A Revelation for Joseph Smith Sr.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Why this revelation?

• Joseph’s father was full of desire, but did not know what the Lord wanted him to do.

• In February 1829 he went to visit Joseph in Harmony, Pennsylvania, and asked him for a revelation.

How was Joseph Smith Sr. “Called to the Work”?

• 1 of 8 Witnesses (June 1829).• 1 of original 6 original members of the Church, (April 6,

1830).• Served a mission to his father’s family in St. Lawrence Co.

NY. All joined the Church except one brother (August 1830).• Member of Kirtland High Council (1834).• Became first Presiding Patriarch (1834).• Helped build Kirtland Temple.• Served a mission to Eastern States (1836).• Became Assistant Counselor in the First Presidency (1837).

What is the most effective thing I can do to prepare to serve as a full

time missionary?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0xg-U_TApI (Elder Bednar Become a Misionary)

What is the most effective thing I can do to prepare to serve as a full

time missionary?

Doctrine and Covenants 4

President Joseph Fielding Smith: “Doctrine and Covenants 4 is very short, only seven verses, but it contains sufficient counsel and instruction for a lifetime of study. No one has yet mastered it. It is a revelation to each member of the Church, especially to all who hold the Priesthood. No elder of the Church is qualified to teach in the Church, or carry the message of Salvation to the world, until he has absorbed, in part at least, this heaven-sent instruction” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 2 vols. [1953], 1:35).

Let’s read Doctrine and Covenants 4Discuss as a group:

• What word did the Lord use to describe the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days?

• What does it mean to do something “with all your heart, might, mind and strength”?

• What attribute does a person need to have in order to assist the Lord in His work?

• In addition to full-time missionary service, what are some ways in which we can assist the Lord in His work?

• What do you think is the meaning of the phrase “the field is white already to harvest”? 

• What blessing comes to those who labor diligently to bring others to Jesus Christ? 

• Which of the attributes listed in these verses would you like to develop more fully? Why?

Faith

1. ____ I believe in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

2. ____ I trust Heavenly Father enough to accept His will and do whatever He asks.

3. ____ I have enough faith in Jesus Christ to obtain answers to my prayers.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Hope

1. ____ One of my greatest desires is to inherit eternal life in the celestial kingdom of God.

2. ____ I feel peaceful and optimistic about the future.

3. ____ I firmly believe that someday I will dwell with God and become like Him.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Charity and Love

1. ____ I feel a sincere desire for the eternal welfare and happiness of other people.

2. ____ I try to help other people when they are struggling or discouraged.

3. ____ I look for opportunities to serve other people.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Eye Single to the Glory of God

1. ____ I focus my efforts on the things of God rather than the things of the world.

2._____ I think about the Savior often during the day

3. ____ I do good things because I love God, not because I want to impress others.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Virtue

1. ____ I am clean and pure in heart.

2. ____ I focus on righteous, uplifting thoughts and put unwholesome thoughts out of my mind.

3. ____ I repent of my sins.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Knowledge

1. ____ I feel confident in my understanding of gospel doctrines and principles.

2. ____ I study the scriptures daily.

3. ____ I receive knowledge and guidance through the Spirit.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Temperance

1. ____ I live the Word of Wisdom.

2. ____ I control what I think, say, and do, even in tense or frustrating situations.

3. ____ I successfully balance schoolwork, family time, and social life.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Patience

1. ____ I am patient with myself.

2. ____ I am patient with the faults and weaknesses of others.

3. ____ I face problems and challenges calmly and hopefully.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Brotherly Kindness

1. ____ I am nice to others, even when they might not deserve it.

2. ____ I say positive things about others.

3. ____ I am considerate of the feelings of others.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Godliness

1. ____ I know Heavenly Father lives, and I want to be like Him.

2. ____ I try to be like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

3. ____ I reflect the light of Christ in what I think, say, and do.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Humility

1. ____ I am sincerely grateful for the blessings I receive from Heavenly Father.

2. ____ My prayers are sincere and meaningful.

3. ____ I appreciate advice and guidance from my leaders, teachers, and parents.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Diligence

1. ____ I work effectively, even when I’m not under pressure or close supervision.

2. ____ I focus my efforts on the most important things.

3. ____ I work hard until a job is finished successfully.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

FaithHopeCharity and loveEye single to the glory of

GodVirtueKnowledge

TemperancePatienceBrotherly kindnessGodlinessHumilityDiligence

Write a few sentences about one of these attributes that you would like to improve on.

Doctrine and Covenants 4: An Application

The Costs of a Mission

• Suits $1000

• Shirts/dresses $500

• Luggage $500

• Books $200

• Stamps, etc. $100

• Camera $300

• Coat $300

The Costs of a Mission (con’t)

• Doctors visits $100

• Farewell meal $200

• Spending money $200

• Bike $300

• TOTAL: $3800

The Costs of a Mission (con’t)

• Monthly Cost $400• X 24 months

• TOTAL: $9600

The Costs of a Mission (con’t)

• SUM: $9600+$3800=

• TOTAL $13,400.00

The Costs of a Mission (con’t)

LOST REVENUE

(Money you would have earned had you stayed home)

• $8.00/hr

• 40hr/week

• 104 weeks

• TOTAL $33,280

The Costs of a Mission (con’t)

• TOTAL: $9,600.00

$13,800.00

+$33,280.00

GRAND TOTAL:

The Costs of a Mission

$56,680.00

So what is missionary work now?

Inviting All the Come Unto Christ (Junior Reyes Youth Video)

“Some of the most important service you can give will be within your own home. You can also serve in your Church assignments, school, and community. You can serve by doing temple and family history work. You can serve by sharing the gospel with others now and as a full-time missionary in the future. Often the most meaningful service is expressed through simple, everyday acts of kindness. Seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost each day to know whom to serve and how to help meet their needs. Follow the example of the Savior as you serve others” (For the Strength of Youth [booklet, 2011], 32).

Youth of the Nobel Birthright

A Revelation for Joseph Smith Sr.

Doctrine and Covenants 4