September 20–26

Doctrine and Covenants 106–108

“To Have the Heavens Opened”

Elder Ulisses Soares taught, “We need to abide in [the Savior], immersing ourselves in the scriptures, rejoicing in them, learning His doctrine, and striving to live the way He lived” (“How Can I Understand?” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 7). As you immerse yourself in Doctrine and Covenants 106–8, record ways you can strive to live the truths you discover.

Record Your Impressions

At first glance, Doctrine and Covenants 107 might seem to be only about organizing priesthood offices into a leadership structure for the Lord’s Church. Indeed, by the time this revelation was published, Church membership was already outgrowing the capacity of the few leaders it had in place. So outlining the roles and responsibilities of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve, the Seventy, bishops, and quorum presidencies was surely needed and helpful. But there’s so much more to the divine instruction in section 107 than just how to organize priesthood offices and quorums. Here the Lord teaches us about an ancient priesthood order that was “instituted in the days of Adam” (verse 41). Its purpose from the beginning has been to make it possible for God’s children—including you—to receive the saving ordinances of the gospel and enjoy “all the spiritual blessings of the church—to have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, [and] to have the heavens opened unto them” (verses 18–19).

See “Restoring the Ancient Order,” Revelations in Context, 208–12.

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Doctrine and Covenants 106; 108

The Lord instructs, encourages, and supports those He calls to serve.

In Doctrine and Covenants 106 and 108, the Lord gave counsel and promises to two members who were called to serve in the Church. What phrases in these revelations offer encouragement and insights about your own service in God’s kingdom? Here are two to consider:

• How have you received “grace and assurance” to be able to “stand”? (Doctrine and Covenants 106:8).

• How can you “be more careful henceforth in observing your vows,” or covenants? (Doctrine and Covenants 108:3).

What other phrases from sections 106 and 108 are meaningful to you?

See also Russell M. Nelson, “Ministering with the Power and Authority of God,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 68–75; “Warren Cowdery,” Revelations in Context, 219–23; “‘Wrought Upon’ to Seek a Revelation,” Revelations in Context, 224–28.

Doctrine and Covenants 107

The Lord leads His Church through priesthood authority.

As you have studied the Restoration of the gospel, you probably noticed that the Lord doesn’t usually explain a doctrine fully in one revelation. Instead, He reveals things “line upon line” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:12) when circumstances require it. Although the Lord had previously given instruction about the priesthood as early as 1829 (see, for example, sections 20 and 84), He gave additional instruction to the Saints in 1835 about specific priesthood offices needed to govern and guide His growing flock.

As you read about the following priesthood offices, consider how you can uphold those serving in these callings by your “confidence, faith, and prayer[s]” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:22).

• The First Presidency and President of the Church (verses 9, 21–22, 65–66, 91–92)

• The Twelve Apostles (verses 23–24, 33–35, 38, 58)

• The Seventy (verses 25–26, 34, 93–97)

• Bishops (verses 13–17, 68–76, 87–88)

Doctrine and Covenants 107:1–20

Priesthood ordinances provide spiritual and temporal blessings to all of Heavenly Father’s children.

Elder Neil L. Andersen taught: “The priesthood is the power and authority of God given for the salvation and blessing of all—men, women, and children. … As we are worthy, the ordinances of the priesthood enrich our lives on earth and prepare us for the magnificent promises of the world ahead” (“Power in the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 92). As you read Doctrine and Covenants 107:1–20 (see especially verses 18–20) and the rest of Elder Andersen’s message, consider recording impressions you receive about how God’s power enriches your life on earth and prepares you for eternity. What are you doing to more fully receive—and help others receive—those blessings?

See also Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–27; Dallin H. Oaks, “The Melchizedek Priesthood and the Keys,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 69–72.

Doctrine and Covenants 107:41–57

The priesthood blesses families.

Adam wanted his posterity to be blessed by the priesthood. What promises did he receive? (see verses 42, 55). As you read about what Adam did, consider your own desires for your family to enjoy the blessings of the priesthood. What are you inspired to do to help your family receive these blessings?

Adam Blessing His Posterity, by Clark Kelley Price

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

Doctrine and Covenants 106:6.What can our family do to cause “joy in heaven”?

Doctrine and Covenants 107:22.What are we doing to uphold our leaders “by … confidence, faith, and prayer”?

Doctrine and Covenants 107:27–31, 85.The principles that guide the councils of the Church can also help us counsel together as a family. What principles in these verses can we apply to our family councils? (See M. Russell Ballard, “Family Councils,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 63–65.)

Doctrine and Covenants 107:99–100.Give a family member written instructions for a household task, and invite him or her to choose how to do the task: diligently, slothfully, or without reading the instructions. Let the rest of the family watch him or her do the task and guess which approach the family member chose. Then let other family members have a turn. Why does the Lord need us to both learn our duties and do them with all diligence? (See Becky Craven, “Careful versus Casual,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 9–11.)

Doctrine and Covenants 108:7.How can we strengthen each other in our conversations? in our prayers? in our exhortations, or encouragement? in all our doings? You might choose one of these to work on as a family.

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “We Listen to a Prophet’s Voice,” Hymns, no. 22.

Improving Personal Study

Record impressions. When spiritual impressions or insights come to you, record them. As you do, you show the Lord that you value His direction. (See Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 12, 30.)

Melchizedek Blesses Abram, by Walter Rane