Lesson 12: Seek Ye for the Kingdom of God

To learn more about the prophet Jacob, read the following passages: 1 Nephi 18:7; 2 Nephi 2:1–4; 6:2–4; Jacob 1:1–2, 18–19.

• The prophet Jacob warned against love of riches, pride, unchastity, and racial prejudice (Jacob 2:12–16, 22–23; 3:5, 9). After calling his people to repentance, he ended his sermon by testifying of the hope of forgiveness through the Atonement. How can we obtain the hope in Christ that Jacob spoke of? (See Jacob 4:4–12.)

Jacob rebuked the Nephite men for their mistreatment of their wives and children (Jacob 2:9, 31–32, 35). Latter-day Church leaders have also given strong warnings against abuse of any kind. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve have warned that “individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Have family members read Jacob 2:35. Then ask the following questions:

• What are some things we might do or say that could break the hearts of others? What can we do to bring greater unity and love into our home?

Lesson 11: Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ

Nephi began his final writings by saying that he would “speak concerning the doctrine of Christ” (2 Nephi 31:2). Based on Nephi’s teachings in 2 Nephi 31, how would you define “the doctrine of Christ”?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Prepare the dinner table for a meal together, and tell family members that you will bring them their food. When family members sit at the table, give them portions of food that are much smaller than the portions they usually eat. Then conduct the following discussion:

• How might our scripture study sometimes be compared to eating a very small amount of food?
• As a family, read 2 Nephi 32:3. What do you think it means to “feast upon the words of Christ”? (2 Nephi 32:3) What can we do to make our personal and family scripture study a feast?