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Scripture Study Resources: Supplement Your Come, Follow Me Study » Study Resources for the Doctrine & Covenants and Pearl of Great Price » Week 7 That Thou May Come Off Conqueror
Doctrine and Covenants 10 teaches that the Lord commanded Nephi to create a second set of records centuries in advance, knowing that Satan would try to disrupt the work of the Restoration. This demonstrates God’s omniscience and His ability to turn potential setbacks into opportunities for greater spiritual insight.
The revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 10:43 reassures Joseph Smith that the Lord’s wisdom surpasses the devil’s cunning. Though wicked men attempted to alter the stolen manuscript, God’s plan ensured that their scheme would fail. This principle applies to our own lives—when we trust in God, we can overcome the adversary’s deceptions.
In Doctrine and Covenants 11, Hyrum Smith is instructed to first seek the word of God before declaring it. The Lord promises that those who desire to serve Him will be guided by His Spirit. This emphasizes the importance of preparation, study, and personal revelation before teaching others.
Doctrine and Covenants 11:12-14 teaches that the Spirit enlightens the mind and fills the soul with joy. When we trust in the Spirit, we are led to act justly and walk humbly. By seeking divine guidance, we can receive personal revelation to direct our lives.
Doctrine and Covenants 11:3 states, “Behold, the field is white already to harvest.” This imagery reminds us that missionary work and gospel service are ongoing responsibilities for all who desire to serve God. We are encouraged to labor with diligence and faith, trusting that our efforts will lead to eternal blessings.
Before Hyrum Smith could preach, the Lord counseled him to first obtain His word (D&C 11:21). This principle teaches that spiritual preparation through obedience and study precedes effective teaching. Those who are faithful in small things will be entrusted with greater responsibilities in the Lord’s kingdom.
In 1828, Joseph Smith was in Harmony, Pennsylvania, translating the Book of Mormon with the assistance of Martin Harris. Harris, eager to validate the work and appease his skeptical wife and associates, repeatedly asked to take the manuscript. Eventually, Joseph sought the Lord’s permission, was initially denied, but after persistent requests, received limited approval.
Martin Harris took the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon’s translation to Palmyra but lost them, likely through theft or intentional destruction. This devastating loss led to a halt in the translation process and deep sorrow for Joseph, who temporarily lost his ability to translate. However, God had already foreseen this challenge and prepared an alternate record through Nephi centuries earlier (D&C 10:38-42).
This event highlights both the reality of human agency and the omniscience of God. While Joseph and Martin made a mistake in handling sacred records, the Lord’s plan ensured that His work would not be frustrated. The incident also reinforced the necessity of strict obedience to divine commandments.
In our own lives, we may experience setbacks due to mistakes or unforeseen obstacles, but God’s wisdom provides a way forward. Just as the Lord had a backup plan for the Book of Mormon, He can also guide us through our challenges if we trust in Him.
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Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:
Action Step: When faced with setbacks, pray for guidance and look for alternative solutions with faith.
Doctrine and Covenants 10 teaches that God’s wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil. Just as He prepared a way to replace the lost 116 pages, He also provides solutions for our challenges. Trusting in His wisdom helps us avoid discouragement and focus on moving forward.
Encouraging Thought:
Action Step: Dedicate time daily to studying the scriptures and seeking personal revelation before sharing spiritual insights with others.
In Doctrine and Covenants 11, Hyrum Smith was instructed to first obtain the word of God before teaching it. This principle ensures that when we share truth, we do so with conviction and clarity rather than uncertainty.
Encouraging Thought:
Encouraging Thought:
“Pray always, that you may come off conqueror” (D&C 10:5). Through vigilance and faith, we can overcome the adversary’s attempts to weaken our resolve.
Objective: Help learners understand that God’s wisdom is always greater than the adversary’s attempts to hinder His work.
Follow-Up Question: How can we trust God’s wisdom when we don’t see a solution right away?
Objective: Teach learners the importance of seeking God’s word before sharing it with others.
Follow-Up Question: How does studying God’s word first make our testimony and teaching more powerful?
Objective: Help learners identify and resist the adversary’s deceptions.
Follow-Up Question: What are some ways Satan tries to deceive us today, and how can we resist him?
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