Doctrine and Covenants 3–5

Doctrine and Covenants 3–5

Overview

In these sections, the Lord corrected the Prophet Joseph Smith for fearing man more than God, revealed to Joseph Smith’s father how he could serve Him, and guided Martin Harris when he had to stand trial. This week also includes an assessment lesson.

Invite learners to discover truths for themselves: Sometimes the teacher will point out a doctrine or principle. However, most often the teacher will guide, encourage, and allow students to discover a doctrine or principle for themselves. Teachers should diligently help students acquire the ability to identify doctrine and principles on their own. For more on how the Savior did this, see the section “The Savior Helped People Seek, Recognize, and Understand Truth” in Teaching in the Savior’s Way. You can also see an example of how to do this in the lesson this week titled “Doctrine and Covenants 3.”

Prepare to teach

The following information provides you with ideas of what you may need to prepare in advance for each lesson.

Doctrine and Covenants 3

Lesson purpose: To help students feel an increased desire to trust in God more than in other people

• Student preparation: Invite students to ponder times when they were influenced by friends, whether to do something right or wrong. Ask them to reflect on the impact of their choices on their lives and perhaps the lives of others.

• Materials: A soft object such as a plush toy or pillow; heavy items such as books

• Video: “The Work of God” (13:35; watch from time code 2:25 to 8:45)

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Lesson purpose: To help students serve God and others in Christlike ways

• Student preparation: Think of someone who is a good example of Christlike service. What about that person helps them serve like the Savior?

Doctrine and Covenants 5

Lesson purpose: To help students recognize witnesses the Lord has provided to help them gain a personal testimony of the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ and of Joseph Smith’s calling as God’s prophet

• Student preparation: Ask students to think of experiences that have increased their testimonies of the Book of Mormon. Students will be given an opportunity, if they choose, to share their own witnesses during class.

• Video: “Compelling Witness” (7:46)

• Handout: “Witnesses”

Assess Your Learning 1

Lesson purpose: To help students remember and evaluate how their experiences studying Doctrine and Covenants and Joseph Smith—History have helped them grow spiritually and come closer to Jesus Christ

• Student preparation: Invite students to reflect on spiritual lessons they are learning this year and choose one thing they’ve learned or felt that has helped them progress spiritually.

• Materials: Picture of the Prophet Joseph Smith; two small sheets of paper for each student