Study Guide for "The Powers of the Priesthood"

In his General Conference address, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, provides a profound exploration of the divine authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood. He emphasizes the sacred responsibilities of priesthood holders, the importance of service, and the distinct roles within the priesthood. President Oaks also highlights the critical role of priesthood authority within the family, urging fathers to magnify their priesthood through righteous living and loving relationships. This talk serves as a powerful reminder of the eternal significance and responsibilities associated with the priesthood.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What are the fundamental principles governing the Melchizedek Priesthood?
How does President Dallin H. Oaks describe the keys of the priesthood?
What does President Joseph F. Smith caution about the titles associated with the priesthood?
What roles and responsibilities are associated with high priests and elders in the Melchizedek Priesthood?
How can fathers magnify their priesthood within their families according to President Oaks?

Topics

Understand the Divine Authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood

President Oaks explains that the Melchizedek Priesthood is the divine authority given by God to accomplish His work of bringing eternal life to mankind. This authority was conferred upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by Peter, James, and John in 1829. The keys of the priesthood are the powers to direct its exercise, and these keys have been given progressively.

The Melchizedek Priesthood is the divine authority God has delegated to accomplish His work "to bring to pass the ... eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39).

We should always remember that men who hold the priesthood are not "the priesthood." It is not appropriate to refer to "the priesthood and the women." We should refer to "the holders of the priesthood and the women."

What is the purpose of the Melchizedek Priesthood?
Who conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery?
What are the keys of the priesthood?
How can you better understand the divine authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood in your life?
In what ways can you show respect for the priesthood and its holders?
How can you help others understand the difference between "the priesthood" and "the holders of the priesthood"?

Engage in a Ministry of Service

President Oaks emphasizes that priesthood holders are called to serve humbly and labor for the salvation of souls. He quotes President Joseph F. Smith, who taught that titles associated with the priesthood are not for adornment but for humble service. The greatest duty of priesthood holders is to work for the salvation of men and the triumph of God's kingdom.

The God-given titles of honor ... associated with the several offices in and orders of the Holy Priesthood, are not to be used nor considered as are the titles originated by man; they are not for adornment nor are they expressive of mastership, but rather of appointment to humble service in the work of the one Master whom we profess to serve.

We are laboring for the salvation of souls, and we should feel that this is the greatest duty devolving upon us.

What is the primary duty of those who hold the priesthood?
How should priesthood holders view their titles and responsibilities?
In what ways can you engage in humble service as a priesthood holder?
How can you prioritize the salvation of souls in your daily life?
What changes can you make to better fulfill your priesthood responsibilities?

Recognize the Distinct Roles within the Melchizedek Priesthood

President Oaks outlines the different functions of high priests and elders within the Melchizedek Priesthood. High priests are to set an example and teach righteousness, while elders are ministers of Jesus Christ, standing in His place to serve others. Both roles are vital in the ministry of the Good Shepherd.

A high priest officiates and administers in spiritual things.

An elder is a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is commissioned to stand in the place and stead of his Master in ministering to his fellowmen.

What are the distinct roles of high priests and elders?
How does the role of an elder compare to that of the President of the Church?
How can you better fulfill your specific role within the Melchizedek Priesthood?
What examples can you set for others as a high priest or elder?
How can you magnify your calling as a minister of Jesus Christ?

Magnify Your Priesthood Callings

President Oaks stresses the importance of magnifying priesthood callings. He shares teachings from President Harold B. Lee, who explained that to magnify the priesthood means to see it as more significant and important than initially thought. Priesthood holders are agents of the Lord and should act as if they are on His errand.

When one becomes a holder of the priesthood, he becomes an agent of the Lord. He should think of his calling as though he were on the Lord’s errand. That is what it means to magnify the priesthood.

If anybody magnifies their priesthood—that is, makes it bigger than they first thought it was and more important than anyone else thought it was—that is the way you magnify your priesthood.

What does it mean to magnify your priesthood?
How should priesthood holders view their callings?
How can you better magnify your priesthood in your daily life?
What steps can you take to act more as an agent of the Lord?
How can you help others understand the importance of magnifying their priesthood?

Exercise Priesthood Authority in the Family

President Oaks discusses the exercise of priesthood authority within the family. Fathers who hold the priesthood preside in their families and should magnify their priesthood by keeping commandments and cultivating loving relationships. He emphasizes the importance of priesthood blessings and functioning as equal partners with their wives.

A father who holds the priesthood presides in his family by the authority of the priesthood he holds.

Fathers who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood should keep the commandments so they will have the power of the priesthood to give blessings to their family members.

Fathers, function as "equal partners" of your wives, as the family proclamation teaches.

What is the role of a father who holds the priesthood in the family?
How should fathers exercise their priesthood authority?
How can you better fulfill your role as a priesthood holder in your family?
What actions can you take to cultivate loving relationships within your family?
How can you encourage more priesthood blessings in your home?