Moses 1; Abraham 3: Lesson 4

Moses 1:1–11

“I Have a Work for Thee … My Son”

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

Moses “saw God face to face, and he talked with him” (Moses 1:2). God told Moses, “Thou art my son” (Moses 1:4) and “I have a work for thee” (Moses 1:6). The purpose of this lesson is to help you feel that you are a child of God and He has a work for you to do.

Study the Scriptures

How do you think people your age feel about the following statements? Why?

• I am confident in who I am.

• I know my purpose in life.

How do you feel about these statements?

God has preserved in the scriptures accounts of some people who may not have confidence or direction in their lives. The Book of Moses is part of a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith as he was working on an inspired revision or translation of the Bible. It has some valuable insights about God’s interactions with Moses.

Throughout Moses’s life, he had times when his purpose was not very clear. Long before the Lord helped Moses lead his people out of slavery, he was born an Israelite (a member of God’s covenant people). But, as an infant, he was adopted by a royal Egyptian family.

Eventually he had to flee from Egypt to a new land to preserve his life, leaving the only family he had known.

• If you were in Moses’s situation, what thoughts might you have about the purpose for your life?

Some time after Moses had fled Egypt, the Savior appeared to Moses “face to face” (Moses 1:2).

Because Jesus Christ is one in purpose with Heavenly Father, when He speaks, we can better understand the Father as well (See John 10:25, 30; 3 Nephi 11:27).

To help you study the scriptures, draw the following chart in your notebook. Or you could use different colors or styles to mark in the scriptures what you learn about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and Moses.

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ	Moses
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ	Moses

Read Moses 1:1–11 or watch the following video. Imagine what it would be like to have this experience. On the chart, write what the verses teach about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and Moses.

Review what you have found. Are there any words or phrases that help you feel a greater connection with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Make a note next to those verses that help you better understand your relationship with Them.

Draw two stick figures. Choose two of the following people to learn about. Look for the work God had for each person. Write your answers to the following questions next to each figure.

• What did the individual do to help others and bring them to Jesus Christ?

• Why might a loving God want them to do this work?

• How did God prepare them to help?

Review the following study options. Complete one or more. Then complete the Now What? section at the end of the lesson.

Option A

Moses

Look up “Moses” in the Bible Dictionary or Guide to the Scriptures.

Option B

Girish

Girish is a man born and raised in Nepal who found the gospel and eventually moved to Utah. Read the following or watch “I Have a Work for Thee” from time code 0:18 to 1:12.

Years later, when more than 1,500 refugees from camps in Nepal were relocated to Utah, Girish felt inspired to help. With native-language fluency and cultural understanding, Girish served as an interpreter, teacher, and mentor. … A Nepali-speaking branch was organized, and Girish later served as its branch president. He was also instrumental in translating the Book of Mormon into Nepali. (John C. Pingree Jr., “I Have a Work for Thee,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 32)

Option C

A discouraged sister

Elder John C. Pingree Jr. of the Seventy shared:

One day, a discouraged sister pleaded, “Lord, what is my personal ministry?” He answered, “Notice others.” … Since then, she has found joy in noticing those who are regularly forgotten, and God has worked through her to bless many. (“I Have a Work for Thee,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 33–34)

Now What?

Draw an additional stick figure and write your name below it.

Elder John C. Pingree Jr. of the Seventy testified:

To Moses, God declared, “I have a work for thee” (Moses 1:6). Have you ever wondered if Heavenly Father has a work for you? Are there important things He has prepared you—and specifically you—to accomplish? I testify the answer is yes! (“I Have a Work for Thee,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 32)

Take a moment and pray. Ask Heavenly Father to help you see what work He has for you. You could make a note in your scriptures (next to verse 6) of your impressions. Writing down your spiritual impressions can help you now and can also help you in the future to recognize His hand in your life. The following questions may help you think about His work for you.

• What am I already doing that may be part of God’s work for me in this life?

• How might God want me personally to do His work in my family? in my ward or branch?

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you know that you are a child of God and He has a work for you to do.

Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

• What it means to you to be a child of God with a work to do. Include scriptures from your studies that help you feel this way.

• What you have learned about God’s work for His children on earth. What you are already doing to be a part of His work.

• Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

• Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?