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”?