THE ROLE OF THE HOLY GHOST IN GOSPEL LEARNING
The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead. He acts under the direction of the Father and the Son to teach, testify, reveal, guide, enlighten, comfort, and sanctify the hearts of the children of men. No man or woman, no matter how righteous or faithful can fulfill these functions of the Spirit. Occasionally, teachers say things like "I must give my students a spiritual experience" or How can I make my students more spiritual?" A teacher may do many things that can influence whether or not the Spirit will be present, but he or she cannot fulfill his role. It is the Holy Spirit that "carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men" (2 Nephi 33:1).
Teaching by the Spirit
As noted, the Lord said that if a person receives not the spirit, he or she shall not teach (see D&C 42:13-14), but what does it mean to teach by the Spirit? Will a teacher always know if he or she is teaching by the Spirit? Will students know? What will students be experiencing if the Spirit is present? What constitutes a true spiritual experience for a person? Questions about teaching by the spirit can be difficult to answer.
For purposes of this guide, teaching by the Spirit is defined as taking place when the Holy Ghost is performing his role or functions with the teacher, with the student, or both. This can happen during lesson preparation and lesson presentation. It can happen as teachers interact with students outside of class, or even while teachers are just thinking how best to help their students. In some cases, the Spirit may touch a student's mind or heart long after class is over.
The Role of Functions of the Holy Ghost.
The following are some of the functions of the Holy Ghost that are directly related to gospel teaching and learning:
- He shows a person what to do (see 2 Nephi 32:5; D&C 28:15).).
- He bestows the fruits of the Spirit, which include such things as joy, love, peace, and patience (see Galatians 5:22).
- He gives the gifts of the Spirit (see Moroni 10:8-17).
- He allows a person to speak with authority and boldness (see 1 Nephi 10:22, Alma 18:35).
- He testifies to the truthfulness of God and other gospel principles (see John 15:26).
- He helps us discern the thoughts or intents of others (see Alma 12:3, Alma 18:16).
- He gives us truth, knowledge, insights, understanding, and enlightenment (see John 16:13, D&C 6:14).
- He can bring ideas, concepts, or principles back to remembrance (see John 14:26).
- He can inspire a person in what to say in the very hour it is needed (see Luke 12:11-12; D&C 84:85).
- He brings sanctification and remission of sins (see Alma 13:12; 2 Nephi 31:17; D&C19:31).
- He can carry truth to the hearts of people and soften them (see 1 Nephi 2:16; 2 Nephi 33:1).
- He can enhance a person's skills and abilities to perform a task (see Exodus 31:3-5; 1 Nephi 18:1-4).
- He sometimes either constrains or restrains ( see 1 Nephi 7:15; 2 Nephi 28:1; Mormon 3:16).
- He edifies (lifts or builds spiritually) both the teacher and the student ( see 1 Corinthians 14:12; D&C 50:22-23).
- As one of his titles implies, he gives comfort ( see John 14:26; D&C 88:3).
Unit 2
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