The Holy Ghost

Gospel Discussion and Outline: The Holy Ghost

Approach #1: (all ages) Faith Without Works

We are given the gift of the Holy Ghost as we are confirmed worthy members of the Church to guide, inspire,  and protect us. We must constantly work to maintain our worthiness to have this special gift.

Through the following demonstration and story, show how we must study and be obedient to the commandments. In other words, we must "work" to be worth of the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Just having faith is not enough.

Materials needed: an empty pitcher and an empty glass

Ask: "What do we do to make this pitcher useful?" (Fill it with water.) Compare the pitcher to the boy in this story:

Steven was excited about giving a talk in Primary. During the week, his mother had offered to help him with his preparations, but Steven told her not to worry because he would be ready to give a fine talk. Sunday morning came and Steven approached the stand to give his talk. He spoke his first sentence clearly into the microphone, then waited before saying anything more. Several moments went by as Steven nervously cleared his throat, looking out at the room full of waiting children, then down at his squirming feet. Finally, Steven sat down, his talk incomplete.

After Primary, Steven's mother , who had been sitting in the back of the room, asked him what had happened. They had knelt together before leaving for church to ask for the spirit of the Lord to be with Steven as he gave his talk. He knew that the scriptures taught that the Holy Ghost would help us when we needed it and had depended on his faith in that principle to provide him with a talk. But Steven had not prepared for his talk by studying and learning those things he would need to give the talk.

Ask: "What must happen before we can remember something?" (We must learn it.)
"Why didn't Steven receive the promptings of the Holy Ghost to help him give his talk?"

Stephen was just like an empty pitcher. He had not put ideas into his mind by studying for his talk. The Holy Ghost could not help him remember something he had never learned. He needed to ask for help in faith and then work and study to know what he would talk about. Then the Holy Ghost could bring to his mind what he should say.

Our faith and our work/study make it possible for the Holy Ghost to teach us.

Approach #2: (all ages) The Holy Ghost Can Help Guide Our Decisions

When Mr. Johnson had been asked to take a new position at his work which would mean moving the family, they wanted to know if their decision to move was the right decision.

Read Doctrine & Covenants 9:8 with your family and discuss what they should do to be sure of their choice. Emphasize that they must do their party by studying all the effects such a move would make on the family and weigh the good effects against the negative ones. Because they "studied it out in their own minds," they can, in good faith, ask for the Holy Ghost to let them know if their decision to move is a good one.

What kind of feelings should they have to know their decision is correct? Share any other personal incidents of a similar nature. Be sure that everyone understands that the Holy Ghost will guide us through thoughts and impressions in our minds and hearts, not through our ears.

Suggested songs: "The Still Small Voice" and "Listen, Listen"

Approach #3: (ages 6 and older)

Use written materials/chalkboard as you see fit

After we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. We need to know as much about the Holy Ghost as possible and develop a proper relationship with him in order to fully utilize his influence in our lives. See Acts 2:38-39.

Prior to baptism, when a person exercises faith in study and prayer, the Holy Ghost may reveal the truth to that person. Unless that person is baptized and becomes a member of the Church and receives the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost will not remain with that person.

The Nature of the Holy Ghost

Have a family member read Matthew 3:16-17 and another read the First Article of Faith. These scriptures illustrate that there are three distinct members of the Godhead.

Place figures of God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Ghost on the board.

The following scriptures teach us about the nature and function of the Holy Ghost:

1. Description of the physical nature of the Holy Ghost: Doctrine & Covenants 130:22
2. Description of the manifestations of the Spirit to men: Doctrine & Covenants 46:13-29, Moroni 10:4-19, 2 Timothy 1:6-14
3. The basic functions of the Holy Ghost: John 16:13-14, 2 Peter 1:21, Mark 13:11

How We Receive the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost

Place on the board figures representing your family/mankind. Draw an unbroken line from the Holy Ghost to each family member, indicating the direct relationship of the Holy Ghost to mankind as he fulfills his functions of revealing the will of the Father and testifying of the Son, Jesus Christ. Draw broken lines from the Father and Jesus Christ to illustrate that direct communications with the Father and Jesus are less frequent to mankind.

Before we consider how we can realize and recognize inspiration from the Holy Ghost in our own lives, it is important to understand that the Holy Ghost will never deceive us, but will lead us to all truth. Have a family member read Galations 5:19-23 and discuss specific types of righteousness identified in this scripture.

We should all receive personal revelation, but only the prophet will receive revelation for the Church as a whole. Read Doctrine & Covenants 43:2-7.

It is somewhat difficult to describe our feelings. Ask a family member to describe what salt tastes like as if they were describing it to someone who had never had salt. The inspiration of the Holy Ghost must be experienced to be known. Share a personal experience of the Holy Ghost's inspiration from your own life. Relate the story of Doctrine & Covenants 9:7-9 and discuss ways in which we seek the aid of the Holy Ghost in order to receive it.

In this discussion, try to identify as many of the following keys by which we may discern whether we or others are inspired of the Holy Ghost:

The Keys By Which We Can Discern the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost

Write on board:

1. Centered in Christ (Is the inspiration centered in Christ and consistent with the basic principles of the Gospel? Read Doctrine & Covenants 121:41-46, James 3:14-18, 3 Nephi 11:29-30)
2. Leads to Goodness (Does the inspiration lead to good will, love, virtue, goodness, and peace? Read Galations 5:22-26)
3. My Right to Receive Inspiration (Do I have the right to receive inspiration in this matter according to my calling in the home and in the church?)
4. Proper Time and Preparation (Have I allowed proper time and preparation so I can distinguish between emotional feelings and the inspiration of the Holy Ghost?)
5. Inspiration and Proper Agreement (Does the inspiration agree with the counsel of those who are called to preside over us and others whose understanding and character we can rely on?)

Conclude by reading Moroni 8:25-26 and by bearing witness of the fruits of the inspiration of the Holy Ghost in your own life.

Notes to those teaching this lesson: This lesson material is directed primarily to ages 12 and above and therefore some terminology and concepts should be simplified for use with younger ages. Prior to preparing this lesson, you should read the discussion of the Holy Ghost in the Bible Dictionary and also review the Topical Guide where there are 13 separate topics and additional references given. The Topical Guide also lists additional names by which the Holy Ghost is known within these headings.

Suggested Hymns and sons for family use:

"Choose the Right"

"Dearest Children, God is Near You"

"The Spirit of God"

"The Holy Ghost"