Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 41

Introduction

Sing Search, Ponder and Pray with Jessie and Mark before class.  Invite class members to think about how we can follow the counsel in this song as we read the scriptures, especially the words of the Savior that apply to us today.

The Savior quotes Isaiah

Tents and stakes

Read 3 Nephi 22:2. 

• What does the tent symbolize?  What does it mean to stretch forth the curtains?
• What do the cords and stakes represent?

President Ezra Taft Benson said:

“The prophets likened latter-day Zion to a great tent encompassing the earth. That tent was supported by cords fastened to stakes. Those stakes, of course, are various geographical organizations spread out over the earth. Presently, Israel is being gathered to the various stakes of Zion. …  

“… Stakes are a defense for the Saints from enemies both seen and unseen. The defense is direction provided through priesthood channels that strengthens testimony and promotes family solidarity and individual righteousness” (“Strengthen Thy Stakes,” Ensign, Jan. 1991, 2, 4).

The Lord reassures us that we should “spare not.”  The growth is going to come, and we need to be prepared for it.  (Compare to Luke 14: 28 where the Lord counsels to count the cost before beginning a big construction project.)

• What can we do individually and as families to ensure that our stakes are a refuge and a defense against evil?
• What is a refuge?  (A place providing safety, protection or shelter.)
• What is a defense?  (The action of defending or protecting from attack, danger, or injury.  Anything employed to oppose attacks.)

The place to which the House of Israel is gathered

The Lord describes the place to which his people will be gathered, and what it will be like to live there. 

• Read 3 Nephi 22:11–12.  The place God is preparing for us is so wonderful, even the foundation is made of precious gems.  The windows are beautiful; the gate is fantastic; even the wall is made of “pleasant stones” instead of just rocks hauled in from the field.
• Read 3 Nephi 22:13–17.
• Verse 13 – All our children shall be taught of the Lord, and shall live in peace.  Consider the turmoil that is so inescapable in the world today, and this is something I long for for my children!
• Verse 14 – We will be established in righteousness.  Not in pride or arrogance, or in an attitude of “we’re right and you’re wrong!”  This has been happening over a process of time.  It was certainly partially fulfilled when the saints settled in the Rocky Mountains and were given time to be well established to prepare for additional trials.  Maybe the last 10 years under President Hinckley were a season of rest before new storms against the Church that seem to be forming?
• Verse 15 – Opposition is not a surprise or a sign that something is wrong.  On the contrary, Satan devotes his best attention to combat his biggest threat.  Ultimately righteousness will prevail.
• Verse 16 – Is Joseph Smith the smith, bringing forth the book that was formed from a metal forge by Nephi, Mormon, and others?
• Verse 17 – The righteous servants of the Lord have the heritage (or responsibility) of condemning.  I’ll leave that to them!

Search the scriptures

After quoting the words of Isaiah, Jesus encouraged the people to search the scriptures.  Read 3 Nephi 23:1, 5. 

Elder Henry B. Eyring said: “We treasure the word of God not only by reading the words of the scriptures but by studying them. We may be nourished more by pondering a few words, allowing the Holy Ghost to make them treasures to us, than by passing quickly and superficially over whole chapters of scripture” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 115; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 84).

• How have you been blessed as you have searched the words of the scriptures and focused on learning the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

The Savior adds to their records

Samuel’s prophecy

Jesus commanded the Nephites to add to their records a prophecy made by Samuel the Lamanite. In this prophecy, Samuel said that “many saints [would] arise from the dead, and [would] appear to many, and [would] minister unto them” (3 Nephi 23:6–13).

Malachi’s teachings

• 3 Nephi 24:1; compare Malachi 3:1. What is the messenger sent to prepare the way for the Lord’s Second Coming? (See D&C 45:9. The restored gospel, including the keys and powers restored by heavenly messengers.) In what manner might Joseph Smith be considered a messenger for the last dispensation?
• 3 Nephi 24:8–12; compare Malachi 3:8–12. What blessings are promised in these verses to those who pay tithes and offerings? How have you been blessed as you have paid tithes and offerings?
• 3 Nephi 24:13–18; compare Malachi 3:13–18. Why might some people believe that “it is vain to serve God”? (See 3 Nephi 24:14–15.) How can we remain steadfast in our faith even when evil seems to be prospering?
• 3 Nephi 25:1–6; compare Malachi 4:1–6. What does it mean to be left without root or branch? (Consider your roots to be your parents and ancestors and your branches to be your children and posterity. To be united with our roots and branches, we must receive temple ordinances.) Whom did the Lord say He would send before the Second Coming? When and where did Elijah return? (See D&C 110:13–16.) What keys did he restore? (The keys of the sealing power, which provide the way for us to be united with our ancestors and our posterity.)

Which teachings of Malachi have been of special significance to you?

The “lesser part”

Read 3 Nephi 26:8-9.

President Spencer W. Kimball said: “I have had many people ask me through the years, ‘When do you think we will get the balance of the Book of Mormon records?’ And I have said, ‘How many in the congregation would like to read the sealed portion of the plates?’ And almost always there is a 100-percent response. And then I ask the same congregation, ‘How many of you have read the part that has been opened to us?’ And there are many who have not read the Book of Mormon, the unsealed portion. We are quite often looking for the spectacular, the unobtainable. I have found many people who want to live the higher laws when they do not live the lower laws” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 531–32).

How can we make best use of this “lesser part” that we have?  How can the Lord bless us now as we are faithful with that which we are given?

Conclusion

Read 3 Nephi 26:19–21.  After Jesus had taught the people from the scriptures and explained them to the people, they lived them fully.  It is my prayer that we will be similarly affected as we prayerfully study and live the teachings of Jesus Christ.