Springhill, Daviess County, Missouri, by Garth Robinson Oborn

June 7–13

Doctrine and Covenants 63

“That Which Cometh from Above Is Sacred”

Record the impressions you receive as you study Doctrine and Covenants 63. An impression may seem small, but like a seed, it can grow into something meaningful and fruitful as you keep seeking and pondering.

Record Your Impressions

Invite Sharing

To help focus your discussion on passages that class members find most meaningful, you could invite them to write on slips of paper some verses from section 63 that they would like to discuss. Then you could gather the papers and begin discussing verses that were suggested by multiple class members. Ask them to share why they chose those verses.

Teach the Doctrine

Doctrine and Covenants 63:7–12

Signs come by faith and the will of God.

• To begin a discussion on the principles taught in Doctrine and Covenants 63:7–12, it might help to review a few examples in the scriptures of people who witnessed signs or miracles. Perhaps class members could think of examples of people whose faith was strengthened by a sign (see, for example, Luke 1:5–20, 59–64) or of people who wavered even after witnessing a sign (see, for example, 1 Nephi 3:27–31; Alma 30:43–56). Class members could then use what they learn in Doctrine and Covenants 63:7–12 to explain these different reactions to signs. Or you could review other scripture passages about signs, such as those listed under “Sign” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How can we be sure that we are not seeking or relying on signs as a foundation for our faith?

Doctrine and Covenants 63:13–16

Chastity means keeping our thoughts and our actions pure.

• Although much of Doctrine and Covenants 63:13–16 addresses adultery specifically, the principles taught can be relevant to any violation of the law of chastity. Consider inviting class members to identify consequences described in Doctrine and Covenants 63:13–16. They could even make “beware” (verse 15) or caution signs that warn of these consequences. They could also discuss what they think these consequences mean. For instance, why would breaking the law of chastity lead to judgment coming upon someone “as a snare” (verse 15)? Why does the Lord counsel us to “repent speedily” (verse 15) of sexual sin? (see Sister Linda S. Reeves’s statement in “Additional Resources”).

• Reading Doctrine and Covenants 63:16 might lead to a discussion about the prevalent influence of pornography in our society. How do the warnings in verse 16 relate to this problem? (Even though this revelation refers specifically to men lusting after women, these warnings apply to everyone.) What can we do to protect ourselves and our loved ones from pornography? Class members may be willing to give each other advice. The website AddressingPornography.ChurchofJesusChrist.org can give hope and help to any who might be struggling with pornography.

  

  We are blessed when we keep the law of chastity.

Doctrine and Covenants 63:58–64

Sacred things should be treated with reverence.

• You and your class might discuss Doctrine and Covenants 63:58–64 as a warning against taking the Lord’s name in vain, and some of the resources in the Gospel Topics article titled “Profanity” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) could enhance such a discussion. You could also help class members apply these verses more broadly. For example, you could discuss what the phrase “having not authority” (verse 62) adds to our understanding of the passage. Class members could also list other sacred things that come “from above,” or from God. What does it mean to speak of these things “with care”? (verse 64).

Additional Resources

Chastity qualifies us for the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Sister Linda S. Reeves, former member of the Relief Society General Presidency, taught:

“I know of nothing that will qualify us for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost as much as virtue. …

“When we are involved in watching, reading, or experiencing anything that is below our Heavenly Father’s standards, it weakens us. Regardless of our age, if what we look at, read, listen to, or choose to do does not meet the Lord’s standards in For the Strength of Youth, turn it off, rip it up, throw it out, and slam the door. …

“… I believe that if we could daily remember and recognize the depth of that love our Heavenly Father and our Savior have for us, we would be willing to do anything to be back in Their presence again, surrounded by Their love eternally” (“Worthy of Our Promised Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 10–11).

Improving Our Teaching

Use sacred music. The messages in hymns and songs from the Children’s Songbook can reinforce the doctrine you are studying in the scriptures. For instance, singing a song about praising God’s name, such as “Glory to God on High” (Hymns, no. 67), could reinforce the message in Doctrine and Covenants 63:58–64.