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.

Lesson 46: Extra Stuff

In our lesson today on Revelation I asked how Satan has fought against the righteous throughout the history of the earth and then we read Revelation 6:4-11 to find the answers.
War was fairly easy to see, but the reference to a pair of balances, measures of wheat for a penny and three measures of barley, and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine, was a little harder to interpret. I tried to find an explanation at the time but could not. Here is what I was looking for...

"This strange accounting of the price of wheat and barley seems baffling to us today, but knowledge of the monetary units and customs of John's time helps us to better understand what the voice declared. John's readers would have clearly understood it. A measure (Greek choenix) was approximately the same volume as our own quart and was the usual amount of a day's allowance or ration. The penny (denarius) was a small silver coin of Roman mintage. Although it is hard to determine the equivalent value in today's inflated economy, it is known that a denarius was the typical wage for a day's work in those times. Thus, to spend one day's wages to buy only enough food for one person for one day clearly points out that these were famine prices. Three measures of barley could be purchased for a penny, but barley was a much inferior grain for human consumption and was generally used only in times of great hunger. The fact that the rider had balances in his hand suggests that the scarcity of food was such that it had to be doled out with exactness. Elder McConkie has suggested that the phrase "hurt not the oil and the wine" meat that enough good should be preserved so that man would not utterly perish in the famine conditions of that time. (See McConkie, DNTC, 3:480.)"
Taken from Ye Shall Be Witnesses Unto Me A New Testament Reading Guide: Acts to Revelation Religion 212 and 212 IS

Persecution was the third strategy that was brought out in the reading with martyrs crying out to the Lord.

Here is the part of the lesson we did not get to:

 

3. After the last judgment, the righteous will dwell with God.

Read and discuss selected verses from Revelation 20:12–22:21.

• •

After the last great battle, the final judgment will occur.

What can we learn from Revelation 20:12 about how we will be judged?

Reading 7

Revelation 20:12

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

What blessings will come to those who are judged to be righteous? (See Revelation 21:3–7.

Reading 8

Revelation 21:3-7

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

The righteous will:

1. a

Dwell in God’s presence (Revelation 21:3).

2. b.

No longer experience death, sorrow, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4).

3. c.

Inherit all things as sons and daughters of God (Revelation 21:7).

Compare to the blessings and promises that were promised to the saints in the seven churches from our lesson last week.   

Promises to Those Who Overcome:

Give to eat of the Tree of Life

Not be hurt of the second death

Give to eat of the hidden (sacred) manna (reference to the bread of life or Christ)

Clothed in white eternally - Names in the Book of Life

Sit with God on His throne

Blessings of Exaltation and Eternal Life

These are the blessings ALL of us receive IF WE OVERCOME THE WORLD. IF WE ARE RIGHTEOUS, WE CAN OVERCOME IT ALL.

Reading 9

President David O. McKay told of a vision in which he saw a beautiful city, many people dressed in white, and the Savior:

“The city, I understood, was [the Savior’s]. It was the City Eternal; and the people following him were to abide there in peace and eternal happiness.

“But who were they?

“As if the Savior read my thoughts, he answered by pointing to a semicircle that then appeared above them, and on which were written in gold the words: These Are They Who Have Overcome the World—Who Have Truly Been Born Again!” (Cherished Experiences from the Writings of President David O. McKay, comp. Clare Middlemiss [1976], 60).

What does Revelation 22:14 tell us we must do to be able to enter the gates of the eternal city?

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Show video  Elder Uchtdorf - Hope

Elder Uchtdorf's Video

 

Conclusion

Point out that the New Testament ends with a message of great hope. Prophets like John the Revelator have seen the things that are to come and have told us of the blessings we will receive if we remain righteous and endure to the end. Testify that the righteous will triumph at the end of the world. Encourage class members to take courage and hope from this knowledge as they stand against wickedness and seek to overcome the obstacles of this life.

 

Lesson 46: “He Will Dwell with Them, and They Shall Be His People”

• 
  One thing we learn from Revelation 6 is that Satan has fought against the righteous throughout the history of the earth. According to Revelation 6:4–11, what are some ways he has done this? What tactics does Satan use today to try to overcome the righteous? How can we maintain hope and a positive outlook as we fight the war against Satan?
• •
  The Second Coming of Jesus Christ will usher in the Millennium, a thousand-year period when Christ will reign personally upon the earth. What will happen to Satan during the Millennium? (See Revelation 20:1–3.) What will life be like when Satan is bound? (See 1 Nephi 22:26; D&C 45:55, 58.) How can we limit the power of Satan in our lives right now?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Read Revelation 20:1–3, which shows that Satan will be bound during the Millennium. Then give family members recent newspapers or magazines. Have them look through the newspapers or magazines and determine which articles may or may not be in a newspaper or magazine during the Millennium.

Scripture Chain: Words of Hope and Comfort in the Book of Revelation

• Revelation 3:20
• Revelation 7:13–17
• Revelation 21:3–7
• Revelation 22:1–7
• Revelation 22:17

The rest of the lesson...Lesson 45 "He That Overcometh Shall Inherit All Things"

We didn't get through all the admonitions and promises to the seven churches, and we will have lots to talk about next week, so here are my lesson notes for you to study if you choose.

 

2. The Lord tells the seven branches in Asia about the blessings promised to those who overcome.

Triumph over, win the victory   see topical guide first lines…

Discuss Revelation 2–3. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud. Explain that chapters 2 and 3 contain the words of the Lord to each of the seven branches of the Church in Asia. The Lord reviewed some of the strengths and weaknesses in each branch and warned the Saints to correct their weaknesses.

• •

Just as the Lord commended and corrected the Church members in Asia, he commends and corrects us today. What might the Lord commend us for? What has the Lord told us to correct?

 Remember Bro. Wall's comment about being "slow to act?" Sabbath day observance was another suggestion made by Sr. Christensen. Whatever the Apostles teach us in their Conference addresses are areas where we can improve, and also traits that are to be commended. We ARE listening and we DO try hard!

Ephesus  (Revelation 2:1-7)  Stresses the need for love of Christ.  Note about Nicolaitans page 249 New Testament Reading Guide.  Repentance needed.

Promise: verse 7: 

7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

What does the tree of life represent? (See 1 Nephi 11:21–22.) Why is this the most desirable of all blessings?

Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11)  Praises the faithful endurance of the saints. Many tribulations.  Promise: verse 11

11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

What is the second death? (See Alma 12:16, 32;) How can the Lord’s promise to the Saints in Smyrna help us see our tribulations in the proper perspective?

Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17) Calls false teachers to repentance.

·  The Lord criticized some of the people in Pergamos for following the doctrine of Balaam, an Old Testament prophet who desired earthly honors and rewards more than he desired to follow the Lord’s will. What earthly honors and rewards might we have to give up to obey the Lord’s will?

·  •

Promise: verse 17  To the Saints in Pergamos the Lord promised, “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna.” (The word hidden in this context means sacred, or not evident to everyone.) What could hidden manna represent? (See John 6:35, 49–51.)

Thyatira  (Revelation 2:18-29) Condemns immoral practices.  Jezebel, reins (kidneys) to the Hebrews, strength and vigor. Idiom meaning the Lord knows all things about the inner man, his strengths and weaknesses, his character and emotions, and He shall then be able to “give unto every one of you according to your works.” 

Promise: verse 26-27

Rule over nations with the word of God = blessings of exaltation and eternal life, rule over heavenly kingdoms.

·  How can we use the word of God to rule our own lives?

·  •

Who is the morning star mentioned in Revelation 2:28? (See Revelation 22:16.) What might it mean to be given the morning star? (Answers may include to receive Christ into our lives and to receive the blessings of his Atonement.)

Sardis  (Revelation 3:1-6)  Calls the saints to a more spiritual life.  How does participation in temple ordinances prepare us to be “clothed in white” eternally? What is the book of life?

 

Book of life

Spoken of in Philip. 4:3; Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 21:27; 22:19; see also Dan. 12:1–4; Luke 10:20. In one sense the book of life is the sum total of one’s thoughts and actions—the record of his life. However, the scriptures indicate that a heavenly record is kept of the faithful, whose names are recorded, as well as an account of their righteous deeds (D&C 88:2; 128:7).

What will happen to those whose names are written in the book and are not blotted out because of wickedness? (See Revelation 21:10, 23–27; Alma 5:58; D&C 88:2.)

Philadelphia  (Revelation 3:7-13) Praises the loyalty of the saints.

·  What did the Lord say he would do for the Saints in Philadelphia because they had “kept [his] word, and … not denied [his] name”? (See Revelation 3:10.) How does righteous living make it easier to resist temptation?

·  •

The Lord promised (verse 12) to those who overcome, “I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God.” What does it mean to have the name of God and the name of his city written on us? (We become like God and become citizens of his eternal kingdom.)

Laodicea  (Revelation 3:14-22) Condemns the lack of commitment. Lukewarm saints.

·  How might we sometimes be spiritually “lukewarm”? How can we increase our commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ?

·  •

The Lord promised the Laodiceans, (verse 21) “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” (Revelation 3:21). What blessings are symbolized by the promise of sitting with the Lord on his throne? (See Romans 8:16–17.)

“Behold, I stand at the door” (Revelation 3:20)

Display the picture Jesus at the Door (62170; Gospel Art Picture Kit 237).

• •

What does Revelation 3:20 teach about the Lord? (See also Revelation 22:17.) How have you found this to be true?

 

Conclusion

Testify that those who overcome the temptations and trials of the world will inherit the blessings of eternal life. Remind class members that the Savior’s Atonement provides a way for us to overcome if we repent and are faithful.