Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 36

Introduction

Elder George A. Smith, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught the following fable:

“A man, traveling through the country, came to a large city, very rich and splendid; he looked at it and said to his guide, ‘This must be a very righteous people, for I can only see but one little devil in this great city.’

“The guide replied, ‘You do not understand, sir; this city is so perfectly given up to wickedness, corruption, degradation and abomination of every kind that it only requires one devil to keep them all in subjection.’

“Traveling on a little further he came to a rugged path and saw an old man trying to get up the hill side, surrounded by seven great, big, coarse looking devils.

“ ‘Why,’ says the traveller, ‘this must be a tremendously wicked old man, only see how many devils there are around him!’

“ ‘This,’ replied the guide, ‘is the only righteous man in the country and there are seven of the biggest devils trying to turn him out of his path and they all cannot do it’ ” (in Deseret News, 11 Nov. 1857, 7:287).

Today’s lesson discusses the opposition the righteous Nephites faced in the years after Jesus’ birth but before his visit to the Americas.  We can learn from these experiences because we too face opposition in our efforts to remain righteous.

Signs of Jesus’ Birth

Read 3 Nephi 1:4-7.  Notice that signs and miracles increased.  For those with “eyes to see and ears to hear,” there were evidences that the words of the prophets were being fulfilled.  But, the wicked pinned all their hopes on the hoped-for failure of the “one great sign” to appear. 

I find it interesting that the wicked rejoiced over the sorrow of the righteous.  The wicked weren’t happy because anything good had happened to them; they were happy that something good had NOT happened to someone else.  What a miserable way to live!  Compare to Moroni 7:45.  The wicked had no charity; the humble followers of Christ did.

Read 3 Nephi 1:8.  The righteous did not give up hope. 

• How can we remain faithful in spite of opposition?

Review what happened next.  The unbelievers decided to put to death all who believed in the prophecies of Christ.  Read 3 Nephi 1:12-14. 

• How can this account strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ?

Wickedness Returns

Satan blinds the eyes of some

Satan never rests when the work of God is active.  Read 3 Nephi 1:22; 2:1–3.  Satan didn’t get people to turn away immediately from the things they had been shown, but gradually he lured them away.  And in the end, the results are the same. 

• What does Satan do today that is similar?  (Today I think Satan has changed his approach to fit the times.  He no longer says, “The devil did it.”  Instead he finds scientific explanations for everything.  In the end, the results are the same, again.)
• How can we remember the spiritual experiences we have and remain faithful?

The Gadianton robbers return

Review the events in 3 Nephi 2.  The Gadianton Robbers became more numerous and threatened the righteous.  All those who were righteous joined together to fight against the robbers.

Giddianhi writes an astonishing letter to the chief judge of the Nephites, demanding that they give themselves up and join with the robbers.

Read 3 Nephi 3:12–26 and discuss how the Nephites responded and what we can learn from this in times of trial that we face.

1. “Lachoneus, the governor, was a just man, and could not be frightened” (3 Nephi 3:12). How might fear cause someone to give in to temptation? How can personal righteousness help us remain courageous when we face temptation or affliction?
2. Lachoneus told the people to “cry unto the Lord for strength” (3 Nephi 3:12). Why is it important to pray for strength to face temptations or challenges?
3. Lachoneus caused the people to “gather themselves together” (3 Nephi 3:13, 22). Why was it important for the Nephites to gather into one place to defend themselves? (See 3 Nephi 4:3–4.) How can our association with other members of the Church increase our ability to withstand the forces of evil? (See Moroni 6:4–6.)
4. “He caused that fortifications should be built” and placed “guards round about” (3 Nephi 3:14). How can we fortify ourselves and guard against temptation?
5. The Nephites did “exert themselves … to do according to the words of Lachoneus” (3 Nephi 3:16). How are we blessed when we follow inspired leaders?
6. “They did repent of all their sins” (3 Nephi 3:25). How does repentance help us receive greater strength from the Lord?
7. They were “strong with armor” (3 Nephi 3:26). What armor have we been counseled to put on? (See D&C 27:15–18.) Why are we taught to put on the whole armor of God? How can we wear this armor each day?

Nephite Righteousness is Short-Lived

After defeating the Gadianton Robbers, the Nephites enjoyed peace and prosperity for a few years.  But following the pride cycle, they all-too-quickly returned to their sinful practices, and afflictions returned.  Because God loves his children, he sent prophets to preach repentance to them, but the prophets were rejected and killed.  The government of the Nephites was overthrown, and the nation divided into tribes.

Nephi saw this rapid descent from righteousness to wickedness and provided what the Nephites needed most.  Read 3 Nephi 7:16.

How did the people respond?  Read 3 Nephi 7:17-20.

Conclusion

Nephi, Lachoneus, and Gidgiddoni served tried to protect the Nephites by helping them be righteous.  At times the Nephites heeded the invitation to repent; other times they rejected the prophets.  In our lives today we face similar circumstances and can learn from and be blessed as we follow the Nephites’ example during times of righteousness.

Mormon interjected his own observation as one who faced similar challenges and responsibilities.  Read 3 Nephi 5:13.

• What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ today?
• How can we too “declare his word among his people that they might have everlasting life”?

Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 35

Introduction

In October 1986 General Conference, President Bensons said:

“In the Book of Mormon we find a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming. A major portion of the book centers on the few decades just prior to Christ’s coming to America. By careful study of that time period, we can determine why some were destroyed in the terrible judgments that preceded His coming and what brought others to stand at the temple in the land of Bountiful and thrust their hands into the wounds of His hands and feet. … Can anyone doubt that this book was meant for us and that in it we find great power, great comfort, and great protection?” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 5–6; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6–7).

Today’s lesson focuses on the teachings of Samuel the Lamanite and describes the condition of Nephite society in the years preceding the Savior’s birth.  In these chapters we can find valuable lessons for our day.

Samuel the Lamanite Warns the Nephites

Repent

Read Helaman 13:2-4, 7-8.  Notice the pattern:

• Samuel was righteous and received glad tidings from an angel of the Lord.
• Samuel was commanded to preach repentance to the Nephites so they could rejoice too.  Why does the Lord command us to repent in order to be happy?
• When the Nephites rejected Samuel, the message changed.  It no longer focused on repentance to be happy, but the consequences of their rebellion.
• How can we soften our hearts and receive the Lord’s messages when they are still focused on happiness?

In verse 11 Samuel tells the Nephites the key to avoid destruction, and it has two parts:

1.      Repent

2.      Turn unto God

How might some people try to repent without turning to God?  Is such a thing even possible?  Read another quote by President Benson:

“Repentance means more than simply a reformation of behavior. Many men and women in the world demonstrate great will-power and self-discipline in overcoming bad habits and the weaknesses of the flesh. Yet at the same time they give no thought to the Master, sometimes even openly rejecting Him. Such changes of behavior, even if in a positive direction, do not constitute true repentance. …  

“… True repentance is based on and flows from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other way. True repentance involves a change of heart and not just a change of behavior (see Alma 5:13)” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 71).

Warning against focusing on riches

Read Helaman 13:21-23.  Can we relate to any of this?  I was struck as I read these verses this week as I watched the financial news.  Prominent companies are failing and the entire global economic system is in peril.  I hasten to acknowledge that there are many good people who have been affected by the financial crises sweeping the globe.  The brightest financial minds are working to solve these problems.  But a simple prophet over 2,000 years ago told us how to avoid and solve these problems.  Read verse 19.

• How can we assess in our own lives whether we are giving high enough priority to our spiritual welfare?
• How can we avoid pride and setting our hearts upon our riches?

This week I had a good man in my office who was asking for help.  His family has suffered from some financial setbacks and he now finds himself deeply in debt.  As we reviewed his situation together, I commented that I was amazed that he was able to hold things together as long as he has.  His comment to me was instructive: “The only way I’ve been able to do it is because I’ve always paid the Lord first.  There is no other way to live.”

Ten years ago in General Conference, President Hinckley quoted from Genesis the seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, and then counseled:

I am suggesting that the time has come to get our houses in order.

So many of our people are living on the very edge of their incomes. In fact, some are living on borrowings.

We have witnessed in recent weeks wide and fearsome swings in the markets of the world. The economy is a fragile thing. A stumble in the economy in Jakarta or Moscow can immediately affect the entire world. It can eventually reach down to each of us as individuals. There is a portent of stormy weather ahead to which we had better give heed.

I hope with all my heart that we shall never slip into a depression.  [President Hinckley then cites statistics regarding the enormous levels of consumer debt in the nation.]

I urge you, brethren, to look to the condition of your finances. I urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt to the extent possible. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from bondage.

This is a part of the temporal gospel in which we believe. May the Lord bless you, my beloved brethren, to set your houses in order. If you have paid your debts, if you have a reserve, even though it be small, then should storms howl about your head, you will have shelter for your wives and children and peace in your hearts. That’s all I have to say about it, but I wish to say it with all the emphasis of which I am capable.

A year ago, the thought of a repeat of the Great Depression would have seemed laughable.  Today global financial markets have realized over $500 billion in losses with the US taxpayer on the hook for up to $1 trillion in implemented and proposed emergency measures to try to stave off a depression.  This equals over $3,000 per person in the USA.  To pull this off, the ceiling on the national debt will be raised to $11.3 trillion, meaning that every man, woman and child in the United States will owe over $37,000.

Those who hearkened to President Hinckley’s prophetic counsel ten years ago have been blessed for a decade.  And even in this we can learn from the words of Samuel.  Read Helaman 13:24-26.

Remaining steadfast

Read Helaman 15:7-8.  Samuel was talking about the Lamanites who heard the word of the Lord and were converted.  Last week we discussed the pride cycle; this week we can learn from and try to follow the “repentance cycle.”

1. Knowledge of the truth and belief in the scriptures leads to
2. Faith in Jesus Christ and repentance leads to
3. A change of heart leads to
4. Firmness and steadiness in the faith leads to increase
5. Knowledge of the truth and belief in the scriptures

Lesson Plan 34

Introduction

Write the following numbers on the chalkboard: 2, 3, 5, 8, 12

Point out that these numbers follow a particular sequence. Ask class members what the next three numbers of the sequence will be. (The next three numbers are 17, 23, and 30. Explain that the pattern is formed by adding 1 to the first number, 2 to the second number, 3 to the third number, and so on.)

In the Book of Mormon there is a pattern that is almost as predictable as this sequence. The pattern is repeated many times. By recognizing this pattern, we can avoid doing what led to the destruction of the Nephites.  Consider how this cycle applies to your personal life, not just to our society.  Where are you on this cycle?  What are you going to do about that?

Righteousness and Prosperity

Summarize Helaman 6:1–14

• Verse 1 – The Lamanites became righteous
• Verse 2 – The Nephites became wicked
• Verse 4 – The Lamanites preached to the Nephites
• Verse 5 – The Nephites repented
• Verses 7-8 – The people travelled and traded freely and were blessed with peace and physical riches

Pride and Wickedness Begin

Source of pride

In 27 B.C. the people were righteous and God was blessing them.  After just two years, sufficient pride had returned to the Nephites that they were no longer blessed.  Read Helaman 6:17; and 7:20–21. 

• Why does this happen? 
• How can we guard against pride in our personal lives?

Societal attitudes towards wickedness

Read Helaman 6:34–38 and contrast the different responses to the wickedness each society found within itself.

• Why did the Spirit withdraw from the Nephites?
• Why did the Lord pour out the Spirit more abundantly on the Lamanites?
• What does this teach us about keeping the Spirit more abundantly in our own lives?
• What is the best weapon to use against the Gadianton robbers?  Re-read verse 37; cross reference with Ephesians 6:17.

Nephi is rejected

At the beginning of Helaman 7 Nephi returned from preaching unsuccessfully to the wicked Nephites.  Read Helaman 7:7-9. 

• Do you ever feel that way?  Do you think it was really all that different?  (Remember, Nephi had Laman and Lemuel to deal with.)

Summarize the account of Nephi telling of the murder of the chief judge and his continued preaching.  Even though Nephi had just returned from unsuccessfully calling the Nephites to repentance, he continued preaching immediately upon his return to Zarahemla.

I think it is interesting that the people couldn’t decide if Nephi was a prophet or a God, and they walked away from him debating amongst themselves.  But in either case, they weren’t interested in what he had to say.

Destruction and Suffering

Read Helaman 10:2-7, 11-12.  I love how Nephi demonstrates his absolute faithfulness.  He doesn’t even keep going home to get a drink or a change of clothes.  In spite of the fact that he had just returned from unsuccessfully preaching to these people, he immediately resumed his preaching.  What a great example of faithfulness!

• Why did the Lord entrust Nephi with such great power? 
• How did Nephi use this power?  Read Helaman 11:4-6. 
• Why did Nephi use the power God had given him this way?  See Helaman 11:16 for Nephi’s motivation.  He wanted the people to be blessed by God.
• Can you see a foreshadowing of continued problems in Helaman 11:8?  The people knew that Nephi was a man of God, but their knowledge did not extend to knowing that Jesus is the Son of God.  Any knowledge short of this testimony, while good and useful, cannot save us.

Humility and Repentance

The Nephites destroyed the Gadianton robbers (Helaman 11:10) and repented of their sins (Helaman 11:15) and the Lord blessed them with rain again.

This righteousness was short-lived, as pride and contentions returned very quickly.  The scriptures give us an ideas of how we can combat this tendency and keep ourselves on at the top of the pride cycle instead of falling back into wickedness.

• Helaman 11:23 – Heed the preaching of the prophets
• Helaman 12:23-24 – Repent and receive grace for grace.  The main idea of the word grace is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ… This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.