February 10–16: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”: Doctrine and Covenants 10–11
“February 10–16: ‘That You May Come Off Conqueror’: Doctrine and Covenants 10–11,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 (2025)
“Doctrine and Covenants 10–11,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: 2025
As the translation of the Book of Mormon continued, a question came up: What should Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery do about those lost pages of the translation? It might make sense to retranslate that portion, but the Lord saw something they could not: their enemies were planning to alter the words on those pages to cast doubt on Joseph’s inspired work. God had a plan to avoid that problem and keep the work moving forward. Thousands of years earlier, God inspired Nephi to write a second record that covered the same time period “for a wise purpose in Him” (1 Nephi 9:5).
“My wisdom,” the Lord said to Joseph, “is greater than the cunning of the devil” (Doctrine and Covenants 10:43). That’s a reassuring message in a day like ours, when the adversary is intensifying his efforts to weaken faith. Like Joseph, we can be “faithful and continue on” in the work God has called us to do (verse 3). Then we will find that He has already provided a way so that “the gates of hell shall not prevail” against us (verse 69).
God “will not suffer that Satan shall accomplish his evil design.”
Satan would prefer that we forget he exists—or that we at least fail to recognize his attempts to influence us (see 2 Nephi 28:22–23). But the Lord’s words in Doctrine and Covenants 10 confirm that Satan is real—and he actively opposes the work of the Lord. In verses 1–33, identify what God knew about Satan’s efforts (see also verses 62–63). You could also ask the Lord to help you see how Satan may be tempting you. As you read section 10, ponder how the Savior can help you resist Satan’s efforts.
The Lord’s “wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.”
Nephi didn’t know why he was inspired to make two sets of records of his people. And Mormon didn’t know why he was inspired to include the second set with the gold plates. But both prophets trusted that God had “a wise purpose” (1 Nephi 9:5; Words of Mormon 1:7). Today we know at least part of that purpose: to replace the 116 lost pages of the Book of Mormon. What do you think the Lord wants you to learn from all this? Ponder that question as you read Doctrine and Covenants 10:34–52. You might also make a list of truths you learn about the Lord from these verses. How do these truths affect your relationship with Him? What impresses you about the Lord’s wisdom and foresight in preparing for the loss of the 116 pages?
You might also feel inspired to look for evidence of His wisdom and foresight in your life. Read the accounts in Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s message “By Divine Design”—they might bring examples to your mind (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 55–57). Consider writing them down as they come to you. How has the Lord been working in your life? For example, what “coincidences” has He prepared? What foundations has He laid for your blessings? When has He led you to minister to someone in need?
Joseph’s older brother Hyrum was eager to know the Lord’s will for him, so he asked Joseph to seek a revelation on his behalf. The Prophet was happy to do so, but at least one message in that revelation (Doctrine and Covenants 11) is that Hyrum could also seek revelation for himself. And so can “all who have good desires, and have thrust in their sickle to reap” (verse 27). As you read section 11, what do you feel the Lord is teaching you about personal revelation? How does this relate to what He taught Oliver Cowdery in sections 6–9? What other messages does He have for you?
Invite learners to ask questions. Questions often lead to revelation. If you are teaching your family or a Church class, encourage them to ask questions, and help them find answers in the scriptures. For example, if they have questions about personal revelation, look together for answers in Doctrine and Covenants 11:12–14.
As I seek to “obtain [God’s] word,” I will receive His Spirit and power.
Even before the Book of Mormon had been translated, Hyrum Smith was anxious to assist in the work of the Restoration. As you read the Lord’s response to his desires, consider what it means to you to “obtain [God’s] word” (verse 21). How does obtaining God’s word help you serve Him with power?
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
To introduce this verse to your children, you could ask them about things they “always” do. What does the Lord say we should always do in Doctrine and Covenants 10:5? Why does He want us to do this?
How can you help your children remember to pray always? Maybe they could collect a few small, smooth stones and paint on them “Doctrine and Covenants 10:5” or “Pray Always.” They could put their stones in various places where they want to be reminded to pray, like near their bed, with their schoolbooks, or where they eat meals. According to Doctrine and Covenants 10:5, how does God bless us when we pray? Your children could find additional answers in a song like “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 13).
Children can learn to recognize when the Spirit is speaking to them. To help them, you could hide a light bulb or flashlight and a picture of a happy face somewhere in the room; then ask your children to find these items. Read Doctrine and Covenants 11:13, and help your children identify words that relate to the items they found. What do these words teach about how the Holy Ghost helps us?
Sharing your own spiritual experiences can help your children recognize the Holy Ghost’s influence in their lives. As you share, ask them to share their experiences too. You could also read together Doctrine and Covenants 11:12–13, looking for how we can recognize when the Holy Ghost is guiding us. Testify that Heavenly Father wants to guide us through the Holy Ghost.
I need to know the gospel so I can help others find the truth.
Just like Hyrum Smith, your children will probably have many opportunities to share the gospel with others. You could read together Doctrine and Covenants 11:21, 26 and ask your children to find what the Lord told Hyrum he needed to do so he could teach the gospel. What does it mean to “obtain” God’s word? How can we do this? How do we “treasure up” God’s word in our hearts? Perhaps your children could role-play sharing something about Jesus Christ or the Book of Mormon with others.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend.
