Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 44

Introduction

Draw three gifts on the chalkboard labeled Mormon 7, Mormon 8, and Mormon 9.  Draw a “To:” tag on each gift, leaving off the name each is addressed to.  Read the following verses, filling in the recipient of each chapter.

• Mormon 7:1
• Mormon 8:34-35
• Mormon 9:1

Mormon speaks to descendants of the Lamanites

• Have a class member read Mormon 7:2 aloud. Point out that in this final message, these were Mormon’s first words to the latter-day descendants of Lehi. Why is it important for the descendants of Lehi to know that they are “of the house of Israel”? What blessings has the Lord promised to righteous members of the house of Israel? (See Abraham 2:8–11.)
• What instructions did Mormon give the latter-day descendants of Lehi? (See Mormon 7:3–10 and the list below. Some items in the list include questions to encourage discussion.)

• Repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Mormon 7:3, 5, 8, 10).
• Lay down weapons of war unless God commands differently (Mormon 7:4).
• Come to the knowledge of their ancestors (Mormon 7:5).

• Why is it important for the latter-day descendants of Lehi to gain a knowledge of their ancestors? (See Mormon 7:9 and the title page of the Book of Mormon.)
• How can we all benefit from a knowledge of God’s works among our ancestors?
• Might the “knowledge of our ancestors” also refer to knowing that they knew, especially regarding Jesus Christ?

• Believe in Jesus Christ and His Atonement (Mormon 7:5–7, 10).
• Study the gospel in the Bible and the Book of Mormon (Mormon 7:8–9). How does the Book of Mormon help people believe the Bible? (See Mormon 7:9; see also 1 Nephi 13:38–40; 2 Nephi 3:11–12.)

Mormon speaks to us

Moroni prophesied of Joseph Smith, saying, “Blessed be he that shall bring this thing [the Book of Mormon] to light” (Mormon 8:16; see also verses Mormon 8:14–15). What role did Moroni play in Joseph Smith’s bringing the Book of Mormon “out of darkness unto light”? (See Mormon 8:14; Joseph Smith—History 1:30–35, 46, 59.)

• What can we do so the Book of Mormon will continue to be “brought out of darkness unto light”?

 

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “I commend you faithful Saints who are striving to flood the earth and your lives with the Book of Mormon. Not only must we move forward in a monumental manner more copies of the Book of Mormon, but we must move boldly forward into our own lives and throughout the earth more of its marvelous messages” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 3; or Ensign, May 1989, 4).

 

• What is the message of the Book of Mormon Pres. Benson referred to?  How can we make that message a more integral part of our lives?

 

Read Mormon 8:26–33 in turns.  In what ways are these prophecies being fulfilled today?  How can we act in faith and diligence in spite of these challenges?

 

Read Mormon 8:35-37.  This verse caught my attention and I imagined Mormon speaking directly to me.  What is his warning?

• Envy – Resentful desire of something possessed by another.  (Related to Latin “to look at with malice)
• Malice – To take pleasure in another’s misfortune

 

Read 2 Nephi 26:30-31.  Here Nephi is prophesying of the last days, and compares the attitudes of the proud today with the humility of Jesus.  Following these verses he reiterates Mormon’s admonition against pride, envy and malice.

 

Read Alma 4:6-9.  Notice that the envy and malice came because of their industry. 

 

Alma and Amulek give us the antidote to these problems that afflict us in Alma 16:18-19.  The key is continued preaching of the gospel and “holding forth … the Son of God.”  We must follow the example of Jesus in this, as in all things.

 

President Ezra Taft Benson said:

“The antidote for pride is humility—meekness, submissiveness (see Alma 7:23). It is the broken heart and contrite spirit (see 3 Nephi 9:20; 12:19; D&C 20:37; 59:8; Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2). …  

“God will have a humble people. Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble. …  

“Let us choose to be humble” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 6; or Ensign, May 1989, 6).

Mormon speaks to those who do not believe in God

Moroni speaks specifically to people who deny God.  I believe this applies not only to people who deny his existence, but to those who deny his ability to intercede in our lives, or who deny that he does in fact love us is involved in our daily lives.

 

Moroni then outlines that God is a “God of miracles” by outlining the plan of salvation:

a. The creation of the heavens, the earth, and mankind (Mormon 9:11–12, 17).

b. The Fall (Mormon 9:12).

c. Redemption through Jesus Christ (Mormon 9:12–13).

d. The resurrection of all people (Mormon 9:13).

e. The return of all people to the Lord’s presence to be judged (Mormon 9:13–14).

 

Moroni concludes by exhorting us to “doubt not, but be believing” (Mormon 9:27). 

 

Joseph Smith taught: “Those who know their weakness and liability to sin would be in constant doubt of salvation if it were not for the idea which they have of the excellency of God, that he is slow to anger and long-suffering, and of a forgiving disposition, and does forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin. An idea of these facts does away doubt, and makes faith exceedingly strong” (Lectures on Faith, 42).