Lesson 11: “The Field Is White Already to Harvest”

Purpose

To help class members resolve to strengthen the kingdom of God through diligent service, particularly by sharing the gospel through missionary work.

Preparation

Prayerfully study the following scriptures and other materials:

• Doctrine and Covenants 4; 11–12; 14–18; 31; 33; 75; 
• Our Heritage, page 11.
• Alma 17:2–3
• Alma 26:22
• D&C 4:1–7
• D&C 11:21
• D&C 12:8
• D&C 18:10–16

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

• “A Mission to the Lamanites.”
• “Joseph Smith’s Support at Home”: This article gives context for the revelations that have been canonized as Doctrine and Covenants 4 and 11.
• “The Knight and Whitmer Families”: This article gives context for the revelations contained in Doctrine and Covenants 12, 14, 15, and 16. 
• “Ezra Thayer: From Skeptic to Believer”: This article gives context for the revelation now found in Doctrine and Covenants 33.
• ‘I Quit Other Business’: Early Missionaries”: This article discusses early efforts by men and women to share the gospel, both informally and as formally called missionaries.
• “Ministry of Brigham Young: A Faithful Missionary”: This two-minute video discusses Brigham Young’s many missions.

Discussion and Application

In February 1829, Joseph Smith’s parents came to visit Joseph and Emma in Harmony, Pennsylvania. During this time, the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received the revelation recorded in D&C 4 for his father, Joseph Smith Sr.

In addition to this revelation for his father, the Prophet received revelations for many others who asked him to inquire of the Lord and learn of His will for them. Some of these revelations are recorded in D&C 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16. Although these revelations were given for individuals, the principles pertain to all who serve in the Lord’s kingdom (D&C 11:27).

1. “Serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength.”

• (See D&C 4:1–2) According to verse 2, what does the Lord require of those who serve in His kingdom? What does it mean to serve with all our heart, might, mind, and strength?
• Why is it important that we devote our whole souls to the Lord’s service? Why are we sometimes less than fully committed to the Lord’s service? How can we improve our commitment to serve the Lord with full devotion?

Joseph Smith’s father devoted his life to serving the Lord, as he was instructed in D&C 4. The following account, which shows the depth of his commitment to share the gospel:

“Joseph Smith, Sr., was filled with the testimony of the truth, and was always anxious to share it with others. He was almost sixty when he made the tedious journey … to carry the gospel to his father and mother, his sisters and brothers. Soon after his return [home,] he was imprisoned for a small debt of fourteen dollars, rather than deny the divinity of the Book of Mormon and be forgiven the debt! He was cast into a cell with a condemned murderer and left for four days without food. Later he was transferred to the prison workyard where he preached the gospel and converted two persons whom he later baptized. He was in prison a full month before his family was able to obtain his release” (E. Cecil McGavin, The Family of Joseph Smith [1963], 68; see also Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, ed. Preston Nibley [1958], 172–73, 179–86).

• How can we show the same commitment to sharing the gospel that Joseph Smith Sr. showed? What experiences have you had when sharing the gospel with your family or neighbors? with people at school or work? with people you meet as you travel? in other circumstances?

2. Prepare to serve the Lord.

Throughout the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord counsels us in how to prepare ourselves to serve Him. This preparation should be a continual effort throughout our lives.

• What are some of the attributes the Lord desires in those who serve Him?
  1. D&C 4:3; 11:8. Why is desire an important attribute in serving the Lord? How can we increase our desire to serve Him?
  2. D&C 4:5–6; 12:8; 18:19. Which attributes are repeated most frequently in these verses? What experiences have you had that show the importance of these attributes in serving the Lord.
  3. D&C 11:6, 20. Why is obedience important in serving the Lord?
  4. D&C 4:7; 31:12. How has prayer helped you in serving the Lord?
• Read D&C 11:21. What can we learn from this verse about preparing to serve the Lord? How have your experiences shown the wisdom of this counsel?

3. “The field is white.”

Throughout the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord communicates a sense of urgency about spreading the gospel. This is because the purpose of missionary work is “the salvation of souls” (D&C 100:4).

• Read D&C 4:4, 11:3, and D&C 33:3. What did the Lord mean by comparing missionary work to a field that is ready to be harvested?
• The Lord warned the elders not to be idle and said that they should “go forth” rather than “tarry” (D&C 60:13; 75:3). How might this warning apply to us? Why do some of us delay sharing the gospel?

Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve related the following experience:

“It’s easy to say, ‘The time isn’t right.’ But there is danger in procrastination. Years ago I worked for a man in California. He hired me; he was kind to me; he seemed to regard me highly. I may have been the only Latter-day Saint he ever knew well. I don’t know all the reasons I found to wait for a better moment to talk with him about the gospel. I just remember my feeling of sorrow when I learned, after he had retired and I lived far away, that he and his wife had been killed in a late-night drive to their home in Carmel, California. He loved his wife. He loved his children. He had loved his parents. He loved his grandchildren, and he will love their children and will want to be with them forever.

“Now, I don’t know how the crowds will be handled in the world to come. But I suppose that I will meet him, that he will look into my eyes, and that I will see in them the question, ‘Hal, you knew. Why didn’t you tell me?’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 42; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 33).

4. “Open your mouths and they shall be filled.”

In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord gives direction about what we should teach and how we should teach as we share the gospel. He also encourages us to share the gospel without fear, promising to help when we feel inadequate.

• Read D&C 11:9, 15:6, 18:6, 31:3–4, 33:10–11,42:12, and D&C 52:8–9. What do these verses reveal about what the Lord’s servants should teach? Why is the message of repentance so important? (See D&C 18:10–14.)
• Read D&C 18:20–21, 38:41, 42:6, 14, 75:4, and D&C 100:7–8. What do these verses reveal about how the Lord’s servants should teach? Why is it important to avoid contention in teaching the gospel? What does it mean to “[lift] up your voices as with the sound of a trump”? (D&C 42:6; 75:4). How can we be both bold and meek as we teach the gospel? (See Alma 38:10–12.)
• The Lord repeatedly exhorted the elders to open their mouths to declare His gospel, “not fearing what man can do” (D&C 30:11; see also D&C 30:5; 33:8–11). The Lord also said that He is not pleased with those who “will not open their mouths … because of the fear of man” (D&C 60:2). How might this apply to us? How can we overcome fear in sharing the gospel? (See D&C 19:38; 33:12–14; 75:9–13.)
• Some of us hesitate to share the gospel because we lack confidence in our speaking or teaching abilities. How can we overcome such a concern? (See D&C 11:21; 14:8; 31:3.) What experiences have you had when the Spirit has prompted your words as you shared the gospel?

5. The Lord promises great blessings to those who labor in His service.

• What does the Lord promise those who labor diligently in His service?
  • D&C 4:4; 11:3; 75:5.
  • D&C 18:15–16. What feelings do you have for Church members who shared the gospel with you?
  • D&C 31:5; 84:60–61.
  • D&C 31:7; 109:55–57. How has the Lord opened your heart or the hearts of others to the gospel?
  • D&C 31:11; 84:85; 100:5–6. How has the Spirit guided your efforts or inspired you as you have shared the gospel?
  • D&C 31:13; 75:9–13; 84:88. Have you felt the Lord support you and bear you up as you have shared the gospel?
  • D&C 71:9–10. The Lord gave this promise at a time when the Church was under attack from a bitter apostate. How can this promise help us today?
  • D&C 84:80. How has the Lord sustained you mentally, physically, and spiritually as you have preached the gospel?
  • D&C 100:7–8. Have you felt the Holy Ghost bear record while you have shared the gospel?

Lesson 10: “This Is My Voice unto All”

Purpose

To help class members learn to apply in their own lives the instructions the Lord has revealed to other individuals in the scriptures.

Preparation

1. Prayerfully study Doctrine and Covenants 25 and the other scriptures in this lesson.
2. Review the material for this lesson in the Class Member Study Guide (35686). Plan ways to refer to the material during the lesson.
3. To gain a greater understanding of historical events related to the doctrine in this lesson, consider reviewing the following:
   1. “Thou Art an Elect Lady.”
   2. Additional historical material for this lesson.
4. Modern revelation
   • Beware of Pride - April 1989 General Conference - Ezra Taft Benson
   • In Praise of Those Who Save - April 2016 General Conference -Dieter F. Uchtdorf
     
     

Discussion and Application
Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Seventy described a time when he was serving as a mission president and found himself frustrated and discouraged at the end of a district conference by the many problems that confronted him. As he was traveling home, he was turning the pages of his scriptures, looking for comfort and direction, when he stopped at the third section of the Doctrine and Covenants. 
He said:
“When I read a verse, I often insert my name in it. I did so with verse 5 and found the help I needed to remove my gloomy feelings: ‘Behold, you [Jay Jensen] have been entrusted with these things, but how strict were your commandments; and remember also the promises which were made to you [Jay Jensen]’ (D&C 3:5).
“The words ‘remember also the promises’ struck me with unusual power. … During those four days I had focused on nothing but problems. I had not stopped to consider one single promise” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1992, 112; or Ensign, Nov. 1992, 80).
Elder Jensen then reviewed in his mind the promises given to him in his patriarchal blessing, in the blessing when he was set apart as a mission president, and in the scriptures. By so doing, he was able to find the strength and comfort he needed.

• How can this idea of putting our own names in the scriptures help us as we read the scriptures?
• Read 1 Nephi 19:23 with class members. What did Nephi teach about the importance of applying the scriptures in our own lives?

Many of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants were given to individuals. Although the counsel in the revelations was specific to these individuals, and although these Church members lived many years ago, much of the counsel applies to us today. As the Lord repeatedly said, “What I say unto one I say unto all” (D&C 61:36; see also D&C 25:16; 82:5; 93:49).
In July 1830, the Lord directed a revelation to Emma Smith, the wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith (D&C 25). This lesson focuses on three themes from the Lord’s revelation to Emma.

1. Husbands and wives should support and comfort each other.
The Lord’s revelation to Emma Smith included counsel about her responsibilities to her husband.

• Read D&C 25:5. 
  • What did the Lord counsel Emma Smith in this verse? 
  • What are some ways that husbands and wives can help each other in times of difficulty? 
• The Prophet Joseph Smith taught wives that they should treat their husbands “with mildness and affection. When a man is borne down with trouble, when he is perplexed with care and difficulty, if he can meet a smile instead of an argument or a murmur—if he can meet with mildness, it will calm down his soul and soothe his feelings” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 228).
• The Prophet taught husbands, “It is the duty of a husband to love, cherish, and nourish his wife, and cleave unto her and none else; he ought to honor her as himself, and he ought to regard her feelings with tenderness” (Elders’ Journal, Aug. 1838, 61).
• Read D&C 25:14. 
  • What did the Lord counsel Emma Smith in this verse? 
  • How can spouses show that they delight in each other?
• Joseph and Emma Smith were a great support to each other during the many times of affliction they faced. In 1842, when Joseph was in hiding because his life was in danger, Emma was able to visit him. Joseph later said about this visit:

“With what unspeakable delight, and what transports of joy swelled my bosom, when I took by the hand, on that night, my beloved Emma—she that was my wife, even the wife of my youth, and the choice of my heart. Many were the reverberations of my mind when I contemplated for a moment the many scenes we had been called to pass through, the fatigues and the toils, the sorrows and sufferings, and the joys and consolations, from time to time, which had strewed our paths. … Oh what a commingling of thought filled my mind for the moment, again she is here, … undaunted, firm, and unwavering—unchangeable, affectionate Emma!” (History of the Church, 5:107).

• Joseph and Emma also supported and comforted each other as they endured the deaths of many of their children. In four years, they had four infant children die. Out of eleven children (two adopted), only three sons and one daughter lived into late adulthood.

At a time when the Prophet was carrying heavy burdens in connection with the growing Church in Kirtland, Ohio, Emma gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, both of whom died within hours of their birth. At nearly the same time, in the nearby city of Orange, Ohio, twins were born to John and Julia Murdock, new converts to the Church. Within six hours of the Murdock twins’ birth, Sister Murdock died. When Emma and Joseph learned of this, they asked Brother Murdock if they might adopt the twins. Soon the two babies, Joseph and Julia Murdock, were taken into the Smiths’ home.

• Joseph Smith’s mother, Lucy Mack Smith, described some of the characteristics that made it possible for Emma to support Joseph through difficult times:

“I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done; for I know that which she had had to endure. … She has breasted the storms of persecution, and buffeted the rage of men and devils, which would have borne down almost any other woman” (History of Joseph Smith, ed. Preston Nibley [1958], 190–91).

• What can husbands and wives learn from the example of Joseph and Emma Smith to help them be more loving and supportive?

2. We should be meek and avoid pride.
The Lord commanded Emma Smith to “continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride” (D&C 25:14). He gave similar instructions to other Church members. Read the following verses:
a. D&C 23:1 (to Oliver Cowdery): “Beware of pride, lest thou shouldst enter into temptation.”
b. D&C 38:39 (to the Saints in a conference of the Church): “Beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old.”
c. D&C 90:17 (to the First Presidency of the Church): “Be admonished in all your high-mindedness and pride, for it bringeth a snare upon your souls.”
d. D&C 98:19–20 (to the Saints in Kirtland): “I, the Lord, am not well pleased with many who are in the church at Kirtland; For they do not forsake their sins, and their wicked ways, the pride of their hearts, and their covetousness.”

• What is pride? 
• Why do you think the Lord’s warnings about pride are so strong and frequent? President Ezra Taft Benson taught:
• “Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing.
• “The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means ‘hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition’” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, or Ensign, May 1989). Beware of Pride - April 1989 General Conference - Ezra Taft Benson
• How does pride affect our relationship with God? 
  • President Benson explained:
  • “Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God’s … in the spirit of ‘my will and not thine be done. …
  • “Our will in competition to God’s will allows desires, appetites, and passions to go unbridled (see Alma 38:12; 3 Nephi 12:30). …
  • “Our enmity toward God takes on many labels, such as rebellion, hard-heartedness, stiff-neckedness, unrepentant, puffed up, easily offended, and sign seekers. The proud wish God would agree with them. They aren’t interested in changing their opinions to agree with God’” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 4; or Ensign, May 1989, 4).
• How does pride affect our relationship with others? 
  • President Benson observed:
  • “Another major portion of this very prevalent sin of pride is enmity toward our fellowmen. We are tempted daily to elevate ourselves above others and diminish them (see Helaman 6:17; D&C 58:41). …
  • “Pride … is manifest in so many ways, such as fault-finding, gossiping, backbiting, murmuring, living beyond our means, envying, coveting, withholding gratitude and praise that might lift another, and being unforgiving and jealous. …
  • “Selfishness is one of the more common faces of pride. ‘How everything affects me’ is the center of all that matters—self-conceit, self-pity, worldly self-fulfillment, self-gratification, and self-seeking. …
  • “Another face of pride is contention. Arguments, fights, unrighteous dominion, generation gaps, divorces, spouse abuse, riots, and disturbances all fall into this category of pride” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 4–5; or Ensign, May 1989, 4–6).
• How can we overcome pride and cultivate a spirit of meekness? 
  • President Benson counseled: “The antidote for pride is humility—meekness, submissiveness (see Alma 7:23). It is the broken heart and contrite spirit. … We can choose to humble ourselves by loving God, submitting our will to His, and putting Him first in our lives” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 6; or Ensign, May 1989, 6–7).
• Read the following passages: D&C 1:28, 19:23, 112:10, and D&C 124:97. 
  • According to these passages, what are some blessings that come to us when we choose to be meek and humble?
• What blessings have come into your life when you have chosen to be humble instead of proud?

3. We should rejoice and be of good cheer.
The Lord admonished Emma Smith, “Lift up thy heart and rejoice” (D&C 25:13). Even as the early Saints of this dispensation faced great tribulation, the Lord repeatedly gave similar admonitions to them. Read the following verses:
a. D&C 29:5 (to the Prophet Joseph Smith and others): “Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father.”
b. D&C 61:36 (to the Prophet Joseph Smith and others): “Be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you.”
c. D&C 68:6 (to Orson Hyde, Luke S. Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson, and William E. McLellin): “Be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you.”
d. D&C 78:18 (to the Prophet Joseph Smith and others): “Ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.”
e. D&C 136:29 (to the Camp of Israel at Winter Quarters): “If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication, that your souls may be joyful.”

• In these passages, what reasons does the Lord give for being of good cheer? 
• What can we do to develop and maintain good cheer? 
• How can we help others be of good cheer?
• What are some consequences of dwelling on the negative aspects of life, even though they may be serious and prevalent?
  • Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve counseled:

“None of us will escape tragedy and suffering. Each of us will probably react differently. However, if we can recall the Lord’s promise, ‘for I the Lord am with you,’ we will be able to face our problems with dignity and courage. We will find the strength to be of good cheer instead of becoming resentful, critical, or defeated. We will be able to meet life’s unpleasant happenings with clear vision, strength, and power. …
“What a joy it is to see someone of good cheer, who, when others because of an unpleasant happening or development live in angry silence or vocal disgust, meets the situation with cheerful endurance and good spirits” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, 84–85; or Ensign, May 1986, 66).

• The Savior’s many admonitions to be of good cheer remind us that we can find peace and joy regardless of our circumstances.

Lesson 9: “The Only True and Living Church”

Purpose

To teach class members about the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ through the Prophet Joseph Smith, to help them appreciate the blessings of Church membership, and to encourage them to show the Lord their gratitude for membership in His Church.

Preparation

1. Prayerfully study the following scriptures and other materials:
   • Doctrine and Covenants 20:1–36, 68–69, 75–79;21; 27; 115:1–4.
   • Our Heritage, pages 14–16.
   • Isaiah 29:14
   • Daniel 2:44
   • Revelation 14:6–7
   • D&C 27:6, 12–14
   • D&C 65:2
2. To gain a greater understanding of historical events related to the doctrine in this lesson, consider reviewing the following:
   • “Build Up My Church.”
   • “Ministry of Joseph Smith: The Organization of the Church."
   • “Build Up My Church”: This article discusses preparations that led up to the formal organization of the Church. 
   • “The Articles and Covenants of the Church”: This article gives further context on earlier documents that influenced Doctrine and Covenants 20. 
   • “Peter Whitmer Home in Fayette, NY”: This article on the Whitmer home has a section about the meeting on April 6, 1830, at which the Church was formally organized.
   • “Gathering for Church Organization”: This infographic shows the distances people traveled to attend the Church’s organizational meeting.
   • “Articles and Covenants, circa April 1830 [D&C 20]”: This page from the Joseph Smith Papers website gives in-depth information about the Articles and Covenants of the Church and features an early newspaper reprint of them.

Questions to Ponder

1. The Church is organized in the latter days.

1830 was a momentous time in the history of the world. The time had come for ancient prophecies to be fulfilled (Isaiah 11:11–12; 29:13–14; Jeremiah 31:31–33; Daniel 2:44–45). After the Book of Mormon was published and the priesthood was restored, the next major step in the restoration of the gospel was the formal organization of the Church. Doctrine and Covenants 20 contains instructions from the Lord to Joseph Smith about organizing the Church.

• On what date was the Church organized in this dispensation? (See D&C 20:1; 21:3.) Why was this date selected? (See the heading to D&C 20.)
• Ten years passed between the First Vision and the organization of the Church. During this time, what events occurred to prepare the way for the organization of the Church and to prepare Joseph Smith to lead it?
  While serving in the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said:
  “This day of organization was, in effect, a day of commencement, the graduation for Joseph from ten years of remarkable schooling. It had begun with the incomparable vision in the grove in the spring of 1820, when the Father and the Son appeared to the fourteen-year-old boy. It had continued with the tutoring from Moroni, with both warnings and instructions given on multiple occasions. Then there was the translation of the ancient record, and the inspiration, the knowledge, the revelation that came from that experience. There was the bestowal of divine authority, the ancient priesthood again conferred upon men by those who were its rightful possessors—John the Baptist in the case of the Aaronic Priesthood, and Peter, James, and John in the case of the Melchizedek. There were revelations, a number of them, in which the voice of God was heard again, and the channel of communication opened between man and the Creator. All of these were preliminary to that historic April 6” (“150-Year Drama: A Personal View of Our History,” Ensign, Apr. 1980, 11–12).
• How did the coming forth of the Book of Mormon help prepare the way for the restoration of the gospel? (See D&C 20:6–12.) How did the restoration of the priesthood help prepare the way?

On 6 April 1830, Joseph Smith and more than 50 other people met at the log home of Peter Whitmer Sr. in Fayette, New York, for the organization of the Church. New York law required that a church have at least six members to be formally organized. So six men, all of whom had been baptized and had seen the gold plates, became the first official members of the Church. These men were Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Peter Whitmer Jr., Samuel H. Smith, and David Whitmer (see History of the Church, 1:76; for additional historical background, see Our Heritage, pages 14–16).

• By what name was the Church called when it was organized? (See D&C 20:1.) The Church was also called by other names in its early years, but in April 1838 the Lord revealed the name by which His Church was to be known. What name did the Lord give His Church? (See D&C 115:4.) Why is it important that the Lord’s Church be called in His name? (See 3 Nephi 27:8.)

2. The Lord commands Church members to follow the prophet.

During the meeting at which the Church was organized, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were sustained as the presiding officers of the Church (History of the Church, 1:77). The Lord also gave a revelation instructing members of the Church to follow Joseph Smith as the prophet. This revelation is recorded in D&C 21.

• Read D&C 1:38 and D&C 21:4–5. What do these verses teach about how we should regard the words of the prophet? Where can we find the words of the living prophet? What counsel or teachings of latter-day prophets have been especially meaningful to you?
• In D&C 21:5, the Lord said we must give heed to the words of the prophet “in all patience and faith.” Why might it sometimes require patience or faith to follow the counsel of the prophet? What experiences have you had when following the counsel of the prophet has required patience or faith?
• Read D&C 21:6. What blessings does the Lord promise to those who follow the prophet? How are these promises fulfilled in the lives of Church members today? In what ways have you been blessed because you have followed the prophet?
• In D&C 21:9, the Lord promised “a mighty blessing” to those who labor in His service. How have you been blessed as you have served the Lord?

3. The Lord encourages Church members to meet together often to partake of the sacrament.

• At the meeting in which the Church was organized, members partook of the sacrament (History of the Church, 1:78). Why do you think it was important to have the ordinance of the sacrament performed at the first meeting of the restored Church?
• In D&C 20, the Lord revealed information about how the sacrament should be administered (versesD&C 20:75–79). Read D&C 20:75 with class members. Why is it important to partake of the sacrament often?
• Ask a class member to read the sacrament prayers (D&C 20:77, 79). What promises do we make when we partake of the sacrament? (See also Luke 22:19–20; 3 Nephi 18:7, 10–11.) You may want to point out that both prayers emphasize remembering Jesus. What does it mean to remember Him always? How does the sacrament help us remember Him?
• What promise is made in the sacrament prayers to those who partake worthily? (See D&C 20:77, 79.) As appropriate, invite class members to tell how partaking of the sacrament has blessed their lives.
• In D&C 27, the Lord gave further instructions to Joseph Smith regarding the sacrament. What was Joseph doing when he received this revelation? (See the heading to D&C 27.) What did Joseph learn about the sacrament in this revelation? (See D&C 27:2.) How can we partake of the sacrament “with an eye single to [Christ’s] glory”?

4. The Lord explains the duties of Church members.

• Read D&C 20:68–69. In these verses the Lord explains “the duty of the members after they are received by baptism.” What does verse 69 reveal about the Lord’s expectations of us as Church members? How can we show the Lord our gratitude for membership in His Church?

Lesson 8: The Restoration of the Priesthood

Purpose
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

1. Prayerfully study the following scriptures and other materials:
   1. 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.
   2. Oliver Cowdery’s account of the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood, in the footnote to Joseph Smith—History 1:71.
   3. Our Heritage, pages 11–14.
2. Review the material for this lesson in the Class Member Study Guide (35686). Plan ways to refer to the material during the lesson.
3. To gain a greater understanding of historical events related to the doctrine in this lesson, consider reviewing the following:
   1. “Oliver Cowdery’s Gift.”
   2. “Ministry of Joseph Smith: The Restoration of Priesthood Authority.”
   3. Additional historical material for this lesson.
4. Additional reading: 
   1. Two Lines of Communication - Dallin H. Oaks - October 2010 General Conference.

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.)

The keys of the ministering of angels (D&C 13; 84:26; 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.

The keys of repentance and baptism (D&C 13; 84:26–27; 107:20)
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).

Susquehanna River. The Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods were restored on the banks of this river in 1829 (D&C 13; 128:20).

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.)

Authority to administer the gospel of Jesus Christ (D&C 84:19)

• 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.

“The keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church” (D&C 107:18)

• 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 (D&C 107:8–9)
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?