27 I Will Make an Instrument of Thee

I Will Make an Instrument of Thee

I Will Make an Instrument of Thee

Book of Mormon Videos https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/videos-and-images/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng  

How can you overcome negative reasons for not ministering or not sharing the gospel? What will you do to feel more prepared and confident?

The Nephites had real and founded fears for sharing the gospel with the Lamanites.

Alma 17:14 Do you love the Lord and the word of God and His children enough to choose to preach to a wild and hardened and ferocious people?

Alma 26:23–25 Many of the Nephites had laughed at those who desired to go preach to the Lamanites. They didn’t believe it was possible. They thought it was a better idea to kill them than to share the gospel with them.

Will you choose to care more about the eternal welfare of your brothers and sisters?

Mosiah 28:3 “They were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish”

For kids:

My testimony of Jesus Christ grows when I read the scriptures, pray, and fast.
Alma 17:2–3

What did the sons of Mosiah do to build their spirituality and desire to serve the Lord and love their neighbors?

Alma 17:2–3 They searched the scriptures diligently. They prayed and fasted a lot. As a result they were given the gifts of prophecy and revelation; and they taught with the power and authority of God.

Simple, consistent acts of devotion to Christ help me receive His power.
Alma 17:1–4

In order to keep growing our relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus, we need to search the scriptures and ponder them and gain understanding. We also need to fast and pray. We need to be obedient to the commandments and we need to love our neighbors and choose to minister.

The sons of Mosiah, and their companions serve a mission to the Lamanites for 14 years. The Lord blessed them with the gifts of prophecy and revelation, and helped them to teach with power and authority from Him.

How does spiritual preparation affect our service? How about the lack of it?

How can you follow the good example of these missionaries to the Lamanites?

Alma 18:10–18, 34–36 Ammon was a good servant to the king. After defending the flocks of the king and saving the lives of the other servants, he returned and got the king’s horses ready. He performed his duties with exactness and without complaint.
He taught the king that he was a man, and that they were all created in the image of God. He told him that he was blessed by His Spirit, and then he began to teach the king the gospel of Jesus Christ.

20:2–5 Ammon listened to the promptings warnings of the Lord and did not go to Middoni, but went another way so that he could get his brother and friends out of prison. King Lamoni went with him. He told Limhi that the Lord had told him not to go to Middoni. 

22:12–16 Aaron talked Lamoni’s father and taught Him about God and about prayer. Because of Aaron’s faith and testimony, King Lamoni was willing to repent and give away all of his sins to know God.

I can be an instrument in God’s hands.
Alma 17:6–12; 19:16–36

What can you do to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands?

Alma 17:6–12 Mosiah’s sons and their missionary companions fasted and prayed a lot that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of His Spirit so that they could be instruments in His hands.

We need to seek to be endowed with power from on high? We can fast and pray. We can go to the temple. We can minister to others. We can read the scriptures and conference talks.

When the Lord gives us comfort and says be comforted, we should choose to be comforted and trust in Him and move forward. The Lord told them that they would need to be patient, but that He’d give them much success.

We need to bear with patience the progress of others and of ourselves and keep trying and striving to minister and keep the commandments. When the Lord is with us and gives us comfort and direction, we should proceed with courage.

Alma 19:16–36 Abish was eager for her people to know the truth and to understand the gospel. Her father had a remarkable vision years before, so Abish was already converted. She ran to let the people know of the conversion of the king and queen. When she saw the huge contention, she took the queen by the hand and raised her up. Abish had a lot of faith.

Alma 19:17 Will you look for opportunities and experiences that you can share that will help the people that you love believe in the power of God?

Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart

How can you tell other people about what Jesus means to you?

Example prompts: “For me, Jesus Christ …” or “The Savior helps me …”

Ministering as the Savior Does

Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy

Videos: Come and See: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2019-04-0010-inviting-others-to-come-and-see?lang=eng

Come and Help: look for English for this and one above.

Come and Belong: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2020-06-2140-come-and-belong?lang=eng

Use object lessons. Any time people can see or touch something related to what they’re learning, they’re likely to remember it longer. If you’re teaching about Alma 17:11, for example, consider showing musical instruments or writing instruments to help inspire a discussion about being an instrument in God’s hands.

For kids:

I can help others come unto Christ by showing my love for them.
Alma 17:21–25; 20:8–27; 22:1–3

How were the hearts of King Lamoni and his father softened? How did they come to believe in Jesus Christ?

Book of Mormon stories: Chapter 23: Ammon: A Great Servant; Ammon Meets King Lamoni’s Father

What did Ammon do to help King Lamoni and his father believe in Jesus Christ and have faith in Him?

The children could draw pictures of the stories found in the following verses:

Alma 17:21–25 Ammon desired to be Lamoni’s servant.  

20:8–27 King Lamoni came to realize that Ammon loved his son and had no intent to harm him or his people.

22:1–3 King Lamoni’s father want Ammon to teach him the gospel.

For kids:

I can share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
Alma 17–19

Talk about different tools and how they are useful and what they are used for.

Read Alma 17:11. How can we be Heavenly Father’s instruments to help bring people to Jesus Christ?

Look at the activity page that prompts us to remember the truths that are in Alma 18:24–40. Let the children practice being missionaries and share the truths that they have learned.

Read about Abish: Alma 19:16–20, 28–29. Then allow the children to take turns running from door to door to tell others what happened in the account recorded in Alma 19:1–17.

Can you be like Abish and have the desire to share the gospel? The children can draw a picture of themselves, a missionary, Ammon, Aaron, or Abish sharing the gospel.

Jesus has said that if we have a desire to share the gospel, then we are called to the work.

Called to Serve

When we show love for others, we can help them receive the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Alma 17–19

“No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care!”

How can you tell that Ammon loves his cousins the Lamanites by his actions towards them and his methods in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ?

What are truths you have learned from Ammon about sharing the gospel?

Service opens doors to missionary work. It is important to seek and to follow the Spirit. Our intention should be to bring others to Jesus Christ, not to gain followers for our ego. We should always acknowledge that we are mere mortals, and that God is all-powerful, all-loving, and all-forgiving to those who believe on Him, have faith in His Son, and are striving to live His gospel.

Video: Ammon Serves and Teaches King Lamoni: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/alma-17-19/2020-03-0600-ammon-serves-and-teaches-king-lamoni-alma-17-19-1080p?lang=eng

The Lord will help me repent.
Alma 19:36

Vs 36 Mormon tells us that because of Ammon’s teaching, the work of the Lord commenced among the Lamanites. Ammon was the missionary that was instrumental in opening a mission in a new land. Mormon tells us that the Lord began to pour out His Spirit upon the Lamanites, and that His arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on His name. Heavenly Father truly loves all of His children and He desires the best for all of us.

Alma 19:16–36 Vs 29 Lamoni’s wife “arose and stood upon her feet, and cried with a loud voice, saying: O blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell! O blessed God, have mercy on this people!”

When have you felt the Savior’s arm extended towards you? How has He lifted you up?

Knowing God is worth any sacrifice.
Alma 20:23; 22:15–18

Alma 20:23 What was Lamoni’s father willing to give up to save his mortal life?

“If thou wilt spare me I will grant unto thee whatsoever thou wilt ask, even to half of the kingdom.”

Alma 22:15, 18 Later, what was He willing to give up to know God and to be receive His Spirit?

15 And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.

18 O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day. And now when the king had said these words, he was struck as if he were dead.

What can I sacrifice to know my Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ and to have the Holy Ghost with me more fully? Am I willing to do it? When?

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/17?lang=eng

The sons of Mosiah have the spirit of prophecy and of revelation—They go their several ways to declare the word to the Lamanites—Ammon goes to the land of Ishmael and becomes the servant of King Lamoni—Ammon saves the king’s flocks and slays his enemies at the water of Sebus. Verses 1–3, about 77 B.C.; verse 4, about 91–77 B.C.; and verses 5–39, about 91 B.C.

Vs 9 Are you fasting and praying, so that God can work through you to help bring people to Jesus and to the knowledge of the truth?

Vs 10 When the Lord gives you comfort, accept it. Don't hang on to anxiety and discomfort when He offers you so much better.

Vs 11 The Lord wants to bless and guide us in our missions and our ministeries. He expects uf to be humble and patient, so that we can be an instrument in His hands for the salvation of many souls.

 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/18?lang=eng

King Lamoni supposes that Ammon is the Great Spirit—Ammon teaches the king about the Creation, God’s dealings with men, and the redemption that comes through Christ—Lamoni believes and falls to the earth as if dead. About 90 B.C.

Vs 22-23 The king had just offered unto Ammon whatever he wanted. Ammon wasn't looking for earthly treasure. He was there to teach the people about the heavenly treasure he'd found in his own repentance and conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was also the son of a king. He’d forsaken that type of position.

Vs 33-40 Ammon taught Lamoni about the creaation, the fall, the prophecies, the rebellion of the Lamanite people, the redemption found through Jesus Christ; he taught him the gospel; and Lamoni believed all his words.

Vs 41 Lamoni immediately petitioned the Lord for mercy.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/19?lang=eng

Lamoni receives the light of everlasting life and sees the Redeemer—His household falls into a trance, and many see angels—Ammon is preserved miraculously—He baptizes many and establishes a church among them. About 90 B.C.

Vs 12-14 Lamoni repented and received a testimony of Jesus Christ. He was overcome with joy after bearing testimony, and so was his wife, and so was Ammon.

Vs 31-32 There is more to hearing than having sound reach our ears. In order to receive a message, we have to have a desire to understand it. Those who "heard" or wanted to believe, believed, and were converted to the Lord. Those who didn't want to "hear" or to change, just went their way.

Vs 33-36 Ammon and the king and his household and many others were converted. The gospel and having the Spirit testify of its truth is a wonderful experience.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/20?lang=eng

The Lord sends Ammon to Middoni to deliver his imprisoned brethren—Ammon and Lamoni meet Lamoni’s father, who is king over all the land—Ammon compels the old king to approve the release of his brethren. About 90 B.C.

Vs 15 What great courage Lamoni had! Of course, he didn't want to be disrespectful or defy his own father; but, he was converted to the Lord and he felt a love for the messengers of the gospel which had been brought to Him, and he felt a desire and responsibility to help the Lord's servants.

Vs 26-27 King Lamoni's father was touched at Ammon's love and generosity towards his son. When he understood that Ammon's intentions were good, he had a change of heart, and he also wanted to hear about and learn the gospel.

Vs 28-30 It's a good thing that Lamoni and Ammon arrived when they did. Aaron and the other brethren there had experienced so much suffering. But they remained patient and exercised faith.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/21?lang=eng

Aaron teaches the Amalekites about Christ and His Atonement—Aaron and his brethren are imprisoned in Middoni—After their deliverance, they teach in the synagogues and make many converts—Lamoni grants religious freedom to the people in the land of Ishmael. About 90–77 B.C.

Vs 19-23 Lamoni's people were greatly blessed by his conversion from Ammon's testimony and teaching. Lamoni granted the people religious freedom and the opportunity to hear and learn the gospel.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/22?lang=eng

Aaron teaches Lamoni’s father about the Creation, the Fall of Adam, and the plan of redemption through Christ—The king and all his household are converted—The division of the land between the Nephites and the Lamanites is explained. About 90–77 B.C.

Vs 5-11 Lamoni's father had pondered on the words of Ammon continually, and he was prepared to hear the truth and already trusted Aaron that he would teach him the truth. He had a believing heart.

Vs 12-15 Aaron taught the king the plan of redemption. The king wanted in; he asked what he needed to personally do that he might gain eternal life. He was ready to give up everything.

Vs 16 Prayer, confession, humbling ourselves before our Father is the beginning of faith and repentance; and then He can help us through the rest.

Vs 17-18 When the king had received enough instruction to know what to do, he immediately knelt to pray. He did not postpone in the least degree the day of his repentance. That's humility.

Vs 22-23 Because of the testimony the king had received, and feeling the gift of repentance, he was able to teach his household, and they were all converted to the Lord.

Vs 26-27 The king was desirous that all of his people should hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.