Lesson Four from Preach My Gospel is entitled: The Commandments.
It is organized much differently than the first three lessons. The first three lessons presented the basic doctrines: Priesthood and Atonement are found in lesson one, Eternal Life and God Head are found in lesson two, and the Doctrine of Christ is given in Lesson three.
In studying the Preach My Gospel lessons, it is important to note a key scripture found in Alma 12:32 "Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil...."
When we teach the commandments or the rules, this should be done after teaching the doctrine (why) first and the principles (what) second. The commandments about prayer, scripture study, and following the prophet could be done with the first three lessons. The remaining commandments: tithing, the law of the fast, the ten commandments, the law of chastity, and the word of wisdom are great lessons on their own.
The Commandments
1. Obedience. The first law of heaven is obedience. It is a principle. When you teach using the triangle, it is often helpful to teach the doctrine and then depending upon the commandment, obedience is one of those principles that fits every time. "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated--And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." (D&C 130:20-21)
Ask: Can you identify the blessings of obedience? How about including the blessings not only in this life, but also in the life to come.
2. Pray Often. 2 Nephi 32:8-9 tells us that it is a commandment to pray. "And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but treacheth him that me must not pray. But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faith; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that they performance may be for the welfare of thy soul."
Ask: Why do we pray? What do we pray for? (Teach the language of prayer as modeled in the Lord's prayer.)
3. Study the Scriptures. "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:3) "And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses: but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." (1 Nephi 19:23) Prophets have consistently taught us to study the scriptures every day, especially the Book of Mormon.
Ask: Why is it important to study the scriptures every day? How have the scriptures blessed your life?
4. The law of the Sabbath. I like this as number 4 because it is also the 4th of the ten commandments. A favorite way of teaching this principle is found in Doctrine and Covenants 59:3-4. "Yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion, who have obeyed my gospel; for they shall receive for their reward the good things of the earth, and it shall bring forth in its strength. And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time--they that are faithful and diligent before me." So the reward for being obedient is more commandments...but that is really good news because the more obedient we are, the more the Holy Ghost will direct our paths and isn't that what life is all about?
Ask: Can you using the triangle explain how the law of the Sabbath works? )The doctrine is the Atonement or eternal life. The principle is obedience. The commandment is the law of the Sabbath. - This is just one of many ways you could explain it.)
5. Baptism and Confirmation. We show our love for the Lord by following His way. His way is through baptism and confirmation. When we are baptized and confirmed, we make a covenant that we will take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and that we will always remember Him and keep His commandments. We promise to stand as witnesses of God at all times and to help those in need.
Mosiah 18:8-9 teaches "...now as ye are desireous to come into the fold of God and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life." In return for all of this, Heavenly Father promises us the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, a remission of sins, and being born again.
Ask: What can we do to remember that baptism is just the entry onto the path toward eternal life? What must we do to remember our baptism covenants?
6. Follow the Prophet. Heavenly Father wants all of His children to know the truth. A prophet is called and chosen by God and reveals to him truth through the Holy Ghost. The Lord commands His prophet to teach the truth to all people. We have numerous opportunities to sustain the Lord's prophet and His other chosen servants. Those who follow their counsel will not go astray.
Ask: What does it mean to you personally that Gordon B. Hinckley is a prophet of God today?
7. Keep the Ten Commandments. This is one of my favorite lessons for to prepare children for baptism. I love to teach them out of Exodus 20 the ten commandments in order. I do by first teaching them ten pegs to help them remember the ten commandments.
First - think of a telephone pole looking like the number one - then think "no other Gods before me."
Second - think of the rhyme...one two buckle my shoe - think of a golden shoe and people kissing the shoe - then think "thou shalt have no graven images."
Third - think of a tree...rhymes with three - carved in the tree is "don't take the Lord's name in vain"
Fourth - think of a golfer trying to hit a golf tee with a mustard seed on it....don't golf on Sunday - honor the Sabbath day.
Fifth - think of a little boy driving and his parents in the back seat of the car - "honor your parents."
Sixth - think of the fact that sticks rhyme with six - that could be how someone kills somebody - with a stick - "Thou shalt not kill."
Seven - rhymes with heaven - oh you can't get to heaven if you kiss your neighbor's wife - thou shalt not commit adultry.
Eight - rhymes with gate - there is a lock on the gate - "thou shalt not steal."
Nine - rhymes with fine - you get a fine for lying (line) - "thou shalt not bear false witness or lie."
Ten - think of a big fat hen that lays a golden egg - think that you do not want that hen, but rather one like it..."thou shalt not covet."
Ask: Can you repeat the ten commandments in reverse order?
8. Live the Law of Chastity. This is a perfect opportunity to use the triangle of doctrine, principles and guidelines or rules. First teach the doctrine. The doctrine is that of eternal life. Living the law of chastity is critical to our peace and happiness.
The principle is that of obedience. In the Doctrine and Covenants we read "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God." (D&C 121:45). Here are other principles that apply: thoughts - positive and pure thoughts push negative and immoral ones out, pornography must be shunned, and we should not read, view, listen to anything that describes the body or sexual conduct in a disrespectful way; words - let your words build up others; actions - always treat others with respect and be modest in all you do.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, we read: "There is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
The rule or commandment is that we reserve sexual intimacy for marriage, we have strict abstinence from sexual relations before marriage, and complete fidelity and loyalty to spouse after marriage. We obey the law by controlling our thoughts, words and actions. The Savior taught "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matt. 5:27-28)
Ask: How will living the law of chastity bless your life?
9. Obey the Word of Wisdom. This commandment was revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith as a health code. We should remember that our bodies are sacred. Again this is a great law to discuss using the doctrine, principles and guidelines triangle. The doctrine is eternal life.
The principle is obedience. It is also that God has commanded you to take care of your body. "All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings...shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint." (D&C 18-20)
The commandment, guideline, or rule is " no tobacco products, no form of alcohol, no tea, no coffee, and no drug that destroys your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Ask: What are the blessings for living the word of wisdom and why is it called the Lord's health code?
10. Keep the Law of Tithing. Prophets have always taught about the law of tithes. It is an ancient law. For example, Abraham paid tithes of all he possessed. Malachi 3:10 teaches us that the Lord "will open the windows of heaven and pour out a bless, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Again, it is best explained using the doctrine, principle, and rule.
The doctrine again is eternal life. It is a commandment, we want to obey God's commandments to live with him.
The principle is faith. We pay tithing with faith, not money as the living prophet teaches us.
The rule is that we pay 10% of our increase to the Lord. Is not everything we have that which belongs to the Lord. He only asks that we give back 10%.
Ask: How does it work that as you pay tithing, even if you do not have enough money to cover your needs, that your needs will be met? What experience have you had in obeying this law and what blessings have you enjoyed.
11. Observe the Law of the Fast. Pure religion includes caring for the poor. Great blessings are available to those who obey God's commandment to fast. Fasting means going without food or drink for a period of time. Usually, the first Sunday of the month is set aside as a special day to fast for two consecutive meals, pray and bear testimony. Fasting and prayer go together and should be done for specific purposes. It is a private and spiritual act and should not be down to draw attention to ourselves. We contribute to the Church the money that we would have spent on the two meals that we have skipped. This money is used to bless the lives of the poor and needy. However, our donation should not be limited to the cost of two meals.
Ask: How have you seen special blessings that come from fasting and prayer?
12. Obey and Honor the Law. In the 12th Article of Faith we read: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."
Ask: Why is it important to obey the laws of the country in which you reside?
The Commandments
1. Obedience. The first law of heaven is obedience. It is a principle. When you teach using the triangle, it is often helpful to teach the doctrine and then depending upon the commandment, obedience is one of those principles that fits every time. "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated--And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." (D&C 130:20-21)
Ask: Can you identify the blessings of obedience? How about including the blessings not only in this life, but also in the life to come.
2. Pray Often. 2 Nephi 32:8-9 tells us that it is a commandment to pray. "And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but treacheth him that me must not pray. But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faith; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that they performance may be for the welfare of thy soul."
Ask: Why do we pray? What do we pray for? (Teach the language of prayer as modeled in the Lord's prayer.)
3. Study the Scriptures. "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:3) "And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses: but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." (1 Nephi 19:23) Prophets have consistently taught us to study the scriptures every day, especially the Book of Mormon.
Ask: Why is it important to study the scriptures every day? How have the scriptures blessed your life?
4. The law of the Sabbath. I like this as number 4 because it is also the 4th of the ten commandments. A favorite way of teaching this principle is found in Doctrine and Covenants 59:3-4. "Yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion, who have obeyed my gospel; for they shall receive for their reward the good things of the earth, and it shall bring forth in its strength. And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time--they that are faithful and diligent before me." So the reward for being obedient is more commandments...but that is really good news because the more obedient we are, the more the Holy Ghost will direct our paths and isn't that what life is all about?
Ask: Can you using the triangle explain how the law of the Sabbath works? )The doctrine is the Atonement or eternal life. The principle is obedience. The commandment is the law of the Sabbath. - This is just one of many ways you could explain it.)
5. Baptism and Confirmation. We show our love for the Lord by following His way. His way is through baptism and confirmation. When we are baptized and confirmed, we make a covenant that we will take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and that we will always remember Him and keep His commandments. We promise to stand as witnesses of God at all times and to help those in need.
Mosiah 18:8-9 teaches "...now as ye are desireous to come into the fold of God and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life." In return for all of this, Heavenly Father promises us the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, a remission of sins, and being born again.
Ask: What can we do to remember that baptism is just the entry onto the path toward eternal life? What must we do to remember our baptism covenants?
6. Follow the Prophet. Heavenly Father wants all of His children to know the truth. A prophet is called and chosen by God and reveals to him truth through the Holy Ghost. The Lord commands His prophet to teach the truth to all people. We have numerous opportunities to sustain the Lord's prophet and His other chosen servants. Those who follow their counsel will not go astray.
Ask: What does it mean to you personally that Gordon B. Hinckley is a prophet of God today?
7. Keep the Ten Commandments. This is one of my favorite lessons for to prepare children for baptism. I love to teach them out of Exodus 20 the ten commandments in order. I do by first teaching them ten pegs to help them remember the ten commandments.
First - think of a telephone pole looking like the number one - then think "no other Gods before me."
Second - think of the rhyme...one two buckle my shoe - think of a golden shoe and people kissing the shoe - then think "thou shalt have no graven images."
Third - think of a tree...rhymes with three - carved in the tree is "don't take the Lord's name in vain"
Fourth - think of a golfer trying to hit a golf tee with a mustard seed on it....don't golf on Sunday - honor the Sabbath day.
Fifth - think of a little boy driving and his parents in the back seat of the car - "honor your parents."
Sixth - think of the fact that sticks rhyme with six - that could be how someone kills somebody - with a stick - "Thou shalt not kill."
Seven - rhymes with heaven - oh you can't get to heaven if you kiss your neighbor's wife - thou shalt not commit adultry.
Eight - rhymes with gate - there is a lock on the gate - "thou shalt not steal."
Nine - rhymes with fine - you get a fine for lying (line) - "thou shalt not bear false witness or lie."
Ten - think of a big fat hen that lays a golden egg - think that you do not want that hen, but rather one like it..."thou shalt not covet."
Ask: Can you repeat the ten commandments in reverse order?
8. Live the Law of Chastity. This is a perfect opportunity to use the triangle of doctrine, principles and guidelines or rules. First teach the doctrine. The doctrine is that of eternal life. Living the law of chastity is critical to our peace and happiness.
The principle is that of obedience. In the Doctrine and Covenants we read "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God." (D&C 121:45). Here are other principles that apply: thoughts - positive and pure thoughts push negative and immoral ones out, pornography must be shunned, and we should not read, view, listen to anything that describes the body or sexual conduct in a disrespectful way; words - let your words build up others; actions - always treat others with respect and be modest in all you do.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, we read: "There is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
The rule or commandment is that we reserve sexual intimacy for marriage, we have strict abstinence from sexual relations before marriage, and complete fidelity and loyalty to spouse after marriage. We obey the law by controlling our thoughts, words and actions. The Savior taught "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matt. 5:27-28)
Ask: How will living the law of chastity bless your life?
9. Obey the Word of Wisdom. This commandment was revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith as a health code. We should remember that our bodies are sacred. Again this is a great law to discuss using the doctrine, principles and guidelines triangle. The doctrine is eternal life.
The principle is obedience. It is also that God has commanded you to take care of your body. "All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings...shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint." (D&C 18-20)
The commandment, guideline, or rule is " no tobacco products, no form of alcohol, no tea, no coffee, and no drug that destroys your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Ask: What are the blessings for living the word of wisdom and why is it called the Lord's health code?
10. Keep the Law of Tithing. Prophets have always taught about the law of tithes. It is an ancient law. For example, Abraham paid tithes of all he possessed. Malachi 3:10 teaches us that the Lord "will open the windows of heaven and pour out a bless, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Again, it is best explained using the doctrine, principle, and rule.
The doctrine again is eternal life. It is a commandment, we want to obey God's commandments to live with him.
The principle is faith. We pay tithing with faith, not money as the living prophet teaches us.
The rule is that we pay 10% of our increase to the Lord. Is not everything we have that which belongs to the Lord. He only asks that we give back 10%.
Ask: How does it work that as you pay tithing, even if you do not have enough money to cover your needs, that your needs will be met? What experience have you had in obeying this law and what blessings have you enjoyed.
11. Observe the Law of the Fast. Pure religion includes caring for the poor. Great blessings are available to those who obey God's commandment to fast. Fasting means going without food or drink for a period of time. Usually, the first Sunday of the month is set aside as a special day to fast for two consecutive meals, pray and bear testimony. Fasting and prayer go together and should be done for specific purposes. It is a private and spiritual act and should not be down to draw attention to ourselves. We contribute to the Church the money that we would have spent on the two meals that we have skipped. This money is used to bless the lives of the poor and needy. However, our donation should not be limited to the cost of two meals.
Ask: How have you seen special blessings that come from fasting and prayer?
12. Obey and Honor the Law. In the 12th Article of Faith we read: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."
Ask: Why is it important to obey the laws of the country in which you reside?
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