“Lesson 4—Doctrine and Covenants 1: ‘The Voice of the Lord Is unto the Ends of the Earth,’” Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual (2025)
“Doctrine and Covenants 1,” Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual
Lesson 4: Doctrine and Covenants 1
Doctrine and Covenants 1
“The Voice of the Lord Is unto the Ends of the Earth”
Prior to the printing of the Book of Commandments, which later became part of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Prophet Joseph Smith petitioned the Lord for a preface to the book. In response, the Lord revealed what is now Doctrine and Covenants section 1 as an introduction of the revelations to the world. This lesson can help students understand why the Lord gives warnings to the world.
Possible Learning Activities
“The voice of warning”
Consider using the following scenario or something that best fits the needs of your students to help prepare them to ponder why someone may warn someone else.
Imagine that a friend is making a decision that will lead to negative consequences.
Invite students to share realistic examples of what this decision could be. Some examples might be lying to parents, breaking the Word of Wisdom, cheating in school, or leaving the Church.
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Why would you want to warn your friend about this decision?
The Savior also gives a “voice of warning” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:4). Ponder the following questions:
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Why might the Savior warn us? Why might He warn you personally? How?
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What does this teach you about Him?
As you study this lesson, look for answers to these questions.
The Lord’s voice of warning is for all people
The following information can help students understand the history of how the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants was received.
By November 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith had recorded more than 60 revelations from the Lord. However, few Church members had copies of the revelations. Under the direction of the Prophet, the revelations were compiled in a new volume of scripture called the Book of Commandments, which later became part of the Doctrine and Covenants. As the book was about to be printed, Joseph petitioned the Lord in prayer for an introduction to the book. In response, he received through revelation section 1, which the Lord called “my preface” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:6) to this new book of scripture.
Consider writing the following questions and references on the board. Students could find answers individually or in small groups. If working in small groups, students may want to summarize what they found in their groups before sharing with the class.
Use your scriptures to answer the following questions:
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Who does the Savior warn today? (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:1–4, 34–36; it may be helpful to know that a “respecter of persons” [verse 35] is someone who favors one person over another).
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How does the Lord deliver His message? (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:4–6).
As students consider their answers, it may be helpful to write the following statement on the board: The Savior’s warning voice is for all people.
The Lord’s voice of warning is evidence of His love
In Doctrine and Covenants 1, the Savior reveals several reasons He gives warnings to the world. As you study, ponder how these reasons might be evidence of the Savior blessing us.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 1:11–17, 21–28, and look for reasons the Lord gives us warnings.
Consider dividing the class in half. Assign one half to read verses 11–17 and the other to read verses 21–28. If students need more direction, you could create a two-column chart. Include the verses in the first column, and allow students to write the reason for the warning in the second column. Students may find answers like the following:
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1:12 to prepare us for what is to come
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1:15–17 to warn us of the challenges and sins of our day
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1:21 to increase our faith
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1:22 that the Lord’s everlasting covenant might be established
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1:26 to instruct us
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1:27 to chasten and correct us when we sin
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1:27 to help us repent
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1:28 to give us knowledge
Consider inviting several students to share what they learned by using the following prompt.
Choose one of the reasons you found that the Lord speaks to us, and answer one or two of the following questions:
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How is this reason evidence of the Savior’s love? How might this reason be considered a blessing?
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When have you experienced this blessing, or why might you want this blessing in your life?
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Why does the whole world need this blessing?
How does the Savior warn us in our day?
The following could help students share what they have learned. You may want to provide paper or invite students to use their study journals. Encourage students to be creative in how they share their messages. You could provide drawing material as available.
Imagine for your lesson this Sunday, your teacher invites you to take a few minutes to share why the Lord warns us today. Consider how you would share this message with your class in a meaningful way. Prepare a handout, meme, poster, or other creative method for sharing this message with your class. Please include the following:
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A verse from Doctrine and Covenants 1 sharing at least one reason the Lord warns all people
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An example of the Lord’s warning to us in our day (If you chose that the Lord warns us of worldly challenges and sins [see Doctrine and Covenants 1:15–17], you could share a verse from the scriptures or the words of a modern-day prophet who warns us of modern temptations.)
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Your thoughts and feelings about the Lord sharing warning messages to us today. You could include an experience as well.
As students share, look for ways to compliment and thank them for their sincere effort as well as to emphasize the Savior’s love through the messages He sends today.
For additional training on how to help students know that you value their comments, see “Communicate that you value students before they comment or as they raise their hand to comment.” This training is found in the Teacher Development Skills: Love Those You Teach.