Lesson 36: On the Morrow Come I into the World

Purpose:

To help class members understand the need to endurefaithfully in times of trial and temptation.

Reading:

3 Nephi 1-7

Additional Reading:

To the Saints in the Utah South Area - Elder M. Russell Ballard (This is a near identical talk to the one given in our recent stake/area conference telecast.)

Flags, Faith and Finishing the Race - Lynnette B. Erickson

 

Questions to Ponder:

1. The signs of the Savior's birth vindicate those who have endured in faith.

• While waiting for Samuel's prophecies to be fulfilled, "the people who believed began to be very sorrowful" (3 Nephi 1:7). What were some of the reasons for their sorrow? (See 3 Nephi 1:5–9.)
   
• In spite of these challenges to their faith, what did the believers do? (See 3 Nephi 1:8.) What can we do to remain steadfast when our faith is challenged?
   
• When Nephi saw the wickedness of the unbelievers, he prayed to the Lord for his people (3 Nephi 1:10–11). What message was revealed to Nephi after he had prayed all day for his people? (See 3 Nephi 1:12–14.) How were Samuel's prophecies fulfilled? (See 3 Nephi 1:15–21.) How does this account help strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ?

2. The Gadianton robbers come to battle against the Nephites.

• How did Satan try to turn people away from their belief in the Savior and His birth? (See 3 Nephi 1:22;2:1–3) Which of these tactics have you seen the adversary use today? What can we do to remember and preserve our spiritual experiences?
   
• As the people began to increase in wickedness, what dangers did they face? (See 3 Nephi 2:11–13, 17–19.) What kinds of behavior and attitudes threaten our safety today?
   
• In the 16th year from the time of Christ's birth, Lachoneus, the governor and chief judge of the Nephites, received a letter from Giddianhi, the leader of the Gadianton robbers (3 Nephi 3:1). What did Giddianhi desire of Lachoneus? (See 3 Nephi 3:6–8.)
   
• When the Gadianton robbers announced their intention to destroy the Nephites, the people began at once to prepare to protect themselves, under the direction of Lachoneus and Gidgiddoni. What can we learn from their actions that can help protect us in times of temptation and fear? (See 3 Nephi 3:12–26)
   
  • "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?
     
  • 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?
     
  • 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.)
     
  • "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?
     
  • 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?
     
  • "They did repent of all their sins" (3 Nephi 3:25). How does repentance help us receive greater strength from the Lord?
     
  • 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?
     
• In what ways did Elder Ballard suggest we should prepare?
   
• What was the result of these preparations when the Gadianton robbers came against the Nephites? (See 3 Nephi 4:11–13, 16–29.) How did the Nephites rejoice after their victory? (See 3 Nephi 4:30–33.) In what ways can we show our gratitude to the Lord for protecting and blessing us?

3. The Nephites live righteously and prosper, but pride and dissensions arise.

• For several years after the defeat of the Gadianton robbers, the Nephites enjoyed great peace and prosperity (3 Nephi 5:1–26; 6:1–9). What happened to disrupt their peace? (See 3 Nephi 6:10–15)
   
• As the people continued in their wickedness, prophets came to call them to repentance, but the people rejected and killed them (3 Nephi 6:17–23). Secret combinations increased, and the people were soon divided into tribes (3 Nephi 6:27–30; 7:1–5). What did Nephi do in response to this wickedness? (See 3 Nephi 7:15–19.) What was the result of his work? (See 3 Nephi 7:21–26.)
   
• What blessings could all the people have enjoyed if they had remained faithful? (See 3 Nephi 10:18–19)