Historical Background
Joseph Knight, Sr., lived in Colesville, New York. In 1826, when Joseph and his father went to that part of the country to work, they stayed with the Knight family. Originally the Smiths had come to help a man who was seeking for lost treasure. When this proved fruitless, Joseph Knight hired Joseph to work for him. Colesville is about 30 miles from Harmony, Pennsylvania. Joseph Knight not only provided the Prophet with a place to stay and earn a living, he also provided young Joseph Smith with a horse and buggy to assist him in his efforts to court Emma Hale. Joseph Knight continued to assist the Prophet with money, food and materials used for the translation of the Book of Mormon. As with many others who watched Joseph Smith in the early days of the Restoration, Joseph Knight, Sr., wanted to know what his role would be.
D&C 12:1-5 The Answer
As previously noted, these verses represent the answer the Lord gives to all people who want to be a part of the Restoration of the gospel to the earth.
D&C 6-9 A Word to All
Have students re-write these verses in their own words. Have them define words such as: bring forth, establish, temperate, entrusted. How would these qualities help all who want to “establish the cause of Zion”? What is the cause of Zion? Cross-reference: Moses 7:17-19.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Section 11
Historical Background
Joseph Smith’s brother, Samuel, was visiting with the Prophet and Emma in Harmony, Pennsylvania, when he heard more from his brother about the Restoration. He was baptized in late April or early May of 1829 and returned to Palmyra. There he told the family of the activities of Joseph and of his own baptism. Upon hearing of these events Hyrum Smith, Joseph’s older brother, made the trip to Harmony. He arrived on the 25th of May 1829. Some time afterward Hyrum asked Joseph what role he might have in the Restoration. Section 11 is the answer to that question.
D&C 11:1-5 The Message
The first five verses of this section resemble verses from other sections. (See sections 6 & 12.) The expression “a marvelous work is about to come forth” is not used after section 20. At that point the Church had been organized. The work had come forth. The answer to anyone who would have been asking about a role in the restoration would have received the same answer.
D&C 11:6-14 Words of Counsel
Have students list the specific things that the Lord told Hyrum he must do to fulfill his role in the Restoration. How are these things like the things that all members of the Church should be doing?
D&C 11:15-27 Preparing to Serve
Hyrum was not yet prepared to serve as a missionary. The Lord instructed him in how to prepare. Have students find in these verses ways that they might prepare to serve effectively as missionaries. How would these things help us be better member-missionaries? Notice in verse 27 that the Lord is speaking not only to Hyrum but to everyone.
D&C 11:28-30 The Light of the World
Ask students how the words in these verses would help Hyrum or anyone who wants to serve in restoring the gospel to the earth.
Joseph Smith’s brother, Samuel, was visiting with the Prophet and Emma in Harmony, Pennsylvania, when he heard more from his brother about the Restoration. He was baptized in late April or early May of 1829 and returned to Palmyra. There he told the family of the activities of Joseph and of his own baptism. Upon hearing of these events Hyrum Smith, Joseph’s older brother, made the trip to Harmony. He arrived on the 25th of May 1829. Some time afterward Hyrum asked Joseph what role he might have in the Restoration. Section 11 is the answer to that question.
D&C 11:1-5 The Message
The first five verses of this section resemble verses from other sections. (See sections 6 & 12.) The expression “a marvelous work is about to come forth” is not used after section 20. At that point the Church had been organized. The work had come forth. The answer to anyone who would have been asking about a role in the restoration would have received the same answer.
D&C 11:6-14 Words of Counsel
Have students list the specific things that the Lord told Hyrum he must do to fulfill his role in the Restoration. How are these things like the things that all members of the Church should be doing?
D&C 11:15-27 Preparing to Serve
Hyrum was not yet prepared to serve as a missionary. The Lord instructed him in how to prepare. Have students find in these verses ways that they might prepare to serve effectively as missionaries. How would these things help us be better member-missionaries? Notice in verse 27 that the Lord is speaking not only to Hyrum but to everyone.
D&C 11:28-30 The Light of the World
Ask students how the words in these verses would help Hyrum or anyone who wants to serve in restoring the gospel to the earth.
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