31 The Power of Godliness
The Power of Godliness
The Restoration is ongoing. The Priesthood power has been
restored to the earth, so that men can act in God’s name for the salvation of
His children through the administration of sacred ordinances, both for the
living and the dead.
The ordinances that are performed in the temple help us to
further understand the Lord’s will for all of His children and that the
ordinances of salvation and of Eternal Life are available to all His children.
The Priesthood is a blessing, of course, but it is also a sacred duty to carry
His gospel to all the world.
19 And this
greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth
the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key
of the knowledge of God.
20 Therefore, in
the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.
21 And without the ordinances thereof, and
the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness
is not manifest unto men in the flesh;
22 For without this no man can see the
face of God, even the Father, and live.
The temple is a place of service, preparation and worship
for God’s children.
For Kids
Temple ordinances help me prepare to live with Heavenly
Father again.
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:4–5
Make a puzzle out of a temple picture. On the back of the
pieces share one of the things that we do or learn in the temple.
Read Doctrine
and Covenants 84:4–5: What were the saints to build? Do we continue to
build temples in our day? Why do we need so many temples?
How can each of us prepare to go to the temple?
For Kids
I can receive Heavenly Father’s power through priesthood
ordinances.
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:19–22
Let the children review several priesthood ordinances by
viewing the following pictures: nos.
103–8.
Also, help them with this week’s activity
page.
What is happening in each picture?
Read Doctrine
and Covenants 84:19–22. Why does Heavenly Father want us to receive these
ordinances? So we can be fully prepared to meet Him and enter into His kingdom,
and so that we are endowed with Priesthood power to help others come unto
Christ, too.
Speak about what Priesthood power means to you. When have
you felt blessed by it? When have you felt the Spirit guiding you with
Priesthood power as you serve others?
Tell your children how you have felt God’s power because of
ordinances you received and covenants you made.
“Priesthood Power, Authority, and Keys”: in appendix
A and appendix
B.
Video: Live Up to your Privileges: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/0d72975076b011ef8f08022e7e432ed9d2e83d68?lang=eng
I have access to God’s priesthood power and blessings.
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:17–32
What does Priesthood mean to you? How is your life
influenced by Priesthood Power of God?
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:17–32What does God want you to know about his Priesthood
Power? (See notes below.)
verses
19–21 The power of God is manifest in the Priesthood ordinances.
18.1, 18.2
Which ordinances have you participated in?
How have these covenants, ordinances, and blessings brought
power into your life? Having had the privilege of having them, what would it be
like to lose them? Do you value them enough?
Spiritual
Treasures “Every woman and every man who makes covenants with God and keeps
those covenants, and who participates worthily in priesthood ordinances, has
direct access to the power of God” (President Nelson).
How can you more fully draw the Savior’s power into your
life and help others to access it as well?
Doctrine
and Covenants 25:10, 13, 15 10 And verily I say unto thee that
thou shalt lay aside the things of this world,
and seek for the things of a better.
13 Wherefore, lift up thy heart
and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.
15 Keep my commandments continually, and
a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except
thou do this, where I am you cannot come.
121:34–37,
41–46 34 Behold, there are many called, but few are
chosen. And why are they not chosen?
35 Because their hearts are set so
much upon the things of this world, and aspire to
the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—
36 That the rights of the priesthood
are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of
heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon
the principles of righteousness.
37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is
true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify
our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control
or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any
degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves;
the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the
priesthood or the authority of that man.
41 No power or influence can or ought
to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion,
by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge,
which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and
without guile—
43 Reproving betimes with sharpness,
when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards
an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he
esteem thee to be his enemy;
44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is
stronger than the cords of death.
45 Let thy bowels also be full of
charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and
let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall
thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the
doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as
the dews from heaven.
46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy
constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter
of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an
everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee
forever and ever.
Joseph
Smith’s Teachings about Priesthood, Temples, and Women
Gospel Library; General Handbook, 3.6
The priesthood is obtained with an oath and covenant.
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:31–44
The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood are important to all
God’s children. The young men and older men can receive the Aaronic and
Melchizedek Priesthood and be ordained to specific offices within those
Priesthoods. All the membership has access to Priesthood power as make and keep
covenants with the Lord and receive the ordinances and blessings associated
with those covenants. Everyone is entitled to be set apart to callings, wherein
they are given additional Priesthood Power to execute their responsibilities
with the guidance of the Spirit and the Lord’s help.
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:31–44 Look for the promised blessings at are available to
all of God’s children. What are these promises, and what does God ask us to do
to receive them? What does it mean to “obtain” and “receive” the priesthood.
How is this different from being ordained to a priesthood office? What else
does the Lord invite you to receive in these verses? What do you find that
inspires you to be more faithful in receiving the Savior, His Father, His
servants, and His priesthood power? (See notes below.)
Revealed
Realities of Mortality “It is interesting that in the oath and covenant of
the priesthood [see Doctrine
and Covenants 84:31–44], the Lord uses the verbs obtain and receive.
He does not use the verb ordain. It is in the temple that men and
women—together—obtain and receive the blessings and power of both the Aaronic
and Melchizedek Priesthoods” (Elder Pieper).
Doctrine
and Covenants 121:36–46 (see last study section).
Living by the word of God brings light and truth into my
life.
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:43–61
How does Doctrine
and Covenants 84:43–61 help you understand the importance of continually
studying the word of God? (See notes below.)
verses
43 43 And I now give unto you a commandment to beware
concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of
eternal life.
44 For you shall live by every word
that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.
45
45 For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth
is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus
Christ.
Ponder how the words of eternal life have brought light and
truth into you life and helped you feel closer to your Savior.
Compare gospel principles to familiar things. Can
you think of an analogy that would illustrate the truths in verses
43–44? For example, how is following all the steps in a recipe like living
“by every word … of God”?
The Lord will be with me when I am in His service.
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:62–91
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:62–91 How will the Lord support His Servants? (See notes
below.)
verse 88
88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I
will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your
left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and
mine angels round about you, to bear you up.
When have you felt the Lord preparing your way, guiding your
path, feeding you with His Spirit, and helping you in your ministry?
For Kids
I am Jesus’s friend as I follow Him.
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:77
Read Doctrine
and Covenants 84:77. 77 And again I say unto you, my friends,
for from henceforth I shall call you friends, it is expedient that I give
unto you this commandment, that ye become even as my friends in days when I was
with them, traveling to preach the gospel in my power;
What does it mean to you to be a friend? How is Jesus a
friend to you and me? How can we be friends to Jesus?
For Kids
Heavenly Father helps His servants.
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:88
How have missionaries help you, your family, and your
ancestors? Think about it. How can you also be a missionary who spreads the
gospel of Jesus Christ and invites others to come unto Him?
88 And whoso receiveth you, there I
will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right
hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and
mine angels round about you, to bear you up.
That is a powerful promise to all of us who are sharing the
gospel of Jesus Christ and serving in His name.
When have you felt the Lord’s Spirit when you were
ministering to others? How can you be a better missionary? Heavenly Father will
help us to know what to say and do to help others feel His Spirit as we pray
for help and seek to do His will.
Everyone can contribute to the work of God.
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:106–110
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:106–110 How does the Lord accomplish His work? Look for
His counsel and His blessings. How have you been “edified in all meekness”
because you served with someone who was “strong in the Spirit,” including
people in your family. (See notes below.)
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/84?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at
Kirtland, Ohio, September 22 and 23, 1832. During the month of September,
elders had begun to return from their missions in the eastern states and to
make reports of their labors. It was while they were together in this season of
joy that the following communication was received. The Prophet designated it a
revelation on priesthood.
Vs 3 ff Although the temple was not built in Missouri, one
day it shall be. While Salt Lake City has been the center place from the
Church, one day it will be in Missouri. I don't understand all this yet, but
this is my belief at the time.
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:17–32What does God want you to know about his Priesthood
Power?
17 Which priesthood continueth in the
church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or
end of years.
Vs 18-19 Both the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods were
passed down from righteous father to righteous son. One focuses more on temporal
salvation and the other on spiritual.
17 Which priesthood continueth in
the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of
days or end of years.
20 Therefore, in
the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.
21 And without the ordinances thereof, and
the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness
is not manifest unto men in the flesh;
Vs 22 The priesthood is shared with the sons and daughters
of God in preparation for them to see God.
Vs 23-26 Moses sought to have his people sanctified, so that
they could see God. They were not prepared. What about you? You go to the
temple. You make covenants. What are you doing to humble yourself, to repent,
and to allow the Spirit to help bring about your sanctification?
The Lord was wroth with the people of Moses's time. How are
you different? Hold fast to your faith in Jesus Christ and to the renewing and
keeping of your covenants. Seek the Lord. You don't want to lose the promised
blessings.
The Lord desires to prepare us for more and to give us more.
We shouldn't be content with receiving less.
Vs 26-28 The Aaronic Priesthood and the ordinances thereof
are significant. They are given to us in God’s mercy, so that we can exercise
faith in Jesus Christ and receive the saving ordinances necessary for our
growth in His kingdom and salvation in the Celestial Kingdom. Baptism is the
opening of the gate to our further endowments from the Lord as we are willing to
do His will, follow Him, and make and keep covenants with Him.
Vs 29-32 The Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthoods both serve
a critical role in our salvation.
Are we learning to sacrifice as the Lord would have us do
and to give an acceptable offering to the Lord.
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:31–44 Look for the promised blessings at are available to
all of God’s children. What are these promises, and what does God ask us to do
to receive them? What does it mean to “obtain” and “receive” the priesthood.
How is this different from being ordained to a priesthood office? What else
does the Lord invite you to receive in these verses? What do you find that
inspires you to be more faithful in receiving the Savior, His Father, His
servants, and His priesthood power?
33 For whoso is faithful unto the
obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and
the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit
unto the renewing of their bodies.
34 They become the sons of Moses and
of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom,
and the elect of God.
33 For whoso is faithful unto the
obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and
the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit
unto the renewing of their bodies.
34 They become the sons of Moses and
of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom,
and the elect of God.
35 And also all they who receive this
priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;
36 For he that receiveth my
servants receiveth me;
37 And he that receiveth me receiveth my
Father;
38 And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my
Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be
given unto him.
39 And this is according to the oath and
covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.
40 Therefore, all those who receive
the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father,
which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.
Vs 40-42 It appears that eveyone will have a chance to
receive priesthood power through the endowment received in the temple. This
oath and covenant will not be broken by our Father.
Those who break their covenants, as well as those who refuse
to receive them, cannot have the blessings associated with them.
43 And I now give unto you a commandment to
beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words
of eternal life.
How does Doctrine
and Covenants 84:43–61 help you understand the importance of continually
studying the word of God? Ponder how the words of eternal life have brought
light and truth into you life and helped you feel closer to your Savior.
44 For you shall live by every word
that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.
45 For the word of the Lord is truth,
and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit,
even the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
46 And
the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh
into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that
hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.
47 And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of
the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father.
Vs 48-49 You do not receive temple blessings just for
yourself. You receive an endowment of power from God so that you can serve
those around you. Those those endowed are to help bless the entire world by
offering them faith in Jesus Christ and inviting them to receive the ordinances
of His gospel.
50 And by this you may know they are under
the bondage of sin, because they come not unto me.
Where do you fit in this? You would see to spend more time
In your Father’s and His Son’s presence if you weren’t under the bondage of
sin.
51 For whoso cometh not unto me is under
the bondage of sin.
52 And whoso receiveth not my voice is not
acquainted with my voice, and is not of me.
53 And by this you may know the righteous from
the wicked, and that the whole world groaneth under sin and
darkness even now.
Vs 57 We need to learn from the Book of Mormon and live by
the commandments in it, or we are under condemnation.
61 For I will forgive you of your sins
with this commandment—that you remain steadfast in your minds
in solemnity and the spirit of prayer, in bearing testimony to
all the world of those things which are communicated unto you.
62 Therefore, go ye into all the
world; and unto whatsoever place ye cannot go ye shall send, that the testimony
may go from you into all the world unto every creature.
Vs 61-62 If we want to retain a remission of our sins, we
have to be involved in ministering and missionary work.
Vs 75 the gospel is unto all who have not received it.
80 And any man that shall go and preach
this gospel of the kingdom, and fail not to continue faithful in
all things, shall not be weary in mind, neither darkened, neither in body,
limb, nor joint; and a hair of his head shall not fall to the ground
unnoticed. And they shall not go hungry, neither athirst.
81 Therefore, take ye no thought for
the morrow, for what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or wherewithal ye
shall be clothed.
82 For, consider the lilies of
the field, how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin; and the kingdoms
of the world, in all their glory, are not arrayed like one of these.
83 For your Father, who is in heaven, knoweth that
84 Therefore, let the morrow take thought for
the things of itself.
85 Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye
shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of
life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that
shall be meted unto every man.
88 And whoso receiveth you, there I
will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right
hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and
mine angels round about you, to bear you up.
LEARN this new song:
99The Lord hath brought again Zion;The Lord
hath redeemed his people, Israel,According to the election of grace,Which
was brought to pass by the faithAnd covenant of their fathers.
100The Lord hath redeemed his people;And Satan
is bound and time is no longer.The Lord hath gathered all
things in one.The Lord hath brought down Zion from above.The
Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath.
101The earth hath travailed and brought
forth her strength;And truth is established in her bowels;And the heavens
have smiled upon her;And she is clothed with the glory of her God;For
he stands in the midst of his people.
102Glory, and honor, and power, and might,Be ascribed
to our God; for he is full of mercy,Justice, grace and truth, and peace,Forever
and ever, Amen.
Doctrine
and Covenants 84:106–110 How does the Lord accomplish His work? Look for
His counsel and His blessings. How have you been “edified in all meekness”
because you served with someone who was “strong in the Spirit,” including
people in your family
Vs 106-108 Strengthen each other in your ministering. Invite
someone who can be stengthened by your example, leadership and testimony to go
with you on visits. Let them take the lead in scheduling or serving.
118 For, with you saith the Lord Almighty,
I will rend their kingdoms; I will not only shake the
earth, but the starry heavens shall tremble.
119 For I, the Lord, have put forth my hand to
exert the powers of heaven; ye cannot see it now, yet a little
while and ye shall see it, and know that I am, and that I will come and
reign with my people.
120 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the end. Amen.
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