Joseph Smith-History 1:1-25 Lesson Plan
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ICEBREAKER
For an icebreaker, I like to start with this word search. I'll either display it as a slide or I'll actually give it to them as a handout. Their challenge. Find the word truth amidst all the other jumble of letters. I might even make it a contest to see who can find it first. And, here it is. I then ask: How is this activity somewhat like our lives?
TRANSITION
I think it's a perfect illustration of what our world and lives are like. Truth exists. It's out there. It's real. But it can be hard to find. Sometimes it's easy for the truth to get lost amidst the competing messages and opinions of the world. In fact, how many of you were able to find the word opinion in your search? I put a bunch of those in there. Opinions are a lot easier to come by. In order to find the truth though, you have to search. This week we're going to examine one man's search for truth--or more accurately, one boy's search for truth. The account of Joseph's Smith's first vision stands as one of the greatest examples of truth seeking that I know of anywhere. As an admirer of great literature, I consider Joseph Smith-History to be one of the greatest works of prose of all time. And that's not hyperbole. It's brilliant in its construction and profoundly relevant in its message. You could spend hours digging into the abundant truths and principles taught in this short block of latter-day scripture. However, as a teacher, you have to pick and choose. Hopefully, your students come to class having already read these verses. That way you can spend the bulk of your time discussing the scriptures, rather than reading and introducing them. So the day before I was teaching, I would send my students a message or invite them in the previous lesson to read JSH 1-26 looking for the answer to one question. What does Joseph Smith's first vision teach us about seeking truth and receiving revelation; and to come prepared to talk about it.
THE AUDIENCE
After my icebreaker, the first activity I might do with my students here is this short searching challenge. The first thing we want to establish here is "audience". Who is Joseph Smith History and consequently the entire Doctrine and Covenants and the Restoration addressed to? Can you find the audience in the following phrases and verses?
It's addressed to:
Those that are (:1) Inquirers after truth
People who want to be in possession of (:1) The facts
Individuals that hope to come to a (:8) Certain conclusion
Those that desire to receive (:12) Wisdom from God
All who wish to have (:12) Confidence in Settling the question
By the way. Each of those phrases can also be found in the word search if you want to send your students into it to find them.
But this is who Joseph wishes to speak to here. Inquirers after truth. People who want to be in possession of the facts, who want to come to certain conclusions, receive wisdom from God and have confidence in settling the question. They're not interested in or satisfied with mere opinions. They want truth. Do those phrases describe you? Can you relate to them?
If so, then I wish to address the rest of my lessons this year to you. In fact, I kind of like that as our theme for the entire course of study. Inquirers after truth. Joseph Smith himself was an inquirer after truth. He spent his entire life inquiring and the Doctrine and Covenants stands as a record of that inquiry. It's an entire book of documenting one man's inquire. From the sacred grove all the way to Nauvoo, Joseph would just kept inquiring and inquiring and inquiring. Only the bullets of Carthage would finally interrupt his search.
So if you are a part of that audience. Joseph's audience. Let's spend the rest of this year inquiring after and discovering TRUTH!
RECOGNIZING TRUTH
What makes discovering truth difficult, though is that there are so many voices out there. Like we illustrated with the icebreaker, sometimes it's difficult to separate truth from opinion. Yes, God sends prophets to help us out like, we talked about last week, but Jesus warned of false prophets in the last days as well. How are we going to recognize the difference? That was Joseph's problem. His environment is comparable to ours. He wanted truth, but he was surrounded by
:5 Unusual excitement/no small stir/division/contending
:6 converts filing off some to one party and some to another (seems to suggest that their conversion was more surface or socially motivated)/ their good feelings are more pretended than real (remember we're interested in things that are real, not pretended) great confusion/ bad feeling/contending/strife of words/contests about opinions
:8 confusion/strife
:9 cries and tumults that are great and incessant
:10 war of words/tumult of opinions
:12 the teachers of religion of the different sects understand the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible
Can you relate to Joseph's world? Have you ever felt like him? Confused by all the contending and divisions, opinions, contests and wars of words? Not just between differing religious voices, but secular voices that aim to tear down the religious ones as well? Everybody just filing off to one group or another. Understanding the same things so differently from one another. It's easy to relate to Joseph's confusion.
Well in these first pages of Joseph Smith-History, I see three different ways that people try to convince or persuade others to believe their voice. Let's see if you can find them. And what makes this a little bit easier is the fact that they all begin with P. See if you can find the three P's of persuading.
:2 Present
:6 Promote
:9 Prove
Let's talk about each one in turn. And if you don't mind, I'd like to end with that first one so let's begin with verse 6 and expand a little on these ideas. One way people might try to convince us that what they are saying is true is by getting up and promoting an extraordinary scene of religious feeling, in order to have everybody converted.
Do you understand what he's describing here? This is the emotional manipulation method of preaching. They're going to try and tap into your feelings, to convert you through emotion. So they try and get you to cry, to get angry, to make you feel intensely guilty, or afraid of God's wrath and eternal suffering in hell. They might use loud music with a powerful beat or an eloquent speaker.
Now I don't want to condemn emotion too strongly here. The spirit does indeed communicate through our emotions. Music and the spoken word expressed eloquently can be powerful tools of the Spirit and are completely appropriate for a servant of God to employ. But the problem comes when it is forced, excessive, or planned. Where a speaker approaches the situation with that as their goal. They say "I am going to make them feel something. At such and such a point in the lesson or speech, I'm going to make them feel the Spirit". That is not the speaker or teacher's place. It's not their role. That's the Spirit's role. The speaker simply tries to create an environment that allows the Spirit to be there to do his job.
That's one way a person may seek to persuade another. But there's another tactic as well. In verse 9. One may try to "prove" the truth with all their reason and sophistry. Sophistry is the use of faulty arguments with the intent to deceive. So with this technique, I try to reason you into belief. I convince you with all my knowledge and rhetorical prowess that what I'm saying is true, like a skilled debater or lawyer. They say "You will believe this because I'm going to build my case and proof so soundly that you won't be able to respond with an objection. If the first P, promoting, was all heart and no head. Proving is all head, and no heart.
Again, I don't want to condemn the mind too much here either. One of the great pillars of my testimony rests on the reasonableness and rationality of the restored gospel.
So what's the proper way to persuade. True prophets have to have a way of communicating the truth as well right? How do they do it? This is where our third word comes in. They do what Joseph Smith is doing right here in this chapter. They present the facts. They just present them. They present the facts in truth and righteousness as they have transpired. They don't try to manipulate your emotions, they don't try to prove their point or reason you into faith, they just present what they know and let you come to the conclusion yourself. If I'm teaching opinion, promoting and proving will be me go to strategies. But if I'm teaching truth, all I need to do is present. Since many of you are teachers, this is an important concept to keep in mind as you teach. The best way to approach your lesson is to present. When you share personal experiences, just present them. When you bear your testimony, present it. This is what I know, this is what I’ve experienced. You don't have to speak in some solemn, special tone, you don't have to shed tears, although you might, but it should be natural and unforced. When I teach seminary, I teach the same lesson five times in a day. Usually, if there is emotion, it comes in my first couple of classes. But as the day progresses, the strength of those emotions get spent through repetition. But guess what. I've found that the truth, the principle, the scriptures and the spirit are what bring the power, not me. So if during my last class of the day, I'm not really visibly emotional anymore, it doesn't really matter. The power doesn't come from me anyway. And that realization can be a real relief as well. A burden of responsibility is lifted when you realize this. Just present and let the Spirit do the rest. Are the head and heart ignored then when we present? No. The head and heart are incredibly important in discovering truth. BUT, it's not the speaker that is touching them. It's the Spirit that does this. And which of the two does the Spirit communicate with? BOTH! D&C 9:2
Yea, behold I will tell you in your mind, AND in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you . . .
So all I do, if I'm a true prophet, or servant, or teacher, is present the truth, and the Holy Ghost does the rest. He touches the mind and heart when truth is taught. General conference is a great examples of speakers presenting the truth. Reflect on the way they teach. Their language is measured, straightforward, and calm. I don't sense any manipulation or proving in their teaching. They just present the truth, and the Spirit testifies powerfully of their words in our minds and hearts.
Joseph Smith History itself is the perfect example of this dynamic. There is an incredible power in the text. As a missionary, it didn't matter who I was talking to, combative or receptive, when I recited the words of the first vision in a discussion, the atmosphere changed. A distinct feeling that entered the room. The Spirit was always there to testify of the truthfulness of the First Vision. And you could see it in their eyes, it had an impact. Joseph's words always had an effect, even with the most skeptical and unbelieving of hearers.
Arthur Henry King, a literature professor at BYU and a very intelligent man who knew something about writing and the power of words; he described his experience with the First Vision like this:
When I was first brought to read Joseph Smith’s story, I was deeply impressed. I wasn’t inclined to be impressed. As a stylistician, I have spent my life being disinclined to be impressed. So when I read his story, I thought to myself, this is an extraordinary thing. This is an astonishingly matter-of-fact and cool account. This man is not trying to persuade me of anything. He doesn’t feel the need to. He is stating what happened to him , and he is stating it, not enthusiastically, but in quite a matter-of-fact way he is not trying to make me cry or feel ecstatic. That struck me, and that began to build my testimony, for I could see that this man was telling the truth.” Arthur Henry King
See, Professor King understood this important truth about truth. Truth needs no promoting or proving. It stands on its own two feet without scaffolding, buttresses, or reinforcements. Therefore, it only needs to be presented.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
Two questions you might consider asking here:
When have you seen examples of promoting, proving, or presenting?
What impact has a study of the First Vision had on your faith?
HOW TO INQUIRE
Well, one of the things that makes this story so powerful is its relevance to all of us. All members of the church must come to "certain conclusions" about their faith, and Joseph teaches us how. No wonder this is the first story of the restoration. It's a story about an individual that finds himself in a world of confusion, and strife, and opinions who wanted wisdom from God to learn the truth for himself. But what do we actually do to learn that truth? How does one inquire after truth? Joseph shows us how. Now you can begin with any quest for truth that you have. Joseph's question was "Which church should I join?" but your question could be: "Is God real?", "Is the Book of Mormon true?", "Can God forgive my sins?", "Is there life after death?", anything. Now you read Joseph Smith--History with YOUR question in mind. As a teacher, I have found that the best way to approach these incredibly deep verses is to just leave it very open-ended. Let Joseph Smith teach them. Just ask: What does Joseph teach you about inquiring after truth? Then send them into verses 7 to 20 with that simple question in mind and invite them to share what they discover. If you feel that 7-20 is too big of a chunk for your students to tackle at once, you could assign half of the class to cover 7-13, and the other half 14-20.
As the teacher, you should be prepared to respond to their comments and have a few thoughts to share yourself if the class needs a little spark to get going.
One of things I like to do is to break down each phrase into a personal question to the student. I call it the Inquiring Quiz. In their own inquiry after truth, have they tried these things yet? Now we'll just scratch the surface in this video. But allow me to share some of the phrases and words that stand out to me most.
My mind was called up to serious reflection
Have I given the matter serious reflection? . In our search for truth, pondering and working things out in our minds is a critical step in finding answers. As opposed to just "filing off" to one denomination or opinion. Joseph seriously reflected on his question. He didn't want to make that decision lightly, and neither should we. We don't want to make the same mistake that Oliver Cowdery made in D&C 9:7 "You have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me." We've got to do more than just ask. There was a lot that went into Joseph's search before he asked. He seriously reflected on his question.
My feelings were deep and often poignant
Question: Are my feelings deep? Sincerity and the depth of our desire is key in our search. If you had to compare your desire for truth to a water container? What would you compare it to? Is it dixie cup sized desire, or a barrel desire? God can often only fill your request to the proportion of the size of the container you provide him with. How deep is your soul? Joseph's soul was deep, therefore, God had ample room to place an answer there. Now look at those first two phrases. Mind and heart. They show us that Joseph was open to being touched in both his mind (serious reflection) and heart (deep feelings). He gave space and depth for the Holy Ghost to witness to him. We too should seek to be receptive in both areas.
I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit
The question here. Have I done my homework? Have we put boots on the ground? Are we doing everything in our power to find the answer? I can't just expect God and the Spirit to do all the work. Just look at what Joseph was willing to do. He talked to people. He attended meetings. He studied. This entire section is basically showing us what Joseph was willing to do to find his answer. As you continue reading this section you will find many other words and phrases suggesting Joseph's willingness to ACT! We too must act if we want an answer.
Often
Have I asked often? Joseph often thought about his question. This wasn't a one and done kind of thing. He was persistent and consistent. There are a lot of phrases in these verses that suggest the passage of time: in process of time, at times, again and again, at length. Don't get the impression that Joseph just woke up one morning wondering about religion, walked out to the sacred grove and got his answer. This took time. Our search for truth will take time. Be patient and persistent.
Labored
Have I labored? Searching for truth is a labor-intensive activity. How can we expect to develop spiritual muscle or strength of testimony, if we're not willing to strain, and push, and exercise our faith? God does not dispense truth in the way google does. You don't just type in your question and "beep" get a thousand different results to browse through. It's more like mining for gold or gemstones. It requires intellectual and spiritual digging, sweating, swinging the pickaxe, and removing the excess until eventually, you hit the prize.
I was one day reading the Epistle of James
Have I studied the scriptures? This is one of the most significant things you can do to find answers to your questions. God has pre-packaged so much of his truth and answers and wisdom within the standard works. I have always been impressed how many of my questions and confusions and strifes have been settled by the principles and stories of the scriptures. I remember my Dad used to say that there wasn't a problem or question that you can have in this life that isn't answered or addressed in some way by the scriptures. And I believe that. Experience has confirmed that too me. The scriptures are the greatest catalyst for truth that I know of. Seek and ye shall find. Quick note. In this case, Joseph did not get his answer from James 1:5. He got guidance on how to get his answer. Sometimes that's the way the scriptures help us.
How to act
Am I willing to act on the answer I'm given? This is an essential prerequisite for discovering truth. If you're not willing to do anything about an answer, you're not as likely to receive one. God asks ,"If I give you an answer, are you ready and willing to act on it if it comes? Have you counted the cost of an answer? What it will mean for your life and the changes that will be required if it comes?" I think that's why a lot of the investigators I taught on my mission didn't always receive an answer that the Book of Mormon was true. They had no willingness to change even if the answer did come.
Ask of God
What was the scripture that induced Joseph to act? James 1:5 . The little scripture that changed the world. I wonder if James knew when he wrote those words so many years ago the impact it would have on the future. If you lack wisdom, you don't have to rely only on man to find it, or even the scriptures, as powerful as they are. I think that's why that verse had such a profound effect on Joseph's mind. He said that "never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine". Have you ever had a scripture impact you in that way? I have. The idea of going directly to God for an answer to prayer inspired Joseph profoundly. I don't believe that this was the first time Joseph ever said a prayer in his life. I'm sure he'd been praying for years. But this was a different kind of prayer, a prayer that anticipated and made room for an answer. So off he goes to a grove of trees near his home to make the attempt. So the question? Have I asked of God? Not just, have I prayed, but Have I asked God, himself, directly for the wisdom that I lack?
Pray vocally
Have I asked vocally? There is something to vocal prayer that makes a difference. Yes, we can pray in our hearts and minds and God hears, but if you find that you are struggling to connect with heaven in a meaningful way, try vocal prayer. It changes things. It really does. And while you're at it . . .
Pray alone
Question: Have I prayed alone? If you're going to pray out loud, do it in a private place; someplace where you're not likely to be interrupted. For Joseph it was a grove of trees away from the house and his large family. For you it may be in your bedroom, or in your car, or in the outdoors. Personally, I love the setting for the First Vision. The surroundings for Joseph are very symbolic. I think we often picture the First Vision happening in warm weather with trees covered in leaves and greenery. But Joseph says it is early spring. Historians figure March or early April. Now, any of you that live in New England, correct me if I' m wrong, but what is early spring like? Not green and warm, but I picture it being a little chilly, perhaps some new growth staring to appear. Buds forming on the branches, a little green starting to peak through. How fitting though. The season was beginning to change; to awaken from the long, dark, cold of winter. The world too, through this prayer, was going to awaken from the long, dark, cold season of apostasy to the beautiful, vibrant, living warmth and growth of the restoration.
Thick darkness gathered around me.
But what happens next? The adversary seemed to realize that this prayer was going to strike a major blow to his power and dominion. So Joseph is seized upon by some unseen power. Thick darkness gathers around him and it seems to him that he was doomed to sudden destruction. Now at this point I like to ask my students a question. I ask, "Do you think God was aware that this was happening to Joseph? Did this come as a surprise to God? Did some angel run into him at that point and say "Elohim, Joseph Smith is praying down there, and Satan is attacking him? We need to do something about it?" I don't think so. I'm sure God was very aware of what was happening. So, then the question becomes, why would he allow this? What benefit is there to allowing Joseph to go through this terrifying experience? My thought. I think God wanted Joseph to realize something right from the beginning of the Restoration. Satan has power and would do everything he could to try and oppose Joseph's search for truth. It wouldn't be wise for Joseph to underestimate that power. But, as powerful as that darkness was, God's light was even more powerful. God could deliver him. Joseph would face that darkness many more times in his life. But when he did, I wonder if his mind drifted back to his very first experience with darkness and light in the sacred grove; to remember that God was stronger and could deliver him. Maybe that's why Joseph was able to withstand so much opposition in his life. What's the application for us? In our search for truth, expect opposition. Our question: Am I prepared to face opposition? More than likely, you will.
At the very moment of great alarm
In your opposition, realize that God may even allow you to struggle until you reach "the moment when you are ready to sink into despair and abandon yourself to destruction". God sometimes waits until "the moment of great alarm" to rescue. Why does he do that? Maybe because faith must be tested. Maybe because that is what makes testimonies strong. Maybe because answers that come too easily are not valued as highly. The question we must ask ourselves here: Am I willing to pray through the darkness? Often the answer and the light and the deliverance will only come after you have reached the moment of great alarm. So if you feel the darkness surrounding you, don't give up. Keep praying through the darkness. In process of time, the answer will come.
Now at this point, if you'll humor me. I would love to just read these next few verses. This was one of my favorite things to do as a full-time missionary; to share this account and feel the Spirit it always invited. I anticipate that there may be some of you out there that aren't members of my faith and I would consider it a great privilege to just relate what happened to Joseph Smith after that darkness descended upon him. I'll get to feel a little of that missionary joy again and pray that his words will touch your heart in the same way that they have touched mine. Joseph says:
. . . just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
What can we expect if we are willing to do what Joseph did? God will answer us. God will grant us the wisdom we desire. Now it may not be in as grand a fashion as this. This was the beginning of new dispensation and Joseph would play a key role in that beginning. But I believe that we can receive a manifestation and answer that is just as real and just as powerful as Joseph's. We've just got to be willing to continue praying through the darkness. and the answer will come.
One quick sidenote about the phrase "Hear Him". I know a lot has been said about differing versions of the first vision, usually in a tone of criticism. Now that's too large of a subject to tackle here in any meaningful way. The best resource? the church's topical essay on the subject at this web address. But one point. I find the differing versions a positive thing. Joseph gives us additional details about his experience. How awesome is that! One detail he leaves out in Joseph Smith-History is something besides knowing which church to join that he was praying for. He was also praying for forgiveness. And the very first words out of Jesus's mouth are "Joseph, thy sins are forgiven". (Saints, p.16). Realizing this, that "Hear Him" has so much more power for me. When I feel weighed down by my imperfections, and guilt, and sins, if I approach him with a spirit of penitence and prayer, then I too will "hear him" speak words of comfort and forgiveness.
Calling me by name
I love the first word of the restoration. The first word was Joseph. Think of all the amazing truths that were restored in that one word. God is real. God speaks. God speaks to man. God cares about man. God knows who we are. He knows our names. We just need to hear him. Question: Do I realize that God knows me?
And here, may I skip ahead a little bit and interject some phrases from verse 22? There's something critical to consider here. I could imagine somebody walking away from this lesson saying, "Well, yeah, that may work for Joseph Smith, but he was Joseph Smith, of course this is going to happen to him. Of course God knew his name. He was the prophet of the restoration. This may work for Joseph, but never for me. Who am I to expect God to talk to me?" The answer to that concern comes in the way that Joseph described himself. How does he do that in verse 22? He calls himself "an obscure boy". And later, "a boy of no consequence in the world". We might argue with Joseph there and quote John Taylor from Section 135 when he says: 3 Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. But the point remains. God speaks to obscure people of no consequence in the world. You don't have to be a Joseph Smith to gain wisdom. If God could answer the prayers of an obscure 14-year-old farm boy from Palmyra, New York, he certainly can answer yours. He knows your name and will speak to you.
At this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong
Question here. Am I willing to accept an answer that has never entered into my heart yet? Sometimes we pray expecting or hoping for a specific answer. The answer we want. One that we feel is best for us. This must not be. We must pray with an open mind and heart to whatever is best in God's wisdom. I'm sure Joseph would have just preferred to have God tell him which church to join rather than restoring one. I'm sure that was an intimidating answer to receive. We too have got to be open to tough answers.
At this point I'd like to shift my question just a little. Because Joseph was willing to inquire and do all these things we just talked about, what was the result of his actions?
3 things I would mark:
:19 I was answered
:20 all was well
:20 and he learned for himself
Well, if we're willing to do as Joseph did. What else can we expect? We will one day get to say what Joseph said as he leaned against the fireplace of his home while speaking to his mother. We too can expect to say: All is well. and "I have learned for myself". This is the result and destiny of all true "inquirers after truth".
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
Now, just look at what we've learned together. Look at all the guidance and help we've been given on finding truth. At this point I might ask the following:
When has one of these truths helped you to "learn for yourself"?
CONCLUSION
I want you to know, as my listeners that I believe deeply in this story. This really happened. I know it. It resonates with my heart and my mind. It happened in the way Joseph has presented it to us here, without promotion or proving. I've been to the sacred grove and I have felt the spirit and solemnity of that beautiful place. But more importantly, I have personally experienced my own sacred groves. That's the great promise of the First Vision. That we can do the same as Joseph and receive the same results. There are locations where I have felt the light of my Heavenly Father and Savior's wisdom illuminating my mind and heart. My sacred groves. In my parent's unfinished basement in Draper, at the bedside of a small apartment in Teofilo Otoni ,Brazil, under a hotel pool waterslide in Moab, Utah, an endowment room of the Provo temple. These are some of my sacred groves. And so It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I say to you, that I have found truth, I have come to a certain conclusion, I have received wisdom from God, I have settled the question, I have learned for myself, that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that the church he helped to restore is true and living. If we are willing to reflect, and labor, and study, and ask, and pray through the darkness, then God will settle the questions of inquirers after truth, even if they feel that they are obscure and of no consequence in the world.
Well, I may not spend as much time in 21-26 but I would like to give you a brief idea for teaching it.
ICEBREAKER
For an icebreaker I would ask if any of them had ever been accused of disturbing or annoying somebody else? This question works really well with teenagers because most of them have had that experience. Especially the boys. I know I experienced that. I had been told by many a teacher that I was disturbing the class and I frequently remember being told by my older sisters that I was annoying them. I think we all get the distinct impression that being a disturber and an annoyer is a bad thing. Until you read verse 20 and discover that there was somebody else described as being a disturber and an annoyer. Who was it?
It was Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith was a disturber and an annoyer. So if you've ever been called that, you're in good company. But why was he called a disturber and annoyer? A disturber and an annoyer of who or what? He was a disturber and an annoyer of Satan and his kingdom. Therefore, if you're good at disturbing and annoying, just be sure to direct that annoying energy at the right kingdom. Satan's.
SEARCH
And to help my students learn from this section I would give them this personal study guide, allow them time to complete it, and then use it to spark a classroom discussion. I call it "How to Disturb and Annoy Satan".
Question #1: When we disturb and annoy the adversary, what can we expect in return? (end of :20) Opposition and Persecution.
Satan doesn't take our disturbing and annoying lightly. When we have learned for ourselves, and received wisdom and light from God, and are disturbing and annoying the adversary, we can expect opposition and persecution. And Joseph certainly experiences that. In this next section we see it all over. As soon as he shares his experience, it's persecution for the rest of his life.
Question #2: A personal question. Have you ever faced opposition and persecution for your faith? What happened?
Question #3: Besides his family, who did Joseph first share his experience with and how did they react? (:21) A Methodist minister, and he reacted with great contempt.
In fact, I kind of have to chuckle when I read the line: I was greatly surprised at his behavior. And I say, really Joseph, you were surprised? And can't you picture this? Joseph excitedly telling this Methodist preacher. "Guess what? I prayed for wisdom, and God answered my prayer, and he told me that all churches are wrong!". Implication: including yours. But I think that just tells you something about Joseph's character. He's just a boy at this point after all. He's guileless. That's the word that comes to my mind here. A little naive. But you get it right. He's just had this amazing experience with God, and he thinks, "Of course other people are going to celebrate that with me, right?" Sadly, it didn't quite go that way.
Question #4: What are the three A's of disturbing and annoying Satan? Look for the verbs that begin with A in the following verses:
So did you find them? The three things we can do that will annoy the adversary the most are to:
:12 ACT
:27 AFFIRM
:58 ASSERT
That's exactly what Joseph did throughout his life. From age 14 until his death he just kept acting and affirming and asserting despite the opposition and persecution.
Question #5: How did Joseph feel about the persecution? (End of verse :23). He says it was often the cause of great sorrow to himself. Some people are the type that can handle persecution. That just let those kinds of things roll off their back. Not Joseph. It did cause sorrow in him. When we struggle, I guess it's kind of nice to know that this wasn't easy for Joseph either.
He had some help though.
Question #6 What was something that helped Joseph to act, affirm and assert? :24
He found inspiration in the scriptures. Joseph Smith apparently had a scripture hero. Who was it? Paul. He really connected with Paul. He mentions him a number of times in latter-day scripture. (See: Article of Faith 13, D&C 127:2, D&C 128:13-16, Compare D&C 135:4 with Acts 24:16, JSH 1:24-25)
We too can find hero's in scripture--characters that inspire us to do what is right. Whether it be Nephi, or Moses, or Peter, or Joseph Smith, the scriptures provide us with examples of faith from which to draw strength from. Thus question #7 Who is a character from scripture that inspires you and how?
Question #8. Very open-ended question. What is your favorite line from Joseph's testimony here in verse 25 and why?
And this is such a great verse. It really needs no commentary. We get to hear Joseph acting and affirming and asserting? You can just sense his conviction and certainty.
25 So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.
Questions 7 and 8 are two personal questions:
Question #7 Do you believe Joseph's "assertion and affirmation" here? Why?
Question #8: What helps you to act on, assert, and affirm your beliefs?
CONCLUSION
I hope that we can all be disturbers and annoyers of Satan; that we can stand up to the opposition and persecution that he throws at us. Let's collectively make the adversary wring his hands, and roll his eyes, and huff with irritation. How satisfying would it be to see that. Joseph Smith found inspiration in Paul, and we can find inspiration in Joseph. So let's act, and assert, and affirm what we have found to be true.
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