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?

Lesson 10: He Inviteth All to Come unto Him

2 Nephi 26–30 contains powerful prophecies concerning the last days. Nephi prophesied about people who would be deceived by Satan and fall away from the truth. However, he also foresaw the Restoration of the gospel and the blessings that would be given to the righteous.

• What are some examples in 2 Nephi 28 of Satan’s tactics to deceive us? How can you avoid being overcome by these tactics? (See, for example, 1 Nephi 15:24; 2 Nephi 28:30; Alma 17:2–3; Moroni 7:15–19; D&C 21:1–6; 46:7.)
• Why should we study the Book of Mormon in addition to the Bible? (See 2 Nephi 29:4–14; see also 2 Nephi 28:30.)

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Have a family member stand in the center of the room. Explain that in this demonstration, the area to the right of that person represents all the good things that can be done in life. The area to the farthest right represents the very best things that can be done. The area to the left of the person represents all the wrong things that can be done in life. The area to the farthest left represents the very worst things that can be done.

Explain that Elder Richard G. Scott presented a similar object lesson. Then he observed: “In the middle, it is difficult to discern what is right and what is wrong. This middle area is where Satan works with righteous people. … It is easy to become confused here. Live well within the wonderful area of good the Lord has defined, and you won’t have any problems with temptation. If you are not sure whether something is appropriate to look at, to listen to, to think about, or to do, then avoid it. You could be headed for one of Satan’s traps” (“Do What Is Right,” Ensign, June 1997, 53–54).

Discuss how this demonstration applies to the decisions and temptations family members face each day.

Lesson 9: My Soul Delighteth in the Words of Isaiah

Before you begin studying the teachings of Isaiah in 2 Nephi 11–25, read this statement by Elder Boyd K. Packer:

“The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. It is written in biblical language, the language of the prophets.

“For the most part, it is in easy-flowing New Testament language, with such words as spake for spoke, unto for to, with and it came to pass, with thus and thou and thine.

“You will not read many pages into it until you catch the cadence of that language and the narrative will be easy to understand. As a matter of fact, most teenagers readily understand the narrative of the Book of Mormon.

“Then, just as you settle in to move comfortably along, you will meet a barrier. The style of the language changes to Old Testament prophecy style. For, interspersed in the narrative, are chapters reciting the prophecies of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. They loom as a barrier, like a roadblock or a checkpoint beyond which the casual reader, one with idle curiosity, generally will not go.

“You, too, may be tempted to stop there, but do not do it! Do not stop reading! Move forward through those difficult-to-understand chapters of Old Testament prophecy, even if you understand very little of it. Move on, if all you do is skim and merely glean an impression here and there. Move on, if all you do is look at the words. …

“… The Lord had a purpose in preserving the prophecies of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, notwithstanding they become a barrier to the casual reader.

“Those who never move beyond the Isaiah chapters miss the personal treasures to be gathered along the way” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, 76–77; or Ensign, May 1986, 61).

Lesson 8: O How Great the Goodness of Our God

2 Nephi 9 contains a discourse by Jacob, one of Nephi’s younger brothers, about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which is the central event in the plan of salvation. To understand the teachings in this chapter, it is helpful to understand the terms temporal death and spiritual death. For an explanation of these terms, see Bible Dictionary, “Death,” 655.

• 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.)
• According to Jacob, what are some of the things we must do to be “saved in the kingdom of God,” or permitted to dwell in God’s presence forever? (See 2 Nephi 9:18, 21, 23–24, 39, 41, 50–52.)
• What are some attitudes and actions that prevent us from receiving all the blessings of the Atonement? (See 2 Nephi 9:27–38.)
• Jacob prophesied that the Nephites’ descendants would “perish in the flesh because of unbelief” and that the Jews in Jerusalem would crucify the Savior and be scattered because of their sins (2 Nephi 10:2–6). What will the Lord do for these people when they believe in Him and repent of their sins? (See 2 Nephi 10:2, 7–8, 21–22; see also 1 Nephi 21:15–16; 2 Nephi 9:1–3, 53; 30:2.) How does this apply to us individually?

Consider how individual words and phrases in the following verses enhance the meaning of Jacob’s discourse:

• 2 Nephi 9:10
• 2 Nephi 9:28
• 2 Nephi 9:14
• 2 Nephi 9:39
• 2 Nephi 9:18
• 2 Nephi 9:51

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Invite family members to discuss what the Savior has done for them individually and for the family.

Lesson 7: I Know in Whom I Have Trusted

• 
  As you study 2 Nephi 3, look for teachings about the Prophet Joseph Smith. How have you been blessed through the contributions of Joseph Smith?
• How did Nephi find hope despite feeling “encompassed about” by temptation and sin? (See 2 Nephi 4:18–25.) How can remembering blessings you have received in the past help you through difficult times?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

As a family, read some or all of 2 Nephi 4:15–35. Explain that this passage is sometimes called “the Psalm of Nephi.” It expresses some of Nephi’s deepest feelings. Discuss why it is important to sometimes “write the things of [our] soul[s],” as Nephi did (2 Nephi 4:15). Encourage family members to frequently write about their feelings. They may occasionally want to record their feelings in the form of a poem or song of praise.

Lesson 6: Free to Choose Liberty and Eternal Life

2 Nephi 1 contains counsel that Lehi gave to his sons shortly before he died. As you study this chapter, look for specific things that Lehi counseled his sons to do and for the blessings that he promised they would receive if they obeyed his counsel.

As you study 2 Nephi 2, look for the words free, act, and choose. You may want to mark these words when you find them. Take time to ponder the importance of these words.

• •
  Read 2 Nephi 2:6–8. How can you “make these things known”? How does your making these things known show gratitude to the Savior for His Atonement?
• •
  Read 2 Nephi 2:15–25 and look for (1) conditions that existed for Adam and Eve before they partook of the forbidden fruit and (2) the opposition they experienced after they partook of the fruit. What blessings can you receive because the Fall of Adam and Eve brought opposition into the world? (See 2 Nephi 2:23–27; Moses 5:10–12.)

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Explain that missionaries are often asked questions that are answered clearly in the Book of Mormon. Invite family members to play the role of missionaries who are asked the questions below. Have them answer the questions using the accompanying scriptures from 2 Nephi 2.

1. 1.
   What do you mean when you say that Jesus is the Savior? (See 2 Nephi 2:5–10.)
2. 2.
   Why does God allow both good and evil in the world? (See 2 Nephi 2:11–13.)
3. 3.
   I don’t want a lot of commandments. Won’t my freedom be limited if I follow Jesus’ teachings? (See 2 Nephi 2:26–29.)

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

As you study 1 Nephi 16–18, look for ways in which Nephi demonstrated obedience, faith, and courage. Think of ways you can follow Nephi’s example.

• •
  How did the way in which Nephi responded to trials differ from the way in which many of his family members responded? (Contrast 1 Nephi 18:16 with 1 Nephi 16:18–20, 34–36; 17:21.) How can we overcome the tendency to murmur when we face trials?

Study the following scriptures about obeying God’s commandments. You may want to mark these passages.

• 1 Nephi 3:7
• D&C 130:20–21
• 1 Nephi 17:3
• Abraham 3:25
• D&C 82:10

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Obtain two pieces of rope—one in good condition and one that is frayed. Display the rope that is in good condition, and explain that it is made of many threads. Explain that just as it is important for the threads of the rope to remain tightly woven together, it is important for families to be united. Then display the rope that is frayed. Explain that just as rope is weakened when the threads separate, families are weakened when they are not united.

Review the account in 1 Nephi 16–18. Consider how the actions of individual members of Lehi’s family affected the family’s unity. Talk about what you can do as a family to be more united.

Lesson 4: The Things Which I Saw While I Was Carried Away in the Spirit

• In 1 Nephi 12, Nephi describes his vision of the future of his seed (his descendants) and the seed of his brothers. In what ways did the symbols in the vision of the tree of life (the mist of darkness, the great and spacious building, and the river of filthy water) foreshadow the downfall of Nephi’s seed?
• •
  What did Nephi see formed “among the nations of the Gentiles”? (See 1 Nephi 13:4–5.) Who is the founder of the great and abominable church? (See 1 Nephi 13:6.)
• •
  What did the great and abominable church do to the Bible? (See 1 Nephi 13:20–26.) Why? (See 1 Nephi 13:27.) What are some doctrines that are difficult to understand in the Bible but plain and precious in the Book of Mormon? How has the Book of Mormon helped make the Bible more understandable to you or increased your testimony of the Bible?
• •
  Nephi saw that even though the members of the Lord’s Church in the last days would be comparatively few, they would be able to overcome the persecution of the great and abominable church. What did Nephi see the Saints of God armed with? (See 1 Nephi 14:14.) How can you be “armed with righteousness and with the power of God”?

 

‘Our Lord,’ said Columbus, ‘unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed. Those who heard of my enterprise called it foolish, mocked me, and laughed. But who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me?’ (Jacob Wasserman, Columbus, Don Quixote of the Seas, pp. 19–20.)” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 577).

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Read selected verses from 1 Nephi 12–14 as a family. As you study these chapters, give close attention to Nephi’s prophecies. Suggest that family members mark the prophecies in their scriptures. Make a list of the prophecies that have been fulfilled.

BofM Lesson 3: The Vision of the Tree of Life Resources

Images used in the Power Point Presentation

Additional Reading:

Lehi's Dream by James C. Christensen and Robert Millet

Conference Talk by Sr. Ann Dibb "Hold On"

BYU Devotional Address Boyd K. Packer "Finding Ourselves in Lehi's Dream" 

 

 

Lesson 3: The Vision of the Tree of Life

As you study the account of the vision of the tree of life, watch for the following symbols and their meanings:

• Tree of life (1 Nephi 8:10; 11:8–25)
• Fruit of the tree of life (1 Nephi 8:10–18, 30; 15:36; see also D&C 14:7)
• Rod of iron (1 Nephi 8:19–24, 30; 11:25; 15:23–24)
• Mist of darkness (1 Nephi 8:23–24; 12:17)
• River of filthy water (1 Nephi 8:13, 26, 32; 15:26–29)
• Great and spacious building (1 Nephi 8:26–28, 31, 33; 12:18)

• •
  When Nephi was shown the tree of life, he asked to know its interpretation (1 Nephi 11:8–11). What did he learn that the tree represents? (See 1 Nephi 11:21–25.) What did Nephi see that helped him better understand God’s love? (See 1 Nephi 11:13–21, 24, 26–33; see also John 3:16.)
• •
  How did Lehi and Nephi describe the tree of life and its fruit? (See 1 Nephi 8:10–12; 11:8–9, 23; 15:36.)

• •
  In the vision, Lehi saw “numberless concourses of people” (1 Nephi 8:21). These people can be divided into four categories based on their attitudes toward the tree and the fruit. Read 1 Nephi 8:21–33, and look for these four categories. How are these categories manifest in the world today? In which category do you feel you are?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Conduct the following activity to help family members better understand the vision of the tree of life:

Blindfold a member of the family and spin him or her in circles. Explain that the blindfold represents the mist of darkness. Then place a picture of the Savior somewhere in the room. Challenge the blindfolded family member to walk to the picture without help from anyone. When it becomes apparent that he or she will not be able to walk directly to the picture, have one family member stand by the picture, holding one end of a piece of string (representing the iron rod). Have another family member hold the other end. Then have the blindfolded family member catch hold of the string and walk to the picture.