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.

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  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.