Week # 22


PRIESTHOOD


"When we receive the priesthood, we do so with the understanding that it will be used for the benefit of others.  This is an obligation we take upon us.  In fact, priesthood blesses us in two ways:  first, it is the means through which exaltation comes to those who hold it;  second, is to be used in behalf of others that they also may be blessed. . . .  No man has been given the priesthood as an ornament only.  He is expected to use it in behalf of others.

Not only is he expected, but he is commanded to do so."  (Joseph Fielding Smith, "No Exaltation without the Priesthood,"  Improvement Era, June 1996, p.538).

Questions and Activities

• What is the priesthood?
• How were the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods restored?
• Why do we need the priesthood on the earth?
• What are the ordinances of the priesthood, and how is each administered?
• What does it mean to magnify a calling in the priesthood?
• What personal experiences have strengthened your testimony of the power of the priesthood?
• Record in your journal the blessings that have come into  your life through the priesthood.
• What are you doing to magnify your calling received through the power of the priesthood?

Topical Guide

Authority

Called of God

Calling

Election, Elect

False Priesthoods 

Foreordination

Jesus Christ, Authority of

Ordain

Ordinance

Ordination

Priesthood

Priesthood, Authority

Priesthood, History of

Priesthood, Ordination

Priesthood, Power of

Sealing, Sealed

Scriptures

Alma 13:1-19

D& C 2,  13,  84:6-44;  86,  110,  121

Official Declaration----2

John 15:1-10

Hebrews 5:1-10;  7

Abraham 1:1-5

Articles of Faith 1:5

Bible Dictionary

Aaronic Priesthood

Anoint

Birthright

Levites

Melchizedek Priesthood

Other Sources

Gospel Principles,  chapter 13

A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, chapter 9

The Articles of Faith, chapter 10