Ep. 361: Doctrine & Covenants 105:19-41 Commandments, Consecration, and the Armor of God

Summary In this study session, Jeffery Downs continues through Doctrine and Covenants 105, weaving in President Dallin H. Oaks's recent talk on commandments (October 2024, "Following Christ"), the principles of temporary and permanent commandments, and how they apply in our lives today. The conversation expands to the law of consecration, King Benjamin's counsel on giving, and culminates with a powerful reflection on the Armor of God as our spiritual protection in modern discipleship. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Picking Up from Last Study Review of yesterday's discussion on the trial of faith and setting the stage for finishing D&C 105. 02:23 – President Oaks on Commandments Exploring President Oaks's teaching on temporary vs. permanent commandments and how these categories shape our understanding of divine direction. 04:44 – Re-emphasis of Commandments Examples of commandments that needed renewed focus: the law of tithing, the Proclamation on the Family, and President Nelson's direction on the revealed name of the Church. 07:08 – Temporary Commandments in Practice Social media fasts and studying D&C 109 are used as modern illustrations of situational commandments and the blessings tied to obedience. 11:21 – Faithfulness, Humility & Following the Prophet Lessons from verses 21–23 on being faithful, prayerful, and obedient to prophetic direction. 13:33 – Consecration and Caring for the Poor Linking D&C 105 with the law of consecration and King Benjamin's words in Mosiah 4 — that we are all beggars and indebted to God. 17:58 – King Benjamin's Treatise on Giving Deep dive into Mosiah 4:16–26, where King Benjamin teaches that all we have belongs to God and must be used to bless others. 22:22 – Wise Giving: Personal Reflections Stories from Jeffery's consulting work and his daughter Natalia's Peace Corps experience illustrate thoughtful, structured giving vs. impulsive aid. 27:13 – Organized Giving through the Church Recognizing the strength of Church welfare systems and charitable arms like Deseret Industries to maximize the impact of consecrated resources. 29:50 – Zion's Future Army Imagining the Saints as a peaceful "army" — missionaries clothed in the Armor of God rather than weapons of destruction. 33:39 – The Armor of God (Ephesians 6 & D&C 27) Closing reading of Paul's words alongside the Doctrine and Covenants, emphasizing truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Spirit as our daily protection. 36:13 – Final Reflection Every piece of spiritual armor points to Christ, consecration, and peace — not destruction. Conclusion As disciples, we are invited to consecrate our lives, obey both temporary and permanent commandments, and put on the whole Armor of God each day. That doesn't happen automatically — it requires consistent, daily action. That's where streaking the scriptures becomes powerful. By committing to even one verse a day, we keep ourselves clothed in spiritual armor. If you want a simple way to track your scripture study and other spiritual habits, download the MyStreaks app. Build your streaks, strengthen your faith, and keep your armor on — every single day.