FAIR

Faithful Study Resources for Come, Follow Me

FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 24: June 9 - 15: "I Am with the Faithful Always"

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 60 – 63

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading
  • In Doctrine and Covenants 60–63, the Lord directs His servants on their missions, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His guidance. He assures them that He is with the faithful always, even in times of uncertainty and difficulty. This principle reminds us that as we follow divine counsel, we can trust that we will be led to where we need to be.

The Lord chastises those who are hesitant to share the gospel and encourages boldness in declaring His word. When we allow fear to take precedence over faith, we risk missing opportunities for growth and service. By acting in faith, we align ourselves with divine protection and direction.

The lesson “Your Body is Sacred” teaches that our bodies are not only a gift but also a responsibility. We are to care for them as temples of the Spirit, avoiding anything that defiles or disrespects them. Understanding this principle helps us make choices that honor God and reflect gratitude for the bodies He has given us.

Physical and spiritual health are closely linked. The Lord has given commandments regarding health, morality, and self-discipline to protect us from harm. When we follow His guidance—through the Word of Wisdom, modesty, and purity—we invite His Spirit into our lives and strengthen our connection to Him.

  • The lesson “We Believe in Being Chaste” emphasizes that chastity is more than abstinence before marriage; it is a commitment to purity in thoughts, words, and actions. Keeping this law strengthens marriages, families, and personal spiritual strength, bringing peace and confidence in God’s plan.

When we live chaste lives, we experience joy, security, and the companionship of the Holy Ghost. The world may promote different values, but God’s standard remains unchanged. Living a chaste life requires discipline and faith, but the blessings—including stronger relationships and divine protection—far outweigh the sacrifices.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • In the summer of 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith and early Church leaders traveled from Kirtland, Ohio, to Missouri. This journey was part of the Lord’s directive to identify the land of Zion and further establish His Church.
  • Doctrine and Covenants 60–63 records the revelations given to Joseph Smith during this time. The Lord instructed the elders on their missionary responsibilities, rebuked those who were fearful or hesitant, and warned of coming judgments. The Saints faced difficulties, including opposition, illness, and even contention among themselves. Missouri was identified as the future location for Zion, but challenges lay ahead.
  • These revelations highlight the tension between faith and fear in fulfilling divine assignments. They also show that while the Lord directs His people, He allows them to exercise agency in decision-making. This period was foundational in shaping the Church’s understanding of missionary work and Zion’s gathering.
  • Like the early Saints, we are sometimes called to act in faith despite uncertainty. The Lord expects us to move forward with courage, trusting that He will provide the necessary strength and direction. This lesson applies to our personal challenges, reminding us that fear should not prevent us from fulfilling divine responsibilities.
  • In Doctrine and Covenants 60–63, the Lord instructs His missionaries to travel and preach but does not dictate every step of their journey. He gives them agency in choosing their routes and modes of transportation while still expecting them to fulfill their mission. This pattern reflects how the Lord guides His children—giving principles and direction but allowing them to make choices.
  •  
  • The hesitation of some missionaries to preach the gospel was met with rebuke from the Lord. He emphasized that fear should not prevent them from speaking boldly in His name. This principle remains relevant for us today as we are called to share truth with confidence.
  •  
  • The Lord’s approach—offering guidance while allowing choice—demonstrates that personal revelation often requires action before full understanding. We must be willing to take steps forward even when we do not have all the answers.
  • As the early Saints traveled to Missouri, they encountered difficulties such as illness, discouragement, and even contention among themselves. These challenges tested their faith and willingness to obey the Lord’s direction. Some of the Lord’s warnings in Doctrine and Covenants 60–63 came as a direct response to these struggles, reminding the Saints that their unity and commitment would determine their success in building Zion.
  •  
  • The Missouri journey mirrored later experiences in Church history, including the hardships of Zion’s Camp and the westward migration. Each trial refined the Saints and prepared them for greater responsibilities. Learning to rely on the Lord rather than personal preferences was crucial for their survival and success.
  •  
  • Today, we also face moments where faith and unity are tested, whether in families, congregations, or personal discipleship. The Lord’s counsel to the early Saints—to trust Him, act in faith, and avoid contention—applies to us as we strive to build Zion in our own circumstances.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: “Doctrine and Covenants 60–63 shows Joseph creating revelations to manage the Church rather than receiving divine guidance.”
  2.  
  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: The revelations in Doctrine and Covenants 60–63 align with real events, such as the Saints’ journey to Missouri and the challenges they faced. Many prophecies, including the gathering of Zion and the trials the Saints would endure, were fulfilled over time.
  5.  
  6. Eyewitness Support: Those who traveled with Joseph, such as Sidney Rigdon and Oliver Cowdery, bore witness of the divine nature of these revelations. Many who followed these instructions saw firsthand how they were prepared for future difficulties, reinforcing their faith.
  7.  
  8. Spiritual Confirmation: The messages in these revelations encourage faith, obedience, and boldness in preaching the gospel—principles that have strengthened believers for generations. Those who sincerely pray about these teachings can receive a witness of their truth.
  9.  
  10. Logical Analysis: If Joseph were merely fabricating revelations for control, why would he include rebukes and corrections directed at himself and others? The honesty in these revelations suggests they were not self-serving but divinely inspired.
  • Claim: “Modern society no longer needs restrictive sexual commandments, and these rules only repress people.”
  •  
  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Societies that have abandoned strong family structures and moral guidelines have often seen increased instability. The decline of strong family units correlates with societal issues such as higher divorce rates and broken homes.
  •  
  • Eyewitness Support: Many who have followed the law of chastity testify of the joy and stability it brings to their lives. Conversely, those who have ignored it often experience emotional, physical, and relational consequences such as broken trust and regret.
  •  
  • Spiritual Confirmation: The doctrine of chastity aligns with God’s eternal plan of happiness, as taught in scripture. Many individuals report peace and divine assurance when they live according to this principle.
  •  
  • Logical Analysis: If the law of chastity were unnecessary, then ignoring it should lead to greater happiness. However, studies and personal experiences consistently show that commitment, fidelity, and self-discipline lead to stronger, happier relationships.
  • Claim: “The idea that our bodies are temples is just religious rhetoric without real meaning.”
  •  
  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Ancient and modern scripture consistently teach that the body is more than just flesh—it is a divine creation (1 Corinthians 6:19, Doctrine and Covenants 88:15). Many religious traditions emphasize respect for the body.
  •  
  • Eyewitness Support: Those who treat their bodies with respect—avoiding harmful substances and maintaining moral discipline—report a greater sense of well-being and self-worth. Studies also show that those who view their bodies with purpose and care tend to have healthier lifestyles.
  •  
  • Spiritual Confirmation: Many individuals feel closer to God when they live in harmony with His commandments regarding their bodies, including modesty, the Word of Wisdom, and sexual purity. These principles promote peace and confidence.
  •  
  • Logical Analysis: If the body were merely a temporary physical structure with no deeper significance, then choices about it wouldn’t matter. However, science and faith both affirm that how we treat our bodies affects our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Act on promptings without waiting for every detail to be revealed.

Many of the early missionaries in Doctrine and Covenants 60–63 hesitated because of fear, but the Lord reminded them that faith leads to action. When we move forward in faith, we grow spiritually and become more receptive to divine guidance.

  1. – Identify something you’ve been hesitant to act on due to uncertainty or fear.
  2. – Pray for courage and guidance about that decision.
  3. – Take a small but meaningful step forward.
  4. – Trust that additional guidance will come as you act.

Encouraging Thought:

  • “Fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:34).

Action Step: Make one intentional decision each day to honor your body (e.g., healthier eating, getting enough rest, dressing modestly).

Doctrine and Covenants teaches that our bodies are part of our eternal identity. When we care for them, we show respect for God’s creation and invite His Spirit into our lives.

  1. – Assess an area where you can improve in treating your body with respect (e.g., health, dress, self-image).
  2. – Set a realistic, small goal for improvement.
  3. – Invite God’s help through prayer and scripture study.
  4. – Track progress and celebrate positive changes.

Encouraging Thought:

  • “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
  • Action Step: Establish clear personal boundaries for media, relationships, and daily conduct.

Living the law of chastity brings peace, security, and confidence in God’s plan. Avoiding moral ambiguity strengthens our spiritual resilience and prepares us for future blessings.

  1. – Review the Church’s teachings on chastity and moral purity.
  2. – Identify any areas in your life where boundaries could be clearer.
  3. – Set specific personal standards for relationships, entertainment, and conversations.
  4. – Seek accountability and strength through prayer, scripture study, and supportive friends.

Encouraging Thought:

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners understand how acting in faith, even without knowing all the details, invites God’s guidance.

A blindfold, small obstacles (e.g., chairs, books), and a clear path.

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Blindfold one participant and ask them to walk across the room while the class gives them verbal instructions. Then discuss how they felt relying on others’ guidance.
  2.  
  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 60:2-3, discussing how fear and hesitation can hold us back. Compare this to the blindfold experience.
  4.  
  5. Application (5 min): Invite learners to share a time when they had to act in faith without knowing all the answers. Discuss how they can apply this principle in their lives today.

Follow-Up Question: What is one way you can take a step of faith this week?

Objective: Teach the importance of treating our bodies with respect and gratitude.

Small mirrors (or a large mirror), paper, and pens.

Activity Steps:

    1. Introduction (5 min): Have participants look into a mirror and write down five positive things about their physical bodies. Discuss why it can sometimes be hard to appreciate our bodies.
    2.  
    3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and discuss how our bodies are gifts from God. Share insights from “Your Body is Sacred” about treating our bodies with care.
    4.  
    5. Application (5 min): Have each participant set one goal to show respect for their body (e.g., healthy eating, positive self-talk, modest dress). Invite them to write this goal down as a commitment.

Follow-Up Question: How does seeing your body as sacred change the way you treat it?

Objective: Illustrate the importance of boundaries in maintaining purity and protecting spiritual well-being.

A picture or drawing of a cliff with a fence.

Activity Steps: 

    1. Introduction (5 min): Show the image of a fence at the edge of a cliff. Ask: “Would you rather have a strong fence in place or take your chances walking near the edge?” Discuss how boundaries provide protection.
    2.  
    3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 63:16 and discuss how avoiding sin entirely is better than getting too close. Share insights from “We Believe in Being Chaste.”
    4.  
    5. Application (5 min): Have students write down one personal boundary they want to strengthen in their lives (e.g., media choices, relationships, conversations). Encourage them to commit to living by that boundary.

Follow-Up Question: What are some “fences” you can build in your life to help you stay spiritually safe?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • – The Lord expects us to act in faith, even when we don’t have all the answers (D&C 60–63).
  • – Our bodies are sacred gifts from God and should be treated with respect (“Your Body is Sacred“).
  • – The law of chastity provides spiritual and emotional protection (“We Believe in Being Chaste“).
  • – Zion is both a place and a spiritual state that requires unity and preparation.
  • – The Lord’s revelations guide us, but He allows us to make choices and learn from them.
  • Why trust modern prophets?
    • – Prophets have consistently guided God’s people throughout history (Amos 3:7).
    • – The fulfillment of prophetic counsel in personal and global events supports their divine role.
    • – Personal spiritual confirmation through prayer and experience reinforces their teachings.
  •  
  • Why does God allow mistakes?
    • – God works through imperfect people to accomplish His perfect work (Ether 12:27).
    • – Learning from mistakes is part of spiritual growth—both individually and as a Church.
    • – Even biblical prophets, such as Peter and Moses, had moments of weakness but remained chosen instruments of God.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Our bodies are temples of God

Teaching in the Savior’s Way – How to effectively teach gospel principles.

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” – Principles of chastity and respect for the body.