January 24

How Can I Prepare Myself to Participate in the “Marvelous Work” of God?

Doctrine and Covenants 3–5

Counsel Together

Led by a member of the quorum or class presidency; approximately 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme or the Young Women Theme. Then lead a discussion about items such as the following, and plan ways to act on what you discuss (you can decide in a presidency meeting which items to discuss):

• Our quorum or class. What can we do to build unity among quorum or class members? What goals would we like to work on together?

• Our duties or responsibilities. What are we doing to share the gospel? What experiences have we had doing temple and family history work?

• Our lives. How have we seen the hand of the Lord in our lives? What has inspired us in our scripture study this week?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind quorum or class members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; approximately 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

When the early Saints first began to hear the message of the restored gospel, many wanted to know what they could do to help in the work. The Prophet Joseph Smith’s father, Joseph Smith Sr., was one of those who asked to know the Lord’s will for him. The Lord’s answer, found in Doctrine and Covenants 4, has since inspired generations of people to serve with all their “heart, might, mind and strength” (verse 2). Whether serving a mission or serving in any calling or responsibility in the Church, the qualifications for service are the same: a desire to serve God coupled with faith, hope, charity, and love (see Doctrine and Covenants 4:2–6). How can you help quorum or class members strengthen their desire to serve the Lord and prepare for future opportunities to serve?

To prepare yourself to lead quorum or class members in this study, you could read and ponder one or more of the messages found in “Supporting Resources.”

Caring for those in need is part of the work of salvation.

Learn Together

Quorum or class members may have been inspired to serve the Lord more diligently by reading Doctrine and Covenants 3–5 this week. To encourage them to share their thoughts, you could invite them to imagine that they are applying for a job. What qualifications would they put on a résumé or talk about in a job interview? They could review Doctrine and Covenants 4 and identify the qualifications the Lord requires for those who want to participate in His work. Select one or more of the activities below to help those you teach consider what they can do to more fully participate in God’s “marvelous work” (Doctrine and Covenants 4:1).

• To help those you teach learn how they can participate in hastening the work of salvation, write on the board the following definition of the work of salvation: God invites all to come unto Christ and assist in His work by living the gospel of Jesus Christ, caring for those in need, inviting all to receive the gospel, and uniting families for eternity. Invite quorum or class members to discuss how the attributes listed in Doctrine and Covenants 4 would help them do each part of the work of salvation. Divide the youth into groups, and let each group discuss ways they can develop these attributes. What can we do to make the work of salvation a more important part of our lives?

• Invite quorum or class members to review one of the messages found in “Supporting Resources,” looking for a quotation they could share about how to serve the Lord faithfully in Church callings, assignments, or other responsibilities. Ask them to share the quotation they chose and why they found it meaningful. How will they apply what they learned now and in the future?

• Some quorum or class members may be preparing to serve as missionaries. You might ask them to share how they are preparing to serve. To encourage them in their efforts, you might share the question that Elder David A. Bednar said he frequently receives: “What can I do to prepare most effectively to serve as a full-time missionary?” (“Becoming a Missionary,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 45). How would quorum or class members answer this question? What insights did Elder Bednar provide? You could invite one or more returned missionaries to share what they did to prepare for a mission and what they wish they had done.

Act in Faith

Encourage quorum or class members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. How does today’s lesson relate to personal goals they have made? If they would like, quorum or class members could share their ideas.

Supporting Resources

• Matthew 28:19–20; Doctrine and Covenants 18:9–16; 50:13–14; 88:81 (We have a duty to share the gospel)

• Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Greatest among You,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 78–81

• Carl B. Cook, “Serve,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 110–12

• “Preparing to Serve,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org/topics/missionary-preparation

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

The Savior invited His disciples to testify, and as they did, the Spirit touched their hearts. As you teach about obedience, for example, invite quorum or class members to share their testimonies of the importance of keeping the commandments. (See Teaching in the Savior’s Way [2016], 11, 32.)