Lesson 7: Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26

Joseph Smith—History 1:1–14

“Ask of God”

At a young age, Joseph Smith desired to follow Jesus Christ and sought to know which church was right and which he should join. However, there were multiple churches teaching different things, and young Joseph found it difficult to discern the truth. This lesson can help students follow Joseph Smith’s example in their efforts to learn truth from God.

Possible Learning Activities

A time of confusion

In this lesson, students will study Joseph Smith—History 1:1–14 with a focus on Joseph Smith’s actions as he sought to know which church to join. In the following lesson, “Joseph Smith—History 1:15–20,” students will study Joseph’s experience in the Sacred Grove. Depending on available time in class, you could combine these two lessons.

Invite students to share examples of times they have received conflicting information. For example, they may have seen differing reports and opinions about a topic on social media or in the news.

• Why can it be difficult at times to identify reliable information?

• How could those same challenges make it difficult for someone to find the truth about Jesus Christ and His doctrine?

As students learn about Joseph Smith’s experience, invite them to think about how his example can help them in their own search for truth.

At a young age, Joseph Smith was concerned for the welfare of his soul. Within the community, and even within the Smith family, there were differing opinions about which church contained the truths necessary for salvation.

Consider dividing the following verses among students so the class can quickly find Joseph’s challenges in identifying the truth.

Read Joseph Smith—History 1:5–10, looking for why it was difficult for Joseph to identify God’s truth among the various religions.

• How have you seen similar confusion about religion in the world today?

• Why do you think it matters that we seek to know the truth from God rather than accepting everything that is taught?

To help students relate Joseph’s example to their lives, consider copying the following chart onto the board and filling it out as a class throughout the lesson.

Create the following chart in your study journal, and label the quadrants as you see below:

Questions Joseph had for God	Questions I have for God
What Joseph did	What I will do

Look back at what you read in Joseph Smith—History 1:8, 10. Write Joseph’s questions and actions in the appropriate quadrant.

Students might identify from verse 10 that Joseph’s questions were “What is to be done?” and “Who of all these [churches] are right?” They might notice in verse 8 that Joseph’s actions included reflecting and attending different church meetings.

It may be helpful to direct students to paragraph 3 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023) as you discuss the following question.

• Why do you think Heavenly Father would be pleased that Joseph asked these questions?

Following the example of Joseph Smith

As we seek to know what is true, it can be helpful to follow this invitation from President Russell M. Nelson:

The Prophet Joseph Smith set a pattern for us to follow in resolving our questions. …

In like manner, what will your seeking open for you? What wisdom do you lack? What do you feel an urgent need to know or understand? Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph. (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 95)

One truth we can learn from President Nelson is that we can follow the example of Joseph Smith to learn the truth of God for ourselves. Reflect on the questions President Nelson asked. How would you answer those for yourself? Ponder some questions you have and write them in the “Questions I have for God” quadrant in your study journal.

Students may have chosen a question to focus on in the lesson ““Seeking Personal Revelation for My Questions” or “”Acting in Faith to Find Answers.” It may be helpful to remind them of this.

• Which of your questions do you feel inspired to prioritize at this point in your life? Why?

As you continue to study Joseph Smith—History throughout the lesson, continue to fill out the chart in your study journal. Look for ways you can follow Joseph’s example to find answers to your own questions. In the “What I will do” quadrant, write down impressions you receive to act.

After students read the following passage, invite them to continue filling out the “What Joseph did” quadrant on the board.

Read Joseph Smith—History 1:11–14, looking for additional actions Joseph took to learn the truth of God. Consider writing what you find in the “What Joseph did” quadrant.

To see additional questions and actions Joseph took to find answers from God, you could watch the video “The Restoration,” available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 1:15 to 15:34.

If you choose to watch “The Restoration” video, consider pausing it every time students identify a new question Joseph had or action he took. Ask a student to add them to the quadrants on the board.

These are examples of actions students might notice Joseph taking in the video: asking his parents questions, having discussions with preachers, taking time to ponder what he was learning, reading various selections from the Bible, and not giving up when answers didn’t come quickly.

• Even though Joseph did not know which church to join, what did he know about God? (See paragraphs 2–3 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge,” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document [2023].)

• Why do you think God is so willing to help us discover the truth? (See Joseph Smith—History 1:11.)

• Which of Joseph’s actions have you tried in your life? Which would you like to try?

Recall the invitation President Nelson gave to “follow the example of the Prophet Joseph.” Seek help from Heavenly Father as you ponder what you can do to follow Joseph’s example in your search for truth.

If needed, you could share ways students can follow the example of Joseph Smith, such as these:

• Find a scripture that is meaningful to you. Make a plan to reflect on it again and again. You could create a poster and place it where you will see the passage throughout the day. Or you might try memorizing it and reciting it from memory every day for a week.

• Determine to pray to God vocally in a private location. Create an outline of what you would like to include in your prayer.

In the “What I will do” quadrant in your study journal, write one or two ways you will follow the example of Joseph Smith. Include specific details of how you will carry out these actions as you seek answers from God. You may want to share your plan with a trusted friend or family member. It is important to remember that even the best plans may take time to bring the desired results. Return to your study journal and Joseph Smith—History periodically to evaluate how you are doing.

Allow students to share testimony of faithful actions that can lead to revelation and answers to spiritual questions. Testify that as we follow the example of Joseph Smith, God will help us learn the truth for ourselves.

Additional Resources

What were the church meetings like that Joseph Smith attended?

You can learn more by visiting “Awakenings and Revivals” and “Christian Churches in Joseph Smith’s Day,” found in the “Church History Topics” in the Gospel Library, ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Why do I need to ask God?

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Spiritual questions deserve spiritual answers from God. (Neil L. Andersen, “Joseph Smith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 28)

What else can I do to find answers to my questions?

After inviting us to follow the example of Joseph Smith, President Russell M. Nelson continued:

Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. Humble yourself before God. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.

Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will “grow into the principle of revelation.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 95)

Joseph Smith—History 1:14. What is the value of praying vocally?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:

One of the great lessons I have learned about prayer is the power that comes in praying out loud. For me, there is something about saying the words. It is one of the most meaningful ways that I have found to really reach through to heaven and hear the Lord’s voice.

We need to carve out time—good time, high-priority time—when we can kneel, if possible, and be vocal. Say the words. I believe that this process is basic to how God communicates with us and how He intends for us to communicate with Him. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “How I Hear Him,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

You can learn more about prayer from Elder Holland by watching the video “How I Hear Him” (2:28).

Supplemental Learning Activities

Inquiring after truth

To begin class, invite students to write down two true statements about themselves and one statement that is false. They could then take turns sharing these statements in small groups or with the class. Classmates could guess which statements are true and which one is false. When students finish, discuss why it can be easy or difficult to identify truth. Explain that in 1838 there was a lot of false information being spread about Joseph Smith and the Church of Jesus Christ. This prompted Joseph to write the truth about his life and the Restoration of the Church. This account eventually became part of our canonized scripture and is now found in Joseph Smith—History.

Encourage students to mark the phrase “inquirers after truth” in Joseph Smith—History 1:1. To make this more applicable, they could also write something like “How can I be an inquirer after truth?” in the margin of their scriptures or in the highlighted notes in their Gospel Library. Study Joseph Smith—History looking for principles that will help students be inquirers after truth.

Receiving answers often requires time

It may be helpful to explain to students that Joseph Smith began asking questions about his salvation as early as the age of 12 (see “Ask in Faith,” Saints, 1:9). Ask questions such as these: “Why do you think Heavenly Father allowed Joseph to search for answers for so long before appearing in the Sacred Grove? How can knowing this about Joseph help us as we strive to follow his example and look for answers?”

“I reflected on it again and again”

Place a rag in a bowl full of water. Ask a student to wring the water out of the rag. Without returning the rag into the bowl, invite another student to wring out more water. Continue having students try as they are willing. Use Joseph Smith—History 1:12 to explain that we get more and more from the scriptures as we reflect and ponder on them “again and again.” Students could practice by reading James’s words in Joseph Smith—History 1:11 multiple times, trying to identify something new that they may not have seen the first time. Or you might ask them to identify words or phrases that would be helpful to define or think deeply about. They may benefit from learning that “giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not” can refer to God generously giving answers to our questions and not getting upset when we ask them. Consider other ways you might help students reflect on James 1:5 “again and again.”