Introduction
Place several pictures in the front of the room showing prophets receiving revelation, including Moses and the Burning Bush (62239; Gospel Art Picture Kit 107); Boy Samuel Called by the Lord (62498; Gospel Art Picture Kit 111); Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (62531; Gospel Art Picture Kit 115); The Brother of Jared Sees the Finger of the Lord (62478; Gospel Art Picture Kit 318); and The First Vision (62470; Gospel Art Picture Kit 403). Write the following questions on the board for class members to consider as they come to class:
- Who is represented here?
- What is happening?
- When have you had a similar experience in your life?
We need personal revelation
Begin with the following quote from the Bible Dictionary:
“Divine revelation is one of the grandest concepts and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for without it, man could not know of the things of God. … Continuous revelation from God to his saints … makes possible daily guidance along true paths and leads the faithful soul to complete and eternal salvation in the celestial kingdom. … Without revelation, all would be guesswork, darkness, and confusion” (Bible Dictionary, “Revelation,” 762).
Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve said, “No one of us can survive in the world of today, much less in what it soon will become, without personal inspiration” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 29; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 23). Notice the importance of personal inspiration. It is not enough for the Prophet to receive inspiration – we need it to in our lives.
Why is personal revelation so important in our day?
a. Personal revelation is the way we receive our testimonies of Jesus Christ, His gospel, and the divine calling of Joseph Smith.
b. Personal revelation is the way we learn divine truths.
c. Personal revelation is the way we receive guidance beyond our own limited understanding in answering life’s questions, meeting challenges, and making decisions.
Understanding what we should do to receive revelation
The Doctrine and Covenants suggests at least six things we should do to receive personal revelation:
One – Study it out in our minds
Read D&C 9:8. How do we do that? How did Joseph do that? Refer to JS-H 1:8.
a. “My mind was called up to serious reflection.”
b. “My feelings were deep and often poignant.”
c. “I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit.”
The lesson manual indicates that Joseph sought for his example for more than two years.
· Why is it important for us to study it out in our own minds?
· How are we blessed as we do so?
Two – Ponder the scriptures and words of latter-day prophets
Read JS-H 1:11-12.
Three – Ask God in faith, believing you will receive an answer
Elder Boyd K. Packer said, “No message appears in scripture more times, in more ways than ‘Ask, and ye shall receive’ ” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 26; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 21). Most of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants came in direct result to a question Joseph asked.
Read D&C 8:1. How do we ask in faith? What is an honest heart?
· Cross reference 1 Nephi 15:11 – We have to believe we will receive an answer and keep the commandments. If we’re not obeying what God has already revealed to us, why would He think we’ll listen to Him if He tells us something new?
· Cross reference Moroni 10:4 – We have to ask with real intent, meaning we truly intend to act on whatever knowledge God gives us, regardless of what that direction may be.
Four – Be obedient and serve God
Read D&C 93:1, 28.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught, “The way to revelation is righteousness” (The Lord’s Way [1991], 34). He also taught, “We cannot have the companionship of the Holy Ghost—the medium of individual revelation—if we are in transgression or if we are angry or if we are in rebellion against God’s chosen authorities” (“Teaching and Learning by the Spirit,” Ensign, Mar. 1997, 9).
Five – Be meek and humble
Read D&C 136:32-33.
· Why is humility important as we seek revelation?
David Whitmer recalled that one morning when Joseph Smith was getting ready to resume translating the Book of Mormon, “something went wrong about the house and he was put out about it. Something that Emma, his wife, had done. Oliver and I went upstairs and Joseph came up soon after to continue the translation but he could not do anything. He could not translate a single syllable. He went downstairs, out into the orchard, and made supplication to the Lord; was gone about an hour—came back to the house, and asked Emma’s forgiveness and then came upstairs where we were and then the translation went on all right. He could do nothing save he was humble and faithful” (quoted in B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 1:131).
Six – Focus on the things of God rather than the things of the world
Read D&C 30:2.
Elder Boyd K. Packer taught:
“Inspiration comes more easily in peaceful settings. Such words as quiet, still, peaceable, Comforter abound in the scriptures. …
“The world grows increasingly noisy. Clothing and grooming and conduct are looser and sloppier and more disheveled. Raucous music, with obscene lyrics blasted through amplifiers while lights flash psychedelic colors, characterizes the drug culture. Variations of these things are gaining wide acceptance and influence over our youth. …
“This trend to more noise, more excitement, more contention, less restraint, less dignity, less formality is not coincidental nor innocent nor harmless.
“The first order issued by a commander mounting a military invasion is the jamming of the channels of communication of those he intends to conquer.
“Irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary by obstructing the delicate channels of revelation in both mind and spirit” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 27–28; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 21–22).
Conclusion
President Thomas S. Monson is God’s chosen prophet to lead the earth today. He receives revelation to guide the Church, and we are blessed as we heed and follow the Lord’s counsel through him.
Each of us is responsible to receive revelation personally that President Monson is in fact a prophet, and that the counsel he gives truly comes from God. President Monson cannot receive a revelation on my behalf that Joseph Smith was a prophet, or that Jesus Christ suffered and died for me. I know he has received those revelations for himself; it is vital that each of us receive those revelations through the Holy Ghost for ourselves.
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