2 I Will Go and Do
I Will Go and Do
Book of Mormon Videos https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/videos-and-images/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng
1 Nephi 1–5
Every
family faces real struggles, whether in 600 BC or 2024 AD. It’s inevitable. But
in 600 BC, Lehi’s world was very wicked; not much different than the world I
live in now. The Lord’s promise to me today is the same as His promise to Lehi
many years ago. If I follow Jesus Christ, He will lead me to safety.
What a
wonderful thing to be able to have this promise as I face this New Year and in
all my days ahead. Even though I know there will be ups and downs again this
year, and even though I already know that I will deal with things rather
imperfectly, I know the Lord is perfect, and His love for me is perfect, and
for my family; I still know that He will lead me along, hear my cries and give
answer to my prayers, open doors and work miracles for me. He may even help me
to fly across the waters of the great deep to spend time with my beloved
daughter and her sweet family.
In The Book of Mormon: Another Testament
of Jesus Christ, we have a detailed account of Lehi’s family. Some family
members had great faith and others struggled with feelings of doubt and resentment.
At different times, I have done both. I have and I still can learn from this
record. I hope especially to learn to be quicker at forgiving and loving my
brothers and sisters, so that our families can be united.
“There is
power in this imperfect family’s examples of faith.” And there is power in our
imperfect family’s faith. The Lord’s power is protecting us and leading us
forward.
The word of God is “of great worth” to me.
1 Nephi 5:21 How important is the word of God to me? Am I sharing my love for the word of God with my children and family? How do you expect your study of the word of God to bless you and your family, through you, this year?
See how the word of the Lord blessed Lehi’s family:
Sing As I Search the Holy Scriptures
Video: Scriptures Legacy https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2014-04-0004-scriptures-legacy?lang=eng
The coming forth of the translation of the Bible, by Tindel and others, for the benefit of the public was important for the future restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the coming forthe of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. These companion books help establish the truth of both records and the truths contained in them; especially, that Jesus is the Christ.
I can gain and strengthen my testimony as I turn to the Lord.
1 Nephi 2 How did Nephi gain his own witness that his father’s words were true?
1 Nephi 15:2–11 Why were Laman and Lemuel unable to gain this witness?
What are you doing to allow the Lord to help you soften your heart?
Video: “The
Lord Commands Lehi’s Family to Leave Jerusalem” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/1-nephi-1-2/2019-07-0100-the-lord-commands-lehis-family-to-leave-jerusalem-1080p-eng?lang=eng
For kids:
I can have my own testimony.
1 Nephi
2:16, 19 How did Nephi know his Father’s words were true? Nephi
had faith in his father’s message. He prayed to Heavenly Father for His own
testimony and was shown the things his father saw.
Tell your children how you gained
your testimony: of The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, of
the power of prayer and receiving answers, of being led by the Holy Ghost, of
paying tithing, of strength gained through the sacrament, of the sacredness of
temple work, etc.
Also, allow you children to bear their testimonies of the things that they
believe and know to be true and of the things that are important to them and
make them feel happy and secure.
From
my reading of 1 Nephi 1 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/1?lang=eng
Nephi
begins the record of his people—Lehi sees in vision a pillar of fire and reads
from a book of prophecy—He praises God, foretells the coming of the Messiah,
and prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem—He is persecuted by the Jews. About
600 B.C.
Passages
and impressions:
Vs 1 To be a good parent, I should seek to teach my children in
the learning of the fathers. Abraham also sought this out and became the Father
of Many nations.
Good parents and parents of means teach their children.
Receiving many
afflictions and being highly favored of the Lord can happen similtaneously. If
you express gratitude consistently for your blessings, you will see miracles,
gain hope, and experience peace.
1:11–15 See how the word of the Lord blessed Lehi’s family:
Vs 9-12 In the very first chapter of The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of
Jesus Christ, we are introduced to the Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles.
Jesus is the One who talked to Lehi and gave him commandments from the start.
Lehi was given
a book to read, and as he read, He was filled with the Spirit of the Lord.
Vs 13 Lehi
learned the Jerusalem should be destroyed.
Vs 14-15 Lehi
praises God for his mercy and offers gratitude, because he has been warned and
knows that God will deliver him.
Vs 19 The Jews
mocked Lehi and were agnry with him, because they did not want him to testify
of Jesus Christ and how He would redeem the world.
Vs 20 “The tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen,
because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.”
Will I be bold like Lehiand share my testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ?
From
my reading of 1 Nephi 2 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/2?lang=eng
Lehi
takes his family into the wilderness by the Red Sea—They leave their
property—Lehi offers a sacrifice to the Lord and teaches his sons to keep the
commandments—Laman and Lemuel murmur against their father—Nephi is obedient and
prays in faith; the Lord speaks to him, and he is chosen to rule over his
brethren. About 600 B.C.
Passages
and impressions:
Vs 1-3 We can't
be obedient without doing what the Lord commands. Lehi listened to the Lord and
departed with his family into the wilderness. The wilderness is better than
Babylon.
Vs 7 Even when we are traveling, we must stop to give thanks and to
worship. While on vacation, I still need to attend Sacrament meeting. Even when
life is busy, I still need to go to the temple.
How can I build the proper setting for prayer and thanksgiving?
Vs 9-10 Lehi had great hopes for all of his children. I
should too. If I make and keep sacred covenants with the Lord, He will bless my
children and posterity.
Vs 12
Murmuring show a great lack of understanding (in the dealings of the Lord). If
we don't understand, we should turn to the Lord, and not away from Him.
Vs 16 What do I need to begin to do
if I want to be visited by the Lord and have my heart softened, so that I can
believe all the words of the prophets?
Do I blieve that the Lord will visit me, like he did Lehi and
Nephi?
Vs 17 Sam should be credited for being a believer. We
don't have a record from Sam, but I believe that he was also visited and
blessed by the Spirit of the Lord.
Vs 19-20 Nephi prayed for his brothers, and the Lord was pleased with Nephi
and his efforts. He told him he was blessed because of his faith and because he
sought after the Lord.
The Lord would propsper him and lead him to a promised land, if he
continued faithful.
It's the same with us. If we are faithful and follow after
righteousness, we will be led by the Lord in all that we do.
Vs 22 Because Nephi kept the commandments, he was
made a ruler over his brothers.
God will prepare a way for me to do His will.
Sometimes we are given
commandments without knowing the specifics of how we can do them. We could be
left feeling that it’s too hard to do, because we don’t understand how. Why do
you think the Lord does this? I think we need to learn to go to Him and seek
his help, guidance, and direction.
1 Nephi
3:5 Lehi specifically told Nephi that the Lord commanded him and his
brothers to go to get the plates; it wasn’t a task that Lehi imposed.
Often we need to take things
one step at a time and be like Nephi, who said,
1 Nephi
4:6 “And I was led by the Spirit,
not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.”
Will you respond with faith like Nephi did consistently?
1 Nephi 3:7, 15–16 Will you go and do? Will you trust the Lord will prepare a way and help you do your part? Will you press forward and endure to the end of the task? Will you look for creative ways to do what needs to be done?
What difficulties did Nephi encounter in 1 Nephi 3–4? Nephi was able to see how the Lord prepared a way. Do Nephi’s experiences give you hope and increased faith to face your own challenges?
Heavenly Father prepared a way for us to keep His commandments and return to Him by sending His Son to the earth to be our Redeemer and Friend.
What Has Our Savior Done for Us?
What has Jesus done for you personally? How has He prepared a way for you? Do you see it? Do you feel His awe-inspiring love and witness that His hand is continually stretched out to you, to help lift and support you? He has overcome all things for you? Why should you be afraid? Will you trust that you can go forward with faith to do what He asks of you?
Video: “Nephi
Is Led by the Spirit to Obtain the Plates of Brass” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/1-nephi-3-5/2019-07-0200-nephi-is-led-by-the-spirit-to-obtain-the-plates-of-brass-1080p-eng?lang=eng
Obedience One of our greatest gifts is agency. We chose to come to earth. One of the main lessons that we can learn here is to be obedient. This happens best when we walk with faith and trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus’s help and direction and Their promised blessings.
John 8:31–32 Following Jesus and His commandments is what will lead us to true freedom. The truth will make us free.
Abraham 3:24–25 Obedience is part of our test in earth life.
Doctrine and Covenants 130:20–21; Mosiah 2:41 Obedience to God’s commandments leads to us receiving blessings.
John 14:15 If we love Jesus, we will keep His commandments.
John 15:10 Choose to abide in Jesus’s love by keeping His commandments.
When has the Lord prepared a way for you to do His will?
For kids:
God will help me keep His commandments.
Video Chapter 4: The Brass Plates
Role Play: 1 Nephi 3:2–7
Sing Nephi’s Courage
What are some things the Lord has asked us to do?
pictures 103–15 to help with discussion.
Mosiah 18:8–10 What are those who are seeking baptism willing to do? As we do these things, we can have His Spirit poured out more abundantly upon us.
How can you be like Nephi?
Remembering the works of God can give me the faith to obey His
commandments.
1 Nephi
4:1–3; 5:1–8
When Laman and Lemuel felt like murmuring, Lehi and Nephi were are to help support, encourage, and sustain them. How can you be a support to your family when they are discouraged or feel like giving up? How can you be a support to yourself? Reading the words of Lehi and Nephi can remind and encourage you and invite the Spirit to testify, you can do it!
How did Lehi’s and Nephi’s words help?
1 Nephi
4:1–3 The Lord is all powerful. He is greater than any challenge we
might ever face.
5:1–8 Remember that having visions and being led by the Spirit is a good thing. We can find comfort in following what we know is right, and trust that things will work out.
1 Nephi 7:6–21 We might face opposition when we do what we know is right and others don’t want to. But we should still do so anyhow. Any hardship we face in the service of the Lord will strengthen us and He will sustain and support us according to our wants and are needs. Nothing will be more important than the blessing of Eternal Life.
When you feel like murmuring or
giving up, what will you do? Will you pray and seek help? Will you turn to the
scriptures? Will you serve more diligently?
For kids:
The scriptures are a great treasure.
How important were the scriptures to Lehi’s family? Why? Explain the distance that they traveled to get the plates. Have them act out the scenarios: traveling, asking Laban for the plates, retrieving their gold and silver to trade for the plates, constraining Zoram to leave Jerusalem with them, hiding in a cave.
1 Nephi 5:21 This verse helps to
explain why the records were so important:
“And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched
them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto
us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto
our children.”
How do the scriptures help us? Why is it necessary for us to remember? Do you think the scriptures are a great treasure? Why?
I was led by the Spirit.
1 Nephi 4:5–18 Nephi had enough experiences and answered prayers to recognize the Spirit, and to know what God’s will was for him in a desperately concerning moment. He had never taken the life of another man, and yet he recognized that God asked him to do it, and accepted why the Spirit told him to do so.
Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives
You can learn more about how to receive and follow revelation from God.
For kids:
The Holy Ghost will lead me as I seek to do the Lord’s will.
Ask the children how we can be like Nephi, who chose to keep the commandments? How can we choose to be led by the Spirit, even when we don’t understand everything that lies before us? How has the Holy Ghost helped you in keeping the commandments and staying on the covenant path?
From
my reading of 1 Nephi 3 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/3?lang=eng
Lehi’s
sons return to Jerusalem to obtain the plates of brass—Laban refuses to give
the plates up—Nephi exhorts and encourages his brethren—Laban steals their
property and attempts to slay them—Laman and Lemuel smite Nephi and Sam and are
reproved by an angel. About 600–592 B.C.
Vs 5 We often shoot the messenger when we don't like the message; Nephi recognized that what his father asked was a commandment from the Lord. Laman and Lemuel didn't.
Vs 6 Do you want to be favored? Stop murmuring.
Vs 7 Have faith that the Lord has all power and can fulfill all that He asks you to do.
Vs 15-16 Nephi declared with an other, that they had to fulfilled the Lord's commandment, and that they should be faithful. He also proposed a plan.
Vs 19-20 Nephi tells his brothers that God has a purpose for them getting the plates and why they are needed:
19 And
behold, it is wisdom in God that we should obtain these records,
that we may preserve unto our children the language of our fathers;
20 And
also that we may preserve unto
them the words which have been spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets,
which have been delivered unto them by the Spirit and power of God, since the
world began, even down unto this present time.
From
my reading of 1 Nephi 4 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/4?lang=eng
Nephi
slays Laban at the Lord’s command and then secures the plates of brass by
stratagem—Zoram chooses to join Lehi’s family in the wilderness. About 600–592 B.C.
Vs 1 What are your reasons for
being faithful? Nephi knew the Lord's commandments had a purpose, and that He
is mightier than all the earth!
He knew that Moses and all of Israel were blessed when Moses commanded the Red
Sea's waters to part. He reminds Laman and Lemuel that they saw an angel who
also spoke to them.
Vs 6 Do you let the Spirit guide you?
6 And
I was led by
the Spirit, not knowing beforehand
the things which I should do.
Vs 10-12 Nephi didn't want to kill Laban, but he hearkened to the Spirit of the Lord.
13 Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to
bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that
one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief.
Vs 14-17 Nephi is reminded of the necessity of having the written word of God, to preserve the commandments and the prophesies for their people. He also knew that God delivered Laban into his hands for this intent, that they might get the records.
Vs 18 Do you obey the voice of the Spirit even when it is really difficult?
Vs 32-37 Nephi and Zoram exchanged an oath. Thus, their lives were preserved.
From
my reading of 1 Nephi 5 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/5?lang=eng
Sariah
complains against Lehi—Both rejoice over the return of their sons—They offer
sacrifices—The plates of brass contain writings of Moses and the prophets—The
plates identify Lehi as a descendant of Joseph—Lehi prophesies concerning his
seed and the preservation of the plates. About 600–592 B.C.
Vs 2 Do you sometimes complain about others because they are following the Lord? Does that make our lives more difficult or easier?
Vs 4-5 Lehi acknowledges that he is a visionary man, and he counts this gift as a blessing to himself and to his family.
Vs 7 Our joy is also full when our families are together after separation. Can you imagin our Father's joy and ours when Jesus brings us home?
Vs 8 We need to practice faith even when we can't see the blessings ahead. Remember that the Lord has always watched over you and always will. Sariah was remembering here.
Vs 9-10 They all gave thanks, and then the turned to the records and were thankful to have the scriptures with them.
Vs 17-19 They saw the records from Adam until Zedekiah. Lehi saw his Genealogy.
He prophesied that the Brass Plates would remain bright and at a future time they would go forth to all nations.
Vs 20 Nephi identified with his father, as they both were faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord.
Are you actively keeping the commandments, or are you just along for the ride with others who are doing so?
21 And
we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them
and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto
us, insomuch that we could preserve the
commandments of the Lord unto our children.
22 Wherefore, it was wisdom
in the Lord that we should carry them with us, as we journeyed in the
wilderness towards the land of promise.
Comments
Post a Comment