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FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 34: August 18 - 24: "A Principle with Promise'"

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 89-92

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

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading
  • This emphasizes the Lord’s love and concern for His people, offering guidance rather than compulsion. By presenting it as wise counsel, the Lord invites personal commitment based on love and faith, not coercion (D&C 89:2).

Those who obey the Word of Wisdom are promised physical strength, mental clarity, and spiritual protection. These promises underline the principle that obedience to divine counsel fosters both well-being and revelation (D&C 89:18–21).

This shows that divine law is not just a checklist but a conduit for spiritual enlightenment. Obedience opens our hearts and minds to receive personalized direction from the Lord (D&C 89:19).

The early Church leaders were called through revelation and promised divine help. Today, the same principle applies: as we are obedient, the Lord entrusts us with knowledge and responsibilities tailored to our missions (D&C 90:6–11).

  • These verses reinforce that the Church’s structure is not man-made but divinely appointed. Priesthood keys ensure the work of salvation is carried out in order and with power (D&C 90:1–5).

These sections highlight the roles of various individuals, showing that the Lord involves both men and women in specific, revealed responsibilities. This reveals a pattern of order, stewardship, and divine trust in individuals’ capacities (D&C 91:1; 92:1–2).

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • In early 1833, the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio were striving to become a more unified, Zion-like people under increasing instruction from the Lord through Joseph Smith.
  • On February 27, 1833, the Lord revealed the Word of Wisdom (D&C 89) in response to concerns about the use of tobacco and other substances during School of the Prophets meetings. At the time, temperance movements were spreading in America, but this revelation went further by also prohibiting alcohol, tobacco, hot drinks (interpreted as tea and coffee), and promoting healthful living. It was not originally a commandment but wise counsel.
  • This shows how revelation came in response to specific needs within the early Church and reflects the Lord’s pattern of adapting guidance for His covenant people. The progressive implementation (over decades) illustrates how the Lord is patient as His people learn and grow.
  • The Word of Wisdom teaches us that God cares deeply about both our physical and spiritual well-being and provides direction in practical, day-to-day matters. It also reminds us that the Lord’s commandments may come gradually, tailored to our readiness and faith.
    • In the 1830s, the Saints were establishing spiritual and physical foundations for the restored Church. The Word of Wisdom was not just about health; it was preparatory for deeper spiritual experiences. Physical discipline was seen as a way to make oneself more receptive to God’s will and revelation.
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    • This connection between bodily health and spiritual openness reflects a holistic view of discipleship, where obedience in small daily choices can unlock greater divine trust.
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    • Today, this principle still applies—when we live healthily and avoid things that dull our sensitivity, we become more attuned to the Spirit and better able to receive personal revelation.
    • As the Church grew, the Lord gave more administrative revelation. Section 90 establishes the First Presidency as a permanent quorum with specific keys, while section 92 adds Frederick G. Williams to the United Firm. These structural developments show the Lord’s intent for an orderly, expanding kingdom.
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    • These sections reflect a shift from spontaneous direction to structured leadership, helping the Saints prepare for the gathering of Israel and management of Church affairs.
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    • Understanding this growth helps us see the Church today as a continuation of what the Lord began—guided step-by-step by revelation, with each new phase supported by leadership, covenants, and order.

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

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: “Joseph borrowed ideas from the temperance movement and passed them off as revelation.”
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  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: While temperance was a social trend in the 1830s, the Word of Wisdom included elements beyond common health reform of the time—such as the emphasis on grains, moderation in meat, and specific promises for spiritual blessings. These teachings went beyond what was culturally typical.
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  6. Eyewitness Support: Early Saints reported that the revelation came in direct response to prayerful concern over health issues, particularly tobacco use in Church settings. Multiple leaders accepted the revelation as inspired and acted on it, even though it challenged common habits.
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  8. Spiritual Confirmation: Members who sincerely study and live the Word of Wisdom often report increased spiritual sensitivity and physical well-being, which supports its divine origin through personal experience.
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  10. Logical Analysis: If Joseph had simply copied social reform trends, it would have been more politically expedient to promote total abstinence from meat or include popular pseudoscientific ideas of the time. Instead, the revelation remains balanced, timeless, and spiritually focused.
  • Claim: “If it was really from God, the early Saints would’ve followed it strictly from the beginning.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: The Word of Wisdom was initially given “not by commandment or constraint” (D&C 89:2), reflecting a pattern of line-upon-line teaching. It became a requirement for temple worthiness only decades later, under prophetic direction.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Journal accounts from early Saints like Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff show a gradual cultural adoption of the Word of Wisdom. They recognized the Lord’s wisdom in allowing people time to adjust spiritually and physically.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: The incremental implementation mirrors how God has historically introduced commandments, like dietary laws in the Bible. Modern Saints confirm the Lord’s patience and wisdom through personal experiences with gradual growth.
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  • Logical Analysis: A sudden enforcement could have alienated many converts or been too overwhelming for a fledgling Church. The Lord’s measured pace fostered deeper commitment and long-term adherence, which supports divine foresight.
  • Claim: “This seems inconsistent—why reference the Apocrypha at all?”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Section 91 was received in 1833, when Joseph asked whether to translate the Apocrypha found in a Bible edition he owned. The Lord revealed it contained “many things that are true,” but not necessary for translation (D&C 91:1–6).
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  • Eyewitness Support: Joseph and other early leaders respected ancient texts and sought the Lord’s guidance rather than dismissing or accepting them blindly. This approach shows consistency with his pattern of revelation-driven decisions.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: The directive teaches a principle still relevant today—seek the Spirit when evaluating truth. Members who study the Apocrypha with spiritual discernment may find insights that align with revealed doctrine.
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  • Logical Analysis: The Lord’s answer acknowledges the Apocrypha’s value without placing it on equal footing with canonized scripture. This nuanced response supports the idea that revelation is adaptive and context-sensitive.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Prayerfully review your lifestyle and ask the Lord how you can better align with the spirit of the Word of Wisdom.

The Word of Wisdom is more than avoiding substances—it’s a guide to treating your body with reverence. Living this law with intentionality brings clarity, strength, and access to spiritual treasures (D&C 89:19–21).

  1. – Read Doctrine and Covenants 89 thoughtfully.
  2. – Ask, “Am I treating my body as a sacred trust from God?”
  3. – Identify one habit to improve this week—like sleep, nutrition, or mindfulness.
  4. – Invite the Spirit to help you strengthen that habit consistently.
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Encouraging Thought:

The Word of Wisdom is a key to both physical health and spiritual revelation. Your body is not just a vessel—it’s a temple, and God wants to dwell with you there.

Action Step: Begin or enhance a personal revelation journal where you write impressions and insights.

D&C 90 and 91 show that the Lord directs His Church through revelation—and He wants to guide us individually in the same way. Recording spiritual impressions builds trust and sensitivity to God’s voice.

  1. – Set aside time daily or weekly to reflect in a quiet place.
  2. – Pray specifically to hear the Lord’s voice.
  3. – Write down any thoughts, feelings, or scriptures that come to mind.
  4. – Revisit past entries to notice patterns or fulfilled impressions.
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Encouraging Thought:

  • Revelation is not a lightning bolt—it’s a daily sunrise. As you write, reflect, and return, light will grow brighter in your life.
  • Action Step: Pray for your local and global Church leaders and seek ways to sustain them in word and deed.

Doctrine and Covenants 90–92 illustrates how the Lord carefully organizes His work through chosen servants. When we uphold that order, we participate more fully in the gathering of Israel and show trust in divine direction.

  1. – Learn about your local leaders and their roles.
  2. – Look for opportunities to lighten their load (e.g., volunteering, showing kindness, being reliable).
  3. – Sustain them not just in votes but in prayer, conversation, and support.
  4. – Study talks and messages from general and area authorities.

Encouraging Thought:

When you sustain the Lord’s servants, you’re not just following people—you’re following the Lord’s plan for how His kingdom grows on earth.

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners understand the spiritual and physical blessings promised through living the Word of Wisdom.

Paper and pencils, printed copy of D&C 89:18–21, poster board or whiteboard

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Ask: “What would your ideal version of health and clarity look like?” Let a few share. Then write “God’s Blueprint for Wellness” on the board.
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  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 89:18–21 aloud. As a group, identify the promises listed and write them on the board. Discuss what each promise might look like in modern life.
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  5. Application (5 min): Have each learner draw their own “blueprint” or roadmap with one way they can better live the Word of Wisdom this week and the blessing they hope to invite.

Follow-Up Question: Which of the Lord’s promised blessings motivates you most—and how can you act in faith to receive it?

Objective: Explore how the Lord gives revelation to His servants and how we can seek it in our own lives.

Envelopes with clues or scriptures inside (D&C 90:1–5, 89:19, 91:4), pens, paper

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Set the stage like a mystery: “You’ve been asked to discover the pattern of how revelation works—both then and now.”

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Divide into groups and give each a scripture clue. Ask: What does this teach about how the Lord communicates with His people?

Application (5 min): Have each group create a “Revelation Rule” based on their scripture and share it. End with a short discussion on personal revelation and journaling.

Follow-Up Question: What small changes can you make this week to better hear and recognize the voice of the Lord?

Objective: Teach how D&C 90–92 shows the Lord organizing His Church with purpose and power.

Building blocks (or index cards), printed titles like “First Presidency,” “United Firm,” “Revelation,” “Obedience”

Activity Steps: 

Introduction (5 min): Show a pile of unorganized blocks. Ask: “What happens when we try to build without a plan?” Then introduce the idea of divine organization.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 90:6–11 and D&C 92:1–2. Assign learners roles or blocks and let them “build” a Church structure using the titles and principles from the scriptures.

Application (5 min): Ask learners to think about how their callings or contributions fit into God’s organized work. Write down one way they can sustain or support Church organization.

Follow-Up Question: Why do you think the Lord cares so much about order in His Church—and how can we personally help build it?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • – The Word of Wisdom is a revelation given to protect both body and spirit.
  • – Revelation is given line upon line, and implementation often unfolds gradually.
  • – The Lord organizes His Church through priesthood authority and assigns responsibilities by revelation.
  • – Living divine principles leads to “great treasures of knowledge” (D&C 89:19).
  • – Both men and women are invited to contribute to the Lord’s work under inspired direction.
  • Why trust modern prophets?
    •  Modern prophets receive ongoing revelation to guide the Church in changing times, just as ancient prophets did. Their teachings are consistent with eternal principles and are confirmed through spiritual witness and fulfilled promises (D&C 90:3–5).
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    • Why does God allow mistakes?
    • God allows His children—including leaders—to learn through experience. Failures like the end of the United Firm weren’t proof of falsehood but part of a divine pattern of growth, correction, and continuing revelation. This builds spiritual maturity and resilience (see Ether 12:27).

Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21 — Promises of health and revelation through the Word of Wisdom.

Doctrine and Covenants 90:6–11 — The role of the First Presidency and the pattern of continuing revelation.