Doctrine and Covenants Section 50

Historical Background

Parley P. Pratt wrote, “As I went forth among the different branches, some very strange spiritual operations were manifested, which were disgusting, rather than edifying. Some persons would seem to swoon away, and make unseemly gestures, and be drawn or disfigured in their countenances. Others would fall into ecstasies, and be drawn into contortions, cramps, fits, etc. Others would seem to have visions and revelations, which were not edifying, and which were not congenial to the doctrine and spirit of the gospel. In short, a false and lying spirit seemed to be creeping into the Church” (Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, p. 61).

John Whitmer wrote, “Some had visions and could not tell what they saw, some would fancy to themselves that they had the sword of Laban, and would wield it as expert as a light dragon, some would act like an Indian in the act of scalping, some would slide or scoop on the floor, with the rapidity of a serpent, which they termed sailing in the boat to the Lamanites, preaching the gospel. And many other vain and foolish manoevers that are unseeming and unprofitable to mention. . . . These things grieved the servants of the Lord, and some conversed together on this subject, and others came in and we were at Joseph Smith, Jr., the Seer, and made it a matter of consultation, for many would not turn from their folly, unless God would give a revelation. Therefore the Lord spoke to Joseph” (Book of John Whitmer, pp. 2-27).

D&C 50:1-9 Satan Hath Sought to Deceive You

What important things do we learn in these verses about false spirits, deceivers and hypocrites? In verse 9, what warning does the Lord give everyone? What blessings have come to you and your family because you have followed this warning?

D&C 50:10-22 Preaching and Receiving by the Spirit

What were the elders of the Church ordained to do? What does it mean to “preach my gospel by the Spirit?” How can we know if a person is preaching by the Spirit? Why would people making gestures and acting like they are filled with the Spirit not be a sign that the Spirit is working on them? When someone preaches the word of truth by the Comforter, what would expect that experience to be like?

D&C 50:23-30 Chase Darkness from among You

Read verses 23 through 27 and find the words “light” and “darkness.” What does the Lord say about light and darkness when he speaks of those who preach the gospel? According to verses 28 and 29, what characteristic must a person have before he can be a “possessor of all things” (or in other words, spiritually reborn)? What happens to those who purify themselves from sin? (see verses 29-30) How do these verses help us understand the difference from true teaching by the Spirit and any other kind of teaching?

D&C 50:31-36 Power to Overcome All Things

The Lord offers powerful counsel to those who want to discern between true and false spirits. What keys does the Lord give to all who want to know they are being led by the Spirit of God and not by a false spirit? What blessing will be given to all who are not deceived by false spirits?

D&C 50:37-46 Watch and Be Ready

What does the Lord compare his servants to? How are we all like little children compared to God? What blessings does he promises us if we will build upon Christ, the stone of Israel? Even though we cannot “bear all things now” why should we have no fear? See verses 40-46.