Lesson 24: The School of the Prophets and the Word of Wisdom “Lesson 24: The School of the Prophets and the Word of Wisdom,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants: Church History, (1997),127

Purpose To help the children understand and desire to live the Word of Wisdom.

The Word of Wisdom  1. The Lord has revealed the Word of Wisdom to Joseph Smith the Prophet. If we obey, and follow in faith, beautiful blessings are promised: 2. A clean body, a clear mind, a spirit in tune with the Lord; These are promised to all who follow the word and will of God. Words and music: Janice Kapp Perry, b. 1938 © 1987 by Janice Kapp Perry

Our Opening Prayer will be given by (Enter Name Here)

Attention Activity Hunters sometimes use snares to catch animals and birds. Hunters set snares on a trail or in a place where small animals or birds come for water. Sometimes a snare is attached to a tree limb so that it hangs just above the trail, where an animal will run into it.

Attention Activity Other times a snare is placed on the ground and covered with leaves so it cannot be easily seen. A lure such as food may be placed in or near the snare to tempt an unsuspecting animal or bird to step into the snare. The snare catches and holds the animal in such a way that it cannot easily free itself.

Attention Activity Just as hunters set snares to capture animals, Satan has set many snares for us. He uses appealing things as lures, hoping to catch us in one of his snares and destroy us. However, by learning and following the Lord’s commandments we can avoid Satan’s snares.

Attention Activity Because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ knew this could happen, they gave us some commandments to help us grow up strong and happy.

Attention Activity By learning to avoid these snares and treat our bodies like temples, we can grow to be strong and healthy. This is what our lesson is about today.

Lesson 24: The School of the Prophets and the Word of Wisdom “Lesson 24: The School of the Prophets and the Word of Wisdom,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants: Church History, (1997),127

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Joseph Smith started a school for men in the Church. It was called the School of the Prophets.

The school was held in a room in Newel Whitney’s store in Kirtland, Ohio. In this school, Joseph and other Church leaders taught each other about the priesthood, the scriptures, and other things.

The school was to help the men prepare for Church leadership and missionary service.

Many of the men smoked pipes or cigars, which filled the room with smoke. Some of the men chewed tobacco and spit on the floor, making it very dirty.

Emma Smith, Joseph’s wife, cleaned the room after each meeting. She and Joseph became concerned about the brethren’s use of tobacco. Joseph wondered if people should smoke or chew tobacco.

Joseph prayed to know what was right. Jesus gave him a revelation called the Word of Wisdom. Jesus said that some people want others to do things that are bad for their bodies.

In the Word of Wisdom, Jesus told the Saints about things that are bad for their bodies. He also told them about things that are good for their bodies.

Jesus said alcohol is not good for people. They should not have drinks with alcohol in them. Alcohol should be used only on the outside of the body.

Jesus said tobacco is not good for people. They should not smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. They should not chew tobacco.

Jesus said the Saints should not drink hot drinks such as tea and coffee. These drinks are not good for the body.

Jesus said many plants and animals are good for people to eat. People should thank Heavenly Father for good food.

Jesus said people should not eat too much meat.

The Lord said grains are good for the body. Some grains are wheat, rice, corn, and oats. Fruits and vegetables are also good for the body.

Jesus promised great blessings to those who obey the Word of Wisdom. Their bodies will be stronger and healthier than if they did not obey it. Their minds will also be healthier, and they will receive wisdom and treasures of knowledge.

The Word of Wisdom is given to help us keep our bodies healthy and strong and that we are happier when we obey its guidelines.

Can you choose the right On the following slides, determine if what is shown is good for us or bad for us.

Discussion Time

What was the purpose of the School of the Prophets. (D&C 88:77–78, 80

What was the purpose of the School of the Prophets. (D&C 88:77–78, 80 What were the Church leaders instructed to study in this school? (D&C 88:78–79.)

What was the purpose of the School of the Prophets. (D&C 88:77–78, 80 What were the Church leaders instructed to study in this school? (D&C 88:78–79.) Why was it important for these leaders to study and learn? Joseph Smith also established a school for children.

Why is learning important for all of us? It is important for your to learn and do your best in school and other educational settings, such as Primary.

The men attending the School of the Prophets were instructed to gain “a knowledge … of countries and kingdoms” (D&C 88:79). How can learning about other countries and cultures help members of the Church be good missionaries?

How can members of the Church today learn about the gospel? Attending Primary and other Church meetings by listening to or reading general conference talks by holding family home evening and family scripture study through personal study of the scriptures and other Church publications. Why is it important to study the gospel as well as school subjects such as reading and math?

Why did the Lord reveal the Word of Wisdom? Why is it important for us to take good care of our physical bodies?

Whom do you think the “conspiring men” mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 89:4 might include? Why does Satan want us to use things (such as tobacco products or alcoholic drinks) that the Lord forbids in the Word of Wisdom?

According to section 89, what foods are good for our bodies According to section 89, what foods are good for our bodies? (Grains, fruits, vegetables, small amounts of meat; see D&C 89:10–16 ) What counsel has the Lord given us regarding sleep? (D&C 88:124.)

What are we promised if we obey the Word of Wisdom and take care of our bodies? (D&C 89:18–21) Some people have disabilities or illnesses that keep them from being completely healthy even if they obey the Word of Wisdom.

However, if they obey the laws of God, the time will come, either in this life or the next, when they can enjoy every blessing mentioned in these verses.

In section 89, what does the Lord command us not to use In section 89, what does the Lord command us not to use? (D&C 89:5, 7–9) The prophets have told us that “hot drinks” refers to tea and coffee.

The prophets have told us that “hot drinks” refers to tea and coffee. In section 89, what does the Lord command us not to use? (D&C 89:5, 7–9) The prophets have told us that “hot drinks” refers to tea and coffee. Some things that are harmful to us (such as illegal drugs) are not specifically mentioned in the Word of Wisdom, but Church leaders teach us not to use anything that is harmful to our bodies or minds. 53

What are some results of using things that are harmful to us?

What harm can come from not obeying the Word of Wisdom? illness and disease, poverty Dishonesty addictive habits automobile accidents inactivity in the Church sins resulting from loss of good judgment

In Joseph Smith’s time people did not know all that we know now about the bad effects of smoking and alcohol use.

But the Lord knew about these bad effects, and he warned the people (see D&C 89:4). The Lord also knew that people who disobey the Word of Wisdom lose the desire to obey the other commandments and to become like Jesus Christ

But the Lord knew about these bad effects, and he warned the people (see D&C 89:4). The Lord also knew that people who disobey the Word of Wisdom lose the desire to obey the other commandments and to become like Jesus Christ

Physical desires become more important to them than spiritual desires What can you do when someone offers you something that is against the Word of Wisdom?

Listen to the following quotation from President Spencer. Spencer W. Kimball, the twelfth President of the Church, counseled us to decide how that we will keep the Word of Wisdom. Listen to the following quotation from President Spencer. Enrichment Activity 1

“When I was young, I made up my mind unalterably that I would never taste tea, coffee, tobacco, or liquor. I found that this rigid determination saved me many times throughout my varied experiences. There were many occasions when I could have sipped or touched or sampled, but the unalterable determination firmly established gave me good reason and good strength to resist” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982], p. 164). Enrichment Activity 1

I want to encourage you to obey the Word of Wisdom. If we decide now how we will act when we are tempted, instead of waiting until the temptation comes, it will be easier for us to make wise choices. I want to encourage you to obey the Word of Wisdom. Enrichment Activity 1

TESTIMONY I want to testify to you of the importance of study and learning, especially learning about the things Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want us to do. If you obey the Word of Wisdom, it will bless your life. I want to encourage you to decide now to obey the Word of Wisdom and to say “no” to all harmful things they may be tempted to use.

Our Closing Prayer will be given by (Enter Name Here)

The End

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D&C 88:77–78, 80 7 And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.  78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;

D&C 88:77–78, 80 80 That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.

D&C 88:78–79 78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;  79 Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—

D&C 88:79 79 Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—

Doctrine and Covenants 89:4 4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—

D&C 89:10–16 10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—  11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.  12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;

D&C 89:10–16 13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.  14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;  15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.  16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—

D&C 88:124 124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.

D&C 89:18–21 18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;  19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;  20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.  21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

D&C 89:5, 7–9 5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him. 7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.  8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.  9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.

D&C 89:4 7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.  8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.  9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.