Gospel Principles 13: The Priesthood

This lesson consists of four questions that the manual recommends assigning to small groups and have them answer the questions. That’s a quick way to get the lesson done if someone is running short on time and could be effective. I’ve used these questions as general subjects and listed more questions with quotes that can help this lesson be a little more applicable to both genders.

1.  Why do we need the priesthood on the Earth?
I would use this section to define the priesthood.

What is the priesthood?
D&C 84: 19-21

How do we use the priesthood?  (or, What ordinances do we have that must be done with the authority of the priesthood?)

How has the priesthood blessed your life?

2.  How do men receive the priesthood?
I think the fifth Article of Faith covers this questions nicely.  I might push the group a bit here.

How do women participate in the priesthood?

All faithful members of the Lord’s Church are equally blessed by priesthood ordinances. The first ordinance in a child’s life usually takes place when he or she is a baby and is given a name and a blessing. When children reach the age of accountability, they are baptized. There is not a separate baptism for boys and girls. The same baptismal ordinance is performed for a young girl and a young boy, who are baptized in the same font. When those children are confirmed and receive the Holy Ghost, the same power is given to each of them. They qualify for the help of that holy power through their faithfulness and not in any other way.
—Julie Beck, “An Outpouring of Blessings”

Because the priesthood has been restored, we also share equally in the blessings of spiritual gifts. The Lord gives us these gifts for our own benefit and to help each other.

Moroni said that “there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them.

“For behold, to one is given by the Spirit of God, that he may teach the word of wisdom;

“And to another, that he may teach the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

“And to another, exceedingly great faith; and to another, the gifts of healing by the same Spirit.”
—Julie Beck, “An Outpouring of Blessings”

What happens when we all enjoy the blessings and the work associated with the priesthood?
Matthew 7:20-23

3.  How do men properly use the priesthood?
D&C 121:41

What happens when men use the priesthood without this scripture in mind?

What is our duty, as women, when it comes to the execution of priesthood power?
What is our duty when we see a problem in this area?

4.  What blessings come when we use the priesthood properly?
I think this question may come up already in the earlier questions, but I think it’s an important way to end the lesson, reminding us of the stories we have where the priesthood has blessed us with spiritual strength or insight.  I’d come prepared with a story or two of my own to get the discussion started here.

Close with your testimony.

Need more ideas?
Additional priesthood lessons here at The Exponent:
Caroline’s The Everlasting Priesthood
Emily’s Women and the Priesthood (based on Pres Julie Beck’s talk, “An Outpouring of Blessings”)

Note: This lesson was originally written for the Relief Society audience in 2010-2011, when the Gospel Principles manual was temporarily used as curriculum for Relief Society, Elders Quorum and High Priest classes. The lesson may require adaptation for Gospel Principles classes, which are mixed gender and primarily serve new members and investigators of the church.