You can explore the actual lesson 3 outlined in Teaching, No Greater Call here. Below is a summary outline of the discussion held in class. If you have any questions, email Marshall Snedaker at sne00005@gmail.com.
Lesson 3 PDF Class Outline
Download Now
Since I had the opportunity to teach, I wanted to share some of the things that I learned from the lesson:
1. I realized how sensitive the Spirit can really be and how we must do all we can to "not get in the way" of the teaching experience. It is very easy to do. I think about my teaching and analyze every lesson I do. Most of the time I can think back to a few moments where I should have handled things differently and could have more closely followed the Spirit. I tend to "get in the way" when I stay to a structured lesson plan - or maybe there was a really great analogy I thought was enlightening. Somehow those great ideas I have studying don't seem so great when I'm teaching and I do often skip them. However there are times when I stick to the original plan and in some ways ignore promptings. I don't realize this until after I do a lesson and analyze how it went.
2. I really felt that a magnifying glass is a very effective visual to imagine as we serve the Lord - particularly teaching the gospel. It's easy to think we stand alone teaching a concept that we are confident about, but in reality we have to humbly acknowledge that there is a whole other lesson going on that we need to stay in tune with. Somehow the Spirit is able to use us as an instrument and teach dozens of personalized lessons at once. If we're not careful we can taint ourselves as an instrument (magnifying glass) and "get in the way" of the teaching experience. Worthiness, agenda, reliance on intellect etc. are all ways we taint our magnifying glass. We must have faith and humbly teach.
3. I came to the realization that it's ok that a lesson doesn't feel exhilarating - spiritually the entire time. Sometimes the Spirit can be part of the entire lesson, sometimes He impacts portions of the lesson - but at the end of the day you never really know. And if the Spirit isn't extremely strong - it may not necessarily be your fault as a teacher. You teach by faith that the Spirit will confirm truths on His time and way. We can't tie the Spirit to an agenda we outline. Just like in life we can't have a continuous flow of revelation, sometimes we need to be on our own to figure things out - which as Elder Scott said - is a sign the Lord trusts us to make the correct decision. We can only do our best, follow the principles and teach in a way that the Spirit can confirm as a witness. We leave everything else up to the Lord.
4. I learned in this less on why the Lord blesses me when I teach at the last minute w/ decent lessons that go relatively well! Preparation doesn't have to be a set schedule: 1 or 2 weeks of study. Yes we need to drill down and focus on the lesson or talk we are about to do - but preparation should be a continual process. We should always be storing up treasures of knowledge and filling our wells. That way, when the Spirit needs us to testify, teach or even give a talk at the last minute - we're prepared and the Lord will bless our efforts. However I think there's a fine line that we can take advantage of here - the principle is that we do our best and the Lord will use whatever knowledge we have stored up to magnify in the lives of those we teach. However it's always best to study and plan as much as possible and then turn the reigns over to the Spirit to lead you and share whatever is most needed in the lesson.
How many of us would acknowledge ourselves as humble teachers?
Have a class member read the following statement by Elder Henry B. Eyring:
“It is wise to fear that our own skills are inadequate to meet the charge we have to nourish the faith of others. Our own abilities, however great, will not be enough. But that realistic view of our limitations creates a humility which can lead to dependence on the Spirit and thus to power” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 114; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 82–83).
“Some of you may be shy by nature or consider yourselves inadequate to respond affirmatively to a calling. Remember that this work is not yours and mine alone. It is the Lord’s work, and when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 62; or Ensign, May 1996, 44).
“Meekness implies a spirit of gratitude as opposed to an attitude of self-sufficiency, an acknowledgment of a greater power beyond oneself, a recognition of God, and an acceptance of his commandments” (“With All Thy Getting Get Understanding,” Ensign, Aug. 1988, 3–4).
What does the Lord promise if we teach His gospel with solemnity and meekness?
(See D&C 100:8. The Holy Ghost will bear record of the principles we teach.)
7But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever thing ye adeclare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things.
8And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this the aHoly Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say.
Who is the teacher?
Elder Gene R. Cook of the Seventy counseled: “Who will do the teaching? The Comforter. Be sure you don’t believe you are the ‘true teacher.’ That is a serious mistake. … Be careful you do not get in the way. The major role of a teacher is to prepare the way such that the people will have a spiritual experience with the Lord. You are an instrument, not the teacher. The Lord is the One who knows the needs of those being taught. He is the One who can impress someone’s heart and cause them to change” (address delivered to religious educators, 1 Sept. 1989).
We are an instrument: Much like a magnifying glass. The sunlight shines through our efforts and impacts those around us. We "get in the way" when we teach in "some other way", teach unworthily, or do not teach correct doctrines. We must do all we can to not taint our efforts and diminish the potential of the light of the Holy Ghost to shine through.
Watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPoWVgLNTvw
Our Role: Instrument
As you prepare yourself spiritually and acknowledge the Lord in your teaching, you will become an instrument in His hands. The Holy Ghost will magnify your words with power.
As we teach the gospel, we should humbly recognize that the Holy Ghost is the true teacher.
Our privilege is to serve as instruments through whom the Holy Ghost can teach, testify, comfort, and inspire. We should therefore become worthy to receive the Spirit (see “Seeking the Spirit,” page 13). We should pray for the Spirit’s guidance as we prepare lessons and as we teach (see “Recognizing and Following the Spirit in Your Teaching,” pages 47–48). We should do all we can to create an atmosphere in which those we teach can feel the influence of the Spirit (see “Inviting the Spirit As You Teach,” pages 45–46).
Role of the Holy Ghost: True Teacher
a. John 14:26. (Teaches us all things and brings all things to our remembrance.)
b. John 15:26. (Testifies of Christ.)
c. 2 Nephi 33:1. (Carries the truth to our hearts.)
d. Doctrine and Covenants 6:14–15, 22–23. (Enlightens and brings peace to our minds.)
e. Doctrine and Covenants 11:13. (Fills our souls with joy.)
f. Doctrine and Covenants 50:21–22. (Edifies.)
“When a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men” (2 Nephi 33:1). No mortal teacher, no matter how expert or experienced, can bring the blessings of testimony and conversion to another person. That is the office of the Holy Ghost, or the Spirit. People come to know that the gospel is true by the power of the Holy Ghost (see Moroni 10:5; D&C 50:13–14).
If ye teach not by the Spirit – ye shall not teach: WHY?
It’s almost an act of faith – teaching by Faith. Do not rely on the merits and guidance of the world – but rather rely on the Lord. With that mindset at the precise moment when you need the confirmation of the Spirit he will be there – but not on our terms.
President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “The Spirit of God speaking to the spirit of man has power to impart truth with greater effect and understanding than the truth can be imparted by personal contact even with heavenly beings. Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten” (Doctrines of Salvation, compiled by Bruce R. McConkie, 3 volumes [1954–56], 1:47–48).
If we rely on debate techniques or sales methods or group psychology, we are preaching the gospel in some other way, and it is not of God. Intellectual things—reason and logic—can prepare the way, and they can help us in our preparation. But if we are tied to them instead of to the Spirit of the Lord, we are not teaching the gospel in the Lord’s way. Dallin H Oaks
“If you teach the word of truth—now note, you’re saying what is true, every thing you say is accurate and right—by some other way than the Spirit, it is not of God. Now what is the other way to teach than by the Spirit? Well, obviously, it is by the power of the intellect.
“Suppose I came here tonight and delivered a great message on teaching, and I did it by the power of the intellect without any of the Spirit of God attending. Suppose that every word that I said was true, no error whatever, but it was an intellectual presentation. This revelation says: ‘If it be by some other way it is not of God’ (D&C 50:18).
“That is, God did not present the message through me because I used the power of the intellect instead of the power of the Spirit. Intellectual things—reason and logic—can do some good, and they can prepare the way, and they can get the mind ready to receive the Spirit under certain circumstances. But conversion comes and the truth sinks into the hearts of people only when it is taught by the power of the Spirit” (The Foolishness of Teaching [pamphlet, 1981], 9). Elder Bruce R McConkie
How Do We Qualify to Teach by the Spirit?
“Teaching by the Spirit requires first that we keep the commandments and be clean before God so his Spirit can dwell in our personal temples” (“Teaching and Learning by the Spirit,” Ensign, Mar. 1997, 9).
We know that the Spirit of the Lord will not dwell in an unclean temple (see 1 Cor. 3:16–17). We must, therefore, cleanse ourselves by repentance, by confession when necessary, and by avoiding impure actions and thoughts.
Similarly, the best way to have the spirit of revelation is to listen to and study words spoken under the influence of the Holy Ghost. In other words, we obtain the Spirit by reading the scriptures or reading or listening to the talks of inspired leaders. Dallin H Oaks
How do we Prepare to Teach by the Spirit?
When does preparation start? 2 weeks before, 1 week before? The day before?
It should be continuous.
“Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.
“But now hold your peace; study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation, and then shall all things be added thereto” (D&C 11:21–22).
In the revelation on priesthood given a few years later in Kirtland, Ohio, the Lord instructed the Saints further on this subject: “Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man” (D&C 84:85).
We must study the scriptures. We must study the teachings of the living prophets. We must learn all that we can to make ourselves presentable and understandable to our children, our students, and our investigators. That includes grooming, speaking clearly, and knowing how to avoid offending people through ignorance of their culture and their personal and family circumstances. All of this and much more is part of preparation. And preparation is a prerequisite to teaching by the Spirit. Dallin H Oaks
When I have tried to teach that principle in the past, I have observed that some people use it as an excuse for not preparing. Some will say, “Since the Spirit may prompt me to cast away my prepared talk, perhaps I don’t need to prepare at all.” That approach is not “treasur[ing] up in [our] minds continually the words of life.”
We should be in constant general preparation by treasuring up in our minds the teachings of the gospel, and when invited to give a talk or to present a lesson, we should make specific preparations. Most of the time we will carry through with our preparations. But sometimes there will be an authentic impression to leave something out or to add something. We should make careful preparation, but we should not be exclusively bound to that preparation. Dallin H Oaks
How to we invite the Spirit as we teach?
a. Pray.
b. Teach from the scriptures.
c. Testify.
d. Use hymns, Primary songs, and other sacred music.
e. Express love for others and for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
f. Share insights, feelings, and experiences that relate to the principles in the lesson.
When will the Spirit Teach?
Elder Oaks view on inviting the Spirit
About 17 years ago when I was at Brigham Young University, we were making plans to persuade the president of the United States to speak at the university. We had particular times that would suit our convenience, and we had in mind some things we wanted him to say and do while he was there. But all of us were wise enough to know that we could not contact the highest authority in the United States and invite him to come to the BYU campus—even to speak to 26,000 people—and put conditions on his appearance.
We knew that he would not come if we did not invite him, but we also knew that in inviting him we had to say, in effect: “We will welcome you whenever you can come and for whatever time you choose to be here and for whatever you choose to say and do while you are here. We will accommodate our schedules and our arrangements entirely to your visit.”
If that is the way a community of 26,000 people must approach the highest authority of one nation, it should not be surprising that one person—however important—is in no position to put conditions or impose personal timing upon a visit or communication from the highest authority in the universe. Dallin H Oaks
We believe in Continuing Revelation – not continuous revelation
Revelations from God—the teachings and directions of the Spirit—are not constant. We believe in continuing revelation, not continuous revelation. We are often left to work out problems without the dictation or specific direction of the Spirit. That is part of the experience we must have in mortality. Fortunately, we are never out of our Savior’s sight, and if our judgment leads us to actions beyond the limits of what is permissible and if we are listening to the still, small voice, the Lord will restrain us by the promptings of His Spirit. Dallin H Oaks
William E. Berrett, one of our finest gospel teachers, said this about the matter of continuous revelation: “Those who pray that the Spirit might give them immediate guidance in every little thing throw themselves open to false spirits that seem ever ready to answer our pleas and confuse us. … The people I have found most confused in this Church are those who seek personal revelations on everything. They want the personal assurance from the Spirit from daylight to dark on everything they do. I say they are the most confused people I know because it appears sometimes that the answer comes from the wrong source” (quoted in The Holy Ghost, 29–30).
Let the Spirit Guide you as you teach “in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say” (D&C 100:6).
Feeling of the Spirit
“The language of peace, as spoken by the Lord, embraces a sense of quiet confidence, comfort, and warmth. It is gentle and calm, amiable and sweet; it is temperate and kind; it is orderly and identified by happiness, joy, and feelings of love” (Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet, The Holy Ghost [1989], 14).
President Ezra Taft Benson spoke of some of these blessings: “The Holy Ghost causes our feelings to be more tender. We feel more charitable and compassionate with each other. We are more calm in our relationships. We have a greater capacity to love each other. People want to be around us because our very countenances radiate the influence of the Spirit. We are more godly in our character. As a result, we become increasingly more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and thus able to comprehend spiritual things more clearly” (“Seek the Spirit of the Lord,” Ensign, Apr. 1988, 4).
Great example of teaching
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve taught of the difference between a humble person who allows the Holy Ghost to teach and a proud person who relies on his or her own strength:
“Some years ago I had an assignment in Mexico and Central America similar to that of an Area President. …
“One Sunday, … I visited [a] branch priesthood meeting where a humble, unschooled Mexican priesthood leader struggled to communicate truths of the gospel. It was obvious how deeply they had touched his life. I noted his intense desire to communicate those principles. He recognized they were of great worth to the brethren he loved. He read from the lesson manual, yet his manner was of pure love of the Savior and those he taught. That love, sincerity, and purity of intent allowed the influence of the Holy Ghost to envelop the room. …
“Subsequently, I visited the Sunday School class in the ward where my family attended. A well-educated university professor presented the lesson. That experience was in striking contrast to the one enjoyed in the branch priesthood meeting. It seemed to me that the instructor had purposely chosen obscure references and unusual examples to develop his assigned topic—the life of Joseph Smith. I had the distinct impression that he used the teaching opportunity to impress the class with his great knowledge. … He did not seem as intent on communicating principles as had the humble priesthood leader. …
“… The humility of the Mexican priesthood leader was requisite to his being used as an instrument for spiritual communication of truth” (Helping Others to Be Spiritually Led [address to religious educators, 11 Aug. 1998], 10–12).
Acknowledge the Spirit
As you become more familiar with the voice of the Spirit, you will be able to help those you teach recognize the Spirit’s influence. Elder Richard G. Scott said, “If you accomplish nothing else in your relationship with your students than to help them recognize and follow the promptings of the Spirit, you will bless their lives immeasurably and eternally” (Helping Others to Be Spiritually Led [address to religious educators, 11 Aug. 1998], 3).
Revelation is pure intelligence
Similarly, the Prophet Joseph Smith referred to the spirit of revelation as “pure intelligence,” which “may give you sudden strokes of ideas” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, selected by Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 151).
Strong, Impressive Spiritual Experiences do not come frequently
Commenting on the workings of the Spirit, Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “I have learned that strong, impressive spiritual experiences do not come to us very frequently” (“That All May Be Edified” [1982], 337).
Elder Boyd K. Packer taught that “spirituality, while consummately strong, reacts to very delicate changes in its environment” (“I Say unto You, Be One,” Brigham Young University 1990–91 Devotional and Fireside Speeches [1991], 89).
