Lesson 17: “A Seer … Becometh a Great Benefit to His Fellow Beings”

Purpose:

To encourage class members to follow the counsel of Church leaders, particularly those whom the Lord has called as prophets, seers, and revelators.

Reading Assignment:

• Mosiah 7–8
• Mosiah 9–10
• Mosiah 11

Additional Reading:

• Bible Dictionary, “Seer,” 771
• Bible Dictionary, “Urim and Thummim,” 786–87
• The Father and the Family - Boyd K. Packer, April 1994
• Heed the Prophet's Voice - L. Tom Perry, October 1994
• The Holy Ghost - Robert D. Hales, April 2016

Questions to Ponder:

• Why did Limhi rejoice when he learned who Ammon was? (See Mosiah 7:12–15.)
  
• What message did Limhi share with his people after talking with Ammon? (See Mosiah 7:17–20, 29–33.) 
• What does this reveal about Limhi’s qualities as a leader? 
• Limhi told Ammon that he once sent 43 people to search for their brethren in Zarahemla (Mosiah 8:7). 
• What did this group find instead? (See Mosiah 8:8–11; see also Ether 1:1–2.) 
• Why would it be helpful for Limhi’s people—and for us—to “know the cause of [the] destruction” of the Jaredites? (See Mosiah 8:11–12.)
  
• How did Ammon respond to Limhi’s request? (See Mosiah 8:13–14.) 
• What other titles did Ammon associate with the title of seer? (See Mosiah 8:16.) 
• Whom do we sustain today as prophets, seers, and revelators?
• What are the roles of a seer? (See Mosiah 8:13, 17–18.) 
• How do latter-day prophets, seers, and revelators fulfill these roles?
• How have latter-day prophets, seers, and revelators been “a great benefit” to you? 
• Why are the Laminates wroth with the Nephites (See Mosiah 10:11–17.) 
• How do the traditions of the past sometimes stir people up to hatred?
  
• What can we learn from Zeniff about overcoming feelings of hatred? (See Mosiah 9:1.) 
• What can we do to honestly see the good in others? 
• What were the results of Zeniff’s over-zealousness? (See Mosiah 9:3–12; 10:18.) 
• What are some dangers of being overzealous, even in a good cause? 
• How canwe be zealous in the Lord’s work without being overzealous? 
• In their determination to obtain a part of the land of Nephi, Zeniff and his people “were slow to remember the Lord [their] God” (Mosiah 9:3). 
• What finally led them to turn to the Lord? (See Mosiah 9:13–17.) 
• How were they blessed when they remembered the Lord and prayed for deliverance? (See Mosiah 9:18; 10:19–21.)  
• As members of the Church, we have made a covenant to “always remember” the Lord (D&C 20:77, 79). 
• What are some things we can do that can help us keep this covenant? 
• What kind of a ruler was Noah? (See Mosiah 11:1–19.)
• How did Noah influence the lives of his people? (See Mosiah 11:2, 5–7.) 
• How did the people and Noah share the responsibility for their sinfulness? 
• The Lord sent the prophet Abinadi to call Noah and his people to repentance (Mosiah 11:20). 
• What warnings did the Lord give through Abinadi? (See Mosiah 11:20–25.)
• How did Abinadi fulfilled the role of a seer, as discussed earlier in the lesson.)
  
• How did Noah and his people respond to Abinadi’s warnings? (See Mosiah 11:26–28; see also Mosiah 12:13–15.) 
• Why were the people angry with Abinadi and not with Noah, who had taxed them and caused them to support him in his iniquity? (See Mosiah 11:7, 29.) 
• Why do some people today reject servants of the Lord, like Abinadi, in favor of people like Noah?
  
• Why is it important to recognize and follow prophets of God? (See Mosiah 8:16–18; D&C 1:38; 84:36–38.)

Lessons 15 & 16: Put Off The Natural Man & The Mighty Change of Heart

Reading Assignment:

• Mosiah 1-6

Additional Reading:

• Fasting with Power - Elder Shayne M. Bowen of the Seventy
• The Dual Nature of Man - President David O. McKay
• As a Child - President Henry B. Eyring
• The Service that Counts - President Thomas S. Monson
• The Challenge to Become - Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Questions to Ponder:

• What did King Benjamin teach about service? (Mosiah 2:17–19.) What is the role of service in the life of a disciple of Christ?
   
  • What impresses you about the way Benjamin served as king? (Mosiah 2:10–16) What effect did King Benjamin's leadership have on his people? (Mosiah 1:1; 6:7) What do we learn about effective leadership from King Benjamin's example?
     
• What does it mean to be an unprofitable servant? Why are we unprofitable servants to God even if we praise and serve Him with all our souls? (Mosiah 2:20–25;) What does this teach us about the grace, works and the Atonement? What does this teach us about pride and humility?
   
• As unprofitable servants, we are "eternally indebted to [our] heavenly Father, to render to him all that [we] have and are" (Mosiah 2:34). How can we do this? (Mosiah 2:17, 22; 4:10) What will Heavenly Father give us when we give Him "all that [we] have and are"? (Mosiah 2:22, 41; see also D&C 84:38)
   
• The angel said that "the natural man is an enemy to God" (Mosiah 3:19). What is the meaning of the phrase "natural man"? How can we:
  • "[Put] off the natural man"?
     
  • Yield to "the enticings of the Holy Spirit."?
     
  • Become "a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord."? How does the Atonement help us become true saints?
     
  • Become "as a child."? How can we become "alive in Christ," as little children are?
     
• What is the difference between gaining a testimony and conversion as it is described by Dallin H. Oaks? How does this question relate to the "mighty change of heart" described by King Benjamin? (Mosiah 5:2–5)
   
  • Why is it important for us to know that the people who heard King Benjamin's sermons and experienced a mighty change of heart were already members of the Church?
     
  • Once we have experienced a "mighty change … in our hearts" (Mosiah 5:2), what challenges do we face in maintaining this change? How can we meet these challenges?
     
  • How is this mighty change of heart connected to King Benjamin's council about putting off the natural man?

Lessons 12 & 13 - Seek Ye for the Kingdom of God / The Allegory of the Olive Trees

Purpose:
To help class members feel a greater desire to magnify their callings, be chaste, and invite others to come unto Christ and better understand the allegory of the olive trees and how it applies in our day.

Reading Assignment:

• Jacob 1-7

Additional Reading:

• The Grandeur of God - Jeffrey R. Holland
• The Olive Press - Truman G. Madsen
• The Call of Duty - Thomas S. Monson
• Absolute Truth - Spenser W. Kimball

Questions to Ponder:

• How can the Allegory of the Olive Tree help us grow closer to our Savior Jesus Christ?
• How can the symbols in the scriptures, in particular those connected to trees, help us better understand the Nature of God and Jesus Christ?
  • How can you liken the meaning of these symbols to your life?
• What does it mean to magnify a calling? How can we know we are doing so?
  • How can we find out what the Lord wants us to do in our callings? 
• How are the absolute truths of the Gospel revealed?
• As he began to preach to the people of Nephi, Jacob said that he was “weighed down with much more desire and anxiety” than he had been before (Jacob 2:3). Why was Jacob’s soul “burdened”? (See Jacob 2:5–9; see also Jacob 1:15–16.) Why do you think that Jacob described sin as “labor”? (Jacob 2:5).
• According to Jacob, how were the Lamanites blessed for being chaste? (See Jacob 3:5–7.) What are the blessings of being morally clean?
• What do you think it meant that the Jews looked “beyond the mark”? (See Jacob 4:14.) How might we sometimes “look beyond the mark” in our daily living? How can we be more diligent in remembering the importance of the Savior in our lives?
• How do the scriptures and the prophets help us gain a testimony of the Atonement? (See Jacob 4:4–6.) How can we obtain the hope in Christ that Jacob spoke of? (See Jacob 4:10–12.)

Lesson 11: Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ

Purpose:
To help class members understand the doctrine of Christ and have an increased desire to press forward, feasting on His words.

Reading Assignment:

• 2 Nephi 31-33

Additional Reading:

• How to Press Forward - Neil L. Andersen

Questions to Ponder:

• Why was Jesus baptized? (See 2 Nephi 31:5.) How did He “fulfill all righteousness” by being baptized? (See 2 Nephi 31:6–7.)
• According to 2 Nephi 31:9, for what other reason was Jesus baptized? Why do we need baptism? (See 2 Nephi 31:13, 17 and Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 71–74)
• What do you think it means to act without hypocrisy or deception before God? How can following the Son “with full purpose of heart” help us avoid hypocrisy and deception? (See 2 Nephi 31:13).
• What gift will we receive when we show our willingness “to follow [the] Savior down into the water” through baptism? (2 Nephi 31:13). What does it mean to “speak with the tongue of angels”? (See 2 Nephi 32:2–3.) In what situations might we be blessed to speak with the “tongue of angels”?
• Nephi also taught that after baptism we receive a remission of sins “by fire and by the Holy Ghost” (2 Nephi 31:17). Why do you think Nephi used the word “fire” in describing this process?
• Nephi taught that the Holy Ghost “witnesses of the Father and the Son” (2 Nephi 31:18). Why is it essential for us to receive a testimony of the Father and the Son through the Holy Ghost?
• In what ways can a witness from the Holy Ghost come to us? (See D&C 8:2 and the following quotation.) Why is it important to understand how the Holy Ghost speaks to us? (See 2 Nephi 32:5.)President Boyd K. Packer taught: “The Holy Ghost speaks with a voice that you feel more than you hear. It is described as a ‘still small voice’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 77; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 60).
• What question did Nephi ask in 2 Nephi 31:19? What is the answer to this question? (See 2 Nephi 31:19–20.) What do you think it means to “press forward”? (See How to Press Forward - Neil L. Andersen)  What are some things that might distract us from pressing forward? Why is pressing forward an important part of enduring to the end?
• What does it mean to have “a steadfastness in Christ”? (2 Nephi 31:20). How can following Christ help us have a “perfect brightness of hope”? What are some ways we can help one another in our efforts to press forward? What can we do to help new members of the Church as they begin their journeys along the path?President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: “With the ever increasing number of converts, we must make an increasingly substantial effort to assist them as they find their way. Every one of them needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with ‘the good word of God’ (Moroni 6:4). It is our duty and opportunity to provide these things” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 66; or Ensign, May 1997, 47).
• Based on Nephi’s teachings in 2 Nephi 31, how would you define “the doctrine of Christ”? (See 2 Nephi 31:13, 15; see also 3 Nephi 11:31–40. 
• In 2 Nephi 32, Nephi gave additional instructions about what we must do after we have entered in the path to eternal life (2 Nephi 32:1–3). What specific instruction is given in verse three? What sources do we have for receiving the words of Christ?
• What do you think it means to feast on these words? (See the quotation below.) How is “feasting” different from reading or even studying? How can we help others feast? Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: “We need to feast upon the words of Christ in the scriptures and as these words come to us from living prophets. Just nibbling occasionally will not do. (See 2 Nephi 31:20 and 32:3.) Feasting means partaking with relish and delight and savoring—not gorging episodically in heedless hunger, but partaking gratefully, dining with delight, at a sumptuous spread carefully and lovingly prepared … over the centuries” (Wherefore Ye Must Press Forward [1977], 28).
• What promise did Nephi give regarding the words of Christ? (See 2 Nephi 32:3.) How have you found this to be true?
• Nephi taught that the Spirit teaches, or encourages, a person to pray (2 Nephi 32:8). Why is it important that we pray before we perform “any thing unto the Lord”? (2 Nephi 32:9). How have you been blessed as you have followed this counsel?
• Why are Nephi’s words “of great worth”? (See 2 Nephi 33:3–5.) How can we learn of the worth of these words? How can we know that the words of Nephi are true? (See 2 Nephi 33:10; see also Moroni 7:13–17.)
• Nephi said that we will meet him “face to face” at the judgment bar (2 Nephi 33:11). How could Nephi’s words “condemn [us] at the last day”? (See 2 Nephi 33:14. If we choose to reject these words or disobey the principles they teach, we will be cut off from the presence of the Lord.)
• Among Nephi’s last written words is the declaration “For thus hath the Lord commanded me, and I must obey” (2 Nephi 33:15). Why is this a fitting end to Nephi’s writings? What have you learned from Nephi’s example that can help you as you strive to be more obedient?

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).

Lesson 9 - My Soul Delighteth in the Words of Isaiah

Purpose:
To inspire class members to read the prophecies of Isaiah and to help them understand how these prophecies apply in their lives.

Reading Assignment:

• 2 Nephi 11-25

Additional Reading:

• D&C 133:7–14
• D&C 20:29–31
• 2 Nephi 10:24–25
• Moroni 7:12–17
   
• How can I understand Isaiah? - Ryan S. Gardner
  (This article was intended for seminary students but I found it really helpful. If you are an Isaiah expert, you can skip this one. If you are a novice like me, give it a read.)
   
• The Gift of Grace - Dieter F. Uchtdorf
   
• Shipshape and Bristol Fashion: Be Temple Worthy - in Good Times and Bad Times - Elder Quentin L. Cook

Questions to Ponder:

• What are the keys to understanding Isaiah, as taught by Nephi?
  • 1 Nephi 19:23
  • 2 Nephi 11:2, 8
  • 2 Nephi 15:26
  • 2 Nephi 25:1
  • 2 Nephi 12:1–3
  • 2 Nephi 25:3
  • 2 Nephi 25:6
  • 2 Nephi 20:28–34
  • 2 Nephi 25:4
  • Revelation 19:10
• What can we learn from Isaiah's writings about the latter-day temple and gathering of Israel?
  • 2 Nephi 12:1–12
  • 2 Nephi 14:6
  • 2 Nephi 12:3–5
  • D&C 133:7–14
• Isaiah exhorted the house of Jacob to “walk in the light of the Lord” instead of “all [going] astray, every one to his wicked ways” (2 Nephi 12:5).
  • What are some of the specific sins mentioned in (2 Nephi 12:7–12)?
    • How are these sins still prevalent today?
    • How can we avoid these pitfalls and “walk in the light”?
• What can we learn from Isaiah's prophesies about "lifting up an ensign to the nations"?
  • 2 Nephi 15:26–29; 21:12
• What do we learn from the testimonies of Isaiah and Nephi about Jesus Christ's redeeming power? (2 Nephi 16; 22;25:19–30)
  • Nephi teaches "it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." What does this statement teach about the relationship between the grace of Jesus Christ and our works? (2 Nephi 25:23)
• What might you do in your life to comply more fully with the exhortation to worship the Lord "with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul"?
  • 2 Nephi 25:29
• I what ways might we, like ancient Israel, make the mistake of calling "evil good, and good evil"? (2 Nephi 15:20)
  • How can we be sure that we recognize good and evil for what they really are?
    • Moroni 7:12–17

Lesson 8 - “O How Great the Goodness of Our God”

Purpose:

To help class members understand their need for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and to teach them how to receive all the blessings of the Atonement.

Reading Assignment:

• 2 Nephi 6-10

Additional Reading:

• His Grace Is Sufficient - BYU Speeches - Brad Wilcox
• Have You Been Saved? - Dallin H. Oaks
• No Other Gods - Dallin H. Oaks

Questions to Ponder:

• What did the Savior do to overcome temporal death and spiritual death? (See 2 Nephi 9:5–7, 12, 21–22; see also Luke 22:44; Mosiah 3:7; D&C 19:16–19).
   
• Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected—saved from temporal death (2 Nephi 9:12–13, 22). What would happen to us without the power of Christ’s Resurrection? (See 2 Nephi 9:6–9).
   
• Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all people will be restored to God’s presence to be judged (2 Nephi 2:10; 9:15). However, not all people will be “saved in the kingdom of God,” or permitted to dwell in God’s presence forever (2 Nephi 9:23; Mormon 7:7). 
   
  • What are some of the things we must do to be “saved in the kingdom of God”? (See 2 Nephi 9:18, 21, 23–24, 39, 41, 50–52).
     
• What does it mean to endure the crosses of the world and despise the shame of the world (2 Nephi 9:18).
   
• What does it mean to you to be spiritually minded? How does being spiritually minded lead to “life eternal”? What does it mean to be carnally minded? How does being carnally minded lead to spiritual death? What can we do to become more spiritually minded? (See 2 Nephi 9:39; see also Romans 8:5–8).
   
• What are some things that never perish? How can we “feast” on these things? (See 2 Nephi 9:50–51).
   
• What are some attitudes and actions that prevent us from receiving all the blessings of the Atonement? (See 2 Nephi 9:27–38).
   
• In what ways do we choose either the way of everlasting death or the way of everlasting life? (See 2 Nephi 2:26–27).
   
• Why is it important to remember that “it is only through the grace of God that [we] are saved”? 

Lesson 7: “I Know in Whom I Have Trusted”

Purpose:

To help class members strengthen their testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith and to encourage them to find happiness through trusting in the Lord and keeping His commandments.

Reading Assignment:

• 2 Nephi 3, 4, 5
   
• Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:24–38
   
• Bible Dictionary “Joseph, Son of Rachel,”

Additional Reading:

• The Prophet Joseph Smith - Lawrence E. Corbridge
   
• Shipshape and Bristol Fashion: Be Temple Worthy—in Good Times and Bad Times - Quentin L. Cook
   
• Joseph Smith History Verses 1–20

Questions to Ponder

• Lehi taught his son Joseph about a prophecy made by Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel who was “carried captive into Egypt” (2 Nephi 3:4; see also Genesis 30:22–24; 37:1–3, 23–28). 
  • Why were the covenants that Joseph of Egypt made with the Lord important to Lehi’s family? (See2 Nephi 3:4–5; Jacob 2:25; see also Genesis 45:7.)
     
• Who was the “choice seer” whom Joseph of Egypt saw in vision? (See 2 Nephi 3:6–15. The Prophet Joseph Smith.) 
  • How did Joseph Smith “bring forth [the Lord’s] word”? (See 2 Nephi 3:11 and the quotation below.) How have you been blessed because of the word of God brought forth by Joseph Smith?Elder LeGrand Richards said: “The Prophet Joseph Smith brought us the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and many other writings. As far as our records show, he has given us more revealed truth than any prophet who has ever lived upon the face of the earth” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1981, 43; or Ensign, May 1981, 33). See also (The Prophet Joseph Smith - Lawrence E. Corbridge)
     
• The Lord told Joseph of Egypt about the Bible, which would contain words written by descendants of Judah, and the Book of Mormon, which would contain words written by descendants of Joseph (2 Nephi 3:12). 
  • How have the Bible and the Book of Mormon “grow[n] together”? 
  • What blessings did the Lord say would come because the Bible and the Book of Mormon would “grow together”? (See 2 Nephi 3:12.)
     
• The Lord promised that “a righteous branch” of the descendants of Joseph of Egypt would be “broken off” but would be “remembered in the covenants of the Lord” (2 Nephi 3:5). 
  • What are the roles of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon in the fulfillment of these covenants? (See2 Nephi 3:12–13, 18–21; 30:3–6.) 
  • How is this promise being fulfilled today? (See The Prophet Joseph Smith - Lawrence E. Corbridge)
  • How does the Book of Mormon help you remember and keep your covenants with the Lord?
     
• What connects Joseph of Egypt, Lehi’s son Joseph, and Joseph Smith, in addition to their name? (See 2 Nephi 3:4–7, 11–12, 18–21. Answers may include lineage, covenants, and the Book of Mormon.)
   
• Nephi said, “My soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth [them] continually” (2 Nephi 4:16). 
  • What specific things did Nephi delight in? (See2 Nephi 4:15–16.) 
  • What does it mean to ponder? 
  • What can we do to make time to ponder the things of the Lord? 
  • How can pondering the things of the Lord help us?
     
• What words would you use to describe Nephi? (Answers may include righteous, obedient, and humble.) 
  • Why would Nephi say that he was a “wretched man” whose “soul grieveth because of [his] iniquities”? (See 2 Nephi 4:17, 27; see also 1 Nephi 10:6.) 
  • Why is it important to recognize our fallen nature before God?
    • President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Just as a man does not really desire food until he is hungry, so he does not desire the salvation of Christ until he knows why he needs Christ. No one adequately and properly knows why he needs Christ until he understands and accepts the doctrine of the Fall and its effect upon all mankind” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 106; or Ensign, May 1987, 85).
       
• How did Nephi find hope despite feeling “encompassed about” by temptation and sin? (See 2 Nephi 4:18–19.) 
  • How had the Lord helped Nephi in the past? (See2 Nephi 4:20–25)
     
• Nephi asked himself why he yielded to sorrow and sin in spite of the things that he had seen and the things that he knew (2 Nephi 4:26–27). 
  • Why do we sometimes struggle with sorrow and temptation despite our knowledge of the gospel? 
  • What can Nephi’s psalm teach us about overcoming sorrow and temptation? (See 2 Nephi 4:28–30.)
     
• In the first part of his psalm, Nephi’s words were directed toward himself (2 Nephi 4:15–30). The conclusion of the psalm was a prayer (2 Nephi 4:30–35). 
  • What did Nephi ask of Heavenly Father in this prayer? (See 2 Nephi 4:31–33. 
  • What parts of Nephi’s prayer that are especially meaningful to you.
    • How does the Lord “deliver [us] out of the hands of [our] enemies”? (See 2 Nephi 4:31, 33.)
    • What does it mean to “shake at the appearance of sin”? (See 2 Nephi 4:31;Mosiah 5:2; Alma 13:12.)
    • What do you think it means to “walk in the path of the low valley” and “be strict in the plain road”? (2 Nephi 4:32).
    • What do you think it means for the Lord to “encircle [us] around in the robe of [His] righteousness”? (2 Nephi 4:33).
       
• In his prayer, what did Nephi promise to do? (See 2 Nephi 4:30, 34–35.)
  • What did Nephi mean when he said, “I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh”? (See 2 Nephi 4:34;28:31.) 
  • What are some ways that people “trust in the arm of flesh”? 
  • What are the dangers of this? 
  • What can we do to increase our trust in the Lord?
     
• Why were Laman and Lemuel angry toward Nephi? (See2 Nephi 4:13; 5:3.) 
  • What did Laman and Lemuel seek to do as a result of their increasing anger? (See 2 Nephi 5:2, 4.) 
    • Compare their anger with Nephi’s efforts to control his anger, as recorded in 2 Nephi 4:27–29.) 
  • What are some dangers of increasing anger? 
  • What can we do to be peacemakers in the home, the community, and the Church?
    • President Howard W. Hunter taught: “We need a more peaceful world, growing out of more peaceful families and neighborhoods and communities. To secure and cultivate such peace, ‘we must love others, even our enemies as well as our friends.’ … We need to extend the hand of friendship. We need to be kinder, more gentle, more forgiving, and slower to anger. We need to love one another with the pure love of Christ. May this be our course and our desire” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 87; or Ensign, May 1992, 63).
       
• Because of the anger of his brothers, Nephi prayed for help (2 Nephi 5:1). 
  • How did the Lord answer his prayers? (See 2 Nephi 5:5.)
     
• When Nephi and his people had departed, they “lived after the manner of happiness” (2 Nephi 5:27). 
  • What did they do that contributed to their happiness? (See 2 Nephi 5:10–17.)
  • How can the Nephites’ example help us as we strive to live “after the manner of happiness”?
  • What did Elder Quentin L. Cook teach us about living after the manner of happiness? (See Shipshape and Bristol Fashion: Be Temple Worthy—in Good Times and Bad Times)
  • How are happiness and righteousness interconnected?
  • What do the parables of the foolish virgins and talents teach us about happiness?
  • In addition to being temple worthy, what other principles contribute to righteousness.

Lesson 6 - Free to Choose Liberty and Eternal Life

Purpose:

To help class members have a greater desire to “choose liberty and eternal life” through Jesus Christ, “the great Mediator of all men"

Reading Assignment:

• 2 Nephi 1-2

Related Scripture References:

• James 2:10
• 1 Nephi 10:21
• Alma 34:13-16
• D&C 19:15-19
• D&C 45:3-5
• Romans 10:4
• Moses 6:48
• Moses 5:10-12
• Moses 7:32
• 2 Nephi 10:23
• Helaman 14:30-31

Additional Reading:

• Choosing Liberty and Eternal Life - Elder Craig A. Cardon
• Joy and Mercy - Dallin H. Oaks
• To Act for Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings of Agency - Robert D. Hales
• Joy Cometh in the Morning - Russell M. Nelson

Questions to Ponder:

• According to 2 Nephi 2:24–28, what does our Father in Heaven want for us? (Joy, liberty, and eternal life.) How did He provide a way for us to receive these blessings? (See 2 Nephi 2:26–27; see also John 14:6.)
• Lehi declares, "Men are that they might have joy." What is the difference between the joy/happiness spoken of in the scriptures and the pleasure/happiness sought by the world?  
• Sometimes we may feel that the commandments restrict our freedom. How can obedience to the commandments increase our liberty? 
• Lehi called his sons to repentance by commanding them to “awake … from the sleep of hell, and shake off the awful chains by which [they were] bound” (2 Nephi 1:13; see also verses 2 Nephi 1:14, 21, 23). How is sinfulness like being in a deep sleep? How is sinfulness like being bound by chains? 
• What parts of the atonement are free? How must we live so we can be justified through Christ’s suffering for our sins? (See 2 Nephi 2:7; see also Romans 10:4; D&C 19:15–16; Articles of Faith 1:3) 
• Lehi told his children that “it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11; 2 Nephi 2:15). How have you seen that it is important to have opposition in our daily lives? (2 Nephi 2:11–13) How can opposition help us progress? 
• 2 Nephi 2 contains the doctrines of the Creation (2 Nephi 2:14–15), the Fall (2 Nephi 2:4–5, 8, 18–25), and the Atonement (2 Nephi 2:3–4, 6–10, 26–27). How are these three doctrines central to Heavenly Father’s plan of redemption?

Lesson 5: “Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It”

Purpose:

To inspire class members to follow Nephi's example of faith and willing obedience.

Scriptures:

• 1 Nephi 16-22
• Alma 37:38–46

Additional Reading:

• The Holy Ghost as Your Companion - Henry B. Eyring
• Turn to Him and Answers Will Come - James B. Martino

Questions to Ponder:

• Nephi and his family were blessed as they traveled to the promised land because Nephi continued to have an "I will" attitude—he did not hesitate to obey the Lord's commandments. (1 Nephi 3:7)
• Consider the following attitudes:
• I don't want to
• I'll think about it
• I'll try
• I will
• How might these different attitudes bring out different outcomes in our individual lives?
• How might these different attitudes bring affect the Lord's ability to bless us?
• How might these different attitudes bless the lives of those you care about?
• What are some guides in our lives that, like the Liahona, work according to our faith and diligence? (Alma 37:38–46).
• What gifts has the Lord give us that acts like the Liahona?
• How can we obtain guidance from the Lord in our daily lives?
• (The Holy Ghost as Your Companion - Henry B. Eyring)
• (Turn to Him and Answers Will Come - James B. Martino).
• What are some of the blessing of the companionship of the Holy Ghost? (The Holy Ghost as Your Companion - Henry B. Eyring)
• Nephi told Laman and Lemuel that they "were past feeling, that [they] could not feel [the Lord's] words" (1 Nephi 17:45).
• What does it mean to feel the words of the Lord?
• What causes people to become "past feeling"?
• How can we prepare ourselves to feel the words of the Lord? (The Holy Ghost as Your Companion - Henry B. Eyring)
• How can Obedience, Scripture Study, Prayer and Fasting invite Revelation? (Turn to Him and Answers Will Come - James B. Martino).
• As the people traveled through the wilderness and across the sea, what circumstances led many of them to murmur? (1 Nephi 16:18–20, 34–36; 17:6; 17:21.)
• What was Nephi's attitude during these difficult times? (1 Nephi 18:16.)
• Consider the contrast: (Turn to Him and Answers Will Come - James B. Martino). 
• Those who murmured allowed circumstances to rule over them. 
• Nephi was strengthened by the experiences.