Lesson 24: "The Lord Requireth the Heart and a Willing Mind"

Lesson 24: "The Lord Requireth the Heart and a Willing Mind"

Doctrine & Covenants, Sections 63, 64, and 65

Section 63

'Joseph Smith’s history describes this revelation: “In these infant days of the Church, there was a great anxiety to obtain the word of the Lord upon every subject that in any way concerned our salvation; and as the land of Zion was now the most important temporal object in view, I enquired of the Lord for further information upon the gathering of the Saints, and the purchase of the land, and other matters.”'  (https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/63?lang=eng)

The Prophet Joseph Smith further stated, "“We know not what we shall be called to pass through before Zion is delivered and established; therefore, we have great need to live near to God, and always be in strict obedience to all His commandments, that we may have a conscience void of offense toward God and man” (Teachings, p. 32)." (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-60-68/section-63-for-this-is-a-day-of-warning-and-not-a-day-of-many-words?lang=eng)

Why, do you suppose, in response to Joseph's inquiry for information about Zion, did he receive instruction on the link between faith and signs?  (See vv 9-11)  What is the link between faith and signs?  Why does that order hold instead of the other way around?

What is the reward for enduring in faith?  (See v. 20)  What is faithful endurance?  How may we endure more faithfully?

In v.24 the Lord counsels against a hasty gathering which would lead to confusion which would bring pestilence.  What sort of pestilence might this be?

From the Student Manual:

"President Joseph Fielding Smith explained that land in Zion was to be purchased. “This fact was taught the early members. They were warned against creating antagonism among their neighbors, many of whom were extremely bitter towards the members of the Church. The Lord said the land could not be obtained by the shedding of blood. Those who had the privilege of assembling there should not go up to Zion in haste, but gradually. The reason for this advice is apparent, for haste would lead to confusion, unsatisfactory conditions and pestilence, and then, also, it creates consternation and fear in the hearts of their enemies and arouses greater opposition. Satan desired to destroy them and in his anger endeavored to stir them up to strife and contention as well as the older settlers in Missouri.” (Church History and Modern Revelation,1:232.)"  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-60-68/section-63-for-this-is-a-day-of-warning-and-not-a-day-of-many-words?lang=eng)

What is the promise guaranteed to the faithful endurer in v.47?

William Barclay opined that "Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory."  How can faithful endurance assist in that transformation?  

In verse 54, we are informed that until the hour of the second coming, there will be "foolish virgins among the wise."  What does it mean to have foolish virgins among the wise?  What may we do to ensure we are counted among the wise rather than the foolish?

James E. Talmage

What advice for how we may recognize and should treat sacred things is given in v.64?

From the Student Manual:
D&C 63:61–64. “Let All Men Beware How They Take My Name in Their Lips”
   "To take the name of the Lord in vain is often thought of only as profanity. Elder James E. Talmage offered a broader definition:
   “1. We may take the name of God in vain by profane speech.
   “2. We take it in vain when we swear falsely, not being true to our oaths and promises.
   “3. We take it in vain in a blasphemous sense when we presume to speak in that name without authority.
   “4. And we take his name in vain whenever we wilfully do aught that is in defiance of his commandments, since we have taken his name upon ourselves.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1931, pp. 53.) (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-60-68/section-63-for-this-is-a-day-of-warning-and-not-a-day-of-many-words?lang=eng)

Section 64

What correlation may be drawn between D&C 64:3 and Moses 1:39?

Verses 9-11 are included within the Scripture Mastery list for Seminary students.  Why do you feel it might be important for the Youth to know this particular section of scripture?  What stands out to you?

Elder Marion D. Hanks

From the Student Manual:

"Elder Marion D. Hanks spoke about the importance of forgiving others:
   “Someone has written: ‘… the withholding of love is the negation of the spirit of Christ, the proof that we never knew him, that for us he lived in vain. It means that he suggested nothing in all our thoughts, that we were not once near enough to him to be seized with the spell of his compassion for the world.’ …
   “What is our response when we are offended, misunderstood, unfairly or unkindly treated, or sinned against, made an offender for a word, falsely accused, passed over, hurt by those we love, our offerings rejected? Do we resent, become bitter, hold a grudge? Or do we resolve the problem if we can, forgive, and rid ourselves of the burden?
   “The nature of our response to such situations may well determine the nature and quality of our lives, here and eternally. …
   “But not only our eternal salvation depends upon our willingness and capacity to forgive wrongs committed against us. Our joy and satisfaction in this life, and our true freedom, depend upon our doing so. When Christ bade us turn the other cheek, walk the second mile, give our cloak to him who takes our coat, was it to be chiefly out of consideration for the bully, the brute, the thief? Or was it to relieve the one aggrieved of the destructive burden that resentment and anger lay upon us?
   “Paul wrote to the Romans that nothing ‘shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Rom. 8:39.)
   “I am sure this is true. I bear testimony that this is true. But it is also true that we can separate ourselves from his spirit. …
   “In every case of sin this is true. Envy, arrogance, unrighteous dominion—these canker the soul of one who is guilty of them. It is true also if we fail to forgive. Even if it appears that another may be deserving of our resentment or hatred, none of us can afford to pay the price of resenting or hating, because of what it does to us. If we have felt the gnawing, mordant inroads of these emotions, we know the harm we suffer. …
   “It is reported that President Brigham Young once said that he who takes offense when no

Brigham Young

offense was intended is a fool, and he who takes offense when offense was intended is usually a fool. It was then explained that there are two courses of action to follow when one is bitten by a rattlesnake. One may, in anger, fear, or vengefulness, pursue the creature and kill it. Or he may make full haste to get the venom out of his system. If we pursue the latter course we will likely survive, but if we attempt to follow the former, we may not be around long enough to finish it.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1973, pp. 15–16; Ensign, Jan. 1974, pp. 20–21.)  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-60-68/section-64-of-you-it-is-required-to-forgive-all-men?lang=eng)

D&C 64:23 used to be a Scripture Mastery Scripture as well.

From the Student Manual:

   “So near is the consummation that the intervening period is called ‘today’; and, in applying this time designation in the year 1831, the Lord said: [D&C 64:23–25].
   “… Only through watchfulness and prayer may the signs of the times be correctly interpreted and the imminence of the Lord’s appearing be apprehended. To the unwatchful and the wicked the event will be as sudden and unexpected as the coming of a thief in the night. But we are not left without definite information as to precedent signs.” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ,pp. 785–86.)  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-60-68/section-64-of-you-it-is-required-to-forgive-all-men?lang=eng)

Does faith require action?  (See v.25)

V.33 enjoins us to "be not weary in well-doing."  What may we do to do well without becoming weary?

V.34 lists the requirements to secure entry into Zion. What are these?  What do they mean?

What onus comes upon those who then dwell in/as Zion?  (See v.42)

Section 65

How did Joseph Smith designate this particular section?  (See section heading)  Why do you suppose he used that particular descriptor?

Vv 4-5 appear somewhat psalmic in their structure.  We get the word Psalm from the Greek ψαλμοί (psalmoi), meaning music or to sing.  In Hebrew, the Psalms are תהילים (Tehillim), meaning praises.  Do you know of any hymns that might relate to the content of Section 65?  What might those be?  How do they relate?  Are prayer and song linked?  If so, when and how?

Lesson 23: "A Commission to Testify

Lesson 23: "A commission to Testify"

D&C Sections 60, 61, and 62

Section 60

From the Church History in the Fulness of Time Student Manual:

   "Two important items required Joseph Smith’s attention in Missouri before he returned to Ohio: the dedication of the land as a place of gathering for the Saints and the dedication of the temple site itself. Both events were presided over by the Prophet Joseph Smith. At a special service on 2 August 1831, twelve men (in honor of the twelve tribes of Israel), five of them from the Colesville branch, laid the first log “as a foundation of Zion in Kaw township, twelve miles west of Independence.”14Sidney Rigdon consecrated and dedicated the land unto the Lord. As part of the service he asked his listeners, “Do you pledge yourselves to keep the laws of God on this land, which you never have kept in your own lands? [The audience responded,] we do. Do you pledge yourselves to see that others of your brethren who shall come hither do keep the laws of God? [Those present again said,] we do. After [the dedicatory] prayer [Elder Rigdon] arose and said, I now pronounce this land consecrated and dedicated to the Lord for a possession and inheritance for the Saints (in the name of Jesus Christ having authority from him). And for all the faithful servants of the Lord to the remotest ages of time. Amen.”15
   "The dedication of the temple site in Independence took place the next day; again the services were simple but inspiring. Following the reading of Psalm 87, which extols the glory and majesty of Zion, a single stone, marking the southeast corner, was laid in place. Joseph Smith then dedicated the temple site by prayer. He reported that “the scene was solemn and impressive.”16 (https://www.lds.org/manual/church-history-in-the-fulness-of-times-student-manual/chapter-nine-gathering-to-the-land-of-zion?lang=eng)

Joseph Fielding Smith

From the D&C Student Manual:
   "It was pleasing to the Lord that the elders had traveled to Missouri, and now they were to return speedily to Ohio. But the Lord was not pleased with some of them. President Joseph Fielding Smith noted: “They had been commanded to preach the Gospel along the way and bear testimony among the people, but some had failed to magnify this commandment because of their fear of man. It is true that not every man is a natural missionary, and there are those who shrink from the responsibility of raising their voices in proclamation of the Gospel, and yet this is an obligation that we owe to this fallen world. The elders in the very beginning had been commanded to serve the Lord with all their ‘heart, might, mind and strength,’ for the field is white and ready for the harvest. A penalty was to be inflicted upon those who failed and they were not to stand blameless at the last day. The preaching of the Gospel was to be a means to them by which they were not to perish, but bring salvation to their souls. There are many who have been sent forth who have had a fear of man, yet the Lord has promised to support them in their labors if they will trust in him.” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:220–21.)"  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-60-68/section-60-thou-shalt-not-idle-away-thy-time-nor-bury-thy-talents?lang=eng)
How do we shrink from our responsibility?  What may we do to become better missionaries if we are not
"natural" ones?  What, according to Verse 7, will attend our efforts?

Verse 7: What does it mean to be made holy?

Section 61

Joseph Smith chronicled the receipt of this revelation as follows:

   “On the 9th, in company with ten Elders, I left Independence landing for Kirtland. We started down the river in canoes, and went the first day as far as Fort Osage, where we had an excellent wild turkey for supper. Nothing very important occurred till the third day, when many of the dangers so common upon the western waters, manifested themselves; and after we had encamped upon the bank of the river, at McIlwaine’s Bend, Brother Phelps, in open vision by daylight, saw the destroyer in his most horrible power, ride upon the face of the waters; others heard the noise, but saw not the vision.
   “The next morning after prayer, I received the following: [D&C 61].” (History of the Church, 1:202–3.) (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-60-68/section-61-the-lord-has-blessed-the-land-and-cursed-the-waters?lang=eng)

Keeping in mind that W. W. Phelps had been baptized a mere three months earlier in June of 1831 (see D&C 55), why do you suppose Satan would appear to him in an effort to terrorize him rather than seeking to cunningly ensnare him as is Satan's usual M.O.?

In vv 1-2, the Lord identifies himself as powerful, forgiving, and merciful.  What do you feel is the purpose of revealing this through the Prophet Joseph when Satan had appeared directly to William Wines Phelps?  What contrasts may be profitably drawn from the two presentations?

From the Student Manual:
D&C 61:7. What Was the “Errand and Mission” of Sidney Gilbert and William W. Phelps?

These men were to purchase a printing press and transport it to Missouri. William W. Phelps was to be the printer for the Church (see D&C 55:4; 57:11), and Sidney Gilbert had been appointed purchasing agent (see D&C 57:6).  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-60-68/section-61-the-lord-has-blessed-the-land-and-cursed-the-waters?lang=eng)

Is it possible to extrapolate from Sidney's and William's charge to purchase and transport a press to where it would be of use to the Church what the Lord's attitude toward learning/record-keeping/publication of Prophetic counsel, etc. may have been?  If the Lord is all-powerful, why rely on something as fallible as a printing press and flawed humanity to disperse his word?

Verse 10 informs us that "inasmuch as they [the returning missionary companionships] are faithful they shall be preserved, and I, the Lord, will be with them."  What are the implications for us in this verse?

What advice (if any) in vv 36-39 pertains to us?  How?

Section 62

What attributes stand out to you from the Lord's introduction of Himself in verse 1?

From the Student Manual:

D&C 62:2–3. “Your Sins Are Forgiven You”

Missionary work has a redemptive effect for the missionary as well as the convert. The Apostle James wrote, “He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). Of that teaching, Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: “By reclaiming an erring brother, we save both him and ourselves. Our sins are hidden (remitted) because we ministered for the salvation and blessing of another member of the kingdom. In principle this special reward for Christ’s ministers applies also to those who preach the gospel and bring souls into the kingdom. The minister is rewarded with salvation and, of necessity, in the process, is freed from his own sins. (D. & C. 4:1–4.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:279.)  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-60-68/section-62-ye-are-blessed-for-the-testimony-ye-have-borne?lang=eng)

Why is it important that we bear testimony?  Who records our testimonies?  (See v.3)

"Smith and Sjodahl noted that “in this Revelation we are told that angels are scrutinizing the records kept of the testimonies of the Elders, and that they rejoice over the witnesses. It appears from this that the ministry on earth has its effects beyond the veil as well as on this side. An Elder who bears his faithful testimony to the truth does not know how far-reaching the result may be, though his visible audience may consist of but few.” (Commentary, p. 371.)"  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-60-68/section-62-ye-are-blessed-for-the-testimony-ye-have-borne?lang=eng)

John Murdock

What is the promise in verse 9?  To whom is it promised?  Why is the condition of being always faithful attached to that blessing?

In this section, in vv 7-8, the Revelation appears to have a bit of a tangent about horses/mules/chariots.  There is documentation as to why that particular bit of information was recorded:

"D&C 62:7–8. Why Did the Lord Refer to Riding on Horses or Mules?
   "John Murdock was so ill on this occasion that he was unable to pursue his journey to Zion without some assistance. After this revelation was given, the four missionaries (John Murdock, David Whitmer, Harvey Whitlock, and Hyrum Smith) put their money together and bought a horse for John Murdock to ride, by which means they were able to continue their travels."  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-60-68/section-62-ye-are-blessed-for-the-testimony-ye-have-borne?lang=eng)

Does this indicate that the Lord cares for our comforts as well as for spiritual well-being?  Do other things indicate that the Lord has care for our physical bodies as well as our spiritual growth?  What are they?  Why do you think the Lord feels our physical well-being is important if our whole purpose is to come to know God and return to him?

Lesson 22: Laying the Foundation of Zion

Lesson 22: Laying the Foundation of Zion

Doctrine & Covenants, Sections 57, 58, and 59

Section 57

"Joseph Smith, who was called by revelation to travel with Sidney Rigdon, recorded the following after arriving in Missouri: “The meeting of our brethren [Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer Jr., Ziba Peterson, and Frederick G. Williams, all of whom had gone to Missouri as missionaries], who had long awaited our arrival, was a glorious one, and moistened with many tears. It seemed good and pleasant for brethren to meet together in unity. But our reflections were many, coming as we had from a highly cultivated state of society in the east, and standing now upon the confines or western limits of the United States, and looking into the vast wilderness of those that sat in darkness; how natural it was to observe the degradation, leanness of intellect, ferocity, and jealousy of a people that were nearly a century behind the times, and to feel for those who roamed about without the benefit of civilization, refinement, or religion; yea, and exclaim in the language of the Prophets: ‘When will the wilderness blossom as the rose? When will Zion be built up in her glory, and where will Thy temple stand, unto which all nations shall come in the last days?’ Our anxiety was soon relieved by receiving the following: [D&C 57].” (History of the Church, 1:189.)" (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-50-59/section-57-independence-center-place-of-zion?lang=eng)

In Section 57, instruction is given regarding the establishment of a temporal infrastructure.  If Zion is "the pure in heart," why must there be licenses applied for and titles/deeds to property secured?

Section 58

Read verses 2-4.  Why do you feel that tribulation is a necessary condition of receiving glory?

From the Student Manual:

D&C 58:2–4. Why Does the Lord Allow Tribulations to Come upon His People?
   "Elder George Q. Cannon suggested that “the Saints should always remember that God sees not as man sees; that he does not willingly afflict his children, and that if he requires them to endure present privation and trial, it is that they may escape greater tribulations which would otherwise inevitably overtake them. If He deprives them of any present blessing, it is that he may bestow upon them greater and more glorious ones by and by.” (Millennial Star, 3 Oct. 1863, p. 634.)
   "Trials sometimes come to the Saints as a chastisement when they disregard the Lord’s counsel (see D&C 101:1–8). Even when the Saints are living righteously, trials may come upon them because of the unrighteousness of others. Tribulation provides the Saints with opportunities for spiritual growth and character development. Such needed attributes as humility, faith, empathy, patience, courage, gratitude, and a repentant heart come to individuals in the refiner’s fire of tribulation and persecution.
   "Trials give Saints the opportunity to prove themselves worthy of eternal blessings by showing their commitment to God and His kingdom, and their willingness to endure privation and forsake the things of the world. This in turn helps them develop the faith necessary to obtain eternal life. According to the Lectures on Faith, prepared under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith: “A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life.” (6:7.) ...

   "President Brigham Young taught: “If the Saints could realize things as they are when they are called to pass through trials, and to suffer what they call sacrifices, they would acknowledge them to be the greatest blessings that could be bestowed upon them” (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 345)."(https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-50-59/section-58-the-land-of-zion?lang=eng)

Verse 8 (vv8-11) describes a "feast of fat things" to be prepared for the poor in conjunction with the establishment of Zion.  How can giving generous fast offerings help us establish Zion in our day?

Verse 15 reprimands Edward Partridge, and calls for his repentance.  As you will recall, he was serving as the Presiding Bishop of the Church at this time.  The Lord did not release him from his calling, but commanded him to repent while he still held that calling.  Does the Lord call perfect persons to do His will?  How can repentance of sins not directly related to our calling(s) assist us in more perfectly fulfilling the assignments of the Lord?  How should we treat our leaders and fellow church members who appear to be struggling with overcoming things that we might think disqualifies them for their callings?

Vv 21-22 - compare these verses to the 12th Article of Faith.

In verses 26-28, we are told that we need not be commanded in all things but that we must be "anxiously engaged" and "bring to pass much righteousness."  Besides keeping the commandments which we have been given, is it possible to bring to pass righteousness?  What does it mean to be commanded in "all things?"

Vv 42-43 describe the condition of one who has repented and the Lord's attitude toward that individual's sin.  What should our attitude be?  How may we develop that Christlike characteristic?

In vv 5-51, Sidney Rigdon is charged with describing the land designated as Zion.  From the Student Manual:

   "The Lord commanded Sidney Rigdon to write a description of the land in Missouri and to listen to the Spirit in order to write the will of the Lord concerning the land. Then he was to write a letter to the Saints in general and include a subscription to raise money for the purchase of the land. Since photographs were unobtainable, Sidney Rigdon’s description could encourage the Saints in sending contributions for the purchase. (Later the Lord indicated that what Sidney Rigdon had written was unacceptable, probably in reference to this assignment; see D&C 63:55–56.)
   "The following description of Zion was included in the History of the Church, although whether it is a version of Sidney Rigdon’s description or whether it was written by someone else is not clear: “The country is unlike the timbered states of the East. As far as the eye can reach the beautiful rolling prairies lie spread out like a sea of meadows; and are decorated with a growth of flowers so gorgeous and grand as to exceed description; and nothing is more fruitful, or a richer stockholder in the blooming prairie than the honey bee. Only on the water courses is timber to be found. There in strips from one to three miles in width, and following faithfully the meanderings of the streams, it grows in luxuriant forests. The forests are a mixture of oak, hickory, black walnut, elm, ash, cherry, honey locust, mulberry, coffee bean, hackberry, boxelder, and bass wood; with the addition of cottonwood, butterwood, pecan, and soft and hard maple upon the bottoms. The shrubbery is beautiful, and consists in part of plums, grapes, crab apple, and persimmons.
   "“The soil is rich and fertile; from three to ten feet deep, and generally composed of a rich black mould, intermingled with clay and sand. It yields in abundance, wheat, corn, sweet potatoes, cotton and many other common agricultural products. Horses, cattle and hogs, though of an inferior breed, are tolerably plentiful and seem nearly to raise themselves by grazing in the vast prairie range in summer, and feeding upon the bottoms in winter. The wild game is less plentiful of course where man has commenced the cultivation of the soil, than in the wild prairies. Buffalo, elk, deer, bear, wolves, beaver and many smaller animals here roam at pleasure. Turkeys, geese, swans, ducks, yea a variety of the feathered tribe, are among the rich abundance that grace the delightful regions of this goodly land—the heritage of the children of God.
   "“The season is mild and delightful nearly three quarters of the year, and as the land of Zion, situated at about equal distances from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as from the Alleghany and Rocky mountains, in the thirty-ninth degree of north latitude, and between the sixteenth and seventeenth degrees of west longitude, it bids fair—when the curse is taken from the land—to become one of the most blessed places on the globe. The winters are milder than the Atlantic states of the same parallel of latitude, and the weather is more agreeable; so that were the virtues of the inhabitants only equal to the blessings of the Lord which He permits to crown the industry of those inhabitants, there would be a measure of the good things of life for the benefit of the Saints, full, pressed down, and running over, even an hundredfold.” (History of the Church, 1:197–98.)"  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-50-59/section-58-the-land-of-zion?lang=eng)

How is "a measure ... full, pressed down, and running over" a condition of Zion?

V56: How does the counsel we receive at Conferences prepare us for the work of gathering if we have been taught in recent years to establish Zion where we are rather than gather with the Saints in a single body?

Compare verse 64 with "The Standard of Truth"

Section 59

Vv 1-4 are written in Beatitude format.  What group is being blessed and with what are they blessed?

From the Student Manual:

The Lord in modern times has reiterated the basic laws that define man’s relationship to God and to his fellowman. A comparison of verses in Doctrine and Covenants 42 and 59 with the Ten Commandments in Exodus shows how the modern revelations clarify and amplify the earlier account. As can be seen, there is not a strict parallelism between each of the three sources, but additional insights are often given in sections 42 and 59 or both.

Exodus 20	D&C 42	D&C 59
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (v. 3).		“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength” (v. 5). “Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (v. 8). “In the name ofJesus Christthou shalt serve him” (v. 5).
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image” (v. 4).
“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” (v. 7).	“If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments” (v. 29).*
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (v. 8).		“And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day” (v. 9). “On this the Lord’s day, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto the brethren, and before the Lord” (v. 12). “On this day, thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart” (v. 13).
“Honour thy father and thy mother” (v. 12).
“Thou shalt not kill” (v. 13).	“Thou shalt not kill” (v. 18).*	“Thou shalt not … kill, nor do anything like unto it” (v. 6).
“Thou shalt not commit adultery” (v. 14).	“Thou shalt not commit adultery” (v. 24).* “Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else” (v. 22).* “He that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit” (v. 23).*	“Thou shalt not … commit adultery, … nor do anything like unto it” (v. 6).
“Thou shalt not steal” (v. 15).	“Thou shalt not steal” (v. 20).* “Thou shalt not take thy brother’s garment; thou shalt pay for that which thou receivest of thy brother” (v. 54).	“Thou shalt not steal, … nor do anything like unto it” (v. 6).
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (v. 16).	“Thou shalt not lie” (v. 21).* “Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm” (v. 27). “Thou shalt live together in love” (v. 45).	“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (v. 6).
“Thou shalt not covet” (v. 17).	“He that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit” (v. 23).*
	“Thou shalt not be proud in thy heart” (v. 40).	“Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things” (v. 7).
	“Thou shalt not be idle” (v. 42).* “Thou shalt stand in the place of thy stewardship” (v. 53).*“If thou obtainest more than that which would be for thy support, thou shalt give it into my storehouse” (v. 55).** “Thou shalt take the things which thou hast received … to be my law” (v. 59). “Thou shalt observe all these things, and great shall be thy reward” (v. 65).“Ye shall observe the laws which ye have received and be faithful” (v. 66).	“God … hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion” (v. 20).

  * 

After each of these commandments, an instruction is given to the Church for dealing with violations of these laws.

  ** 

These were specific commands, or laws, applying to the law of consecration.

Vv 9-19 Why are we commanded to observe a Sabbath?

In vv 13-14, fasting is deliberately conflated with "joy" and "rejoicing."  How can fasting be a joy?  How can it be an expression of rejoicing?  What may we do to make joy and rejoicing hallmarks of our fasts?

Verse 20 indicates that the Lord is anxious to give us blessings.  How does this relate to keeping the Sabbath day holy?

V23: What are we to learn?  Why should we learn it?  How/Can proper Sabbath observance help us in this endeavor?

Lesson 21: A Call to Forsake the World

Lesson 21: A Call to Forsake the World

D&C Sections 52-56

Section 52

V 4 gives instruction to Joseph and Sidney.  How/Does this instruction apply to us?

V 9: Are we still under this injunction?  Where should we do this?  (That is, is it only advice for missionaries in the field, or does it pertain to how we teach Sunday School, give talks in Sacrament Meeting, run the Nursery, discuss things in High Priest Group, etc.)

V10 says to "let them go two by two."  Why do you suppose the Lord wants a brace of missionaries instead of sending us out as individuals?

V15 says that "he that prayeth whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances."  What does it mean to pray with a contrite spirit?

V34: What is the blessing promised to the faithful?  What does it mean to be kept by the Lord and blessed with fruit?

V40: If a disciple (From the Greek, mathetes, meaning one who learns, pupil, student) is a student, what does remembering the poor, needy, sick and afflicted have to do with learning?

The Missionary Companionships

Verse 3	Joseph Smith	Sidney Rigdon
Verse 7	Lyman Wight	John Corrill
Verse 8	John Murdock	Hyrum Smith
Verse 22	Thomas B. Marsh	Ezra Thayre
Verse 23	Isaac Morley	Ezra Booth
Verse 24	Edward Partridge	Martin Harris
Verse 25	David Whitmer	Harvey Whitlock
Verse 26	Parley P. Pratt	Orson Pratt
Verse 27	Solomon Hancock	Simeon Carter
Verse 28	Edson Fuller	Jacob Scott
Verse 29	Levi W. Hancock	Zebedee Coltrin
Verse 30	Reynolds Cahoon	Samuel H. Smith
Verse 31	Wheeler Baldwin	William Carter
Verse 32	Newel Knight	Selah J. Griffin
Verse 35	Joseph Wakefield	Solomon Humphrey

 Section 53

Verse 2: Who gives what commandment in this verse?  Why do you suppose the commander identifies himself prior to giving the commandment?  How does one keep that commandment?

Section 54

From the Student Manual: 

"Historical Background

   "The Saints in New York had been commanded to gather to Ohio (see D&C 37:3; 38:32). The Lord commanded those Saints already living in Ohio to prepare for the influx of newcomers by giving of their lands to those immigrating, or, if they did not have lands to give, to help them buy available land. In good faith the Colesville Branch arrived in Thompson, Ohio, and settled on lands offered to them by other members of the Church. Shortly thereafter the offer was withdrawn, and the Saints from Colesville were forced to seek other places to live.
   "Newel Knight was appointed by the Colesville Branch to ask Joseph Smith to inquire of the Lord what they should do. B. H. Roberts recorded the following about these events: “It is difficult to determine with exactness in what the transgressions of the Saints at Thompson consisted; but it is evident that selfishness and rebellion were at the bottom of their trouble, and that Leman Copley and Ezra Thayre were immediately concerned in it. The Saints comprising the Colesville branch, when they arrived at the gathering place, in Ohio, were advised to remain together and were settled at Thompson, a place in the vicinity of Kirtland. … It is evident that some of the brethren already living at Thompson, had agreed to enter into the law of consecration and stewardship with the Saints from Colesville; and that afterwards they broke this covenant. Among these were Leman Copley and Ezra Thayre. ‘A man by the name of Copley,’ says Newel Knight in his journal, ‘had a considerable tract of land there [in Thompson] which he offered to let the Saints occupy. Consequently a contract was agreed upon, and we commenced work in good faith. But in a short time Copley broke the engagement, and I went to Kirtland to see Brother Joseph,’ etc. (Scraps of Biography, in which is published Newel Knight’s journal, ch. vi.) Of this matter, John Whitmer, then the Church Historian, writes: ‘At this time [the early part of June] the Church at Thompson, Ohio, was involved in difficulty because of the rebellion of Leman Copley, who would not do as he had previously agreed, which thing confused the whole Church, and finally the Lord spake through Joseph the Prophet, saying:’ He then quotes the revelation to Newel Knight. … —(John Whitmer’s History of the Church, chap. viii.)” (In History of the Church, 1:180n.)"  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-50-59/section-54-stand-fast-in-the-office-whereunto-i-have-appointed-you?lang=eng)

This revelation was received to answer the question about what to do about the Thompson property.  What was the answer?

V6 is in beatitude format.  What is the condition of the promised blessing?

V7  How can fleeing the promised inheritance be considered a blessing?

V10 advises us to be patient in tribulation.  What helps you to be patient in tribulation?  What can you do to be more patient in tribulation?

Section 55

Section 55 was a revelation given for the benefit of William Wines Phelps, a major figure in early Church History.  He was editor of the first newspaper for the Saints, was instrumental in collecting the revelations for and publishing the Book of Commandments, and penned many hymns still sung in the Church today.  A lesser-known fact is that he was tasked (in 55:4) with "selecting and writing books for schools in this church that little children also may receive instruction."  Does this verse indicate how the Lord feels about education? 

From the Student Manual:

"W. W. Phelps commented on the assignment he received from the Lord: “As a people we are fast approaching a desired end, which may literally be called a beginning. Thus far, we cannot be reproached with being backward in instruction. By revelation, in 1831, I was appointed to ‘do the work of printing, and of selecting and writing books for schools in this church, that little children might receive instruction;’ and since then I have received a further sanction. We are preparing to go out from among the people, where we can serve God in righteousness; and the first thing is, to teach our children; for they are as the Israel of old. It is our children who will take the kingdom and bear it off to all the world. The first commandment with promise to Israel was, ‘Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee.’ We will instruct our children in the paths of righteousness; and we want that instruction compiled in a book.” (Times and Seasons, 1 Nov. 1845, p. 1015.)"   (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-50-59/section-55-ww-phelps-is-called-and-chosen?lang=eng)

Section 56

VV 8-9 indicate that though the Lord revoked the calling (and thus the blessing) promised to Ezra Thayre, he could still receive a blessing.  Under what condition was that blessing available?  What if he chose not to accept those conditions?  (See v10)

In vv 14-15 indict the members of the church as being in need of repentance.  Do we ever fall into this category?  How may we seek the counsel of the Lord over the counsel of our own ways?

A popular theme in modern theology is Jesus' (alleged) preferential treatment of the poor.  Do vv 16-17 indicate that the Lord respects one class above another?  Why do you feel the Lord asks us to care for the poor?

Verse 18 is written in beatitude format.  What is the condition one must meet to receive the promised blessing?  How may we apply this in our lives?  How can keeping that condition assist us in forsaking the world?