Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual

Contents
Title Page
Introduction to the Teacher Manual
Lessons 1–2
Old Testament Lessons
- Lessons 1–2
  Welcome to the Old Testament
- Lessons 3–6
  Moses 1; Abraham 3
- Lessons 7–9
  Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5
- Lessons 10–12
  Genesis 3–4; Moses 4–5
- Lessons 13–15
  Genesis 5; Moses 6
- Lessons 16–18
  Moses 7
- Lessons 19–21
  Genesis 6–11; Moses 8
- Lessons 22–24
  Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2
- Lessons 25–28
  Genesis 18–23
- Lessons 29–32
  Genesis 24–33
- Lessons 33–34
  Genesis 37–41
- Lessons 35–37
  Genesis 42–50
- Lessons 38–40
  Exodus 1–6
- Easter
- Lessons 41–44
  Exodus 7–13
- Lessons 45–47
  Exodus 14–18
- Lessons 48–51
  Exodus 19–20; 24; 31–34
- Lessons 52–55
  Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 4; 16; 19
- Lessons 56–57
  Numbers 11–14; 20–24; 27
- Lessons 58–60
  Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34
- Lessons 61–64
  Joshua 1–8; 23–24
- Lessons 65–67
  Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16
- Lessons 68–70
  Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–7
- Lessons 71–73
  1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–16
- Lessons 74–76
  1 Samuel 17–18; 24–26; 2 Samuel 5–7
- Lessons 77–80
  2 Samuel 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 6–9; 11
- Lessons 81–82
  1 Kings 12–13; 17–22
- Lessons 83–85
  2 Kings 2–7
- Lessons 86–89
  2 Kings 16–25
- Lessons 90–91
  2 Chronicles 14–20; 26; 30
- Lessons 92–93
  Ezra 1, 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8
- Lessons 94–96
  Esther
- Lessons 97–99
  Job 1–3; 12–14; 19; 21–24; 38–40; 42
- Lessons 100–103
  Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46
- Lessons 104–106
  Psalms 49–51; 61–66; 69–72; 77–78; 85–86
- Lessons 107–108
  Psalms 102–103; 110; 116–119; 127–128; 135–139; 146–150
- Lessons 109–112
  Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12
- Lessons 113–116
  Isaiah 1–12
- Lessons 117–118
  Isaiah 13–14; 22; 24–30; 35
- Lessons 119–122
  Isaiah 40–49
- Lessons 123–125
  Isaiah 50–57
- Lessons 126–129
  Isaiah 58–66
- Lessons 130–133
  Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20
- Lessons 134–137
  Jeremiah 31–33; 36–38; Lamentations 1; 3
- Lessons 138–141
  Ezekiel 1–3; 33–34; 36–37; 47
- Lessons 142–145
  Daniel 1–7
- Lessons 146–148
  Hosea; Joel
- Lessons 149–151
  Amos; Obadiah; Jonah
- Lessons 152–154
  Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah
- Lessons 155–157
  Haggai 1–2; Zechariah 1–4; 7–14
- Lessons 158–160
  Malachi
Lessons 161–165
Life Preparation Lessons
- Lessons 161–165
  Doctrinal Mastery: Finding Answers to My Questions
- Lessons 166–170
  Scripture Study Skills
- Lessons 171–176
  For the Strength of Youth Guide
- Lessons 177–180
  Building Self–Reliance
- Lessons 181–187
  Physical and Emotional Health
- Lessons 188–191
  Preparing for Future Education and Employment
- Lessons 192–195
  Succeed in School
- Lessons 196–200
  Missionary Preparation
- Lessons 201–204
  Temple Preparation
- Lessons 205–208
  Teachings of Church Leaders

The Role of the Holy Ghost in Missionary Work: “Open Thy Mouth, and It Shall Be Filled”

“The Role of the Holy Ghost in Missionary Work: ‘Open Thy Mouth, and It Shall Be Filled,’” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual (2026)

“The Role of the Holy Ghost in Missionary Work: ‘Open Thy Mouth, and It Shall Be Filled,’” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual

Missionary Preparation: Lesson 199

The Role of the Holy Ghost in Missionary Work

“Open Thy Mouth, and It Shall Be Filled”

While Heavenly Father has asked us to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others, He does not expect us to do so alone. As we learn to recognize and follow the Spirit, He will guide us in our missionary efforts. This lesson can help students explore ways the Spirit can help them share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

Student preparation: Invite students to ask a returned missionary to share an experience when the Holy Ghost helped them in their missionary work. Or students could reflect on experiences they have had when the Holy Ghost helped them share the gospel with others.

Possible Learning Activities

The Holy Ghost is essential

Consider beginning class by providing a willing student with a task that cannot be completed without a certain item. For example, you could put a screw in a piece of wood and ask a student to remove it but do not give them a tool to do it. Then, after the student is unable to complete the task, provide them the necessary item, like a screwdriver.

What are some tasks that cannot be done without a specific item?

In addition to the following statement from the Prophet Joseph Smith, you might consider inviting students to read Doctrine and Covenants 42:14, looking for the same need.

Read this statement from the Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44), looking for something we need to effectively share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

All are to preach the Gospel, by the power and influence of the Holy Ghost; and no man can preach the Gospel without the Holy Ghost. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 332)

Why do you think we cannot preach the gospel of Jesus Christ without the Holy Ghost?

In your study journal, list as many ways as you can think of that the Holy Ghost can help us preach the gospel.

Assure students that it is OK if they cannot think of many ways. Ask them to add to their list to as they study this lesson. Also encourage them to seek inspiration for how the Holy Ghost can help them in their life now as well as in the future.

The roles of the Holy Ghost

The Lord helps us share His gospel with others by sending us the Holy Ghost (see Doctrine and Covenants 79:1–2). The scriptures teach us how the Holy Ghost can help us in our missionary efforts.

Before class begins, write the following instructions on the board. Consider assigning partnerships to read different verses.

You might want to explain to students that the scriptures sometimes refer to the Holy Ghost with different names. “Other names that sometimes refer to the Holy Ghost are Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Comforter, and Spirit” (see Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost”).

It might also be helpful to explain that “they” in Alma 17:3 refers to the sons of Mosiah, and “me” in 3 Nephi 28:11 refers to Jesus Christ.

Use the following scriptures to complete the statement: The Holy Ghost can …

Moses 6:32, 34
2 Nephi 33:1
Alma 17:3
3 Nephi 28:11
Doctrine and Covenants 31:11
You could invite students to write on the board how they completed the statement. They might describe the roles of the Holy Ghost such as the following: The Holy Ghost can …
- Help us know what to say (Moses 6:32, 34).
- Carry the Lord’s message to the hearts of others (2 Nephi 33:1).
- Help us teach with the Lord’s power and authority (Alma 17:3).
- Bear witness of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ (3 Nephi 28:11).
- Help us know what to do and where to go (Doctrine and Covenants 31:11).
After students have written on the board, you could invite them to share additional roles the Holy Ghost can fill as we share the gospel.

You might want to ask a question like the following to help students understand that qualifying for the companionship of the Holy Ghost requires spiritual work.
What actions can we take to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost?

Students might share things like fervent prayer, consistent scripture study, keeping covenants, and obeying God’s commandments (see Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ [2023], 101).

The following experience from Elder Rasband can help students see how these roles of the Holy Ghost can help us share the Savior’s gospel. Instead of reading the story, you could show a clip from “Let the Holy Spirit Guide,” from time code 4:43 to 5:59, pausing it two or three times to discuss where students see the influence of the Holy Ghost.

Read the following account from Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, looking for where you see the Holy Ghost’s influence in Elder Rasband’s experience sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

15:43

One hot July morning my companion and I felt prompted to look up a Temple Square referral. We knocked on the door of the Elwood Schaffer home. Mrs. Schaffer politely turned us away.

As she began to shut the door, I felt to do something I had never done before and have never done since! I stuck my foot in the door, and I asked, “Is there anyone else who might be interested in our message?” Her 16-year-old daughter, Marti, did have an interest and had fervently prayed for guidance just the day before. Marti met with us, and in time her mother participated in the discussions. Both of them joined the Church.

Resulting from Marti’s baptism, 136 people, including many of her own family, have been baptized and made gospel covenants. How grateful I am that I listened to the Spirit and stuck my foot in the door on that hot July day. (“Let the Holy Spirit Guide,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 94)

How did you see the Holy Ghost’s influence in Elder Rasband’s experience?

Before asking the following questions, consider saying something like: “After I ask each of the next questions, I’ll give you 30 seconds to reflect before you respond.” Ask the first question and either watch a clock or count silently to yourself before inviting comments. After students share, repeat the same process with the second question. Intentionally providing time for students to reflect on questions before inviting comments can invite the Holy Ghost, give more students an opportunity to think of an answer, and often lead to hearing from students who might not regularly share.
When has the Lord helped you or someone you know share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the help of the Holy Ghost?
When have you felt the influence of the Holy Ghost when someone shared the gospel with you?

Seeking the Holy Ghost as we share the gospel of Jesus Christ

What are some opportunities you might have to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others?

Students might share things like when their religious beliefs are questioned by a friend, when they are comforting a family member, when teaching a lesson at church, when posting something on social media, and so on. As students respond, you might write their answers on the board.

Consider separating the class into small groups and invite them to complete the following activity. Students could share a scripture, like the ones earlier in the lesson, that can help them remember how the Spirit can help them in these situations.

Select two situations where you might be able to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Discuss the following questions for each situation:

How could you seek and follow the influence of the Holy Ghost in this situation?
How might the Lord help you share the gospel of Jesus Christ in this situation through the Holy Ghost?

Invite members of each group to share something from their group discussion. You might ask students what has helped them learn how the Holy Ghost speaks to them. Consider sharing your testimony of the importance of the Holy Ghost as we share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

You might explain to your students that Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that learning to recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost “is a gradual process that requires diligent, patient effort” (106). Encourage them to be patient as they put forth effort each day to recognize and rely on the Holy Ghost. As they do, they will become a powerful missionary in the Lord’s hand.

Additional Resources

What are ways the Holy Ghost can help me as I serve the Lord in His Church?

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

The Holy Ghost will also provide revelation in our callings and assignments. In my experience, significant spiritual guidance most often comes when we are trying to bless others in fulfilling our responsibilities. …

I assure you that revelatory guidance can be received by each of us as we humbly labor in the Lord’s vineyard. (“The Blessing of Continuing Revelation to Prophets and Personal Revelation to Guide Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 99)

President Russell M. Nelson said:

One of the things the Spirit has repeatedly impressed upon my mind since my new calling as President of the Church is how willing the Lord is to reveal His mind and will. The privilege of receiving revelation is one of the greatest gifts of God to His children. …

Imagine the miracle of it! Whatever our Church calling, we can pray to our Heavenly Father and receive guidance and direction, be warned about dangers and distractions, and be enabled to accomplish things we simply could not do on our own. If we will truly receive the Holy Ghost and learn to discern and understand His promptings, we will be guided in matters large and small. (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 94)

How do I learn how the Spirit speaks to me?

Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ states:

As you seek and follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost, your ability to discern and understand His promptings will develop over time (see 2 Nephi 28:30). In some ways, becoming more attuned to the language of the Spirit is like learning another language. It is a gradual process that requires diligent, patient effort. (Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ [2023], 106)

Where can I go to learn more about the Holy Ghost and His role in missionary work?

See “Chapter 4: Seek and Rely on the Spirit” of Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Supplemental Learning Activities

Alternative beginning

Instead of using the object lesson at the beginning of the lesson, you could display the statement from the Prophet Joseph Smith but replace the two instances of “the Holy Ghost” with blank spaces. Invite students to share possible words that could be used to fill in the blanks. They could explain why they feel their answers can be helpful when preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. After multiple students have shared, you could write “Holy Ghost” in the blanks.

Expanded study about the roles of the Holy Ghost

Based on the needs of your students, you could use any of the following scriptures as replacements or additions in the section titled “The roles of the Holy Ghost.”

Instruct us (Nehemiah 9:20).
Comfort us, teach truth, and help us remember those truths (John 14:26).
Guide us to truth (John 16:13).
Help us feel the love of God (Romans 5:5).
Bear record of what we testify of to others (Doctrine and Covenants 100:5–8).

Help students understand how to feel and recognize the Spirit

You could spend time helping students discover different ways that the Spirit speaks to each of us. Note: You might want to review Lesson 70: “1 Samuel 3,” which focuses on helping students recognize the Lord’s voice. Here are two options that could help students:

You or your students could select a video or two from the video collection “Hear Him,” in which Church leaders share experiences of how they hear the voice of the Lord.
Students could complete a personal study activity found in “Chapter 4: Seek and Rely on the Spirit” of Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Note that the handout in Lesson 70: “1 Samuel 3”” is a simplified version of this personal study activity in Preach My Gospel.