1 Nephi 16-18

1 Nephi – Lesson 5: 1 Nephi 16-18 (to be discussed at next class, December 7)

Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 16:1-20
1. According to Nephi, who takes the truth to be hard? Look back in chapter 15 of 1 Nephi and list what “hard things” Nephi had said.



2. What advice did Nephi give his brothers to help them be more receptive to the truth?


3. What trial caused even Lehi to murmur and become sorrowful? Why do you think this trial caused so much difficulty?


Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 16:21-39; Alma 37:38-45
4. How did Nephi solve the family’s food problem? Why do you think he went to Lehi for direction?


5. Why do you think Lehi and his family felt fear when they read the words on the Liahona? What might they have read?


6. The curious ball found by Lehi worked according to what three principles? Mark Nephi’s lesson in v. 29 that follows his words, “And thus we see…” Cross reference to Alma 37:6-8


7. What has the Lord provided that can give direction in our lives today?


BONUS: Note the two names given in this chapter for the places where Lehi’s family set up camp in the wilderness. Mark meanings of these names in each of the accompanying footnotes.

Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 17:1-22
8. Mark the IF/THE promise in 1 Nephi 17:3. Give blessings, promised if we keep the commandments of God.


9. Nephi states in v. 6 that his family “suffered many afflictions and much difficulty” on their journey, too many to list. Make a short list of the afflictions Nephi DID record.



10. What was Nephi’s reaction to the Lord’s injunction to build a ship? How did his brethren react to the news? Why?


11. From 1 Nephi 17:19-22, list all the incorrect statements Laman and Lemuel made. On what was their argument based?



Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 17:23-47; Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-16
12. 1 Nephi 17:23-47 contains Nephi’s response and counsel to his brethren. Why do you think he used the story of Moses leading Israel out of bondage as the basis for his response?


13. How was Lehi’s exodus like the exodus of the children of Israel with Moses? How were they different? How does Nephi’s address illustrate his mission statement in 1 Nephi 1:20?



14. In I Nephi 17:45, what problems does Nephi say Laman and Lemuel had? What do you think it means to “feel” God’s words? Can you think of a scripture you FELT as you read it?



Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 17:48-55
15. What was the reaction of Laman and Lemuel to Nephi’s address?


16. How did Nephi gain confidence?


17. On what was the testimony expressed in v. 55 based?


Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 18:1-16
18. How was Nephi able to build a sea-worthy ship? Why were Nephi’s brethren humbled?



19. Why did Laman and Lemuel bind their brother? Had they done this successfully before? Why did the Lord allow it? About how long was Nephi bound?




20. What was Nephi’s reaction after he was freed from the bonds?


Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 18:17-25
21. How did Lehi, Sariah, Jacob and Joseph suffer while Nephi was bound?



22. Why do you think their pleadings did nothing to soften Laman’s and Lemuel’s hearts?



23. What did you learn in this chapter about coming to Christ?