detail of statue of Peter holding keys

September 26

Why Is It Important That Priesthood Keys Are on Earth Today?

Doctrine and Covenants 106–108

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Counsel Together

Led by a member of the quorum or class presidency; approximately 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Young Women Theme or the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme. Then lead a discussion about the work of salvation and exaltation using one or more of the questions below or questions of your own (see General Handbook, 10.2, 11.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. What did we discuss last time, and what invitations or assignments were made? What have we done to act on those invitations or assignments?

• Care for those in need. What can we do or say to reach out to those who might feel alone or distant from Heavenly Father?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. What are some ways we can help others feel the love of Jesus Christ?

• Unite families for eternity. What ideas can we share with each other to help strengthen our families?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind quorum or class members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

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Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; approximately 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

“Priesthood keys,” Elder Gary E. Stevenson taught, “unlock blessings, gifts, and powers of heaven for [us]” (“Where Are the Keys and Authority of the Priesthood?” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 32). Jesus Christ holds all priesthood keys, and He authorized heavenly messengers to confer priesthood keys upon Joseph Smith. Today the members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hold these same keys (see Doctrine and Covenants 90:3–4, 6; 107:35; 132:7). These keys are the authority God has given to priesthood leaders to direct the use of His priesthood on earth.

As you read Doctrine and Covenants 107 this week, think about how God can bless you and those you teach through His priesthood. What do you find in this section that is important for quorum or class members to know? As you prepare to teach, you could review Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s message cited above and “Priesthood Keys” in True to the Faith ([2004], 126–27).

young man passing sacrament

Great spiritual blessings are available to us through priesthood keys.

Learn Together

Doctrine and Covenants 107 can help answer the question “What blessings do we receive through the priesthood and the service of priesthood leaders?” Maybe quorum or class members can look for some answers in verses 18–23, 85–89. To help them better understand how the priesthood and priesthood leaders bless our lives, use one or more of the following activities.

• You could begin a discussion about priesthood keys by inviting a quorum or class member to come prepared to share the story of President Spencer W. Kimball’s visit to a church in Denmark, told by President Boyd K. Packer in his message “The Twelve” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 83–87; see also the video “The Restoration of Priesthood Keys” [ChurchofJesusChrist.org]). You could also ask your quorum or class to read together the section “Priesthood Keys” in True to the Faith (pages 126–27). Give them time to teach each other in pairs what priesthood keys are, based on what they learned. What blessings have come to us through the service of those who hold priesthood keys?

• You might want to share Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s story about losing his keys from the first six paragraphs of his message “Where Are the Keys and Authority of the Priesthood?” (or show the video “Where Are the Keys?” [ChurchofJesusChrist.org]). You could show some keys and invite your quorum or class to share how those keys are similar to priesthood keys. Those you teach could review and discuss the scriptures referred to by Elder Stevenson (Joseph Smith—History 1:68–72; Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16), which describe priesthood keys being committed to the earth. You might invite quorum or class members to each choose one of the following scriptures and share a one-sentence summary of what they learn about the powers and blessings we receive through priesthood keys: Matthew 16:18–19; Doctrine and Covenants 27:12; 65:2; 84:19–20. Why it is important that priesthood keys are on the earth today?

• You could give each member of your quorum or class a paper key and assign each person to read section II, III, IV, or V of President Dallin H. Oaks’s message “The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 49–52). Invite them to write on the key what they learned about the priesthood and then share what they wrote. How do these truths influence the way we feel about our quorum or class leaders and the assignments we receive from them?

Act in Faith

Encourage quorum or class members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. How does today’s lesson relate to personal goals they have made? If they would like, quorum or class members could share their ideas.

Supporting Resources

• Russell M. Nelson, “Spiritual Treasures,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 76–79

• “Priesthood Keys,” in General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3.4.1

• “Learn Your Duty,” “The Priesthood, an Opportunity to Serve” (videos), ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

The Savior called and set apart leaders to direct and govern His Church (see Matthew 10:1–5). How can you help those you teach feel gratitude for those who are called to serve and help them?

See also the video “Asking Follow-up Questions” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).