Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine ...

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passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being
a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the
gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift
of receiving the Holy Ghost” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign,
Nov. 1987, 20).
3. Discerning true gifts of the Spirit
Explain that Satan can try to deceive people with counterfeit spiritual gifts.
Concerned about some false manifestations of these gifts among Church members,
the Prophet Joseph Smith inquired of the Lord and received a revelation
that is now recorded as D&C 50.
To help class members discern between true and false spiritual gifts, you may
want to review D&C 50:17–24. Emphasize that if a gift is of God, it will be
edifying and cause us to rejoice. It will lead us to do good, to love and serve
God, and to believe in Christ. If a spiritual manifestation does not edify, or if
it leads us to sin, it is not of God. The subject of avoiding deception and evil
influences will be discussed in greater detail in lesson 24.
4. Teaching by the Spirit
• Explain that gospel teaching is a gift of the Spirit (Moroni 10:9–10). Then
read D&C 42:13–14 and 50:17–18 with class members. What does it mean to
teach by the Spirit? Why is it important to teach by the Spirit? (See 2 Nephi
33:1; D&C 50:21–22; and the following quotation.)
The Church Handbook of Instructions states: “A person may teach profound
truths, and class members may engage in stimulating discussions, but unless
the Spirit is present, these things will not be powerfully impressed upon the
soul” (Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 300).
• What can teachers do to invite the Spirit when they teach? (See page viii in
this manual.) What can those who are being taught do to invite the Spirit?
• Read D&C 43:8 and 88:122 with class members. How can these verses apply
to our Sunday School class? (Emphasize the importance of instructing and
edifying each other.) How have you seen that teaching and learning by the
Spirit help us edify each other and rejoice together?
5. “A Man without Eloquence” video presentation
If the videocassette Teachings from the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History
(53933) is available, consider showing “A Man without Eloquence,” a six-minute
segment. If you decide to show it, do so during the second or third section of
the lesson.
Explain that the presentation is a portrayal of how a humble teacher helped
Brigham Young become converted to the restored gospel. It begins with an excerpt
from a conference address that President Young gave, in which he asked,
“What is it that convinces man?” (in Journal of Discourses, 1:90). Encourage
class members to look for the answer to that question as they watch the presentation.
Afterward, ask the following questions:
• What convinces people of the truthfulness of the gospel?
• What can we do to follow Eleazer Miller’s example as we teach the gospel?