Doctrine & Covenants Section 4

Historical Background

Joseph lost possession of the 116 pages of translation he and Martin Harris had worked on in July of 1828. After spending a few days with his family in New York State, he returned to his home in Harmony, Pennsylvania. There he began to work on the small farm he had purchased from his father-in-law, Isaac Hale. His parents, Joseph Smith, Sr., and Lucy Mack Smith, had not heard from Joseph for many months. In February of 1829 they decided to take a trip to Harmony, a trip of about 150 miles overland. Upon their arrival they found that Joseph had received the plates and the Urim and Thummim again. When Joseph and his father were alone, the older man asked his son what the Lord had in store for Joseph, Sr., in the work of the restoration. Section 4 is the Lord’s answer to all people who have a desire to assist in the building up of the kingdom of God in the last days.

D&C 4:1 About

Ask students what they think the most important word in this verse might be. They will have a variety of answers which are equally valid. One word to consider as very important is “about”. In February of 1829, what had been restored to the earth? Priesthood? Ordinances? The Book of Mormon? Temples? At this point there was nothing. Why would the Lord call whatever it was that was coming “a marvelous work”? Cross-reference: Isaiah 29:14.

D&C 4:2 How we should serve

Ask students what it means to serve with “all your heart”? with “all your might”? with “all your mind”? with “all your strength”? What does the word “blameless” mean? Why would serving the way this verse directs help us stand “blameless before God” when we are judged?

D&C 4:3 Ye are called

Help students see that it is not enough to desire to serve. They must have a desire, but before they can serve with the Lord’s authority they must be called. Cross-reference: D&C 42:11. Ask students why they think the Lord would want people called to serve, rather than having people decide it was alright to serve the Lord without being called by someone in authority.

D&C 4:4 Salvation

Have students read this verse and answer this question: What can you do to bring salvation to your soul? Cross-reference: D&C 18:15-16.

D&C 4:5 The Qualifications to Serve

This is a list of qualifications. The list starts with the most basic qualification and progresses through to the ultimate qualification. Ask students why someone would have to have faith before he could have hope? Why hope before charity and love? Why charity and love before an eye single to the glory of God? What does it mean to have an eye single to the glory of God?

D&C 4:6 Ten things to Remember

Have students define the ten things the Lord asks those who serve Him to remember. Why must those who serve always remember all ten qualities?

D&C 4:7 Ask and knock

Ask students what the word “it” stands for in this verse. What is it that we can ask for and receive from the Lord? What door must we knock upon to get the Lord to respond? Cross-reference: Matthew 7:7-12.

Invite students to talk about those things that they already possess that qualify them to serve the Lord in this marvelous work. What things do they need to work on? What can they do to get help as they work on those things they may lack? Notice that the Lord does not list graduate degrees and financial wealth or popularity or fame as the qualities He is seeking in his servants.