Pacific Area
Lesson 1: Priesthood Principles
Keys statue

Lesson 1

Priesthood Principles

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only organization on earth with priesthood authority. The Prophet Joseph Smith received the Aaronic Priesthood and its keys from John the Baptist (Doctrine and Covenants 13:1). He received the Melchizedek Priesthood and its keys from the Apostles Peter, James, and John (Doctrine and Covenants 27:12–13).” (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3.1)

Purpose

To increase understanding of the Priesthood and how it helps accomplish His work “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

Prepare to learn

Invite each prospective elder to study and ponder these references in preparation for this lesson:

  • Moses 1:39

  • “The priesthood is the authority and power of God. It has always existed and will continue to exist without end (Alma 13:7–8; Doctrine and Covenants 84:17–18).” (General Handbook, 3.0)

  • Priesthood Principles (General Handbook, 3.0)

  • Restoration of the Priesthood (General Handbook, 3.1)

  • Blessings of the Priesthood General Handbook, 3.2)

  • Melchizedek Priesthood (General Handbook, 3.3.1)

  • Priesthood Authority (General Handbook, 3.4)

  • Priesthood Power (General Handbook, 3.5)

  • The Priesthood and the Home (General Handbook, 3.6)

Interact to edify

Discuss:

  • Priesthood Principles (General Handbook, 3.0)

  • Restoration of the Priesthood (General Handbook, 3.1)

  • Blessings of the Priesthood (General Handbook, 3.2)

  • Melchizedek Priesthood (General Handbook, 3.3.1)

  • Priesthood Authority (General Handbook, 3.4)

  • Priesthood Line of Authority (Doctrine and Covenants 84:6-18)

  • Why is it important that we can trace priesthood authority in the Church today back to the authority of Jesus Christ?

  • Inform the prospective elder that you will assist him in obtaining his priesthood line of authority.

  • Priesthood Power (General Handbook, 3.5)

  • The Priesthood and the Home (General Handbook, 3.6)

Invite to act

Invite each prospective elder to act:

  • Will you write 3 to 5 sentences on what each Priesthood principle and doctrines mean to you as a son of God, husband or father.

  • Could you share your feeling with your family or elders quorum and report back at our next class?

Follow up

Follow up with each prospective elder during the week:

Prior to presenting the next lesson, make an appropriate follow up during the week to find out how the prospective elder is progressing with his commitments, answer questions, and help him overcome challenges. Focus on the following commitments:

  • Will you write 3 to 5 sentences on what each Priesthood principle and doctrines mean to you as a son of God, husband or father?

  • Could you share your feeling with your family or elders quorum and report back at our next class?

Jesus Healing a blind man