DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 106-108
Doctrinal Focus
- Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading
The Lord Calls Ordinary People to Do His Work
The Lord does not require perfection to serve; He qualifies those He calls.
- In Doctrine and Covenants 108:1–3, Lyman Sherman is told that his sins are forgiven and he is called to strengthen his brethren. This shows that the Lord uses individuals who may feel unworthy or inexperienced. His grace enables the weak to be strong, so long as they are willing and faithful.
Humility and faith are more important than worldly qualifications.
The lesson “Chosen to Bear Testimony of My Name” teaches that being called by the Lord is based on willingness to act, not on status or recognition. Leaders like Lyman Sherman and Warren Cowdery are examples of disciples who were not prominent figures but were still called to significant roles in the Church. This illustrates how God’s standards for leadership differ from the world’s.
Priesthood Authority Is Sacred and Ordered by God
The priesthood operates according to God’s order, not human design.
Doctrine and Covenants 107 outlines the organization of priesthood offices and their roles. This structure is divinely appointed and mirrors the “order of the Son of God,” emphasizing that spiritual authority is not arbitrary but follows a heavenly pattern. Understanding this helps members honor and support priesthood responsibilities.
All priesthood holders are to act in unity and righteousness.
In D&C 107:27–30, decisions in priesthood quorums are to be made in unanimity and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This teaches that priesthood leaders must seek divine confirmation and act in harmony. It fosters a sense of sacred accountability and collaborative leadership among those who serve.
Walking with the Lord Means Serving with Faith and Love
Walking with the Lord involves daily, faithful efforts to follow Him.
- In the message “Walk With Me,” President Henry B. Eyring invites disciples to walk with Christ in love and service. This walk is not a one-time event but a continual commitment. Serving others, strengthening the Church, and ministering in the Savior’s way are all part of this covenant path.
Personal devotion and quiet service draw us closer to Christ.
Warren Cowdery’s calling in D&C 106 shows that even in small or less visible roles, discipleship has eternal impact. The Lord promises that those who “labor diligently” will receive His Spirit and blessings. As we engage in sincere service and develop Christlike attributes, we grow spiritually and walk in greater unity with Him.
Historical & Contextual Insights
- Insights in this week’s study
Setting
- The revelations in Doctrine and Covenants 106–108 were received in 1834 and 1835, during a period of rapid Church growth and organization following Zion’s Camp. The Saints were scattered across various states, especially in Ohio and Missouri, facing both spiritual needs and external persecution.
Context
- These sections were directed to individuals being called to serve and help stabilize the Church. Warren Cowdery (D&C 106) was called as a presiding high priest in Freedom, New York. Section 107 provides a comprehensive explanation of priesthood offices and governance, and Section 108 is directed to Lyman Sherman, a humble disciple seeking to serve the Lord. At this time, Joseph Smith was working diligently to establish priesthood order, clarify leadership responsibilities, and prepare the Church for future growth.
Significance
- These revelations helped solidify the organizational structure of the priesthood. They gave doctrinal grounding for Church governance and showed how individual members, even in small branches or feeling uncertain about their worthiness, were essential to the work.
Takeaway
- Understanding this setting reminds us that the Lord is deeply involved in the organization and direction of His Church. Just as early Saints received personal revelation and calls to serve, we too can receive divine guidance and play vital roles in building the Lord’s kingdom today.
The revelation in D&C 106 called Warren Cowdery to lead despite his perceived inexperience and remote location.
Warren Cowdery, brother of Oliver Cowdery, lived far from Church headquarters but was still chosen to lead the Saints in his region. The Lord acknowledged the spiritual needs of Saints in scattered branches and emphasized that leadership isn’t confined to central figures in prominent places.
Warren was not among the core leadership in Kirtland, yet his call underscores the Lord’s awareness of all His people, regardless of geography. This reflects a deeply personal pattern of revelation and care.
His example teaches that small, seemingly isolated branches of the Church are still part of the Lord’s larger work. God calls leaders where they are needed most, often based on faith and willingness rather than visibility.
D&C 107 formalized priesthood structure during a time of increased organizational complexity in the Church.
- As the Church grew, it became essential to define roles and responsibilities within the priesthood. D&C 107 introduced detailed instruction on the duties of quorums, councils, and priesthood keys, which provided a framework for governance and unity.
- This revelation introduced the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Seventy as organized bodies with clearly defined duties. It was a major development in solidifying Church hierarchy and order.
- These organizational principles are still foundational today, reinforcing that the priesthood operates through divinely appointed channels. It’s a testament to the Lord’s foresight in preparing the Church for growth and global leadership.
If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.
Apologetic Application
Criticism 1: "The priesthood structure in the Church is man-made and not based on scripture."
- Claim: “Joseph Smith fabricated the offices and hierarchy of priesthood leadership.”
- Response:
- Historical Evidence: Section 107 was received over time and compiled in 1835 to codify priesthood structure as the Church grew. It reflects the needs and revelations Joseph and early leaders were receiving to guide an expanding organization.
- Eyewitness Support: Early leaders such as Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and the members of the Twelve Apostles affirmed the divine origin of these organizational revelations. Their journals and letters reflect unity and reverence toward the priesthood order.
- Spiritual Confirmation: Members of the Church are invited to receive a witness from the Holy Ghost regarding the divine origin of priesthood authority and Church organization. This spiritual testimony affirms that the structure isn’t arbitrary but divinely inspired.
- Logical Analysis: A rapidly growing church requires clear leadership roles and defined responsibilities. The logical and orderly system introduced in D&C 107, including checks and spiritual guidance, is consistent with divinely guided governance rather than arbitrary invention.
Criticism 2: "Joseph Smith's revelations are vague and conveniently suit his leadership agenda."
- Claim: “He made up revelations to control others.”
- Response:
- Historical Evidence: D&C 108 is a direct response to Lyman Sherman’s request for guidance—showing that revelation was not initiated by Joseph’s agenda but by sincere inquiry from others.
- Eyewitness Support: Lyman Sherman and others who received personal revelations testified of their authenticity and acted on them, often with significant personal sacrifice, not personal gain.
- Spiritual Confirmation: These revelations often contain Christlike encouragement, repentance, and specific instruction, inviting spiritual confirmation and change. Their fruits include faith, service, and humility.
- Logical Analysis: If Joseph were manipulating followers, personal revelations like D&C 108—given to little-known members without political clout—would be unnecessary. Instead, this pattern shows responsiveness to individuals and sincere pastoral care.
Criticism 3: “There is no evidence that early Saints believed in distinct priesthood offices."
- Claim: “The priesthood offices were invented later and retroactively added.”
- Response:
- Historical Evidence: The offices of elder, high priest, and deacon appear in early Church records as early as 1830–1831. Section 107 formalized what was already practiced based on earlier revelations.
- Eyewitness Support: The minutes of early Church conferences and journals of early leaders document ordinations and priesthood quorums well before the 1835 publication of the Doctrine and Covenants.
- Spiritual Confirmation: Saints testify of the divinely guided organization and authority present in priesthood functions, such as blessings, ordinances, and callings, which bring peace and divine power.
- Logical Analysis: An evolving and growing organization naturally refines its leadership structure over time. Rather than invention, D&C 107 reflects clarification and divine refinement of practices already in use.
Practical Applications
Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:
Magnify Your Calling, Even If It Feels Small
Action Step: Fulfill your current Church or family responsibility with diligence, even if it seems unnoticed.
Why it helps:
How to do it:
- – Identify your current calling or responsibility (formal or informal).
- – Pray for guidance on how to serve more sincerely or effectively.
- – Look for one way each week to lift someone quietly and meaningfully.
- – Record how you feel the Lord’s support as you serve.
Encouraging Thought:
“If you are humble and faithful and call upon My name, then you shall receive the spirit to strengthen you” (D&C 108:7). Even unnoticed efforts matter deeply to the Lord.
Respect and Sustain Priesthood Organization
Action Step: Learn about how priesthood quorums and responsibilities function in your ward or branch, and support leaders in their roles.
Why it helps:
D&C 107 outlines a divine structure for leadership and unity in the Church. Understanding and supporting this order strengthens faith in how the Lord governs His people and builds spiritual trust in His chosen servants.
How to do it:
- – Read D&C 107 with an eye for how each office supports the Church.
- – Identify who holds these responsibilities in your local area.
- – Reach out with gratitude or encouragement to someone serving in a priesthood role.
- – Look for ways to sustain your leaders by following their counsel and praying for them.
Encouraging Thought:
- “Of necessity there are presidents… that the same may be kept in proper order” (D&C 107:21). God’s house is a house of order—and He invites us to honor that order with faith and action.
Seek Personal Guidance from the Lord
- Action Step: Bring your questions, fears, or desires to the Lord as Lyman Sherman did, and ask for specific direction.
Why it helps:
Section 108 shows that the Lord responds directly to sincere seekers who desire to know His will. Personal revelation isn’t reserved for prophets; it is available to anyone willing to listen, repent, and act.
How to do it:
- – Choose a quiet time for prayerful reflection.
- – Write down a specific question or need you have.
- – Ask Heavenly Father directly and wait with patience and stillness.
- – Read scriptures, especially D&C 106–108, and record impressions.
- – Act on even small promptings and return with thanks.
Encouraging Thought:
“Therefore, let your soul be at rest concerning your spiritual standing, and resist no more my voice” (D&C 108:2). The Lord desires to speak peace and direction into your life.
Ideas for Teaching
The Lord Knows My Name
Objective: Help learners understand that the Lord personally knows and calls each of us to serve, just as He did with Warren Cowdery and Lyman Sherman.
Materials Needed:
Activity Steps:
Activity Steps:
- Introduction (5 min): Give each learner a name tag and ask them to write their name. Ask: “How does it feel when someone remembers your name? Why does it matter?”
- Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 106:3 and 108:1 aloud. Discuss how the Lord called Warren and Lyman by name and gave them personalized instructions.
- Application (5 min): Have learners write a short journal entry answering, “What is the Lord calling me to do right now?” Encourage them to listen in prayer this week.
Follow-Up Question: What does it mean to you that the Lord knows your name and has a purpose for you?
Divine Order in a Chaotic World
Objective: Teach learners the value and purpose of the priesthood structure revealed in D&C 107.
Materials Needed:
Simple building blocks or Jenga, a diagram of priesthood offices (optional), printed copy of D&C 107:21–22
Activity Steps:
Activity Steps:
Introduction (5 min): Try to build a tower with the blocks—but without a plan or letting people talk to each other. Then rebuild with a clear plan and teamwork. Discuss the difference.
Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 107:21–22. Discuss why the Lord emphasizes order and presidency in His Church.
Application (5 min): Show or draw the priesthood structure and discuss how it helps us work in unity, receive revelation, and accomplish the Lord’s work.
Follow-Up Question: How does understanding Church organization help you sustain your leaders and find your role in God’s work?
Personal Revelation Lab
Objective: Encourage learners to seek and recognize personal revelation, as modeled by Lyman Sherman in D&C 108.
Materials Needed:
Paper, pens, a quiet space, copies of D&C 108:1–3
Activity Steps:
Activity Steps:
Introduction (5 min): Ask: “Have you ever wanted a personal answer from God?” Invite learners to write down one question they would ask the Lord today.
Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 108:1–3. Point out how Lyman Sherman asked Joseph for a revelation, and the Lord responded with specific counsel.
Application (5 min): Guide learners through a brief “revelation lab”—they pray silently about their question, read a few verses in D&C 106–108, and write any impressions they feel.
Follow-Up Question: What can you do to better recognize and act on the spiritual impressions you receive?
QUICK REFERENCE
Key Points
- The Lord calls and qualifies ordinary people to fulfill His work (D&C 106–108).
- Priesthood structure and order are divinely revealed and essential to Church governance (D&C 107).
- Personal revelation is available to all who sincerely seek it, as seen in Lyman Sherman’s experience (D&C 108).
- God knows each of us personally and calls us by name for specific purposes.
- The Lord’s Church is built on unity, humility, and spiritual stewardship.
Core Apologetic Answers
- Why trust modern prophets?
- Prophets today, like those in ancient times, are called by God through divine authority. Their messages align with scripture, are consistent over time, and bear fruit in the lives of those who follow them. Modern revelation continues God’s pattern of guiding His people through chosen servants.
- Why does God allow mistakes?
- The Lord works through imperfect people to accomplish His perfect work. Allowing growth through agency and learning is central to God’s plan. Even when mistakes occur, He provides correction, guidance, and grace, turning weakness into strength (Ether 12:27).
Key Resources
Scriptures
- Doctrine and Covenants 107:21–22 – On priesthood and Church organization
- Doctrine and Covenants 108:1–3 – On personal revelation and divine reassurance
- Doctrine and Covenants 107:21–22 – On priesthood and Church organization
Church Documents
- The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles – Declares Christ’s leadership of His restored Church
Preach My Gospel, Chapter 4 – On recognizing the Holy Ghost and personal revelation
Online Resources
- Gospel Topics: Priesthood – Explanation of priesthood power and authority
- Church History Topics: Lyman Sherman – Insights on his life and D&C 108 context
