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FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 31: July 28 - August 3: "The Power of Godliness'"

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 84

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

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading
  • The Lord revealed to the early Saints that His power is accessed through the ordinances of the priesthood. These ordinances—such as baptism, confirmation, and temple blessings—allow individuals to grow spiritually and develop a deeper relationship with God. Without these ordinances, the power of godliness remains distant and unrealized in our lives. (Doctrine and Covenants 84:19-21)

This truth extends to both men and women, reinforcing that priesthood power is not limited to those who hold priesthood offices but is available to all covenant keepers. When individuals participate in priesthood ordinances with faith, they invite divine power into their lives, allowing them to overcome challenges and receive guidance. (President Russell M. Nelson, “Spiritual Treasures“)

Unlike mere ordination, which is a formal bestowal of priesthood authority, obtaining and receiving the priesthood entails personal righteousness and active faith. The Lord promises eternal blessings to those who magnify their callings and live worthy of their priesthood responsibilities. (Doctrine and Covenants 84:31-44)

The temple plays a crucial role in unlocking the full blessings of the priesthood. Ordinances such as the endowment and sealing provide men and women with divine power that strengthens them in their callings and personal discipleship. The priesthood is not merely about authority but is a means through which individuals can access God’s strength and guidance. (Elder Paul B. Pieper, “Revealed Realities of Mortality“)

  • God’s word is compared to light, which dispels darkness and confusion. As individuals study the scriptures and apply prophetic teachings, they receive inspiration and wisdom. This process brings them closer to Christ and enables them to discern truth amidst the distractions of the world. (Doctrine and Covenants 84:43-45)

Just as physical nourishment sustains the body, spiritual nourishment through the scriptures strengthens faith. When individuals regularly engage with God’s word, they experience increased peace, understanding, and direction in their daily lives. This principle underscores the importance of making scripture study a priority. (2 Nephi 32:3)

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • In September 1832, the early Church was still in its formative years, with missionaries actively preaching and priesthood authority being better understood among the Saints. The Lord revealed Doctrine and Covenants 84 in Kirtland, Ohio, a key gathering place for Church members at the time.
  • This revelation was given as missionaries returned from preaching the gospel, reflecting on their experiences and the challenges they faced. The Saints were learning about the greater role of the priesthood, including its connection to temple ordinances and eternal blessings.
  • Doctrine and Covenants 84 clarified that the priesthood is more than authority—it is a covenant that brings power and knowledge of God. This was essential as the Church prepared for the construction of temples and the further restoration of sacred ordinances.
  • Understanding the purpose and power of the priesthood helps us appreciate its role in our lives today. The priesthood is not just for Church administration but is meant to bless individuals and families, drawing them closer to God.
  • President Russell M. Nelson has emphasized that every man and woman who makes and keeps sacred covenants has direct access to God’s power. This means that while ordination is required to officiate in certain ordinances, the blessings of the priesthood are available to all who live righteously.
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  • The power of godliness is manifest through sacred ordinances, such as baptism, confirmation, and temple covenants. These ordinances enable individuals to receive personal revelation and divine assistance.
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  • Women in the Church also participate in priesthood power when they serve in callings, perform temple work, and act in faith. This insight reshapes our understanding of how God’s power operates in the lives of all disciples.
  • In Doctrine and Covenants 84:33-39, the Lord outlines that those who receive the priesthood must be faithful in their callings to obtain eternal life. Elder Paul B. Pieper taught that the Lord uses the words “obtain” and “receive” rather than “ordain” to highlight that priesthood blessings come through worthiness and temple covenants.
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  • Ordination is an event, but receiving the full blessings of the priesthood is a process. It requires continued faithfulness, learning, and obedience.
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  • The promises associated with the oath and covenant—including becoming heirs of God—are contingent upon one’s commitment to magnify their priesthood responsibilities. This principle applies to all members, as the priesthood’s power is accessed through righteous living.

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

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: “Joseph Smith invented the idea of priesthood restoration to justify his leadership and establish control over the Church.”
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  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: The need for priesthood authority aligns with biblical patterns—prophets like Moses, Elijah, and Peter all held divinely given authority to administer ordinances. Early Christian writings indicate that authority and ordination were important in Christ’s Church before apostasy led to fragmentation.
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  6. Eyewitness Support: Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery both testified of angelic visitations from John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John. Their accounts remained consistent over time, despite facing persecution and opposition.
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  8. Spiritual Confirmation: The principle of priesthood authority resonates with believers who seek divine order and guidance in sacred ordinances. Many members testify of spiritual manifestations confirming priesthood power in their lives.
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  10. Logical Analysis: If Joseph Smith had fabricated the priesthood restoration, it would have been simpler to claim authority outright rather than describing a multi-step process involving angelic visitations. Additionally, the priesthood structure he restored was complex and consistent with biblical patterns, lending credibility to his claims.
  • Claim: “Women are excluded from meaningful participation in the Church’s priesthood structure.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Women in biblical times played key spiritual roles, including Deborah as a judge and prophetess (Judges 4:4) and women who served in sacred capacities within the early Church (Romans 16:1-2). Doctrine and Covenants 84 expands on how all faithful covenant-keepers access the power of the priesthood.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Modern prophets, including President Russell M. Nelson, have emphasized that women operate with priesthood power in their callings, temple work, and personal revelation. Women who participate in temple ordinances witness the power of priesthood keys in their lives.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Many faithful women testify of direct divine guidance, blessings, and personal spiritual empowerment through their covenant relationship with God. This confirms that priesthood power is not exclusive to ordination.
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  • Logical Analysis: If the priesthood were solely about administrative authority, this argument might hold. However, the scriptures and prophetic teachings clarify that priesthood is about divine power, which is accessible to all worthy individuals through covenants, not just ordination.
  • Claim: “Joseph Smith invented the concept of the oath and covenant to add unnecessary obligations to his followers.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: The Bible contains multiple references to priesthood covenants, such as God’s covenant with the Levites (Numbers 25:13) and the higher priesthood order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:20-22), which was confirmed with an oath. Doctrine and Covenants 84 expands on this biblical framework.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Those who faithfully serve in the priesthood testify of the blessings and increased spiritual power they receive when they live according to the responsibilities outlined in the oath and covenant. Leaders and members alike affirm the reality of these blessings.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Those who make and keep sacred priesthood covenants report a deepened connection to God and a heightened ability to discern truth and receive revelation. This is a direct fulfillment of the promises in Doctrine and Covenants 84.
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  • Logical Analysis: If Joseph Smith had fabricated the concept, he could have designed a much simpler requirement for priesthood holders. Instead, the oath and covenant emphasize responsibility, accountability, and faithfulness—principles that align with biblical teachings on divine authority.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Regularly participate in priesthood ordinances and seek God’s help in applying their power.

The priesthood is not just about Church governance but is a source of divine strength, guidance, and healing. By actively seeking its power, individuals can feel closer to God and find help in overcoming challenges.

  1. – Attend sacrament meeting with a focus on renewing covenants.
  2. – Seek priesthood blessings in times of need.
  3. – Reflect on how past ordinances (baptism, confirmation, temple blessings) have influenced your life.
  4. – Help others recognize how priesthood power works in their lives.

Encouraging Thought:

  • President Russell M. Nelson taught, “The heavens are just as open to women who are endowed with God’s power flowing from their priesthood covenants as they are to men who bear the priesthood.”

Action Step: Set personal goals to magnify priesthood responsibilities and deepen understanding of priesthood power.

The Lord promises immense blessings to those who uphold their priesthood commitments. Greater devotion to these covenants results in increased spiritual strength, revelation, and eternal rewards.

  1. – Read and ponder Doctrine and Covenants 84:31-44.
  2. – Identify one priesthood duty you can improve on (e.g., ministering, temple work, family leadership).
  3. – Actively seek ways to serve others with priesthood power.
  4. – Keep a journal of blessings received from honoring the priesthood.

Encouraging Thought:

  • Elder David A. Bednar stated, “To magnify an calling is to perform the service that pertains to it. To magnify a calling is to build it up in dignity and importance.”
  • Action Step: Set a daily scripture study schedule and focus on applying insights.

The Lord promises that those who diligently seek His word will be filled with light (Doctrine and Covenants 84:43-45). Consistent scripture study enhances spiritual discernment and strengthens faith.

  1. – Choose a regular time each day for scripture study.
  2. – Study with a purpose—looking for ways to apply the teachings.
  3. – Record impressions and promptings in a journal.
  4. – Share insights with family or friends to reinforce learning.

Encouraging Thought:

Elder Richard G. Scott said, “Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television, or social media.”

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners understand how priesthood ordinances make the power of godliness manifest in their lives.

A locked box with a small item inside, key(s), scriptures, whiteboard, markers.

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Show a locked box and ask, “What would you need to access what’s inside?” Discuss how keys grant access.
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  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 84:19-21 and discuss how the priesthood is the “key” to accessing the power of godliness.
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  5. Application (5 min): Ask learners to reflect on a time they felt God’s power through a priesthood ordinance (baptism, sacrament, temple blessings). Have them share insights.

Follow-Up Question: How can we more fully unlock the power of priesthood ordinances in our lives?

Objective: Teach the importance of faithfully keeping the oath and covenant of the priesthood.

Puzzle pieces (write covenant-related words on each), scriptures, chalkboard.

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Show incomplete puzzle pieces and ask what happens when a piece is missing. Relate this to covenants—we must fulfill our part for the whole picture to be complete.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 84:31-44, emphasizing that priesthood covenants require action. Discuss key phrases like “magnify” and “obtain.”

Application (5 min): Have learners match puzzle pieces with covenant-related principles (e.g., service, obedience, temple worship). Discuss real-life applications.

Follow-Up Question: How have you seen the blessings of keeping covenants in your own life?

Objective: Inspire learners to seek truth and spiritual enlightenment through God’s word.

A flashlight or candle, a darkened room (if possible), scriptures.

Activity Steps: 

Introduction (5 min): Turn off the lights or darken the room. Ask learners how they feel in darkness. Then turn on a flashlight or candle and discuss how light helps us see clearly.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 84:43-45, where the Lord compares His word to light. Discuss how consistent scripture study increases spiritual clarity.

Application (5 min): Have learners write down one way they can improve their scripture study this week. Invite them to set a goal.

Follow-Up Question: How have you seen God’s light grow in your life through His word?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • – The priesthood ordinances are the key to accessing the power of godliness (D&C 84:19-21).
  • – The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood requires faithfulness and promises eternal blessings (D&C 84:31-44).
  • – Light and truth come through diligent scripture study and obedience (D&C 84:43-45).
  • – Priesthood power is available to all covenant keepers, not just those ordained to offices (Russell M. Nelson, Spiritual Treasures).
  • – Temples play a vital role in receiving the full blessings of the priesthood (Paul B. Pieper, Revealed Realities of Mortality).
  • Why trust modern prophets?
  • – Prophets throughout history have guided God’s people through revelation (Amos 3:7).
  • – Many Church leaders and members bear testimony of prophetic guidance today.
  • – The Holy Ghost confirms truth through personal revelation (Moroni 10:4-5).
  • God’s pattern has always included calling prophets to lead His people.
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  • Why does God allow mistakes?
  • – Even biblical prophets made mistakes (e.g., Moses striking the rock, Jonah fleeing).
  • – Early Saints, like Brigham Young, acknowledged that leaders are fallible but still inspired.
  • – Revelation is received “line upon line, precept upon precept” (D&C 98:12).
  • If God only worked through perfection, He would have no human servants to guide His Church.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:19-21 – The power of godliness through priesthood ordinances.

2 Nephi 32:3 – Feasting on the word of Christ brings light and truth.