Doctrine and Covenants Section 46

Historical Background

In March of 1831, Joseph Smith followed the direction of the Lord and directed his attention to a revision of the New Testament. John Whitmer and Sydney Rigdon assisted in this effort. As they visited among themselves about various doctrines and practices the question of who could and could not attend Church meetings came up. In response to the differences of opinion on the matter, Joseph went to the Lord seeking direction. This revelation is the Lord’s answer to the question, Who may participate in Church meetings?

D&C 46:1-6 Conduct Meetings by the Holy Spirit

Find the word “meetings” in these verses. Read the words associated with meetings and list the principles that the Lord reveals concerning: how the meetings should be conducted, who may attend, who may partake of the sacrament, who may attend meetings were converts are being confirmed. Why should you know these principles? How has your life been affected by the idea that the Church has open meetings?

D&C 46:7-12 Gifts to Avoid Deception

According to verse 7, how should a person approach God to ask His help? What does verse 8 say we should beware of? How can we avoid deception? What does the Lord say about the gifts he has given us to avoid deception?

D&C 46:13-26 Gifts of the Spirit

As you read the gifts of the Spirit found in these verses, ask yourself how each of these gifts or all of them together, would protect the members of the Church from being deceived. How have these gifts been a blessing to you and to those you love?

D&C 46:27-33 Asking for and Discerning the Gifts of the Spirit

Who is given power to discern whether or not a gift comes from God or some other source? What are they to do so that they might receive that knowledge? Why would asking for any gift from God require that you “ask according to the will of God,” do it “in the name of Christ,” “give thanks to God,” and “practice virtue and holiness . . . continually”? How will doing these things keep you from being deceived by persons who are not of God who claim to have spiritual gifts?