Lesson 2: Preparation and Worthiness

Lesson 2: Preparation and Worthiness

Teacher's Manual

What are some of the things you were taught before you joined the Church? What were some of the changes you needed to make?

In this discussion, we’re going to review some of God’s commandments that bring us greater happiness and help us to have His Spirit to be with us more fully. Can you think of any of them?

Each of these things are areas that church members strive to become better at, so that we are worthy to have the Holy Ghost with us, and so that we have the Lord’s assurance that we are worthy to take the Sacrament and enter into the Holy Temple.

Above the door of each temple these words are inscribed: Holiness to the Lord; the House of the Lord.

Moral Cleanliness
Tithing
Word of Wisdom
Sabbath Day

What experiences have you had as you have committed yourself to living these four commandments?

It is important that we are working on being faithful in keeping the commandments all the time, because there is happiness and safety in doing so. As you get ready to go to the temple, it is especially important because you will be making further covenants with to the Lord that have great blessings attached.

The Law of Chastity corresponds to moral cleanliness.
The Law of Sacrifice corresponds to paying tithing, and to keeping the Word of Wisdom.
The Law of Consecration really corresponds to keeping the Sabbath day holy as well.

You’ll feel way more comfortable making temple covenants if you are already working on keeping them.

Right now, we are going to discuss the process of getting a temple recommend; and then will discuss the commitments that we should be working on currently before we go, and continually after we go.

Here is my temple recommend. Notice whose signatures are on it.

The Bishop is called as a judge in Israel. He will ask us certain questions to help us determine our readiness to go to the temple. If you feel like there is something you need to discuss with him and clear up; go ahead and do it now. You don’t need to wait until this class is over. He is the kindest man. He’ll always be happy to listen and help.

Here are some things that will help you understand the types of questions the Bishop will ask you.

Do you have a testimony of Heavenly Father and of Jesus Christ and of the Holy Ghost? Do you believe in Them? Do you feel of their love? Are you exercising faith in Them?

Do you believe that we have a prophet on the earth today? Do you know His name? Do you know that he’ll be speaking to us in April? 

Do you support the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ and believe His words over the philosophies of the world?

Are you partaking the sacrament at sacrament meeting and participating in the prayers and songs, and listening to the speakers? Are you attending other Sunday meetings? Are you working on fulfilling your callings? This is a new ward. Do you have a calling?

Are you working on keeping the commandments? Do you pay tithing? Are you honest? Do you follow the guidelines in the Word of Wisdom? Do you keep the law of Chastity (are you morally clean)? Do you treat others with respect?

Do you follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and make changes in your life to repent and progress? Are you working on your own goals?

After you are interviewed by your Bishop, you’ll sign your recommend; then he will. Then you will also be interviewed by the Stake President, who will also sign your recommend.

If for some reason you don’t feel ready to sign it, the Bishop will help you know if you are, or if you need a little more time to prepare. Either way, it’s okay. You’ll get there.

What does being worthy mean to you? What does temple worthy mean?

To be worthy for something, you need to meet certain conditions or qualifications. You do NOT have to be perfect.

One of Jesus Christ’s name is Worthy. So we become more worthy as we become more like Him. As we learn of Him and take Him as our Example, He will lift us up and help us feel prepared and worthy too. The Spirit will guide us to know that what we are doing is right and in harmony with His desires for us.

Testimony

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.