Lesson 7

What was Joseph Smith’s role in the Restoration?

After centuries of apostasy, the Lord restored His Church and the fulness of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith. This Restoration began with Joseph’s First Vision, in which Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared. Through the Prophet Joseph, the Lord brought forth the Book of Mormon and other scriptures, restored priesthood authority, and established His Church. Joseph Smith and the other living prophets today are like the prophets of old, such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, [except] he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).

As a teacher, prepare yourself spiritually

How has your life been influenced by the life and mission of Joseph Smith? How have you gained a testimony of Joseph Smith?

Do the service members have a testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith? How can you help them strengthen it?

As you prayerfully study these scriptures and resources, share your inspiration with service members. Other resources may be included later in the outline as well.

• 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3 (Ancient apostles foresaw a time of apostasy after the Savior’s ministry)

• 2 Nephi 3:3–25 (Ancient prophets foresaw Joseph Smith’s mission as prophet and seer)

• D&C 27:12–13 (Peter, James, and John restored the Melchizedek Priesthood to Joseph Smith)

• D&C 35:17–18; 135:3 (Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord restored the fulness of the gospel)

• D&C 76:22–24 (Joseph Smith’s testimony of Jesus Christ)

• Joseph Smith—History 1:11–25 (God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith)

• Neil L. Andersen, “Joseph Smith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 28–31

• Tad R. Callister, “Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 35–37

• Lawrence E. Corbridge, “The Prophet Joseph Smith,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 103–5

• “Joseph Smith,” True to the Faith (2004), 89–90

• Video: Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration, on the Church History 3­DVD set or on LDS Media Library

Begin the learning experience

Choose from the following ideas or think of your own to introduce the lesson.

• Invite a service member to draw a picture on the board that symbolizes what he or she knows concerning Joseph Smith and the Restoration, and have the other class members guess what he or she has drawn.

• Invite a service member to tell the class about something God restored through Joseph Smith and to share his or her testimony of Joseph Smith’s mission as a prophet.

Teaching tip

“The scriptures and words of latter-day prophets and apostles are the source of the truths we teach. At every opportunity, inspire those you teach to turn to the word of God for guidance, answers to questions, and support. If learners will ‘feast upon the words of Christ,’ the doctrine they find there will ‘tell [them] all things what [they] should do’ (2 Nephi 32:3)” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way [2016], 21).

Learn together

Each of the following activities can help the service members understand Joseph Smith’s role in the Restoration. Following the guidance of the Spirit, select one or more of the following activities that will work best with your class.

• Invite service members to make a list of the things the Lord revealed to us through Joseph Smith, and then read D&C 135:3 and add to the list if necessary. How are our lives different because of the work the Lord did through Joseph Smith?

• Invite service members to read Joseph Smith—History 1:7–20, looking for truths Joseph Smith learned through the First Vision. What did Joseph learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, about himself, the adversary, the scriptures, and prayer? Why are these truths important for us to understand today?

• Show the video Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration, and ask the service members to share something they learn or something that impresses them about the Prophet Joseph Smith. Consider relating how you gained your testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet. Invite them to read the portion of Elder Neil L. Andersen’s talk “Joseph Smith” where he issues the challenge to gain a testimony of Joseph Smith’s role as a prophet. Invite the service members to accept Elder Andersen’s challenge and to share their testimony of Joseph Smith with others.

• Invite the service members to read “Joseph Smith” in True to the Faith or Elder Tad R. Callister’s talk “Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration.” Invite them to choose a few sentences they would use if they were asked to describe why Joseph Smith is important. Ask a service member to tell what sentences he or she chose and why.

Ask the service members to share what they learned today. What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic?

Invite to act

Discuss with the service members why the mission of Joseph Smith is so important and how it can impact their lives. Invite them to share their testimony of Joseph Smith and the Restoration with others.

Teaching in the Savior’s way

The Savior invited others to act in faith and live the truths He taught. In all His teaching He focused on helping His followers live the gospel with all their hearts. How can you help the service members see how their testimonies of Joseph Smith should be reflected in their daily lives?