Come Follow Me 4: Doctrine and Covenants 3-5

 Come, Follow Me Lesson 4

Why is important for us to follow the Lord’s will above our own? (D&C 3:4 We’ll fall)

If we have offended the Spirit and done things according to our own desires and understanding, is all lost?

In vs. 10 we learn that God is merciful, and I we repent, He we still choose us and we will still be called to do His work.

Have you ever feared, respected, or trusted in others and in yourself more than in God? (vs 5)

How much do we willingly give up when we look to men for answers and validation instead of God?

The Lord had entrusted Joseph with the plates.
Why do you think that Joseph was influenced by Martin’s desire to prove to others that Joseph really had them?

  1. Martin supported Joseph financially and emotionally

  2. Martin was a man of great influence and he’d lost some respect because of his connection with Joseph.

What did Joseph do because of his desire to please Martin?

  1. Joseph kept requesting the same thing of the Lord, even when He had forbidden it.

  2. After the third time of Joseph begging the Lord

What happened as a result?

  1. The 116 page manuscript was lost.

  2. Because Joseph forsook the Lord’s will, He was left in his own strength.

  3. He love his privileges for a season

How have we lost our privileges for a season?

Are we following the council of the Lord?


What has the Lord entrusted you with?

Callings, job, children, grandchildren, assignments, and specific revelations for your own life.

Do you obey His commandments and what the Spirit directs you to do?

Do you realize what blessings and promises are yours if you hold out faithful?

Are you concerned about what others might think about you?

Do you sometimes rationalize, using your limited understanding, when reasoning with the Lord?

Can you see that this revelation wasn’t just given for Joseph’s and Martin’s benefit, but for all of us?

D&C 4 was given to Joseph Smith, Sr. He wasn’t a full-time missionary, but he had desires to serve God.

What tools do we need to qualify for the Lord’s work and to be effective servants? (D&C 4:1-5)

  1. Eye single to the glory of God

  2. Faith, hope, and charity

  3. A desire to serve God.

What is something that you can work on to be better qualified for the Lord’s work?

D&C 5

Martin was too concerned about what others thought, and He wanted to prove that the Lord had spoken to Joseph and given him the plates. This desire influenced Joseph, too. He wanted that same thing.

The Lord asked Joseph, Why would anyone believe you, if they choose not to believe my words?

Why is it important to be believing even if we cannot see the whole picture?

  1. We are blessed when we believe; we should pray for faith (doubting Thomas)

  2. The Lord’s anger is kindled against those who don’t believe and trust in Him.

  3. If we stop hardening our hearts, the Lord will establish us.

What is the Law of Witnesses, and why is it important to the Lord?

D&C 5:5-8; 2 Cor 13:1

Martin desired to be one of the three witnesses. What did the Lord think about that?

  1. Martin needed the Lord’s approval and to trust in the Lord, not man

  2. Later, after becoming more humble, Martin became one of the three witnesses.

  3. Martin remained faithful to His testimony of the Book of Mormon and to His witness.

How can you gain and keep your own testimony of the Book of Mormon? (Moroni 10: 3-5)

  1. Be believing

  2. Desire an answer

  3. Ask of God

  4. Trust the Lord’s own testimony concerning Joseph’s role as keeper and translator of the plates

  5. Hearken to the words of the prophet.

How have you received the word of God through the Prophet Joseph Smith?

  1. Are you grateful for the truths restored?

  2. Do you recognize the blessings that the Lord wants to give you?

The Lord’s work will go forth with or without us. He has promises to keep. He is faithful.

Are we fulfilling our duty to the Lamanites (vs. 20)?

What about the desolating scourge (vs. 19)?

How can we show our gratitude to the Lord for the blessings that have been restored to us through the Lord’s church and His prophets?

Testimony

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