Lesson Table of Contents A Chosen Generation

A Chosen Generation


Purpose

To help class members live in holiness and be a chosen generation.


Attention Activity
As appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson.
Share the following story told by Bishop Vaughn J. Featherstone:
“Many years ago I heard the story of the son of King Louis XVI of France. King Louis had been taken from his throne and imprisoned. His young son, the prince, was taken by those who dethroned the king. They thought that inasmuch as the king’s son was heir to the throne, if they could destroy him morally, he would never realize the great and grand destiny that life had bestowed upon him.
“They took him to a community far away, and there they exposed the lad to every filthy and vile thing that life could offer. … For over six months he had this treatment—but not once did the young lad buckle under pressure. Finally, after intensive temptation, they questioned him. Why had he not submitted himself to these things—why had he not partaken? These things would provide pleasure, satisfy his lusts, and were desirable; they were all his. The boy said, ‘I cannot do what you ask for I was born to be a king’” (“The King’s son,” New Era, Nov. 1975, 35).
Bishop Featherstone commented:
“Our Father is a king, and just as the king’s son was exposed to every vile and perverted thing in this life, so you will be exposed to much of the filth and degradation of our generation. But you … are also born to be kings and queens, priests and priestesses” (New Era, Nov. 1975, 35).

As spirit children of our Heavenly Father, what is our potential?

How should the knowledge of our divine potential influence the way we live?

What thoughts come to your mind when you hear that you are a chosen generation?

Setting

[Theme of Peter’s First Letter How the saints ought to react to suffering and persecution is the theme of the letter. The president of the church was forewarning the members that there was yet to be a “fiery trial” wherein they would be classed with murderers, thieves, and evil doers. The letter constituted a warning and a preparation for ominous days ahead. (50-2) Place and Date of Writing of First Peter This letter was probably written at Rome, inasmuch as “Babylon” (5:13) is a scriptural designation for the wickedest city in the empire (Revelation 18:10, 21). The date of writing was sometime before the Neronian persecutions in A.D. 62 or 63. (50-3) Background Information for First Peter As noted in chapter 1, the Roman government displayed a general tolerance toward all religions, Christianity not excepted. As long as the church posed no threat to Rome, the state ignored the church. The priesthood leadership of the church, however, was under divine commission to preach the gospel “unto all the world” (Mark 16:15). This meant, of course, a peaceful penetration of the gospel message into and throughout the Roman Empire. It was not a message that could or would long remain ignored by the Roman government, for the gospel messengers were making bold assertions that Jesus of Nazareth, who was rejected by his own nation and crucified under Roman edict, was now risen from the dead. A message that proclaimed a risen Christ, a coming judgment, and an eventual return of Christ to establish his universal kingdom on earth was not a message to be favorably regarded by power-obsessed earthly monarchs. Under the emperor Nero, misunderstanding, hatred, and accusations toward the saints in Rome and throughout the empire were actively fostered. There is some evidence to suggest that Nero burned part of Rome so that he could expand his palace, and then would blame the fires on the saints. The change from tolerance to hostility toward the church provoked apprehension among the saints throughout Asia. What should be their attitude, in turn, toward the state? How ought they to regard this unjust persecution? They looked to the prophet for answers.]

Read 1 Peter 2:9 - Live in faith and holiness as a chosen generation.

9 But ye are a chosen generation, [so who is this letter addressed to? The Saints in the days of Peter. Wait a minute here how can they - the saints in Peters time be a chosen generation - so who is the chosen generation? That is a trick question because it does not mean a generation of time but rather the entire progeny of Jacob in all ages Isa 41:8-9 Elder Bruce R. McConkie defined a chosen generation as “not those living in a particular period or age, but … the house of Israel both anciently, in the meridian of time, and now in these latter-days. … [It includes] faithful members of the Church who have taken upon themselves the name of Christ and been adopted into his family” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 3:294)] a royal priesthood,[ What Is a Royal Priesthood? or Royal because you have the priesthood of God - Royality above earthly royality. “Whenever the Lord has a people on earth he offers to make them a nation of kings and priests—not a congregation of lay members with a priest or a minister at the head—but a whole Church in which every man is his own minister, in which every man stands as a king in his own right, reigning over his own family-kingdom. The priesthood which makes a man a king and a priest is thus a royal priesthood.” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:294.) Christ is the king of all those kings who he calls his own—those who are made royal by virtue of holding and honoring his priesthood. or what Moses calls a kingdom of priests, Exod. xix. 6, taken collectively; the order of men set apart for sacred offices - when the Lord has a people on the earth that are his he offers to make them a nation of Kings and prietss - not a congregration of lay members with a priest or minister at the head. Each man stands then as a king in his own right, reigning over his own family-kingdom Doc NT Comm pg 294] an holy nation, [ What makes them a holy nation? separated from all the people of the earth, that they might worship the one only true God, and abstain from the abominations that were in the heathen world ] a peculiar people; [ What Is the Meaning of the Phrase “a Peculiar People”? Each of the titles used here by Peter is a title formerly used to refer to the covenant people, the house of Israel. He therefore seeks to call to their minds that by virtue of their embracing the gospel they are now the new Israel. They are the chosen nation (see Isaiah 43:20), a royal “kingdom of priests” and a “holy nation” (Exodus 19:6) and a peculiar people. The word peculiar as used in the King James Version comes from the Latin peculium, meaning “private property.” Though today it has come to mean “strange or unusual,” it really carries the same idea—a characteristic or quality belonging to something. The marginal reading is “purchased” and means that the saints are God’s own, private people, a people for God’s own possession. How does the understanding that you are private property of God make you feel? This title too is suggested in the Old Testament when Isaiah says, “This people have I formed for myself.” (Isaiah 43:21.) President Joseph Fielding Smith added this: “And we will be peculiar because we will not be like other people who do not live up to these standards.” (CR, Apr. 1971, p. 47.) markedly different from the usual, a purchased people, those who have become faithful members of the church who have taken upon themselves the name of Christ and hence have been adopted into his family.] that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness [ so who are the called? The saints What have they been called to do? every person who accepts the gospel has accepted the call out of the darkness that they found themselves in ] into his marvellous light: [ Accept the truth, live his laws, the light that shows the way that we might return to live with him, The light of Christ, the light of truth, the light of the gospel ]

What is our responsibility as a chosen generation?

How can we fulfill this responsibility? (See Matthew 5:16.)



2. Partake of the divine nature and strive to make your calling and election sure.

When you hear the words make your calling and election sure what thoughts come to your mind?

Are these principles that we should really concern ourselves with? Why or why not?

2 Peter 1:3-4

3 According as his [Christs] divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, [ What kind of life is he referring to here? Eternal life. In other words this is a summation doctrine, a crowning doctrine. This is the thing that leads to life - meaning eternal life, and and involves what we must do through all phases of godliness. ] through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: [Our calling here is to glory; the glory of God]

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: [ What are the great and precious promises that our father in heaven has given us? We can live with him, inherit all that he has ] that by these ye might be bpartakers of the divine nature, [ What Does It Mean to Be “Partakers of the Divine Nature”? Peter himself goes on to say it is escaping “the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (vs. 4.) President David O. McKay, commenting on verse 4, said it means “to rise above the temporal, the sensual, and partake of the divine Spirit of God.” (CR, Oct. 1961, p. 90.) He becomes like God having developed the characters, and atributes that deity has. ] having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. [ We have foresaken the world, we now have the goal and direction to receive all of the great and precious promises that await us. so how do we do that - become partakers of divine nature? the next verse teach us exactly how, or what we must do.]

Discuss The Qualities Of Divine Nature In 2 Peter 1:5-7

What are the attributes that Peter describes as part of divine nature? list on chalk board all 9

diligence, faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity

Why is it important that we develop these qualities?

How have you seen these attributes demonstrated by others?

5 And beside this, [so we get this council, addresses to all members of the church] giving all diligence, [ What does it mean giving all diligence? Diligence means to do something with intense effort and motivation, with quick movement and is in opposition to the attitude of slothfulness. The individual who is diligent is eager to do something and ready to expend the necessary energy and effort. Diligence in hearkening to the voice of the Lord, diligence in keeping the commandments.] add to your faith virtue; [ What does it mean to be add virtue? Chastity; Cleanliness; Goodness; Holiness; Modesty; Purity; Sacred. Why is virtue important? Because God does not dwell in unclean things. ] and to virtue knowledge; [ Knowledge of what? That there is a God, That he lives, that we are his children, that he has a plan for us. What is it important to have this knowledge? This knowledge propells us forwrd to continue to make the rest of the effort required. ]
6 And to knowledge temperance; [ What is temperance? Self mastery, self control Why is it important? Gody temperence allowed him to let his son suffer and die on the cross and not interceed, even though he could, he has the self mastery to let the plan go forward as planned. ] and to temperance patience; [ Patience in what? Affliction, forebear, wait on the Lord, slow to wrath How does the Lord teach us through requiring us to use patience? Line upon line The son showed patience the recical of temperance when he sub mitted totally to the will of the father, allowing himself to be nailed to the cross as it was partof the fathers plan] and to patience godliness; [ What is Godliness? reverence for the sacred, emulation of the characteristics of God]

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; [ What is brotherly kindness? show benevolence to your brothers and sisters - humanity Why is brotherly kindness important to learn? ] and to brotherly kindness charity. [ Why is charity last? It kind of encompasses everything. If you have true charity you are doing the rest! Almsgiving; Benevolence; Compassion; Generosity; God, Love of; Love; Mercy; Poor; Welfare. ]

Read and Discuss 2 Peter 1:8-11

8 For if these things be in you, [ so if after you have joined the church, since this is who he is speaking to (the saints); and then have sought to aquire these previously mentioned atributes of God ] and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [ Which is life eternal to know God and Christ whom he has sent. ]
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, [ How is one blind that dose not posess the characteristics of divine nature? Or what does one see when he does posess the charistics of divine nature? or in otherwords people even though they are in the church are blind unless they have acquired the attributes of Godliness as mentioned above. So the more of these attributes that each of us posess, the more acurate our views on spiritual things. And the less blindness exists in their lives. ] and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.[ And how do we do that? through baptism ]
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren [ Who is he talking to here? ], give diligence [ What do you think he is trying to say when he says give diligence to the process? ] to make your calling [ What is meant by calling? To be called is to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, to be numbered amoung his saints. It is to accept the gospel and receive the everlasting covenant. Who are the called of God? remember we read in 1 Pet 2:9 They were called out of darkness, they are a chosen generation (Lineage), they hold a royal priesthood. (also D&C 53:1; 55:1; 101:39; ) What is their calling to? Eternal glory 1 Pet 5:10 "10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. " ] and election sure: [ Who are the elect? Those who have made the charastics of Divine nature part of their life. “The elect of God comprise a very select group, an inner circle of faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are the portion of church members who are striving with all their hearts to keep the fulness of the gospel law in this life so that they can become inheritors of the fulness of gospel rewards in the life to come” (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 217) What Is Meant by Having One’s Calling and Election Made Sure? “To have one’s calling and election made sure is to be sealed up unto eternal life; it is to have the unconditional guarantee of exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world; it is to receive the assurance of godhood; it is, in effect, to have the day of judgment advanced, so that an inheritance of all the glory and honor of the Father’s kingdom is assured prior to the day when the faithful actually enter into the divine presence to sit with Christ in his throne, even as he is ‘set down’ with his ‘Father in his throne.’ (Rev. 3:21.)” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:330–31.) Was this only for the saints in the days of Peter? so what then is he saying that we must do to have our calling and election made sure? develop the charastics of divine nature.
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost (by the laying on of hands), … then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 150).] for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: [ Or Greg; when you have done these things you will have proven to yourself, and God that you will serve him at all costs, and hence your salvation is made sure ]
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you [ You will have earned your admission ] abundantly [ When the Lord promises abundance what does he mean? means an enterance into the highest heaven in the celestial kingdom (B.R. McConkie "Making our Calling And Election Sure" 1969 BYU devotional ] into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. [ You will be permitted into his kindgom, to sit on his throne to be a joint heir, with the son, of all that the father has. see Rev 3:21 ]

3 Paul Expressed A Simuliar Message In Ephesains 6:10-18 Where he instructed the saints to put on the armor or god.

As you go through your daily life do you really consider you are in battle with Satan?

How do you know that you are in a battle?

Read Ephesains 6:10-18

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, [ What Does It Mean for a Latter-day Saint to Put On the Whole Armour of God? Now there we have the four parts of the body that the apostle Paul saw to be the most vulnerable to the powers of darkness. What are the 4 principal parts that we need to protect against? 1) The loins, Symbolic reprentation? typifying virtue, chastity. 2) The heart Symbolic reprentation? typifying our conduct, our desires, emotions, spiritual capacity - the place were real conversion takes place. 3) Our feet, Symbolic reprentation? our goals or objectives in life, 4) our head, Symbolic reprentation? our thoughts, the ruler of our body. “Now let's look at the kind of armor we need to guard against attack for each...the kind of armour that will protect us is even more interesting. . . .] that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, [ listen to the remarks of Jeffrey R. Holland - We Are All Enlisted - Oct 2011 Priesthood session.

"We don’t talk about the adversary any more than we have to, and I don’t like talking about him at all, but the experience of young Joseph reminds us of what every man, including every young man, in this audience needs to remember.

Number one, Satan, or Lucifer, or the father of lies—call him what you will—is real, the very personification of evil. His motives are in every case malicious, and he convulses at the appearance of redeeming light, at the very thought of truth. Number two, he is eternally opposed to the love of God, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the work of peace and salvation. He will fight against these whenever and wherever he can. He knows he will be defeated and cast out in the end, but he is determined to take down with him as many others as he possibly can."

so who or what exactly are we fighting ourselves against? In battle do we ever need to change our tactics based on the enemy? Does a football team change its defense based on the opponent? Why is it important to understand who the opponenet is in this case? If we don't understand the opponent then it is easier to be fooled as we are not sure who the enemy is.] against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, [ “Now notice the nature of the armour that [Paul] puts on the man whom he is now preparing to withstand the powers of darkness. He said, ‘Therefore stand, having your loins girt about with truth.’ Now the loins is that part of the body between the lower rib and the hip in which you will recognize are the vital organs which have to do with reproduction . . . he was saying that that part of the body was one of the most vulnerable. We should have our loins girt about with armour.

We should have our loins girt about with truth. What is truth, how do we as latter day saints define truth? Truth, the Lord said, was knowledge of things as they are, things as they were and things as they are to come. . . . What is going to guide us along the path of proper morals or proper choices? It will be the knowledge of truth. There must be a standard by which we measure our conduct, else how shall we know which is right? And how shall we know which is wrong? . . . ‘Our loins shall be girt about with truth,’ the prophet said.] and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [ And then the next we would have a breastplate over the heart. Now in the scriptures you will remember that the heart has always been used to typify our conduct. . . . And so we would have a breastplate over the heart.

“And the heart, what would we need to do to protect our heart? We shall have over our hearts a breastplate of righteousness. Well, having learned truth we have a measure by which we can judge between right and wrong and so our conduct will always be gauged by that thing which we know to be true. With this breastplate in place we will always choose to do that which is right. Our breastplate to cover our conduct shall be the breastplate of righteousness.]

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [“And then he said we would have the feet shod with the kind of armour that would protect our feet, suggesting the feet as the objectives, the goals of life which we should have [guarded] by some kind of armour and protected from getting off on the wrong foot.

“With what shall we protect our feet, or by what shall we gauge our objectives or our goals in life? All through the scriptures there runs a phrase suggested by the kind of armour the Apostle Paul would put upon the feet. Listen to what he says: ‘Your feet should be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.’ (Ephesians 6:15.) Interesting? What is the preparation of the gospel of peace? The whole core and center of the gospel of peace was built around the person of Him who was cradled in the manger. . . . How fortunate are you if in your childhood in the home of your father and mother you were taught the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ, the son of the living God; the meaning of baptism and what you gain by the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Fortunate is the child who has been taught to pray and who has been given those steps to take on through life. Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace! . .]

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, [ the shield of faith in what/who? Jesus Christ. READ -> “Well, now, the apostle Paul went one step further. He didn’t leave the man just with the armour on and expect him to cope against an army, seen or unseen. He had his armoured man holding in his hand a shield and in his other hand a sword, which were the weapons of those days. That shield was the shield of faith, and the sword was the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. I can’t think of any more powerful weapons than faith and a knowledge of the scriptures in the which are contained the Word of God. One so armoured and one so prepared with those weapons is prepared to go out against the enemy [and] is more to be feared than the enemies of the light.” (Harold B. Lee, “Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace,” Speeches of the Year, 1954, pp. 2–4, 6–7.)] wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, [ And finally we should have a helmet on our heads. “And then finally the helmet of salvation. Did you ever hear of that kind of helmet? The helmet of salvation. What is salvation? Salvation is to be saved. Saved from what? Saved from death and saved from sin. . . . “. . . When those two things are missing from this earth and when it has been sanctified and cleansed of its impurity, this shall be the place of salvation. On this earth will be the celestial kingdom, for there will be no more sin, no more death, no more crying, for all the former things are done away. By whom? By the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul said, in effect, ‘A helmet of salvation shall guide our thinking all through our days.’ . . . so how then or what do we do when we have put on the helmet of salvation? Our thoughts are turned to God,our blessings, that we can live with him...How does that guard against the evil one? ] and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

 

4 Peter speaks of the Saviors preaching the gospel to the dead

What did Peter teach about the work of preaching the gospel to the dead? (See 1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6.)

Read 1 Pet 4:5-6

5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge [Jesus Christ is our judge] the quick [ the living ] and the dead.
6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, [ Is Salvation for the Dead Intended for All Who Did Not Accept the Gospel in Mortality? “Salvation for the dead is limited expressly to those who do not have opportunity in this life to accept the gospel but who would have taken the opportunity had it come to them. “‘All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel,’ the Lord said to the Prophet, ‘who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom, for I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.’ (Teachings, p. 107.)” (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 686. Italics added.)] that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. [ How is one judged according to men in the flesh but live according to God in the spirit? What does he mean? We will all be judged the same way, only God knows what these people would have done if they had known of the gospel. So they will be judged as if they had heard the gospel in this life and how they would have lived if they gad done so. ]

Read 1 Pet 3:18-20

18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he [Jesus Christ] went and preached [ “Why did he [Jesus] preach to these disobedient spirits? Surely not to increase their torments, to taunt them for not accepting of his truth in the days of the prophets! . . .“. . . He took the glorious message of the gospel and proclaimed it to the dead with the promise that they, if they would obey it, should partake of its blessings.” (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:159–60.) One of the most important teachings of the gospel is that of work for the dead. ] unto the spirits in prison; [Spirits in prison has 2 different meanings hell - which is prison proper and the whole spirit world, which in sense that all who are therein are restricted and cannot enjoy their fullest state until after they are resurrected. The Savior taught the righteous in prison - set them up to do missionary work to the un-righteous Gospel Doctrine 5th Ed pp 472-276. He did not go to the evil ones because of his love for them - refer to my Dream...]

20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, [ What Was the Fate of the People Who Ignored Noah’s Warning? “They were drowned in their sins. Their marriages were for time. They reveled in worldliness. They were possibly like many in the world today who place no curb upon their eating, drinking and licentiousness. Their ignoring the laws of God and the warning of the prophets continued until the very day when Noah and his family entered the ark. Then it was too late. Too late! What finality in that phrase! Following their eternal history, we find Peter telling of them more than two millennia later: (Read 1 Peter 3:18–20.) “And last, they had a chance in the spirit world to hear the voice of missionaries and prophets again. But so late! What sad words! Nearly a further two millennia passed into history and we hear of them again in modern revelation. Of the vision given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in 1832, the Prophet writes: “‘And again, we saw the terrestrial world, and behold and lo, these are they who are of the terrestrial. . . .“‘. . . They who are the spirits of men kept in prison, whom the son visited, and preached the gospel unto them, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh; “‘Who received not the testimony of Jesus in the flesh, but afterwards received it.’ (D&C 76:71, 73–74.) “Too late! The terrestrial for them! It could have been the celestial, and it could have been exaltation! But they procrastinated the day of their preparation. The same lamentable cry of ‘Too late!’ will apply to many of today’s Church members who did not heed the warning but who proceeded—sometimes carelessly, sometimes defiantly—to bind themselves through mortality to those who could not or would not prepare for the blessings which were in reserve for them.” (Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 248–49.)] while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

When did Jesus go to the spirit world to organize the preaching of the gospel among the dead? (See D&C 138:27.)

Here that promise is being fulfilled. What did Jesus do during his visit to the spirit world? Joseph F. Smith, Vision of the Redemption of the Dead, D&C 138:verses 1–19 (Pearl of Great Price).

6 I opened the Bible and read the third and fourth chapters of the first epistle of Peter, and as I read I was greatly impressed, more than I had ever been before, with the following passages:
7 “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
8 “By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
9 “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” (1 Peter 3:18—20.)
10 “For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” (1 Peter 4:6.)
11 As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I saw the hosts of the dead, both small and great.
12 And there were gathered together [they were called to a meeting. Where was the meeting held? Who took the minutes of the meeting?] in one place an innumerable company [large number so big the you cannot count them – this shows that our Father in Heavens’ plan works. ] of the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality; [righteous members of the church]

13 And who had offered sacrifice [root: sacer: sacred, holy + facere: to make or to do | So it means to make or to do something holy or sacred] in the similitude of the great sacrifice of the son of God, and had suffered tribulation [members of the church that have sufferred heartaches, trials and tests in mortality and had remainded faithful.] in their Redeemer’s name. [Did you note that there were three attributes or accomplishments?
1) They had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in this life.
2) They had offered sacrifice in the similitude of the great sacrifice of the son of God.
3) And they had suffered tribulation in their Redeemer's name.
How could anyone offer sacrifice that would be in similitude of His great sacrifice? Could they have survived Gethsemane as He did? They could not! Were they crucified? Certainly not. Then how could they offer a sacrifice that would be in similitude of His great sacrifice? See Mosiah 15:6-7 ]

14 All these had departed the mortal life, firm in the hope of a glorious resurrection, through the grace of God the Father and his Only Begotten son, Jesus Christ.
15 I beheld that they were filled with joy and gladness, and were rejoicing together because the day of their deliverance was at hand. [the resurrection]
16 They were assembled awaiting the advent of the son of God into the spirit world, [they have gathered in the spirit world - and the atonement is under way. it has started and they are there to watch. Can you imagine? Not that Jesus is suffering but the anticipation that he will shortly come to the world of spirits] to declare their redemption from the bands of death.
17 Their sleeping dust was to be restored unto its perfect frame, bone to his bone, and the sinews and the flesh upon them, the spirit and the body to be united never again to be divided, that they might receive a fulness of joy. [to have a fullness of joy you must be a resurrected being]
18 While this vast multitude waited and conversed, rejoicing in the hour of their deliverance from the chains of death, the son of God appeared, declaring liberty to the captives who had been faithful; [ Isaiah 61:1 So what does that mean? That he would appear to the righteous members of his church. Notice they are not prisoners they are captives. They are held in the spirit world until Christ works out the resurrection.]
19 And there he preached to them the everlasting gospel, the doctrine of the resurrection [He has just completed the atonement and the ressurrection, and now he is there telling them about it. Can you imagine the experience?] and the redemption of mankind from the fall, and from individual sins on conditions of repentance.

 

Did Jesus visit the wicked spirits? D&V 138:20–32.

D&C 138:20

20 But unto the wicked he [Christ] did not go, and among the ungodly and the unrepentant who had defiled themselves while in the flesh, his voice was not raised;

How did the Lord go about teaching the gospel in the spirit world?

D&C 138:29-30

29 And as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my understanding quickened, and I perceived that the Lord went not in person [he could not go because in doing so he would cause them to burn up - be consumed by his power, he did not go- out of his love, so that they would not be caused to shrink at his persence] among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them;
30 But behold, from among the righteous, [who are the righteous? They are those who have entered into a covenant with him. New and everlasting covenant - Temple ordinances; Joseph Smith said only those who have had their temple work done will be doing the work.] he [Christ] organized his forces [What does he do? How does he organize them?] and appointed messengers, [Authorized them - they had the priesthood if they were going to preach] clothed with power [priesthood] and authority, [under the direction of Jesus Christ] and commissioned them to go forth [What does commissioned mean? he gave them a charge with the authority to carry it out] and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead. [What would it have been like at the point where these men first entered the spirit prison? Virgin territory for those missionaries. ]

 

What exactly is being taught in the spirit world?

D&C 138:33-37

33 These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, [The first two are not so different from what the missionaries teach today] vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, [ Why do you suppose that this needs to be taught them? Do you suppose that some wonder why they were not born in a different place or time? How important is vicarious baptism to them? Do you suppose that some have been taught and are waiting? How does this reflect on our responsibilities as a chosen generation? ] the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands,
34 And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. [ Here we have that phrase again. Judged according to what they would have done, how they would have lived- if they would have received the gospel in this life. Have you ever sit back and reflected on just how blessed you are to have the knowledge that you have about the plan of salvation, the knowledge of God and everything that the gospel brings. What are some of the simple things that we kind of take for granted - that the rest of the world does not have? the priesthood, ...]

What does the Savior’s ministry in the spirit world reveal about God’s work? (Answers could include that because of God’s perfect justice and mercy, all people who have lived on earth will have an opportunity to accept the gospel and enjoy its full blessings.)

 

5. Follow the Savior’s example in enduring trials and persecution.

What role do trials play in us developing our divine nature and becoming like him?

 

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial [ What Was the “Fiery Trial”? The “fiery trial” probably refers to the Neronian persecutions against the church. Nero Claudius Caesar. a.d. 37-68 n 64, most of Rome was destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome, which many Romans believed Nero himself had started in order to clear land for his planned palatial complex - then he blamed the fire on the Christians so he could then persecute the saints. Every saint, however, faces his own “fiery trial” as a part of his experience in the second estate. “. . . the greatest trials of life are reserved for the saints. They are the ones whom the world hates (Matt. 10:22), and they must overcome the world, if they are to gain the Lord’s approval. They face all that the world faces in the way of mortal difficulties— sickness, disease, calamities, famine, pain, sorrow, death—and in addition their faith in Christ and his work is tested to see if they will serve the Lord at all hazards.” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:318.) ] which is to try you, [ What kind of trails is he primarly referring to here? clues are found in v14; 16; The trails of persecution for being members of the church, saints. to prove you, for you to buid your own strength and conviction ] as though some strange thing happened unto you: [ What does this mean? That our trials should not be looked at as why did this happen to me, but that they have a purpose]
13 But rejoice, [be glad for your trials, be glad because you understand there purpose] inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; [ the idea that Christ suffered for our sins, that we could be free from them; so should it be too much to ask that we have a few trials in our life, be persecuted as saints to prove worthy of that suffering? Have you ever thought about your trials in that light?] that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

 


Read and discuss 1 Peter 2:19–24; 3:13–17; 4:12–19.
Peter wrote that “Christ … suffered for us, leaving us an example” (1 Peter 2:21).

What can we do to follow the Savior’s example in responding to trials and persecution? (See 1 Peter 2:19–23.)

What examples have you seen of people who are Christlike in enduring trials?

How are we blessed as we follow the Savior’s example in responding to trials?


When have you (or someone you know) been persecuted for doing the Lord’s will?

How did Peter counsel us to respond in such circumstances? (See 1 Peter 3:13–17; 4:12–19. You may want to list class members’ responses on the chalkboard.)

In what ways do trials give us an opportunity to draw closer to the Lord and to glorify him?

Discuss 1 Peter 1 and 2:1–10. Invite class members to read selected verses.
• • What did Peter teach in chapter 1 about the mission of Jesus Christ? (See 1 Peter 1:3–4, 18–21.)

How should knowing of the Savior’s mission and sacrifice affect our daily actions? (See 1 Peter 1:8, 13–16, 22–23; 2:5. You may want to list class members’ responses on the chalkboard.)
• • Why is faith “much more precious than … gold,” as Peter stated? (See 1 Peter 1:7; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Nephi 7:12.)

What do you think it means to have our faith tried with fire? What is the ultimate purpose of our faith? (See 1 Peter 1:5, 9.)
• • Peter taught that the prophets who testify of Jesus Christ have “enquired and searched diligently” (1 Peter 1:10; see also verse 1 Peter 1:11). How can diligent prayer and scripture study strengthen our testimonies of the Savior?

 


4. Resist false teachers and those who deny the Second Coming.
Read and discuss selected verses from 2 Peter 2–3 and Jude. Explain that Jude was a son of Joseph and Mary and a brother of Jesus.
• • Peter and Jude warned that there would be false teachers among the members of the Church. What did they say were some characteristics of false teachers? (See 2 Peter 2:1–3, 10, 12–19; Jude 1:4, 8, 10–13, 16, 18–19.) How can we recognize false teachers today?
• • What counsel did Peter and Jude give that can help us avoid false teachings and remain faithful as we prepare for the Second Coming? (See 2 Peter 3:11–14, 17–18; Jude 1:3, 20–21; see also Moroni 7:12–17; D&C 45:57; 46:7–8.)

Conclusion
Testify of the truths you have discussed. Encourage class members to follow the teachings of Peter and Jude as they strive to live in faith and holiness.


Additional Teaching Ideas
The following material supplements the suggested lesson outline. You may want to use one or both of these ideas as part of the lesson.
1. Additional discussion of 1 Peter
• • In 1 Peter 1, what contrasts did Peter make between what is corruptible or perishable and what is incorruptible or everlasting? (See 1 Peter 1:4, 7, 18–19, 23–25. List class members’ responses on the chalkboard under two headings: Corruptible or Perishable and Incorruptible or Everlasting.) What can we learn from these contrasts?
• • Peter taught that Jesus was “foreordained before the foundation of the world” to be the Savior (1 Peter 1:20; see also Revelation 13:8). Why is this truth important? What do scriptures revealed in the latter days add to our understanding of the Savior’s foreordination? (See Moses 4:1–4; Abraham 3:27–28.)
• • What counsel did Peter give about the laws of the land? (See 1 Peter 2:13–15.) What counsel has the Lord revealed in the latter days about the laws of the land? (See D&C 58:21–22; 98:4–10; 134:5; Articles of Faith 1:12.)
• •
• • What counsel did Peter give Church leaders in 1 Peter 5:1–4? How can Church leaders “feed the flock of God”? (1 Peter 5:2; see 2 Peter 1:12–15; D&C 42:12–14). How have you been blessed by Church leaders who have followed this counsel?
2. “No … scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20)
• • Read 2 Peter 1:20–21. What did Peter teach in these verses about the source of the scriptures? What did Peter teach about interpreting the scriptures? How can we ensure that we interpret scriptures correctly? (Answers may include by seeking out the inspired interpretations of Church leaders and by seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost.) How have the teachings of Church leaders or the guidance of the Spirit helped you understand a particular scripture?