when it seemed easy for me to copy some other boy’s work … , I would say in my mind, ‘It would be more wicked for me to do that than it is for them, because I am a deacon’” (Incidents from the Lives of Our Church Leaders [deacons instruction manual, 1914], 135–36).
- How can boys and young men prepare to receive the Aaronic Priesthood?
- How can parents, grandparents, and others help boys and young men prepare to receive the priesthood?
- How can others help instill within boys and young men a deep appreciation for the priesthood?
- What authority and blessings were restored with the Aaronic Priesthood? (See D&C 13; 84:26–27; 107:20.)
- What does it mean to hold “the keys of the ministering of angels”? (D&C 13).
- President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “That means, as I interpret it, that if you live worthy of the priesthood, you have the right to receive and enjoy the very power of heavenly beings to guide you, to protect you, to bless you” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1982, 64; or Ensign, Nov. 1982, 45).
- Explain that the ministering of angels can occur through personal appearances and “can also be unseen. Angelic messages can be delivered by a voice or merely by thoughts or feelings communicated to the mind. … Most angelic communications are felt or heard rather than seen” (Dallin H. Oaks, in Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 51; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 39).
- Through the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood, the ministering of angels is available to all Church members, not just to priesthood holders.
- How can we receive the ministering of angels? (See Moroni 7:35–37 and the following quotation.)
- Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke of the relationship between partaking of the sacrament and receiving the ministering of angels:
- “Through the Aaronic Priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, we are cleansed of our sins and promised that if we keep our covenants we will always have His Spirit to be with us. I believe that promise not only refers to the Holy Ghost but also to the ministering of angels, for ‘angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ’ (2 Nephi 32:3). So it is that those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood open the door for all Church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the Spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 51; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 39).
- Other scriptural passages about the ministering of angels. 3 Nephi 7:18; 3 Nephi 17:23–24; Moroni 7:25, 29–31; and D&C 84:88.
Explain that repentance and baptism are also called the “preparatory gospel” (D&C 84:26–27). This is because repentance and baptism help us prepare to receive the greater blessings that are administered through the Melchizedek Priesthood, such as the gift of the Holy Ghost and temple ordinances.
- John the Baptist preached repentance and baptized people in preparing the way for the Savior (Matthew 3:1–6, 11).
- How can Aaronic Priesthood holders in our day preach repentance?
- How can Aaronic Priesthood holders participate in the ordinance of baptism?
- In addition to baptism, Aaronic Priesthood holders may officiate in the ordinance of the sacrament.
- How is the sacrament related to repentance and baptism?
- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve said: “We ask you young men of the Aaronic Priesthood to prepare and bless and pass these emblems of the Savior’s sacrifice worthily and reverently. What a stunning privilege and sacred trust given at such a remarkably young age! I can think of no higher compliment heaven could pay you. We do love you. Live your best and look your best when you participate in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 89; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 68).
3. The restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood
Read D&C 27:12–13; 84:19–22; 107:1–12, 18–19.
The Melchizedek Priesthood is the greater priesthood. Associated with it are all the authority, knowledge, and covenants that are necessary for the exaltation of God’s children.
- How was the Melchizedek Priesthood restored to the earth in the latter days?
- (Some weeks after John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood, Peter, James, and John appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and conferred upon them the Melchizedek Priesthood. An account of this experience is not included in the Doctrine and Covenants, but references to it can be found in the heading to D&C 13; 27:12–13; 128:20; and Our Heritage, page 14.)
- What authority and blessings were restored with the Melchizedek Priesthood? (See D&C 84:19–22; 107:8–12, 18–19; 110:11–16.)
- What does it mean that the Melchizedek Priesthood includes the authority to administer the gospel of Jesus Christ? (See D&C 84:19.)
- Answers could include that the Melchizedek Priesthood includes the authority to govern the Church, preach the gospel, and administer the ordinances of salvation.
- What are some of the spiritual blessings that come to us through the Melchizedek Priesthood? (See D&C 84:19–22; 107:18–19.)
- Knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom and knowledge of God (D&C 84:19; 107:19; this knowledge comes through the gift of the Holy Ghost.)
- The power of godliness, which is manifested through the ordinances of the gospel (D&C 84:20–21).
- How do priesthood ordinances make “the power of godliness” manifest in our lives?
- The opportunity to see, commune with, and enjoy the presence of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (D&C 84:22; 107:19).
- What are some ways that Melchizedek Priesthood holders should be spiritual leaders in their homes?
The right of presidency is the right to preside in the Church. The President of the Church is the only person on earth who may use (or authorize another person to use) the keys of the priesthood for governing the entire Church. He authorizes the following priesthood leaders to hold the keys that are necessary for presiding in their callings: temple presidents, mission presidents, stake presidents, bishops, district presidents, branch presidents, and quorum presidents.
The keys of the gathering of Israel, the gospel of the dispensation of Abraham, and the sealing power (D&C 110:11–16)
These keys were restored by Moses, Elias, and Elijah in the Kirtland Temple in 1836. They will be discussed in lesson 18.
4. Blessings of the priesthood for all people
- Although only worthy male members of the Church hold the priesthood, everyone may partake of its blessings.
- How are women blessed by the priesthood?
- How are children blessed by the priesthood?
- How can those who do not have faithful priesthood holders in their homes receive the blessings of the priesthood?
- How can we show our appreciation for the blessings of the priesthood?
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