Lesson 25: "They Were Led by The Spirit of The Lord"

Reading Assignment:

• Alma 17-22
   
• "They Taught and Did Minister One to Another" - Elder James M. Paramore
   
• The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life - Elder Richard J. Maynes
   
• The Unspeakable Gift of the Holy Ghost - Elder Jay E. Jensen

Questions to Ponder:

1. The sons of Mosiah preach the gospel to the Lamanites.

• Why were the sons of Mosiah such powerful and effective teachers? (See Alma 17:2–4.) How does our personal worthiness and preparation affect our ability to be effective instruments for the Lord? How have you seen a missionary or someone else be blessed because of personal preparation?
   
• What sacrifices did the sons of Mosiah make to perform their missionary work? (See Alma 17:5–6.) Why were they willing to do this? (See Alma 17:9, 16; see also Mosiah 28:1–3.) How can we develop love and concern for others, as was demonstrated by the sons of Mosiah? (See Elder Paramore's Talk)
   
• The sons of Mosiah went to preach to "a hardened and a ferocious people" (Alma 17:14). What comfort and counsel did the Lord give them to help prepare them for their mission? (See Alma 17:10–11.) How did the sons of Mosiah feel after receiving comfort and direction from the Lord? (See Alma 17:12.) How can these verses help us as we face challenges in our callings?

2. Ammon serves and teaches King Lamoni, and many of the people are converted.

• Why did Ammon's heart become "swollen … with joy" when the king's flocks were scattered? (See Alma 17:29.) How did Ammon turn this into a positive experience? (See Alma 17:30–39.)
   
• How did the king respond when his servants told him how Ammon had defended his flocks? (See Alma 18:2–5.) What was Ammon doing when the king asked where he was? (See Alma 18:8–9.) How did this help prepare King Lamoni to be taught? (See Alma 18:10–11.)
   
• How did the king's servants address Ammon when he came to see the king? (See Alma 18:13.) How did Ammon's words to King Lamoni show that Ammon was still a humble servant? (See Alma 18:14–17.)
   
• Why do you think it was important for Ammon to serve the king before trying to teach him? How can serving and developing a relationship of trust with others help us present the gospel message to them? In what ways can we serve those we teach? (See Elder Paramore's Talk)
   
• As Ammon began teaching King Lamoni, how did he help him gain an understanding about God and heaven? (See Alma 18:24–33.) How can we follow this example when teaching the gospel?
   
• After establishing a level of understanding with King Lamoni, what essential doctrines did Ammon teach him? (See Alma 18:34–39.) Why is the Book of Mormon an important tool in teaching these truths today?
   
• What did King Lamoni do after hearing and believing Ammon's words? (See Alma 18:40–41.) Why is it important for people to seek forgiveness when they are taught the principles of the gospel? Why is prayer necessary in the conversion process?
   
• After praying, King Lamoni fell to the earth. How did the queen demonstrate her faith when Lamoni appeared to be dead? (See Alma 19:1–5, 8–9.)
   
• What did Lamoni emphasize when he spoke to the queen after his conversion? (See Alma 19:12–13.)
   
• After speaking to the queen, Lamoni again fell to the earth, as did the queen and all of the servants except Abish (Alma 19:13, 15–16). Who was Abish? (See Alma 19:16–17.) What did Abish do when she understood what had happened? (See Alma 19:17.) How can we better recognize and use opportunities to share the gospel?
   
• What were some of the different responses of the people when they arrived at the house of the king? (See Alma 19:18–28.) How did Abish try to resolve the contention among the people? (See Alma 19:28–29.) How did the king and queen demonstrate their conversion after they arose? (See Alma 19:29–31, 33.)
   
• What do you think Mormon wanted us to learn from the experiences of Ammon and King Lamoni and his people? (See Alma 19:36.)
   

3. Ammon is led by the Spirit to deliver his brethren. Lamoni's father is converted.

• What did Lamoni want to do after the Church was established in his kingdom? (See Alma 20:1.) Why is it important for new converts to share their testimonies with others? How can we continue to have such enthusiasm?
   
• How did the conversation between Lamoni and his father demonstrate the depth of Lamoni's conversion? (See Alma 20:13–15.)
   
• What astonished King Lamoni's father about Ammon? (See Alma 20:26–27.) Why are love and testimony so powerful in softening a person's heart? (See Elder Paramore's & Elder Maynes' Talks)
   
• What did Aaron and his brethren do as soon as they were released from prison and fed and clothed? (See Alma 21:14–15.) Why is it important for us to continue in our labors in God's kingdom even when we face suffering and affliction?
   
• How did Aaron and his brethren know where they should go to teach the gospel? (See Alma 21:16.) How were they blessed as they were led by the Spirit? (See Alma 21:17.) How have you been blessed by heeding the promptings of the Spirit? (See Elder Jensen's Talk)
   
• Aaron was led by the Spirit to the house of King Lamoni's father (Alma 22:1). How had Ammon's example helped prepare Lamoni's father to be taught? (See Alma 22:2–3.) How have you seen the examples of Church members influence others for good?
   
• How was Aaron's teaching of Lamoni's father similar to Ammon's teaching of Lamoni? (Compare Alma 18:24–39 with Alma 22:7–14.) What did Aaron say when Lamoni's father asked what he should do to obtain a hope of redemption? (See Alma 22:16.)
   
• What sacrifices was the king willing to make to know God? (See Alma 22:15, 17–18.) What can we learn from the king's example? (See Elder Paramore's Talk)
   
• What did the king do following his conversion that helped the missionaries bring thousands to a knowledge of the Lord? (See Alma 22:26; 23:1–6.) What experiences have you had or known of where the conversion of one person had a positive effect on many others?