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OPENING NOTE
Near the beginning of the chapter, in verse 2, Moroni tells us that he has a few words of "exhortation" for us. Exhort is a word we don't really use much nowadays but it means "to strongly encourage or urge to do something". So it's not just encouragement, it's STRONG encouragement. Today we're going to study the things that Moroni strongly encourages us to do at the conclusion of our study of the Book of the Mormon. A quick activity you might do with your class is to have them find all the "I exhort you's" or "I would exhort you's". That phrase is going to come up a number of times in this chapter. And we find those in verse 3, 4, 7,8, 18, 19, 27, and 30. So let’s find out, what it is that Moroni wants us to do.
LESSON #1 FORMULAS OF FAITH (MORONI 10:1-7, 27-29)
OBJECT
For an object to begin our study, I would bring out a calculator or a Math book if I had one and set it at the front.
ICEBREAKER
Then for an icebreaker I would talk about “formulas”. Now "formula" is a math word. And I'll be honest with you, I hated math in school. I liked history, biology, literature, PE, almost everything else, but not math. Math was invented by Satan in my mind. I always struggled, it always took the most time, and it was by far the most frustrating for me. But I stuck with it and got all the way through Calculus in high school. I even signed up for AP Calculus my Senior year. However, I went in the first day, listened to the teacher explain the curriculum, and promptly went to my school counselor and changed my schedule. And I’ve never looked back. That was the last time I ever set foot in a math class. And you know what. I have no regrets in that. Good riddance to it. BUT! If there was one bright spot in my math experience, it would be formulas. Formulas are kind of cool. When you can just plug the numbers in, and they spit out the answer. That's the kind of math I could handle.
Well let's see if you can recognize these famous formulas and what they’re used for.
A=LxW That's the formula for discovering the area of a rectangle.
A=Pi(r2) That's the formula for discovering the area of a circle. Pi times the radius squared.
A2+B2 =C2 That's the Pythagorean Theorem that says the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle will always equal the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This theorem becomes very helpful when it comes to construction, surveying, and navigation.
E=MC2 Einstein's theory of relativity. Probably the most famous formula in history which helped scientists to understand the relationship between energy, mass, and the speed of light.
And you know, by the way, why are we always squaring things in math. What does that do anyway? It almost seems like they just throw that in there to make it sound more complicated and mathy. I don't know, I guess that's why I'm teaching seminary, I never could really grasp these things.
Finally, try this one out:
F-E+V=2 That, of course is Euler's formula for polyhedra. What's its purpose? I have absolutely no idea, but a website I looked at said it was important, so it must be. I'm sure somebody much smarter than me could explain its significance.
SEARCH-FORMULAS OF FAITH
We’re going to find Moroni’s first exhortation in this final chapter in verses 3-7, the verses commonly referred to as Moroni's promise. And what we find here is a formula. A formula of faith. But I want to mention something here before we get into it. Notice that this comes at the beginning of the chapter, not the end. Usually, as a teacher, or writer, you’re going to save what you feel is most important for the end. This is the exhortation that we usually emphasize, and it is critical, and profoundly significant. BUT we shouldn’t focus so much on this exhortation that we neglect the others. In fact, I believe that the final exhortation in this chapter is the one that Moroni is really building to. The one that probably merits our deepest attention and emphasis. The first exhortation is more of a means to leading us to the final one. With that in mind, what does Moroni first exhort us to do? That first exhortation is to find out if “these words”, this record, the Book of Mormon is true. And how do we do that? We follow the formula.
Here's how I would express that formula: R+R+P+A(S+R+F)=KHG
Now, encourage your students to try and fill in the formula. By studying verses 3-7, can they fill in what each of those symbols represents AND ask themselves why each of those parts of the formula are important. Why is that a critical part of the process. And you can tell them that every letter represents an actual word or phrase that comes from the scriptures. Let’s take a look.
I’m actually going to begin with the K in the formula because that represents what we’re looking for—the ultimate goal of the formula. What are we hoping to find by applying it? The K comes in verse 5. Ye may KNOW. The K is Knowledge. We’re going to know something by applying this formula. And the specific knowledge we’re referring to here is the knowledge that “these words” are true. How do I come to KNOW that? And why is it important that I know that? I refer you back to this statement found in the introduction to the Book of Mormon: Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is His revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah.
The first R? Read. We need to read these things. Why is that important? Well, we’re never going to know if the Book of Mormon is true if we don’t read it .That’s why I’m always fascinated by those who have come to the conclusion that the Book of Mormon is not true when they’ve never even cracked the Book. They’ve never tasted or experienced the Book of Mormon. So how are they ever going to know whether it’s true or not. Critical first step.
Our second R then. And this is one we often leave out. We skip right to the P, usually. But let’s not forget the second R. That stands for REMEMBER. Remember what? Remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things. Keep that in mind as you read and study this book. The Lord is merciful. From the very beginning to the most immediate present. To the mercy that God showed to Adam and Eve all the way to the mercy that he shows you, personally, the person who’s reading it, and everything in between. That’s one of the major messages of the Book of Mormon. Do you remember it? All throughout the pages of the Book of Mormon this year we have seen example after example of God’s mercy. He gave mercy to Nephi who felt compelled to cry out, “O wretched man that I am”. He gave mercy to Enos who prayed all day and night for forgiveness. He gave mercy to the people of King Benjamin who cried out, “O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness for our sins.” He gave mercy to Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah, and King Lamoni, and the Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s, and Corianton, and the Lamanites that were taught by the brothers Nephi and Lehi, and the people who saw Christ after the great destruction and darkness, and Mormon, and Moroni himself. And that’s not all. Have you seen God’s mercy in the Bible, all the way back to Adam and Eve. Have you seen it in Church History and the restoration? And, have you seen it in your own life? Do you recognize that mercy all throughout your study of this book. Don’t forget that. This is a critical step in the formula, and I believe this is a nod towards the final exhortation that Moroni is going to give us. There is more at play here than just discovering the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. That’s not the ultimate END of our study of the Book of Mormon. It’s an important one, but it is to lead us to the greater end. We’ll come back to that later. But, have you seen God’s hand in the lives of the people you’ve been studying, and have you seen it in your own life. If you have, then . . .
Our P in the formula. PONDER it. Ponder what? Yes, we should ponder the truths and doctrines we read about in the Book of Mormon, that’s implied, but it says, ponder IT. The IT is the Lord’s mercy. That’s one of the most important things we must ponder as we study and as we come to the end of our study. Remember and ponder God’s mercy. If I do that, then my heart is ready, and I’m prepared to take the next step, the A.
A=Ask. Ask God. I pray. I ask him if these things are true. And can you see the connection between the last step and this one? If I don’t believe that God is merciful, then I may not feel worthy to come to him in prayer. I may not believe that he’ll want to answer me, I may be too intimidated by the prospect of approaching him. But if I know he’s approachable, that he’s merciful, that he cares about me, I can proceed to the throne of grace with confidence, and ask if these things are true. And I know it says, ask if these things are not true, but don’t get too hung up on that word NOT. I don’t think Moroni is trying to tell us exactly what to say in our prayer here. Is the Book of Mormon not true? I think it’s semantics, a means of emphasis. Like we might ask somebody the question, “Isn’t that true?” Expand that contraction and what we’re saying is, “Is not that true?” But we’re emphasizing that fact that we believe that it’s true. So don’t let that trip you up. It is ok to ask, “Is the Book of Mormon true?” We’re trying to establish knowledge here, not the absence of falsehood. Why is that important? We’ve got to act. God expects us to ask Him things, to pray for knowledge, and to not just wait around hoping that he’ll decide to reveal it to us. He will not compel anyone to believe in this life. Ask, and ye shall receive.
But there’s some qualifications in that asking. We must ask in a certain way. That’s why I’ve got the parentheses there following the A. And in the parentheses, we have the letters S, R, and F. I must ask with a SINCERE heart, with REAL INTENT, and having FAITH IN CHRIST. Why are each of those important? I need to ask with sincerity. It’s got to be real and personal and from the heart. This can’t be casual, disingenuous, or artificial. It must be with real intent. Intent to do something with the knowledge. If God confirms this as true, am I willing to act on it. Will I change? Will I apply it’s lessons? Will I join myself to God’s people that brought it to me? If there’s no intent behind the question, the formula breaks down, and I will not come to a KNOWLEDGE. And I must ask with faith. Faith is always first. And faith in Christ. Another hint as to what the whole purpose of the Book of Mormon is.
And if I ask in this way. What will be the result? I will know. I will know the truth of it. God will manifest the truth of it unto me. And then what does the HG stand for? Knowledge to the power of what? The power of the Holy Ghost. That is the means by which the knowledge will come. It will come through the Spirit. Because that is the way I come to a knowledge of the truth of all things. As the third member of the Godhead, that’s one of its primary functions. To testify of the truth. That’s the formula.
And by the way. I don't think this process is something we just do at the end of our study of the Book of Mormon. You know, we read the entire text, and then, when we're done, it all crescendos into this amazing spiritual experience at the end of your scripture study journey. It can and does happen that way for some. But, hopefully, we've been pondering and remembering, and asking, and demonstrating faith all throughout our study. That manifestation of truth can come at any point in our experience.
TRUTH
If I read the Book of Mormon, and remember God’s mercy, and ponder it, and ask with sincerity, real intent, and faith in Christ if it’s true, then, God will manifest the truth of it unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost.
That is one of the most important truths we can learn from our study of the Book of Mormon this year.
TAKING IT TO HEART
And at that point in the lesson, as a teacher, you may consider asking if anyone would be willing to share how they have come to know that the Book of Mormon is true. Has the formula worked for them? And as a teacher, you may consider concluding by sharing your personal witness of the Book of Mormon.
THE TAKEAWAY
And if you don’t mind, I would like to take this opportunity to bear mine. I believe and know that this formula works, because I’ve tried it. I’ve put it to the test, and I’ve received the knowledge that I sought. Before my mission, I had been praying for years for a specific witness of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. I know I already had a testimony of it, in the way that Mormon taught us in Moroni chapter 7. But I was hoping for and praying for a powerful confirmation through the Spirit of its authenticity so that I could testify as a missionary with more strength. I wanted to feel that manifestation of the Spirit. I vividly remember the night that confirmation came. I wasn't even expecting it. My plea to God for that witness had become a regular part of my prayers. But for some reason, that night was the night the Lord decided to answer me. After praying to know with a surety that the Book of Mormon was true, I heard within my mind and spirit the distinct words "It's real" spoken to me from some place other than my own mind. And that thought, that's it's all real, God, Jesus Christ, the Spirit, Nephi, King Benjamin, Moroni, they're real! filled my soul with a joy and a burning and a power that I had never felt before. I opened my eyes almost expecting to see the room filled with light. I knew that it was all real and true and good. After that experience, I didn't think that it would be possible for my testimony to get any stronger than that. And yet, it has. Much stronger. I have come to know more and more of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon year after year of studying, and pondering, and teaching it. Line upon line and precept upon precept my appreciation and understanding has grown and deepened. As a lover of great books, I have come to recognize the incredible literary power it possesses. I just can't believe that a simple farm boy from upstate New York with a third-grade education could produce a work with such complexity and symbolism and theological soundness. If Joseph Smith wrote it, he must have been a literary genius the likes of Dickens or Tolstoy or Dante. It has that much depth to it. I know the Book of Mormon is true. If any of you listening out there have yet to come to that conclusion, those who have not yet joined our congregations, please do not be too quick to dismiss it. Make no mistake, it is literarily powerful, and this is coming from somebody who has a master’s degree in English literature, and has seriously studied the great books of our world. I assure you that it is not a mere rehashing of Biblical writings, and this is coming from someone who deeply loves the Bible and has taught and studied it for 20 years as well. It has much to offer us by way of religious and theological understanding. I assure you that it is uplifting and inspiring and enlightening--and this is coming from somebody who has studied much of world religion, and from someone who deeply respects other religions, who has visited the worlds holy sites, and come to recognize the beautiful truths in Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. And yet, the Book of Mormon and the restored gospel it teaches have enriched my life in a way that is impossible for me to express. It has brought me closer to God and my Savior. Therefore, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, I bear my witness that the Book of Mormon is good and real and true.
ANOTHER WAY YOU CAN KNOW THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TRUE
But before we move on to the next section of Moroni 10, I want to jump ahead to another exhortation of Moroni’s now instead of later. Because, there is actually another way that we come to know the Book of Mormon is true. If you don’t like the Mormon way, or the Moroni way, there’s an alternative. Can you discover what it is in verses 27-29?
Moroni says:
27 And I exhort you to remember these things; for the time speedily cometh that ye shall know that I lie not, for ye shall see me at the bar of God; and the Lord God will say unto you: Did I not declare my words unto you, which were written by this man, like as one crying from the dead, yea, even as one speaking out of the dust?
28 I declare these things unto the fulfilling of the prophecies. And behold, they shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the everlasting God; and his word shall hiss forth from generation to generation.
29 And God shall show unto you, that that which I have written is true.
So how else can I know? Well, Moroni himself and Jesus can show us. If we have been unbelieving. If we've dismissed the restored gospel and the Book of Mormon, then one day we will stand at the judgment bar of God, and he will present Moroni to us. Can you picture that? Jesus looking at us and saying. "You didn't believe in the Book of Mormon right? Well, there’s somebody I’d like you to meet. Moroni, come over here. And here comes Moroni. This powerful, warrior of a man. And he walks over and stands right next to Jesus. And Jesus says: Did I not declare my words unto you, which were written by this man, like as one crying from the dead, yea, even as one speaking out of the dust?
That's a bit of an intimidating visual isn't it? What could we say in those circumstances? Could we deny then? Could we claim that the Book of Mormon was fiction in that setting? Pretty difficult to do at that point. God will show unto us that it’s true. That’s the alternative. We can have Jesus and Moroni prove it's truthfulness by standing in front of us and declaring it. We can be compelled to believe it. Make no mistake about it, eventually everyone is going to gain a knowledge of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. The question is, which way do we prefer to come to that knowledge? The "judge by the light of Christ if it persuadeth you to do good" way? The read, remember, ponder, and pray way? Or the way described here? Declared to us by Moroni himself and Christ at the judgment. Ummm, I'll take one of the first two please.
But let’s jump back again to where we left off. We’ve looked at Moroni’s formula for knowing the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, but there’s another exhortation he has for us in verses 8-19
LESSON #2 GIFTED (MORONI 10:8-19)
OBJECT
The object for this lesson takes a little time to prepare but I’ve found the effort to be well worth it in teaching this portion of the lesson. And, if you’ve studied with me for any length of time, you’ve heard this lesson before because it’s a topic that our Father in Heaven must really want us to understand. It’s found in three of the standard works. We covered this idea last year in 1 Corinthians 12 in the New Testament, and we’ll be talking about it again next year in Doctrine and Covenants 46. And then you have what Moroni writes here in Moroni 10. And each of those chapters revolves around the idea of Spiritual gifts. But each version is a little different and offers us some unique insights. And because of that, I would recommend that if you only have one chance to teach this chapter, I would probably consider prioritizing the exhortation that we just talked about from the beginning of the chapter OR the exhortation that we’re going to talk about from the end of the chapter. But if you have more time or opportunities to teach, it is a worthwhile section to study and discuss. It’s just that, we are going to get another chance to cover these truths next year in May. On the other hand, how serendipitous for us is it that this lesson comes right at Christmastime, where gift giving and receiving are at the forefront of our minds. So you decide. But what you do for this is you have a large present at the front of the room. For me, since I need a quick way to reset the lesson for each class I have one of those decorated gift boxes that has a lid. It looks like this. Then, inside that large box, I have 4 or 5 smaller gift boxes. Then, within one of those gift boxes, I have a set of even smaller gift boxes. So it's kind of set up like one of those Russian nesting dolls. And you can usually buy these materials at a craft or hobby store for minimal expense.
ICEBREAKER
Then, for an icebreaker, with the big gift displayed, I then like to ask them a question. What's the best Christmas or Birthday gift you've ever received? And invite them to share their answer to that with a companion or a partner.
Well, our Heavenly Father loves to give gifts to his children. But rather than sending us electronics, or jewelry, or toys, He gives us spiritual gifts, or abilities, and these are referred to as the Gifts of the Spirit. At this point I would turn the gift around to show a label on the gift that reads, "The Spirit" or "The Holy Ghost". This is the source or power by which all the gifts operate--the big gift, the gift of the Holy Ghost. One of Moroni’s major final exhortations in the Book of Mormon revolves around this idea of gifts. What is his exhortation according to verse 8? He says, “And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God.” I think Moroni knew that we would live in a day where people would deny these gifts. Meaning, either they would deny that they exist, or that they would deny their use through their actions. We want to do neither. So we really want to understand these gifts and how to use them. Moroni’s going to help us with that. He’s going to teach us 6 different truths about spiritual gifts.
HANDOUT
And as a teacher, I would give my students the following study guide and give them some personal time in class to discover the answers to these 6 questions about the gifts of the Spirit. And heads up, for the sake of the flow of the principles, you'll notice that I don't quite do them in order. But here are the questions:
Who is given spiritual gifts? :17
Where do they come from? :8, :18
How many gifts are there? :8, :9-16
How are the gifts administered? :8
What is the purpose of the gifts? :8
How long will they last? :19
Bonus Question: Can you ask for more? Doctrine and Covenants 46:8
Let's go through these questions one by one.
Question 1: Who is given spiritual gifts?
Answer in verse 17: Everybody. Nobody is left out. There is not a single person out there who has not been given a special gift from God that is uniquely theirs. "They come to EVERY man severally, according as he will". To come severally means that they come individually or each in turn. Every person is given an individual gift from our Father in Heaven. Now, I'm a very visual learner so I kind of picture it like this—although, granted, this is not doctrinal. But I imagine a large line of spirits in the pre-existence waiting for their turn to be born into mortality on earth. Just before they leave though, Heavenly Father is standing there at the head of the line with a large bag of gifts next to him. They aren't given out randomly, but each has the recipient’s name written in beautiful calligraphy across the top. Each gift has been lovingly prepared and tailored to the specific needs and strengths of that individual. With a gift in his hand, He hands it to them and says, "This is a special unique gift just for you from me. Please treasure and respect it. It will bring great blessings to you and others throughout your life.” And then He carefully places it into their outstretched hands and off they go to mortality. I also picture each gift being wrapped differently and in different shapes and sizes. But everybody gets a gift. At this point, I sometimes like to add this question as well: Is there any way to know for certain what gift of gifts your Heavenly Father has given to you? And there is! Your patriarchal blessing will more often than not tell you what some of your gifts are. Another reason to get a patriarchal blessing if you haven’t received one yet.
Question 2: Where do they come from?
If there was a big tag hanging off the side, who would it say they are from?
:8 Come from the same God
:18 every good gift cometh of Christ.
So the tag says from your father, God and your older brother, Jesus Christ. And for this, I would actually make a little gift tag that says, "From God and Jesus" and have it hanging off the side.
Question #3 How many gifts are there?
Answer: Verse 8 says that "they are many". There are many different kinds of spiritual gifts that God can give. Not everybody gets the same thing. So in verse 9-16 he lists what some of those gifts are. During this section of the lesson, I open up the big gift at the front of the room and I start pulling out the little wrapped gifts or nesting boxes that I have inside. Each one is labeled with some of the gifts mentioned here. Some are given the gift of teaching the word of wisdom (and that's not referring to what we call THE word of wisdom, or the church's law of health, but wisdom in general). Others are given the gift to teach knowledge. Which I think is interesting that there is a distinction there. Knowledge as opposed to wisdom. Knowledge is facts, understanding, maybe even secular truth. Wisdom, I believe, is the application of knowledge, and the wise use of spiritual truth. Some are more gifted in teaching one than the other. However, both are important. Some have exceedingly great faith. I know of people like that, that just seem to have an innate sense of profound faith. No question or doubt in their testimony. They just know certain things. Other gifts mentioned here. The gift of healing, working mighty miracles, prophesying, the beholding of angels and ministering spirits. The gift of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. Now that's a lot of different gifts, but is that all of them? No. I usually like to share the following two quotes:
“Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety. Those listed in the revealed word are simply illustrations of the boundless outpouring of divine grace that a gracious God gives those who love and serve him.”
Bruce R. McConkie
A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p.367-377
And also:
“Taken at Random, let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. . .
The gift of asking; the gift of listening, the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.
Marvin J. Ashton
CR October 1987
So, we can see, there are an infinite number of possible gifts that God has to offer.
Question #4 How are the gifts administered?
Answer. In different ways. What does that mean? Paul put it this way in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
Different ways, differences of administrations, diversities of operations. What does that all mean?
I think it means that there are many different manifestations of the spiritual gifts. So, somebody may have the gift of tongues, but there are lots of different ways the gift of tongues can be manifest, different ways that it's administered. A very rare manifestation of that gift would be the ability to speak in the Adamic language as a sign of God’s power in that individual. That’s rare, but there are a few instances in Church History where that’s happened. Another manifestation would be the ability to speak a language that you have never learned before. That happened to the early apostles on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Perhaps another manifestation would be an increased ability to learn to speak another language with ease and accuracy. Missionaries serving foreign missions seek for and appreciate that gift. And those are the manifestations that usually first come to mind when we talk about the gift of tongues, but could there be any others? Remember that Elder McConkie said that the gifts are endless and infinite in variety. Maybe it doesn't always have to do with foreign languages. Perhaps another manifestation could be the ability to speak eloquently and skillfully in your own language. Another could be the ability to speak in a motivating and inspiring way. Yet another could be the gift to WRITE with powerful language. The Brother of Jared apparently had that gift. I know that my father was confused for some time when he received his patriarchal blessing as a young man and was told he had the gift of tongues. It troubled him when in his high school French classes and while serving his mission, he didn't feel like the language came any easier to him than anybody else. But, when he returned home from his mission and explored the option of teaching in the seminary and institute program for the church, he discovered he had an innate ability to speak beautifully and powerfully about the scriptures. He has a gift for it. I believe that's his manifestation of the gift of tongues.
I know of a young woman whose patriarchal blessing told her she had the gift of healing, and since she couldn’t give priesthood blessings, she felt she should go into medicine as a career. But she soon found that she wasn’t really interested in becoming a doctor. Her passion wasn’t there, but she didn’t want to neglect her spiritual gift. Well, all she really needed was a brief explanation of this principle that there are many different ways gifts are administered. One manifestation of the gift of healing is the ability to heal through priesthood blessings, and another would be to have a gift for healing people as a doctor or nurse. I would imagine President Nelson has that gift, but could there be any others? How about emotional healing, spiritual healing. As soon as this was explained to her she thought back on her life and reflected on the fact that people often came to her for help when they were struggling, and she was always able to counsel and comfort those individuals and make them feel better. That was her manifestation of the gift of healing.
While teaching this particular principle, I open up some of the smaller gifts that I have wrapped and reveal that there are even smaller gifts inside them labeled with some of the manifestations that we just talked about here.
Moving on.
Question #5. What is the purpose of the gifts?
According to verse 8. They are given to profit them. To bless and help them. In the New Testament, Paul uses the word edify, and in the Doctrine and Covenants the word "benefit" is used. The gifts are given to profit, edify, and benefit us. But, is it all about us? Are they given just to bless and profit us as individuals? No. God doesn't want us to use our gifts selfishly or for the purpose of drawing attention to ourselves. Doctrine and Covenants 46:9 says:
9 For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.
And then 46:12
12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.
We are not meant to use our gifts to consume them upon our lusts; our own pride or ego. If we’re using our gifts to bring glory to ourselves rather than God or the church, then I believe that we will see their power diminished. We are given the gifts so that ALL may be profited. This is a joint effort, a team effort, each player contributing in their specific role with their unique gifts. Like a soccer team--you have a goalie, forwards, sweepers, those that excel on defense and those that excel on offense. It's not desirable to have everyone with the exact same skillset. But working together, with their combined efforts, they are well able to accomplish their goals.
In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul really digs deep into that truth. He compares the members of the church to a body and each body part has a vital function to perform; something only it can do. And all the body parts work together for the benefit of all. Every member has their place and a unique contribution to make. No member need feel like they are unimportant or unneeded in Christ's church. That's also why it's such a tragedy when somebody leaves the church or becomes inactive. The church or ward loses the unique abilities and gifts that that person has to offer. Somebody may come to the conclusion that they don't need church, that they don't need organized religion. And you know what, they may be right, they may be able to get by and still live worthily and maintain their faith without the church, but I would say, what has that got to do with anything? We don't go to church just for us and our needs but for the benefit of all. The church needs you. It's at least as great a tragedy that the church has lost them as it is that they have lost the church.
Question #6 How long will they last?
In verse 19, they never will be done away, as long as the world shall stand. That’s why he began by exhorting us not to deny them. So apparently gifts of the Spirit have a very long shelf life, at least as long as the earth shall stand. Moroni knew that we would live in a skeptical and unbelieving age. But the gifts are real and will only manifest themselves in us if we believe in them. We can lose them “according to our unbelief.”
And then, I've added a bonus question here.
Bonus Question-Is it OK to seek for more gifts?
There is one more particular truth that I feel is important enough to include here even though it's not taught in Moroni 7. The question is, is it ok to seek for additional gifts. Maybe I don't have the gift of healing, or tongues, or discernment, or exceedingly great faith. But I want them. I feel I need them. Do I just sit back and resign myself to the gifts I've already been given. We know we're not supposed to aspire to certain positions or callings in the church, but is it ok to aspire to additional gifts you feel you need? The answer comes in Doctrine and Covenants 46:8
8 Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;
So yes! I can seek for more! In fact, it's encouraged! I should seek diligently for them. We can add to our innate gifts with additional ones. Perhaps as a teacher, at this point in your lesson you could share a gift that you feel you have earnestly sought for and how you feel your Heavenly Father has helped you to gain it.
I’ll give you an example of this from my own life. Personally, I don't believe that I was born with the gift of teaching. I really don’t. Not like my father who I feel is naturally gifted as a teacher. But when I left for my mission and since then I have really desired to become a better, more effective teacher. I really want that gift, and so I’ve worked at it, and I’ve sought for it diligently in prayer, and I've learned skills and techniques through study and practice and to learn everything I can from those I consider masters of teaching. And through my efforts and the grace of my Heavenly Father, I feel I've been able to attain a certain measure of that gift. They can come through our earnest seeking. And we can all do this no matter who we are or what gifts we've already been blessed with. No gifts are denied the earnest seeker of them.
TRUTH
For our truth then, I would display the following slide which lists all of the truths regarding spiritual gifts that we just studied.
Everyone is given a gift
The gifts come from God and Jesus
There are many spiritual gifts
Spiritual gifts are administered in different ways
The purpose of the gifts is to benefit the whole Church
Spiritual gifts will never be done away with as long as we believe in them.
We can seek for additional gifts
TAKING IT TO HEART
Think of someone you love and admire in your life. What spiritual gift do you recognize in them and how has it blessed you?
How have your own God-given gifts blessed you and the people around you?
What gift of the Spirit would you most like to receive, and what are you willing to do to show you are ready for that gift?
THE TAKEAWAY
Well isn't our Father in Heaven generous! He has endowed each of us with individualized gifts and abilities that only we can offer. The truth of the matter is that “You are Gifted!” We are all gifted individuals. And, since it's Christmas and gifts are already on all of our minds, I invite you to ask for a different kind of gift this year. Just like when we were kids and there was that present that we wanted more than anything else, and we asked and asked for it and on Christmas morning, ran to the tree eagerly hoping to see it there. Perhaps we can do something similar with a gift of the Spirit. What do you want most this year? Well, go ahead and ask for it. And if you are believing, I know those gifts will be forthcoming. Like a good parent, our Heavenly Father loves to give his children gifts. He’s the REAL Santa Claus, who comes bearing gifts for all good little boys and girls.
LESSON #3 A FINAL INVITATION AND PROMISE (MORONI 10:30-34)
All right, now we’ve come to the final page. And here at the conclusion of the Book of Mormon, Moroni offers us one last exhortation. He's invited us to come to know that the Book of Mormon is true, he's invited us to embrace and seek for the gifts of God, and now, one concluding request. And usually, in writing or speaking, your final words are what you consider to be the most important; what you most want your readers to remember.
ICEBREAKER
And so, for our final icebreaker of the year, I don’t have some funny picture, or activity, or game, or even an object lesson. This concluding lesson is meant to be more reflective and hopefully reverent in nature. So I would introduce this section with a simple very open-ended question for my students.
What has studying the Book of Mormon done for you this year? How has it blessed you? How has it changed you? And then, just take 5-10 minutes to allow your class to revel in the blessings and the power that a study of the Book of Mormon has brought them.
SEARCH-The Invitation
And then to transition to the scriptures, I would tell my students that of all the blessings that we’ve received this year there is one particular invitation and promise that Moroni most wants us to consider or receive. And it reveals to us the major reason the Book of Mormon was even written in the first place. The most important thing we can do isn’t just to come to know the Book of Mormon is true, as important as that is, but that’s important only in the sense that it leads us to this. The Book of Mormon wasn’t written as an end unto itself. It wasn’t written to provide us with mere historical information or interesting stories and characters. It's been pointing us to and inviting us to do something all along. What is it? He says it twice. Once in verse 30 and again in verse 32.
:30 And again I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ.
And then in verse 32. Yea, come unto Christ
That’s the reason the Book of Mormon was written. That is its aim, its higher purpose. The Book of Mormon brings us to Christ, it testifies of him, it reveals his gospel, and it affirms his loving, merciful nature. Remember back in verse 3 that it was the Lord’s mercy that Moroni most wanted us to consider as we read it. The Book of Mormon was written to reveal Christ’s character to us. So perhaps, even more critical than asking if the Book of Mormon is true, is the question, has the Book of Mormon brought me closer to Jesus? Has it convinced me more of his divinity and mercy? Has it prompted me to (What’s the name of the Church’s entire scripture study program? Come follow me) Has the Book of Mormon convinced you to Come Follow Him this year? I pray it has, because that’s its purpose. Moroni tells us that on the Title Page, which he wrote, just before he buried the plates. He said that these things were written “to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.”
TAKING IT TO HEART
So let’s contemplate that question for a minute. Ponder that. How has the Book of Mormon helped you come unto Him? And what does that look like? Has it prompted you to make changes? Has it made you MORE like Him in any way? Has it strengthened your faith? Has it inspired you to repent? Has it helped you to understand his nature more deeply? How has it compelled you to want to follow him more? What stories or characters have had the deepest impact on your understanding of him? The discerning reader will realize that he’s been the main character all along. We’ve learned that he’s a Savior that can help us do things we never thought possible as we watched him help Nephi build a boat with no prior knowledge or experience with that. We’ve learned that he’s a Savior that can listen to and answer sincere prayers as we saw him do with Enos. He’s a Savior that can preserve and protect us from the attacks of our spiritual enemies, just as we saw him preserve and protect the stripling warriors from their enemies. He’s a Savior that can forgive and redeem us even from big sins, as we saw him forgive Alma the Younger of his. He’s a Savior that cares for and blesses individuals one by one as we witnessed him do with the Nephites at Bountiful. And countless other examples and demonstrations of his character and love that fills every page of the Book of Mormon. Every page, every story, every sermon was written to bring us to Christ. So did it work? For you?
The Promise
And if it did, then there’s a promise associated with that invitation. What does Moroni tell us will be the ultimate result of coming unto Christ? What will he do for us?
Read verses 32-33
32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.
Isn’t that a beautiful promise. If I come unto Christ, I will be perfected in him. Do you remember the charge the Savior gave us in the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon at Bountiful? He commanded, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as I, or your Father which is in heaven is perfect". And we say, “How Lord? How can I be perfect? That’s an impossible request.” Well pair that command with Moroni 10 here. He gives us a list of the things that are in our control, that are possible for us to do, that he invites us to do. Come unto Christ! Lay hold upon every good gift, touch not the evil or unclean, strengthen your stakes and enlarge thy borders (missionary work, share this with others), deny yourselves of all ungodliness, love God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. But if I strive to do those things, then he will do the rest, then I can be perfected in him. I won't perfect myself. He’s going to do that part. He will wash away the guilt, all the "I wish I hadn't's", the "I regret's", the "I should have's" , the "I'm sorry's", the "Why didn't I's" and in their place fill us with confidence and peace. His grace is sufficient. It’s enough. It’s capable. It will sanctify us. Give us a remission of our sins, and make us holy and without spot. That’s been the aim and goal of the entire book. It’s about us.
TRUTH
The Book of Mormon was written to bring me to Christ, and if I come unto him, then I will be perfected by his grace.
THE TAKEAWAY
It's no surprise to me that the final exhortation of the Book of Mormon is a charge to become something. We've seen this theme all throughout the Book of Mormon. The importance of becoming even more than believing. Both ideas are covered in this final chapter, but the becoming is the capstone. And I believe and bear witness that if we heed Moroni’s invitation here, then we will be able to experience a different kind of meeting with him at the judgment than was described earlier. The final verse of the entire Book of Mormon is filled and infused with hope.
34 And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen.
If we accept Moroni’s invitation to Come unto Christ, then THAT will be our experience with him at the judgment. And I love those great descriptive words. Rest, triumphant, and pleasing. I want to be able to meet Moroni and say, "Moroni, I believed in your words. I am grateful for your words. Thank you for the incredible sacrifices you made to protect and bring us this record. I followed your counsel and came to a knowledge of the truthfulness of your writings, the writings of your father, and the writings of all of the Book of Mormon prophets. Their words have enriched my life beyond measure. They brought me closer to Christ and deepened my understanding of him. Thank you". Now that's the kind of experience that I want to have with Moroni at what hopefully is the "pleasing bar of God". I believe with all my heart that if we live the principles that we've studied and pondered and taught all year long, then our lives will have a Book of Mormon ending; a Moroni 10:34 ending. Restful, triumphant, and pleasing.
CONCLUSION
And that my friends, is the Book of Mormon. We did it, you did it. We’ve spent the year digging deep together through the pages of this remarkable book of latter-day scripture. We've travelled with Lehi and Nephi to the new world, we've sat at the feet of King Benjamin on his tower, we’ve repented with Alma the Younger, fought alongside Captain Moroni, looked up at Samuel the Lamanite on his wall, mourned with Mormon, and wandered the lonely wilderness with Moroni. Most importantly, we've witnessed the visit of Jesus Christ, heard his words, and felt of his "one-by-one" blessings. We've made friends in scripture.
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