7 We Lived after the Manner of Happiness
We Lived after the Manner of Happiness
We Lived after the Manner of Happiness
Book of Mormon Videos https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/videos-and-images/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng
1 Nephi 2:16 Because Nephi cried unto the Lord, the Lord did visit him and soften his heart.
2 Nephi 4
Nephi struggled with feelings of much sadness. His parents were gone. He was
the new spiritual leaders. There were irreconcilable differences between him
and some of his family members; and, so he needed to leave the city they had
just all built together and start over with those who wanted to follow the Lord
and accepted Nephi as the Lord’s chosen servant.
How it must have hurt to know that his older brothers rejected him, and even
sought his destruction. To some degree I have felt that with extended family
discord. It is awful.
No wonder Nephi would say “Oh, wretched man that I am.” There are so things we
just cannot fix in this life, no matter how faithful we are. Some things have
to do with other’s agency, and all things have to do with the Lord’s timing.
It must have been heart-wrenching to know that there were those who wanted to
follow after Nephi, but that they had to put their own spouses and families
first. It must have been difficult for the cousins to no longer have their best
friends.
He might also be dealing with some anger over his brothers’
choices and their hatred. He might just be feeling downtrodden. For whatever
reason, he feels some anguish because of the sins that easily beset him, and
his heart groans because of his sins.
Then right in this soul-bearing psalm, Nephi reminds himself and us that he
knows in whom he has trusted (See 2 Nephi
4:15–19).
27 And
it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.
2 Nephi 5:27 What is the manner of happiness, and how do we live it? Does living after the manner of happiness free us from trials, troubles, and sorrow?
Happiness “ultimately comes from trusting the Lord, ‘the rock of [our] righteousness’” (2 Nephi 4:35).
The manner of happiness is found in living the doctrine of Christ: learning and observing his principles and ordinances; being his disciple; serving our family, our church, and our fellow man. It is found in hard work and in faith in the Lord.
It is found in exercising our faith: praying to our Heavenly
Father in His Son’s name for help.
35 Yea,
I know that God will give liberally to him
that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto
thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend
up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.
Seek to live after the manner of happiness.
For kids:
Joseph Smith was a
prophet.
Joseph who lived in Egypt long ago prophesied about Joseph Smith, who is his descendent.
2 Nephi
3:6 6 For
Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord
my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins.
Prophets are often also called seers, because they can see
things that are true in the future, the past, and even now. Heavenly Father
helps them to see things we might not.
Some people may have a gift of seership in their own lives, but not for the
church.
pictures 89–95 These pictures can help you teach about Joseph Smith, Jr. and the work God had for him to do.
Why was Joseph Smith a choice seer? What did Joseph do that was of great worth?
verse 7 7 Yea, Joseph truly said: Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him will I give commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers.
The restoration of the gospel and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commenced with the Prophet Joseph Smith and it continues in our day. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is a powerful witness to the truth of this latter-day work.
Joseph Smith was chosen by
God to restore the gospel.
Lehi’s son Joseph was named after Joseph who was Jacob’s son. He prophesied of another Joseph, Joseph Smith, Jr. who would be the Lord’s seer in the latter days.
What
do verses 6–24 say that Joseph Smith would do to bless God’s people?
The work of Joseph Smith would be of great worth to God’s people. (See notes in
reading for chapter 3.)
Because
of Joseph Smith’s obedience to the Lord, many truths have been restored to the
earth, including the Priesthood, which gives some of God’s power to men to
perform binding ordinances here on earth that will prepare us for Heaven. I am
thankful for The Book of Mormon: Another
Testament of Jesus Christ that helps me to understand God’s love for me and
His promises to the obedient.
Videos to
view: “Prophets of
the Restoration”: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/search?lang=eng&query=Prophets+of+the+restoration&type=video&page=1&facet=all
Many important answers can be given, because of
God’s grace in allowing Joseph Smith to help restore sacred truths. Consider
your answers and understanding to the following questions:
·
What do you know about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ because of
what Joseph Smith taught?
·
How is your life different because of what the Lord restored
through Joseph Smith?
·
What would your life be like if the Restoration had not happened?
One of Joseph’s important missions was the bringing forth of The Book of Mormon. Why is this book important for us today? (See notes in 2 Nephi 3.)
Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:24–38 Joseph of Old prophesies of Joseph Smith, Jr. and the great latter-day work.
Joseph Smith A brief history of Joseph Smith’s mission.
Praise to the Man A song of thanksgiving for the prophet Joseph.
“O Lord, I have trusted in
thee.”
2 Nephi 4:15–35
15 And
upon these I write the things of
my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of
brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and
my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.
As you read what he wrote in 2 Nephi
4:15–35, ask yourself, “What are the things of my soul?” (See notes in
chapter 4.)
Think about how you have found comfort in Nephi’s writings. Look in verses 15–35 for passages that bring you comfort. With who can you share these feelings? (See notes in chapter 4.)
For kids:
I love “the things of the
Lord.”
What makes you happy? Let’s read 15–16, 20–25, 34–35 to see what made Nephi happy. (See notes in chapter 4.)
The Things of
My Soul Elder Rasband shares seven “things of the Lord” that are precious to him
What things of the Lord are precious to you?
2 Nephi 5:27 And
it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.
What does it mean to live after the manner of
happiness? How did the Nephites live after the manner of happiness? What things
make you happy?
verse 6 family love
verse 10 keeping God’s commandments
verse 12 the scriptures
verses 15 and 17 work
verse 16
temples
verse 26 church callings
How do these things help us be happy?
I can find happiness in
living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What does it mean to you to be happy?
To me it equates to being at peace, to having the Spirit with me, to feeling
faithful in Jesus Christ, and to living without unnecessary fear and anxiety.
It means getting along with family and being able to do things I enjoy, and to
be able to accomplish tasks that our necessary, and having the energy to visit
with others, testify of Jesus Christ, and minister. In a very real way, it
means feeling that the Lord is pleased with me and my efforts to obey and
follow Him.
2 Nephi 5:27 Nephi’s people lived after the manner of happiness.
Look for choices Nephi and his people made that
helped them be happy (see, for example 2 Nephi
5:6, 10–17). (See notes in chapter 5.)
What can
I do to build a life of happiness like Nephi and his people did?
For kids:
The temple is the house of
the Lord.
2 Nephi 5:15–16 Nephi and his people built a temple. How can we help build temples today?
How are temples different from
other buildings?
Share why the temple is important to you.
Do you have a favorite temple?
What was the curse that
came upon the Lamanites?
Alma 3:6-8 6 And
the skins of the Lamanites were dark, according to the mark which was set upon
their fathers, which was a curse upon
them because of their transgression and their rebellion against their brethren,
who consisted of Nephi, Jacob, and Joseph, and Sam, who were just and holy men.
7 And
their brethren sought to destroy them, therefore they were cursed; and the Lord
God set a mark upon them, yea, upon
Laman and Lemuel, and also the sons of Ishmael, and Ishmaelitish women.
8 And this was done that their seed might be distinguished from the seed
of their brethren, that thereby the Lord God might preserve his people, that
they might not mix and believe in
incorrect traditions which would
prove their destruction.
If we accept The Book of
Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ as a true record, we need to
accept that Nephi’s and Alma’s records are also true. At this point in time
their skins of blackness were given to them to distinguish them from the
Nephites. Why? Not because the Lord loved the Nephites more, but for the
protection and preservation of both people.
It was crucial for the Lord to have a people who would keep a record for us
today. Verse 8 gives us a clear purpose for why the Lord placed a difference in
the Lamanites in that time.
In the lesson, we read further that the curse was actually that
the Lamanites were cut off from the presence of the Lord. Our skin color
doesn’t define us, our attitudes and actions do. (They were also distinguished
from the people of the Lord by their skin color at that time.)
Let’s just understand today, that we are all alike to God. We are
all God’s children, as we have always been. We are all created in His image. And
it’s the condition of our hearts and the deeds that we do that matter.
“In
Nephi’s day the curse of the Lamanites was that they were ‘cut off from [the
Lord’s] presence … because of their iniquity’ (2 Nephi 5:20–21). This meant that
the Spirit of the Lord was withdrawn from their lives. When Lamanites later
embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ, ‘the curse of God did no more follow them’”
(Alma 23:18).
“The mark initially
distinguished the Lamanites from the Nephites. Later, as the Nephites and
Lamanites each went through periods of wickedness and righteousness, the mark
became irrelevant.”
“Prophets
affirm in our day that dark skin is not a sign of divine disfavor or cursing.
President Russell M. Nelson declared: ‘I assure you that your standing
before God is not determined by the color of your skin. Favor or disfavor with
God is dependent upon your devotion to God and His commandments and not the
color of your skin’” (Let God
Prevail).
“As Nephi
taught, the Lord ‘denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and
free, male and female; … all are alike unto God’” (2 Nephi
26:33).
Alma 23:18 If we aren’t industrious and friendly, we are cursed. That curse is lifted when we love others and work hard.
Video:
“Till We All Come in the Unity of the Faith” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2014-10-0001-till-we-all-come-in-the-unity-of-the-faith?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/3?lang=eng
Joseph in
Egypt saw the Nephites in vision—He prophesied of Joseph Smith, the latter-day
seer; of Moses, who would deliver Israel; and of the coming forth of the Book
of Mormon. About 588–570 B.C.
Vs 2 If and then promises are conditional blessings
from the Lord. He chooses the conditions, and we choose if we want to be given
the blessings.
Vs 5-7 I am also descended from Joseph through Ephraim. I am blessed to live in this dispensation that Jospeph of old prophesied of and to have the restored gospel in my life. I am blessed to have been born after Joseph Smith who was influential in bringing back great truths to the earth.
What
do verses 6–24 say that Joseph Smith would do to bless God’s people?
The work of Joseph Smith would be of great worth to God’s people.
Vs 6-7 Joseph Smith is a descendant of Joseph, and he's a choice
seer to all the descendants of Joseph. He is highly esteemed because of the
great and marvelous work the Lord brought forth through him. We again know and
have the same promises and covenants which our fathers did.
Vs 9-11 Joseph Smith is likened unto Moses, because his mission is one of
salvation.
He brought
forth The Book of Mormon, which joins with the BIble in testifying that Jesus
is Christ and that salvation is available to all who desire it.
Vs 12-14 Both the Bible and The Book of Mormon are important to have to establish
the true of God's words and to understand the principles and ordinances of the
gospel. Both are needed to bring about the restoration of Israel.
God gave
Joseph strength to do this work of restoration and gathering.
Vs 15 Joseph Smith is also like Joseph of old, because His work will bring
salvation to many.
Vs 18-19 Joseph
had Oliver (and Sidney) for a spokesman, just like Moses had Aaron.
Vs 20-21 The words of The Book of Mormon are going forth by many spokesmen
to the end of the earth. People who lived in the ancient Americas are reaching
across time and space with a messsage of importance just for us. The Elders and
Sisters are delivering that message to many: repentance and faith on the Lord
Jesus Christ.
Because of their faith long ago and our faith now, these words are
going forth. The Lord is remembering the covenants made to our fathers, and He
is making it available to all His children here on earth who come unto His Son.
Vs
22-25 Like Joseph of Egypt, and his
descendent Joseph, who was Lehi's son, and also Joseph Jr who was the son of
Joseph Smith, Sr. we will be blessed and our seed will not be destroyed if we
and they hearken to the words found in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of
Jesus Christ.
Joseph Smith was an instrument in the hands of God who brought
forth this sacred book of scripture and helped to open up this day of
restoration and the gathering of Israel.
What do
you learn from this chapter about why the Book of Mormon is important? In
particular, you could look for reasons in verses 7,
11–13, 18–24. (Answered above?)
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/4?lang=eng
Lehi
counsels and blesses his posterity—He dies and is buried—Nephi glories in the
goodness of God—Nephi puts his trust in the Lord forever. About 588–570 B.C.
Vs 2 Joseph's prophecies were written on the plates
of brass? Remember there were two kingdoms: Judah and Joseph. Were Joseph's
prophecies written on the records that became our Bible. It is possible that
they were not.
Vs 3 Lehi gave
a Patriarchal blessing to all his posterity in this chapter.
Vs 5-7 A
blessing to Laman's children.
Vs 9 Lehi's
blessing to Lemuel's children.
Vs 10 Lehi
gave a blessing for Ishmael's family as well.
Vs 11 Sam was
faithful and his family received the same blessings as Nephi's family.
Vs 13 Lehi
wasn't in his grave long, before Laman and Lemuel were again angry with Nephi.
(This would have been a difficult time, as everyone was still mourning.)
Vs 15-16 Nephi just desires peace, the peace that is found in the gospel. He
wanted it for his brothers too. It must have been so difficult to separate from
them and not have things resolved, and right after losing his parents. Family
contention is a miserable thing.
Vs 17 ff. We can read and learn from the Psalm of Nephi.
Vs 20-25 Nephi
counts the many ways that the Lord has blessed and supported him.
Vs 26-27 Once again, family contention is hard. Nephi's brothers hated him. That
is a devastating postition to be in. This couldn't be worked out. An apology
would only make them gloat and badger him more. I get it.
Vs 28-30 Nephi gives himself a pep talk and gains courage to once
again rejoice in the Lord and His goodness.
Vs 31-35 Nephi
prays and petitions the Lord for strength and endurance, for mercy and
kindness.
As you read what he wrote in 2 Nephi
4:15–35, ask yourself, “What are the things of my soul?”
Peace, comfort, family unity, the Spirit of the Holy Ghost, our Father’s grace and sustaining power, courage and steadfastness, ability to endure, rejoicing in God’s tender mercies, His redeeming grace, His kindness, and His everlasting love.
Think about how you have found comfort in Nephi’s
writings. Look in verses 15–35 for passages that bring you comfort.
With whom can you share these feelings? With everyone who needs peace!
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/5?lang=eng
The
Nephites separate themselves from the Lamanites, keep the law of Moses, and
build a temple—Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites are cut off from the
presence of the Lord, are cursed, and become a scourge unto the Nephites. About
588–559 B.C.
Nephi must have felt peace once the decision was made to separate from
his wicked brothers. He needed to trust in the Lord’s timing to resolve these
differences.
Vs 4 I'm glad Nephi didn't recount all they said. It
must have been difficult to now that his older brothers wanted him dead.
Devastating.
Vs 5-6 It is good to know that the Lord warns prophets of dangers. If we
believe in the Lord and acknowledge His prophet, we can avoid so much evil in
this world and be carried to safety.
It is also good to know that the Lord warns parents and that we
can be a blessing in the lives of our children if we hearken to the promptings
of the Lord; and our children can be blessed with safety and protection if the
follow the Spirit and honor their parents.
Vs 10-13 Keeping the commandments as an entire community
would bless us all beyond measure. Shouldn't we be inviting people to learn of
Christ and feel His love, so that they want to be obedient?
Vs 14 Even peace loving people should be prepared for conflicts with other people.
Vs 15 Good
leaders teach and help their people to be industrious. This brings both
prosperity, confidence, and self-worth.
Vs 16-18 How does having a temple also prepare a people both
physically and spiritually to keep the commandments, be industrious, and find
safety?
Vs 19 Nephi did not seek for power and position; Nephi saught to do the Lord's
will, to be His servant, and to serve his family.
Vs 21 Our skin
color may not change with hate and rebellion, but the color and condition of
our hearts do.
Vs 24 They brought upon themselves a cursing of idleness etc.,
because they willfully disobeyed God and lost the ability to feel the Spirit.
Vs 26 It is always important that not only one person bear the burden and
responsibility of teaching the gospel, or of receiving the joy for doing so.
Vs 27 What is
the manner of happiness? They all kept the commandments. They all were taught
the pleasing word of God. They had a temple in which to worship, receive
instruction, and perform sacrifices and ordinances. They had means for a
military defense. And they all were industrious. (These things are all found in
this chapter.)
verse 6 family love (Nephi’s family and those who wanted to obey the Lord fled into the wilderness and took many days journey before stopping to build a new city.)
verse 10 keeping God’s commandments (They kept the judgments, statutes, and commandments of the Lord according to the law of Moses.)
verse 12 the scriptures (Nephi took the records, which he had taken from Laban’s house with him and his family.)
verses 15 and 17 work (The people were industrious and learned how to build many buildings in their new city.)
verse 16
temples (They constructed a temple after the likeness of Solomon’s temple.)
verse 26 church callings (Nephi consecrated Jacob and Joseph to be priests and teachers over the people.)
Look for
choices Nephi and his people made that helped them be happy (see, for
example 2 Nephi
5:6, 10–17). Already answered above.
Vs 27 They also kept records; both secular and spiritual.
Vs 30-32 God asked Nephi to make the plates of Nephi from which The
Book of Mormon record was taken. I am so glad. I am pleased with the things of
God.
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