Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 31

Introduction

We’re entering the “War Chapters” of the Book of Mormon.  Why do you suppose Mormon included so many chapters detailing the battles and preparations the Nephites made for war?  Because our day is a time when there are wars and rumors of wars, we can apply these teachings to ourselves and our families in two distinct ways:

1. Help us be Christlike during times of conflict.
2. Be prepared for similar events as the Second Coming approaches.

Nephites defend their families and liberty

What was the Nephites’ motivation for going to battle against the Lamanites?  Pass out the following scripture reading blocks, and ask class members to read and comment: Alma 43:3–4, 9–11, 45–47; 48:14

President Charles W. Penrose, who was a member of the First Presidency, said: “It is not right for us to engage in the shedding of human blood, for vengeance or retaliation. But when the Lord commands or inspires his servants to counsel the sons and daughters of Israel to lend their aid in the work of righteous warfare, that is different. … We are to arise in our might and in our strength and go forth to victory; not with a desire to shed blood, not with the desire to destroy our fellow creatures, but in self defense and because we do want to maintain and hand down to our posterity those sacred principles of liberty that have been revealed from on high” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1917, 21).

Elder David O. McKay said: “There are … two conditions which may justify a truly Christian man to enter—mind you, I say enter, not begin—a war: (1) An attempt to dominate and to deprive another of his free agency, and, (2) Loyalty to his country. Possibly there is a third, [namely], Defense of a weak nation that is being unjustly crushed by a strong, ruthless one” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1942, 72).

Read the following scripture passage and discuss what we learn about response to trouble from the Nephites’ example: Alma 43:23, 49–50.

What can we do in our families and communities to help preserve the freedoms the Nephites cherished?

• Discuss the following principles that governed the attitudes and actions of the righteous Nephites in times of war. How might understanding and applying these principles today help bring about greater peace in the world? How can we apply these principles in dealing with conflict in our personal lives?
1. Fight only for righteous reasons, such as self-defense (Alma 43:8–10, 29–30, 45–47; 48:14).
2. Have no hate toward your enemies; seek their best interests as well as your own (Alma 43:53–54; 44:1–2, 6).
3. Live righteously and trust in God (Alma 44:3–4; 48:15, 19–20).
4. Follow righteous and wise leaders (Alma 43:16–19; 48:11–13, 17–19; see also D&C 98:10).

Moroni raises the Title of Liberty

Summarize Alma 46:1-10.  Amalickiah flattered people for his own benefit because he wanted power.  He convinced people to follow and support him.

Read Alma 46:11–13, 18–20.  The people responded by running forth, tearing their coats in token of the covenant that they were making to always fight to preserve their liberty.  How can we apply these ideas in our day-to-day activities?  How are we blessed as we make and keep righteous covenants?

Amalickiah becomes king of the Lamanites

Summarize Alma 47-48.  Point out that Amalickiah and the other leaders of the Lamanites were people who had dissented away from the Nephites.  Read the following quote:

The Prophet Joseph Smith made the following statement to a man who wondered why those who had left the Church often fought so fiercely against it: “Before you joined this Church you stood on neutral ground. When the gospel was preached good and evil were set before you. You could choose either or neither. There were two opposite masters inviting you to serve them. When you joined this Church you enlisted to serve God. When you did that you left the neutral ground, and you never can get back on to it. Should you forsake the Master you enlisted to serve it will be by the instigation of the evil one, and you will follow his dictation and be his servant” (in “Recollections of the Prophet Joseph Smith,” Juvenile Instructor, 15 Aug. 1892, 492).

What do you learn as you contrast Captain Moroni with Amalickiah?

War continues – what can we learn from it?

Read and discuss selected verses from Alma 49–52. Explain that these chapters continue the account of the ongoing battles between the Nephites and the Lamanites. This account can help us in our ongoing battle against Satan and his hosts, who are waging a war against truth and righteousness, fighting to destroy our opportunities for eternal life.

·         How can the accounts of war in the Book of Mormon apply to our fight against the influence of Satan? (Some examples are given below, with application questions to encourage discussion. Class members may suggest other examples as well.)

5.       The Nephites built walls to protect their cities from the Lamanites’ attacks (Alma 48:7–9; 49:2–4, 13, 18). What defenses can protect us from Satan’s influence?

6.       The Nephites continually strengthened their defenses (Alma 50:1–6). Why must we continually strengthen our defenses against Satan?

7.       The Nephites kept the commandments of God and followed their Church leaders (Alma 44:3–4; 49:30; 50:20–22). How do the commandments of God and the counsel of our Church leaders help us fight wickedness?

8.       The Nephites thanked God for protecting them in battle (Alma 45:1; 49:28). How can gratitude to the Lord protect us against Satan?

9.       Contention caused the Nephites to fight among themselves and allowed the Lamanites to gain power over them (Alma 51:2–7, 12–23; 53:8–9). How does contention allow Satan to gain power over us? How can unity and support from other people help us as we fight against wickedness?

10.    The righteous Nephites were prosperous and happy even in times of war (Alma 49:30; 50:23). How can we find peace and happiness even during times of terrible wickedness?