Gospel Principles
Unit 6: The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Chapter 22: The Gifts of the Spirit
Concept 3: Gifts of the Spirit (part 2)
The Gifts of Teaching Wisdom and Knowledge (Moroni 10:9-10 "For behold, to one is given by the Spirit of God, that he may teach the word of wisdom;
10 And to another, that he may teach the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;")
Some people are given a special ability to explain and testify of the truths of the gospel. This Gift can be used when we teach a class. It can be used by parents to teach their children. This gift also helps us instruct other so they can understand the gospel.
Discussion
Why must we have the Spirit of the Lord to teach? (D&C 42:14 "And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.").
The Gift of Knowing That Jesus Christ Is the Son of God (D&C 46:13 "To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.")
This has been the gift of prophets and apostles who have been called as special witness of Jesus Christ. However, others are also given this gift. Every person can have a testimony. It usually comes through the whisperings of the Holy Spirit but may come in a dream or vision. Elder Orson F. Whitney saw a vision of the Savior in Gethsemane. He saw the great suffering of the Savior, and it caused him to weep.Then the Savior took him into his arms and blessed him. (see Bryant S. Hinckley, The faith of Our Pioneer Fathers, pp.221-13).
The Gift of Believing the Testimony of Others (D&C 46:14"To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.")
By the power of the Holy Ghost we may know the truth of all things. If we want to know whether someone else is speaking the truth, we must ask God in faith. If the thing we are praying about is true, the Lord will speak peace to our minds (D&C 6:22-24 " 22 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.
23 Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?
24 And now, behold, you have received a witness; for if I have told you things which no man knoweth have you not received a witness?").
In this way we can know when someone else, even the prophet, has received revelation. Nephi asked the Lord to let him see, feel, and know that his father's dream was true (1 Nephi 10:17-19 "17 And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.
18 For he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him.
19 For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.").
Discussion
How can we receive a testimony that another person is speaking the truth?"