Lesson 10: He Inviteth All to Come unto Him

Purpose
To help class members understand that through the Restoration of the gospel and the teachings of the Book of Mormon, the Lord will cause truth to triumph over evil.


Reading Assignment:

• 2 Nephi 26-30

Additional Reading:

• Alma 1:16
• 3 Nephi 18:24
• Moroni 7:45-47
• Joseph Smith - History 1:5-65
• Ether 5:2-4
• 2 Corinthians 13:1
• 2 Nephi 3:12
• Spiritual Guides for Teachers of Righteousness - Gene R. Cook
• The Gift of the Holy Ghost - A Sure Compass - James E. Faust
• Beware of Pride - Ezra Taft Benson

Questions to Ponder:

• What are some illusions that Satan uses to lead people astray? How can we discern between these illusions and the truth?
• How did Nephi describe those who would be preserved at the Savior's coming? (See 2 Nephi 26:8.) Why are these same qualities important for us today? How were the righteous Nephites and their posterity blessed? (See 2 Nephi 26:9.)
   
• How did Nephi describe the way Satan leads people to destruction? (See 2 Nephi 26:22. You may want to explain that a flaxen cord is made of thin, light strands.) What are some ways Satan uses "flaxen cords" before binding people with "strong cords"?
   
• How did Nephi describe the way the Savior leads people to salvation? (See 2 Nephi 26:23–27, 33.) How can we help others "partake of his salvation"? (2 Nephi 26:24).
   
• Nephi warned against priestcrafts. What are priestcrafts? (See 2 Nephi 26:29; Alma 1:16.) What examples of priestcraft are evident in the world today? How can we counteract these conditions? (See2 Nephi 26:30–31; 3 Nephi 18:24; Moroni 7:45–47.)
   
• How did Nephi describe the false teaching that people would use to justify sinning? (See 2 Nephi 28:7–9.) What are some of the rationalizations people use today to excuse sin? What are the dangers of not worrying about "committing a little sin"? (2 Nephi 28:8).
   
• Nephi also foresaw that people in the last days would be filled with pride (2 Nephi 28:12–15). What was the eventual result of the pride of the Nephites? (Se e2 Nephi 26:10–11.) How is pride a stumbling block to our spiritual growth? How can we overcome pride?
   
• Nephi taught that pride would lead many to "rob the poor" (2 Nephi 28:13). How might a desire for "fine clothing" or other luxuries cause us to neglect the poor? In what ways can we help those who are less fortunate, both physically and spiritually?
   
• According to Nephi, how would many people react to the word of the Lord in the last days? (See 2 Nephi 28:20, 28.) Why do the words of God often "stir [many] up to anger against that which is good"?
   
• Nephi prophesied that Satan would pacify the people and "lull them away into carnal security" (2 Nephi 28:21). What is carnal security? How can the contentment of carnal security keep us from repentance? What does the phrase "leadeth them away carefully" (2 Nephi 28:21) suggest about Satan's tactics?
   
• How can studying the Book of Mormon help us be spiritually alert and avoid becoming "at ease in Zion"? (2 Nephi 28:24).