Old Testament, Lesson 1 “This Is My Work and My Glory”

Moses 1, Gospel Doctrine Manual: OT Lesson 1

I’m preparing by reviewing notes that I have personally taken on Moses 1:
https://topicalgospelstudy.blogspot.com/search?q=Moses+1

 

As a point of clarification, point out that it is Jehovah that is speaking the words of the Father to Moses in these verses.

To Print:

Class members should understand that Jehovah, not Heavenly Father, appeared to Moses in this vision. Jehovah was the premortal Jesus Christ and the God of the Old Testament. He is one with his Father in purpose and represents him in power and authority. His words are those of the Father, and sometimes, as in Moses 1:6, he speaks in the first person for the Father. (See James E. Talmage, The Articles of Faith, 12th ed. [1924], 470–71.)

You might also briefly share your conversation with Dallin about this passage. Jehovah is quoting his Father in these passages. May be read also:

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he aseeth the bFather do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. (John 5:19)

Part 1: Moses 1:1-11

Slowly read these first 11 verses. Ask for a row of readers, one verses each. Maybe pause after verse 7 and discuss the doctrine of being children of God.

How does the knowledge of our divine heritage as children of God affect how we interact with others? How can it or how does it affect our family relationships?

Can you think of an example of how knowing that you are a child of God has changed you or your situation, or how that has blessed someone else?

If needed, ask someone to read this quote:

Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught: “Consider the power of the idea taught in our beloved song ‘I Am a Child of God.’ … Here is the answer to one of life’s great questions, ‘Who am I?’ I am a child of God with a spirit lineage to heavenly parents. That parentage defines our eternal potential. That powerful idea is a potent antidepressant. It can strengthen each of us to make righteous choices and to seek the best that is within us. Establish in the mind of a … person the powerful idea that he or she is a child of God, and you have given self-respect and motivation to move against the problems of life” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 31; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 25).

Continue reading verses 7 -11:

So we just established that man is the offspring of Diety. Now Moses concludes that “Man is nothing”.  How do we explain this gospel paradox?

How do you think this knowledge, “Man is nothing” prepare Moses for the work that was in front of him?

Part 2: Satan confronts Moses; Moses cast out Satan.

“Moses, son of man, worship me.”

Moses had learned that he had a specific work to accomplish.  So as a part of his rebuttal to satan he states that “I will not cease to call upon God, I have other things to inquire of him:” (vs. 18)

How does Moses repel satan’s influence?

 

Part 3: Moses learns of God’s work and glory.

What are the two questions that Moses asks God?

  1. aTell me, I pray thee, why these things are so, and by what thou madest them? (vs. 30)
  2. Be merciful unto thy servant, O God, and atell me concerning this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, and also the heavens, and then thy servant will be content. (vs 36)

Though actually, both questions are in verse 30:

  • Why these things are so? (What things?)
  • By what thou madest them?

Moses is again shown the earth and the inhabitants thereof.  Twice the Lord says “for mine own purpose have I made these things.” Then in verse 39, he finally explains what that purpose is:”To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”

 

INVITE AND PRACTICE: (Save 10 minutes for this.)

How are we going to apply this to our own lives.

Read this quote:

President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “We are here to assist our Father in His work and His glory, ‘to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man’ (Moses 1:39). Your obligation is as serious in your sphere of responsibility as is my obligation in my sphere. No calling in this church is small or of little consequence. All of us in the pursuit of our duty touch the lives of others. To each of us in our respective responsibilities the Lord has said: … ‘In doing these things thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings, and wilt promote the glory of him who is your Lord’ (D&C 81:4)” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 94; or Ensign, May 1995, 71; see also D&C 81:5–6).

Ponder: How might a relationship that you may be struggling with right now be different with the perspective of being children of God?

Ponder: The church calling or callings that you currently occupy, how can you use it to further God’s work more effectively?

 

 

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