Lesson 46: Extra Stuff

In our lesson today on Revelation I asked how Satan has fought against the righteous throughout the history of the earth and then we read Revelation 6:4-11 to find the answers.
War was fairly easy to see, but the reference to a pair of balances, measures of wheat for a penny and three measures of barley, and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine, was a little harder to interpret. I tried to find an explanation at the time but could not. Here is what I was looking for...

"This strange accounting of the price of wheat and barley seems baffling to us today, but knowledge of the monetary units and customs of John's time helps us to better understand what the voice declared. John's readers would have clearly understood it. A measure (Greek choenix) was approximately the same volume as our own quart and was the usual amount of a day's allowance or ration. The penny (denarius) was a small silver coin of Roman mintage. Although it is hard to determine the equivalent value in today's inflated economy, it is known that a denarius was the typical wage for a day's work in those times. Thus, to spend one day's wages to buy only enough food for one person for one day clearly points out that these were famine prices. Three measures of barley could be purchased for a penny, but barley was a much inferior grain for human consumption and was generally used only in times of great hunger. The fact that the rider had balances in his hand suggests that the scarcity of food was such that it had to be doled out with exactness. Elder McConkie has suggested that the phrase "hurt not the oil and the wine" meat that enough good should be preserved so that man would not utterly perish in the famine conditions of that time. (See McConkie, DNTC, 3:480.)"
Taken from Ye Shall Be Witnesses Unto Me A New Testament Reading Guide: Acts to Revelation Religion 212 and 212 IS

Persecution was the third strategy that was brought out in the reading with martyrs crying out to the Lord.

Here is the part of the lesson we did not get to:

 

3. After the last judgment, the righteous will dwell with God.

Read and discuss selected verses from Revelation 20:12–22:21.

• •

After the last great battle, the final judgment will occur.

What can we learn from Revelation 20:12 about how we will be judged?

Reading 7

Revelation 20:12

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

What blessings will come to those who are judged to be righteous? (See Revelation 21:3–7.

Reading 8

Revelation 21:3-7

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

The righteous will:

1. a

Dwell in God’s presence (Revelation 21:3).

2. b.

No longer experience death, sorrow, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4).

3. c.

Inherit all things as sons and daughters of God (Revelation 21:7).

Compare to the blessings and promises that were promised to the saints in the seven churches from our lesson last week.   

Promises to Those Who Overcome:

Give to eat of the Tree of Life

Not be hurt of the second death

Give to eat of the hidden (sacred) manna (reference to the bread of life or Christ)

Clothed in white eternally - Names in the Book of Life

Sit with God on His throne

Blessings of Exaltation and Eternal Life

These are the blessings ALL of us receive IF WE OVERCOME THE WORLD. IF WE ARE RIGHTEOUS, WE CAN OVERCOME IT ALL.

Reading 9

President David O. McKay told of a vision in which he saw a beautiful city, many people dressed in white, and the Savior:

“The city, I understood, was [the Savior’s]. It was the City Eternal; and the people following him were to abide there in peace and eternal happiness.

“But who were they?

“As if the Savior read my thoughts, he answered by pointing to a semicircle that then appeared above them, and on which were written in gold the words: These Are They Who Have Overcome the World—Who Have Truly Been Born Again!” (Cherished Experiences from the Writings of President David O. McKay, comp. Clare Middlemiss [1976], 60).

What does Revelation 22:14 tell us we must do to be able to enter the gates of the eternal city?

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Show video  Elder Uchtdorf - Hope

Elder Uchtdorf's Video

 

Conclusion

Point out that the New Testament ends with a message of great hope. Prophets like John the Revelator have seen the things that are to come and have told us of the blessings we will receive if we remain righteous and endure to the end. Testify that the righteous will triumph at the end of the world. Encourage class members to take courage and hope from this knowledge as they stand against wickedness and seek to overcome the obstacles of this life.

 

Lesson 46: “He Will Dwell with Them, and They Shall Be His People”

• 
  One thing we learn from Revelation 6 is that Satan has fought against the righteous throughout the history of the earth. According to Revelation 6:4–11, what are some ways he has done this? What tactics does Satan use today to try to overcome the righteous? How can we maintain hope and a positive outlook as we fight the war against Satan?
• •
  The Second Coming of Jesus Christ will usher in the Millennium, a thousand-year period when Christ will reign personally upon the earth. What will happen to Satan during the Millennium? (See Revelation 20:1–3.) What will life be like when Satan is bound? (See 1 Nephi 22:26; D&C 45:55, 58.) How can we limit the power of Satan in our lives right now?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Read Revelation 20:1–3, which shows that Satan will be bound during the Millennium. Then give family members recent newspapers or magazines. Have them look through the newspapers or magazines and determine which articles may or may not be in a newspaper or magazine during the Millennium.

Scripture Chain: Words of Hope and Comfort in the Book of Revelation

• Revelation 3:20
• Revelation 7:13–17
• Revelation 21:3–7
• Revelation 22:1–7
• Revelation 22:17

The rest of the lesson...Lesson 45 "He That Overcometh Shall Inherit All Things"

We didn't get through all the admonitions and promises to the seven churches, and we will have lots to talk about next week, so here are my lesson notes for you to study if you choose.

 

2. The Lord tells the seven branches in Asia about the blessings promised to those who overcome.

Triumph over, win the victory   see topical guide first lines…

Discuss Revelation 2–3. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud. Explain that chapters 2 and 3 contain the words of the Lord to each of the seven branches of the Church in Asia. The Lord reviewed some of the strengths and weaknesses in each branch and warned the Saints to correct their weaknesses.

• •

Just as the Lord commended and corrected the Church members in Asia, he commends and corrects us today. What might the Lord commend us for? What has the Lord told us to correct?

 Remember Bro. Wall's comment about being "slow to act?" Sabbath day observance was another suggestion made by Sr. Christensen. Whatever the Apostles teach us in their Conference addresses are areas where we can improve, and also traits that are to be commended. We ARE listening and we DO try hard!

Ephesus  (Revelation 2:1-7)  Stresses the need for love of Christ.  Note about Nicolaitans page 249 New Testament Reading Guide.  Repentance needed.

Promise: verse 7: 

7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

What does the tree of life represent? (See 1 Nephi 11:21–22.) Why is this the most desirable of all blessings?

Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11)  Praises the faithful endurance of the saints. Many tribulations.  Promise: verse 11

11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

What is the second death? (See Alma 12:16, 32;) How can the Lord’s promise to the Saints in Smyrna help us see our tribulations in the proper perspective?

Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17) Calls false teachers to repentance.

·  The Lord criticized some of the people in Pergamos for following the doctrine of Balaam, an Old Testament prophet who desired earthly honors and rewards more than he desired to follow the Lord’s will. What earthly honors and rewards might we have to give up to obey the Lord’s will?

·  •

Promise: verse 17  To the Saints in Pergamos the Lord promised, “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna.” (The word hidden in this context means sacred, or not evident to everyone.) What could hidden manna represent? (See John 6:35, 49–51.)

Thyatira  (Revelation 2:18-29) Condemns immoral practices.  Jezebel, reins (kidneys) to the Hebrews, strength and vigor. Idiom meaning the Lord knows all things about the inner man, his strengths and weaknesses, his character and emotions, and He shall then be able to “give unto every one of you according to your works.” 

Promise: verse 26-27

Rule over nations with the word of God = blessings of exaltation and eternal life, rule over heavenly kingdoms.

·  How can we use the word of God to rule our own lives?

·  •

Who is the morning star mentioned in Revelation 2:28? (See Revelation 22:16.) What might it mean to be given the morning star? (Answers may include to receive Christ into our lives and to receive the blessings of his Atonement.)

Sardis  (Revelation 3:1-6)  Calls the saints to a more spiritual life.  How does participation in temple ordinances prepare us to be “clothed in white” eternally? What is the book of life?

 

Book of life

Spoken of in Philip. 4:3; Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 21:27; 22:19; see also Dan. 12:1–4; Luke 10:20. In one sense the book of life is the sum total of one’s thoughts and actions—the record of his life. However, the scriptures indicate that a heavenly record is kept of the faithful, whose names are recorded, as well as an account of their righteous deeds (D&C 88:2; 128:7).

What will happen to those whose names are written in the book and are not blotted out because of wickedness? (See Revelation 21:10, 23–27; Alma 5:58; D&C 88:2.)

Philadelphia  (Revelation 3:7-13) Praises the loyalty of the saints.

·  What did the Lord say he would do for the Saints in Philadelphia because they had “kept [his] word, and … not denied [his] name”? (See Revelation 3:10.) How does righteous living make it easier to resist temptation?

·  •

The Lord promised (verse 12) to those who overcome, “I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God.” What does it mean to have the name of God and the name of his city written on us? (We become like God and become citizens of his eternal kingdom.)

Laodicea  (Revelation 3:14-22) Condemns the lack of commitment. Lukewarm saints.

·  How might we sometimes be spiritually “lukewarm”? How can we increase our commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ?

·  •

The Lord promised the Laodiceans, (verse 21) “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” (Revelation 3:21). What blessings are symbolized by the promise of sitting with the Lord on his throne? (See Romans 8:16–17.)

“Behold, I stand at the door” (Revelation 3:20)

Display the picture Jesus at the Door (62170; Gospel Art Picture Kit 237).

• •

What does Revelation 3:20 teach about the Lord? (See also Revelation 22:17.) How have you found this to be true?

 

Conclusion

Testify that those who overcome the temptations and trials of the world will inherit the blessings of eternal life. Remind class members that the Savior’s Atonement provides a way for us to overcome if we repent and are faithful.

Lesson 45: “He That Overcometh Shall Inherit All Things”

To obtain a better understanding of these chapters, see the footnotes and Joseph Smith Translation, Revelation 1:1–8; Revelation 2:26–27; 12:1–17.

• •
  What came out of the Savior’s mouth in John’s vision? (See Revelation 1:16.) What did this sword represent? (See D&C 6:2.) In what ways is the word of the Lord like a sword? (See Hebrews 4:12; Helaman 3:29.)
• •
  In John’s vision, what did the Lord promise those who overcome the trials and temptations of mortality? (See the scripture chain in this section.)
• •
  How will the Church and kingdom of God finally overcome Satan? (See Revelation 12:11.) How can the Atonement of Christ and your testimony of it help you in your own struggle against Satan?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Read Revelation 6:12–14 and Revelation 16:18–21, and explain that these passages describe things John saw in his vision of the last days. Then explain that although some of the prophecies in the book of Revelation can be frightening, other prophecies in the book of Revelation can give us hope and help us be unafraid during difficult times. Read a few of the passages from the scripture chain in this section to find some of those messages of hope.

Scripture Chain: Promises to Those Who Overcome

• Revelation 2:7
• Revelation 2:11
• Revelation 2:17
• Revelation 3:5
• Revelation 3:12
• Revelation 3:21

Lesson 44: “God Is Love”

• 
  What word did John use to describe Heavenly Father in 1 John 4:8, 16? Why is this an appropriate word?
• •
  Read 1 John 4:9–10. What manifestation of God’s love did John mention in these verses? (See also John 3:16; 1 John 5:11; 2 Nephi 9:10.) How does sending his Son to atone for our sins manifest Heavenly Father’s love for us?
• •
  John taught that Heavenly Father will answer our prayers if we ask according to His will (1 John 5:14–15). How has prayer helped you feel Heavenly Father’s love?
• •
  How did John describe those who claim to love God but do not “love one another”? (See 1 John 2:9, 11; 3:14–15, 17; 4:20.) Why is our love for others a measure of our love of God?
• •
  Why do parents receive such joy when they “hear that [their] children walk in truth”? (3 John 1:4).

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Tell the family that you are going to go exploring together. Then take a walk or ride, looking for things that help family members see that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love them. When a family member finds something that shows the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, write it down. When you have finished exploring, read the list you have made together.

As part of this family discussion, you may want to sing together “Where Love Is” (Children’s Songbook, 138–39).

Scripture Chain: “He That Loveth His Brother Abideth in the Light”

• 1 John 2:10–11
• 1 John 3:16–19
• 1 John 4:7–11
• 1 John 4:20–21
• John 21:15–17
• Moroni 7:45–48

Lesson 42: “Pure Religion”

• What counsel did James give to those who “lack wisdom”? (See James 1:5–6.) How was the Prophet Joseph Smith influenced by this counsel? (See Joseph Smith—History 1:11–13.) What experiences have you had with receiving answers to prayer
• James taught that we should be “swift to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19). What experiences in your life have confirmed the wisdom of his counsel?
• What did James emphasize that we should do to live a pure religion? (See James 1:27.) Why do you think visiting and helping people in need is part of pure religion? What can you do to stay “unspotted from the world”?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

James said that part of practicing “pure religion” is keeping ourselves “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). Discuss how this teaching can affect our daily decisions. In your discussion you may want to refer to the pamphlet For the Strength of Youth (34285), which contains counsel from the First Presidency on how to keep ourselves “unspotted from the world.”

Scripture Chain: Receiving Answers to Prayer

• James 1:5–6
• Matthew 21:22
• Alma 37:37
• 3 Nephi 18:20–21
• D&C 112:10
• Joseph Smith—History 1:11–19

Lesson 41: “I Have Finished My Course”

 To view the video I would have shown to close today's Gospel Doctrine Lesson 41 "I have Finished My Course" click on the following link:

Video Elaine Dalton that I would have used to close today's Gospel Doctrine Lesson

ALSO, here are the scriptures that were used in the discussion groups:

Group 1 

What signs of apostasy did Paul describe in his letters to Timothy and Titus? (See 1 Timothy 4:1–3; 2 Timothy 3:1–7, 13; 4:3–4; Titus 1:10–11.)

 How are these signs of apostasy evident today? (See 2 Nephi 28:3–9; D&C 1:15–16.)

 How can we protect ourselves against these evils?

Group 2

Why are some people “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”? (2 Timothy 3:7).

 How can we ensure that our learning brings us to a knowledge of the truth?

  

 What did Paul teach Timothy about the responsibilities of people who teach the gospel? (See 1 Timothy 4:6–7, 13–16; 2 Timothy 2:16, 23–25; 3:14–17; 4:2, 5. You may want to list these responsibilities:

Group 3 
Paul emphasized the importance of teaching and learning true doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3; 4:6, 13; Titus 2:1). How can learning true doctrine help us guard against apostasy?

What are some of the dangers of false teachings?

How has learning the true doctrines of the gospel blessed your life?

Speaking of the power of true doctrine, Elder Boyd K. Packer said: “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. … That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 20; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).

Group 4

How can we be sure that what we teach is true doctrine? (See Mosiah 18:19–20; D&C 52:9.)

 Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin counseled: “God has revealed everything necessary for our salvation. We should teach and dwell on the things that have been revealed and avoid delving into so-called mysteries. My counsel to teachers in the Church, whether they instruct in wards and stakes, Church institutions of higher learning, institutes of religion, seminaries, or even as parents in their homes, is to base their teachings on the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 101; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 77).

What did Paul counsel us to do once we have received sound doctrine? (See 2 Timothy 1:13; Titus 1:9.)

 

What do you think it means to “hold fast”? (See 1 Nephi 15:23–24.

And here are the Readings:

Reading 1

2Timothy 4:16-18

16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Reading 2

2Timothy 4:6-7

6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Reading 3

1Timothy 6:11-12

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Reading 4

2Timothy 2:22

22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Reading 5

Titus 2:1-8, 12

1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Reading 6

Titus 3:1-2, 8

1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.