5 My Work Shall Go Forth
My Work Shall Go Forth
Doctrine and Covenants 4:1, 5 1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.
5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
Like Joseph, I also need to keep my eye single to the glory of God as I serve in my callings.
Doctrine and Covenants 3:4 It doesn’t make any difference if I’ve gained a strong testimony and understand the gospel, if I ignore the Lord’s will and do whatever I want. I will not be blessed when I ignore God’s will and His promptings.
verse 10 Because my Father is merciful, I can repent and still be chosen.
verse 1 The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught.
Determine to be a part of that work, so that you will not be left behind.
I can trust God.
Doctrine and Covenants 3:1–16
It is so important to me to know that I can trust in God. He has calmed my troubled heart so many times He had given me reassurance and He has led me even before I know when and where I am going. He loves me and He cares for me.
Joseph had a tough time with finding good trustworthy friends. Many mocked him and spread wild tales about him. It must have been wonderful for Joseph that Martin Harris befriended him and offered him assistance.
Joseph wanted to respect Martin’s desire to show the plates to his wife, but Joseph had been given specific instructions. Do I sometimes try to tempt the Lord to do things my way? Isn’t it better to receive counsel from him than to try to counsel Him?
Because the pages were lost while in Martin’s possession, both Joseph and Martin were severely chastised.
see Saints, 1:51–53 I listened to this earlier.
Do reading activity for Doctrine and Covenants 3:1–15. (See notes below in section 3.)
Which Way Do You Face? You can see samples of people who feared God and those who gave into pressure from others.
In your own life how have you been blessed when you trusted in the Lord? What regrets do you have for the times you didn’t hearken? What can you do to make things right and improve the next time?
A Framework for Personal Revelation
The Contributions of Martin Harris, in Revelations in Context (2016),
1–9; Topics and Questions, “Seeking Truth and Avoiding Deception,” Gospel Library;
For Kids
I can choose the right when others try to get me to do wrong.
Doctrine and Covenants 3:5–10; 5:21–22
Video: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/78e00e67776b11ef82b6063a8fac2bb34e2d0dd0?lang=eng
Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 18–21: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-stories-2025/06-martin-harris?lang=eng
Read Doctrine and Covenants 3:5–8 You should not fear man more than God. That includes yourself even. Trust in the Lord and seek to do His will, having faith that He will assist you.
5:21–22 21 And now I command you, my servant Joseph, to repent and walk more uprightly before me, and to yield to the persuasions of men no more;
22 And that you be firm in keeping the commandments wherewith I have commanded you; and if you do this, behold I grant unto you eternal life, even if you should be slain.
Go ahead and substitute your own name in these verses.
For Kids
The Lord invites me to help with His work.
Doctrine and Covenants 4
Read Doctrine and Covenants 4:1 and show pictures of this latter-day work: missionaries, temples, service, etc.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 4:2 and draw pictures of serviing God with all your heart.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 4:5–6 and discuss tools used to plant and harvest; and the tools we use to do God’s work.
I can help with God’s work by serving others.
I can serve God with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.
Doctrine and Covenants 4
If we have desires to serve God, we are called to the work. Missionaries love this section.
If section 4 were a job description, are you qualified for the job? What does the Lord want from us?
President Russell M. Nelson called the gathering of Israel “the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on earth” (“Hope of Israel” [worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018], Gospel Library). What do you find in his address that inspires you to participate in this work?
Through the Holy Ghost, I can gain a witness of the Book of Mormon.
Doctrine and Covenants 5
Saints, 1:56–58 How sad that Martin Harris’s wife filed a claim that Joseph was deceiving the people.
Martin wanted Joseph to provide him with physical proof to show his wife. He also wanted physical proof for himself, so that he could see that The Book of Mormon was real.
Doctrine and Covenants 5 is a revelation in response to Martin’s request. What do you learn from this section? (See notes below)
Jesus Christ gave us His word through Joseph Smith.
Doctrine and Covenants 5:1–10
What does Doctrine and Covenants 5:1–10 teach you about Joseph Smith’s role in our day—and in your life? (See notes below.)
Vs 5-7 I am also descended from Joseph through Ephraim. I am blessed to live in this dispensation that Joseph of old prophesied of and to have the restored gospel in my life. I am blessed to have been born after Joseph Smith who was influential in bringing back great truths to the earth.
Joseph Smith is the seer that Joseph of old saw in vision.
Vs 9-11 Joseph Smith is likened unto Moses, because his mission is one of salvation.
He brought forth The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, which joins with the Bible in testifying that Jesus is Christ and that salvation is available to all who desire it.
Vs 12 Both the Bible and The Book of Mormon are important to have to establish the true of God's words and to understand the principles and ordinances of the gospel. Both are needed to bring about the restoration of Israel.
God gave Joseph strength to do this work of restoration and gathering.
Vs 13 The Lord can work with us despite our weakness, so that His working of restoration and gathering can go forth in strength.
Vs 14 “Behold, that seer will the Lord bless.”
Vs 15 Joseph Smith is also like Joseph of old, because His work will bring salvation to many.
Vs 18-19 Joseph had Oliver (and Sidney) for a spokesman, just like Moses had Aaron.
Vs 20-21 The words of The Book of Mormon are going forth by many spokesmen to the end of the earth. People who lived in the ancient Americas are reaching across time and space with a messsage of importance just for us. The Elders and Sisters are delivering that message to many: repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Because of their faith long ago and our faith now, these words are going forth. The Lord is remembering the covenants made to our fathers, and He is making it available to all His children here on earth who come unto His Son.
Vs 22-25 Like Joseph of Egypt, and his descendent Joseph, who was Lehi's son, and also Joseph Jr. who was the son of Joseph Smith, Sr. we will be blessed and our seed will not be destroyed if we and they hearken to the words found in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
Joseph Smith was an instrument in the hands of God who brought forth this sacred book of scripture and helped to open up this day of restoration and the gathering of Israel.
For Kids
I can be a witness that the Book of Mormon is true.
Doctrine and Covenants 5:1–7, 11, 16, 23–24
Discuss what witnesses are and why they are important. Example: a friend telling you his cat can walk on its front legs only. That doesn’t seem believable. But what if another friend told you he’d seen the can do it; and then another friend told you too. Would it become more believable?
Read Doctrine and Covenants 5:1–3, 7, 11
- What did Martin Harris want to know? He wanted to know that Joseph really did have the plates.
- Who could Joseph Smith show the gold plates to? Only to the people that the Lord commanded him to show them.
- Why would seeing the plates probably not convince someone the Book of Mormon is true? If we don’t believe the Lord’s words (through the power of the Spirit of the Holy Ghost), it is unlikely that we will believe His words any more if he should us lots of proof.
- What can we do to be witnesses of the Book of Mormon? (see Doctrine and Covenants 5:16; Moroni 10:3–5).
Vs 16 “And behold, whosoever believeth on my words, them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit; and they shall be born of me, even of water and of the Spirit.”
Moroni 10:3-5: We need to pray and ask God in faith in Jesus name. By the power of the Holy Ghost we can learn the truth of all things.
We can find out the truth to anything with which we are presented. If we study it, and pray to God in faith, He will manifest whether it is true by the power of the Holy Ghost. I put Moroni's challenge to the test when I was 12-years-old, and I do know that the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is true.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/3?lang=eng
As you read Doctrine and Covenants 3:1–15, ponder what the Lord wants you to learn from their experience. For example, what do you learn about:
- God’s work? (see verses 1–3, 16).
Vs 1-3 Everything God has designed to do, He has done and He will do. No one can stop or frustrate His works. But the work of men can be frustrated. Align yourself with God and seek to do His will and His works.
- The consequences of fearing man rather than trusting God? (see verses 4–8).
Vs 4 It doesn't matter what you think you know. God knows infinitely more. Don't ignore his counsels. If you set at naught the counsels of God, Nephi says that you are trampling Him under your feet. Remember that if you feel His displeasure, and hurry and repent.
Vs 5-7 Start to trust God way more, and then also develop that trust in yourself, that you can do what He designs for you to do and commands you to do. Don't be persuaded by others, or even by your own fears.
- The blessings that come from remaining faithful? (see verse 8).
8 Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.
- The way the Lord both corrected and encouraged Joseph? (see verses 9–16).
Vs 9-11 The Lord makes allowances for us. He knows who we are and who we can become with His help. He loves us. If we have faith in Him and repent, He will again blesse us, and we can be chosen again, and He will trust us to carry on His work. He offers us friendship; and if we are His friends, we will certainly know that He is ever so much more our Friend.
10 But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art again called to the work.
Vs 13 We should not depend on our own judgment and wisdom; and we should care more for God's favor than anyone else’s.
Vs 14 Be oh so glad for disciple from the Lord. If we lose some privileges for a season, it is because of His love for us. He wants us to be humble, rely on Him more, and show to ourselves and to Him that we can remain faithful.
16 Nevertheless, my work shall go forth, for inasmuch as the knowledge of a Savior has come unto the world, through the testimony of the Jews, even so shall the knowledge of a Savior come unto my people.
The Lord’s work will go forth with or without us. I want to move forward with Him.
Vs 17-20 Christ's work of restoration and gathering is for all the people of the earth!
19 And for this very purpose are these plates preserved, which contain these records—that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his people;
20 And that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through faith in his name, and that through their repentance they might be saved. Amen.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/4?lang=eng
1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.
2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;
4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;
5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/5?lang=eng
What does Doctrine and Covenants 5:1–10 teach you about Joseph Smith’s role in our day—and in your life?
Vs 2-4 Joseph received the calling to be the Lord's prophet, to stand as a witness of the things given to him. He was to not show the records to anyone, except those the Lord commanded him to. Jospeh had no power to translate them except the Lord granted it to him. This was his call.
Joseph needed to remember he was accountable to God. Whether there are people senior to us or with greater wealth or learning, we need to follow God first and submit to his will.
9 Behold, verily I say unto you, I have reserved those things which I have entrusted unto you, my servant Joseph, for a wise purpose in me, and it shall be made known unto future generations;
10 But this generation shall have my word through you;
11 And in addition to your testimony, the testimony of three of my servants, whom I shall call and ordain, unto whom I will show these things, and they shall go forth with my words that are given through you.
12 Yea, they shall know of a surety that these things are true, for from heaven will I declare it unto them.
Doctrine and Covenants 5 is a revelation in response to Martin’s request. What do you learn from this section:
- What the Lord says would happen if the gold plates were displayed for the world to see (see Doctrine and Covenants 5:7). Why do you think that’s the case?
Vs 6-7 Joseph was to send forth the words from the plates to invite all to come to Christ. But it was not necessary for us to see the plates. If we do not believe the words of Jesus Christ, they won’t believe in The Book of Mormon or the prophets, even if they see all the physical evidence. Testimony comes through the Spirit.
- The role of witnesses in the work of the Lord (see verses 11–15; see also 2 Corinthians 13:1).
9 Behold, verily I say unto you, I have reserved those things which I have entrusted unto you, my servant Joseph, for a wise purpose in me, and it shall be made known unto future generations;
10 But this generation shall have my word through you;
11 And in addition to your testimony, the testimony of three of my servants, whom I shall call and ordain, unto whom I will show these things, and they shall go forth with my words that are given through you.
12 Yea, they shall know of a surety that these things are true, for from heaven will I declare it unto them.
13 I will give them power that they may behold and view these things as they are;
14 And to none else will I grant this power, to receive this same testimony among this generation, in this the beginning of the rising up and the coming forth of my church out of the wilderness—clear as the moon, and fair as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.
15 And the testimony of three witnesses will I send forth of my word.
2 Corinthians 13:1 1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
- How to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon for yourself (see verses 16, 24; see also Moroni 10:3–5).
16 And behold, whosoever believeth on my words, them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit; and they shall be born of me, even of water and of the Spirit
Vs 21 Like Joseph, I need to repent and walk more uprightly before the Lord, and yield my heart and soul to Him, and not yield to the persuasions of men.
Vs 24 If I want to learn and receive more knowledge from the Lord, I need to humble myself sufficiently before the Lord, bow before me, humble myself in mighty prayer and faith, in the sincerity of my heart; then Jesus will grant me a view of the things I desire to see or know.
Vs 25 Verse 25 is a promise to Martin; but, it also applies to us. Even if I don't see the plates, I can know of a surety that they are true, for I have read The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, and the truth of this book has been witness to me by the power of God through the GIft of the Holy Ghost.
35 And if thou art faithful in keeping my commandments, thou shalt be lifted up at the last day. Amen.
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