Moroni 10:8-34

Reading Assignment for Friday, May 25: Moroni 10:8-34

Learning Activities:

1)Introduction

After teaching how to obtain a witness of the truth of all things through the Holy Ghost, Moroni exhorted those who would read his words to receive and recognize spiritual gifts. Moroni concluded the Book of Mormon record by exhorting all people to come unto Jesus Christ, lay hold on every good gift He offers, and be perfected through Him.

2) What are the gifts of the spirit?  Why are they given? How do we get them?

3) Moroni 10:30-33

President Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. 

“We need not be dismayed if our earnest efforts toward perfection now seem so arduous [or difficult] and endless. Perfection is pending. It can come in full only after the Resurrection and only through the Lord. It awaits all who love him and keep his commandments” (Russell M. Nelson, “Perfection Pending,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 88).

4) Come to class with your favorite power phrase from this chapter.  What motivates you to be more like Christ?


Want More?

Moroni 10:8–19. Gifts of the Spirit

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–1985) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described the purposes and reasons for spiritual gifts:

“[The purpose of spiritual gifts] is to enlighten, encourage, and edify the faithful so that they will inherit peace in this life and be guided toward eternal life in the world to come. Their presence is proof of the divinity of the Lord’s work; where they are not found, there the Church and kingdom of God is not. The promise is that they shall never be done away as long as the earth continues in its present state, except for unbelief (Moro. 10:19), but when the perfect day comes and the saints obtain exaltation, there will be no more need for them. As Paul expressed it, ‘When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.’ [1 Cor. 13:10.]

“Faithful persons are expected to seek the gifts of the Spirit with all their hearts. They are to ‘covet earnestly the best gifts’ (1 Cor. 12:31; D. & C. 46:8), to ‘desire spiritual gifts’ (1 Cor. 14:1), ‘to ask of God, who giveth liberally.’ (D. & C. 46:7; Matt. 7:7–8.) To some will be given one gift; to others, another; and ‘unto some it may be given to have all those gifts, that there may be a head, in order that every member may be profited thereby.’ (D. & C. 46:29.)” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 314).

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–1994) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

“One of the great tragedies of life, it seems to me, is when a person classifies himself as someone who has no talents or gifts. …

“From Doctrine and Covenants 46:11–12, we have this truth: ‘For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.

“‘To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.’

“God has given each of us one or more special talents. … It is up to each of us to search for and build upon the gifts which God has given. …

“Let us review some … less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost. …

“God does live. He does bless us with gifts. As we develop and share our God-given gifts and benefit from the gifts of those around us, the world can be a better place and God’s work will move forward at a more rapid pace” (Marvin J. Ashton, “There Are Many Gifts,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20, 23).