Mosiah 9-11 Study Guide: To be discussed October 4
Day 1: Mosiah 9:1-9 (with chapter heading); see also Omni 1:27-28
[Note: This chapter begins an extended flashback. Chapters 9-11 cover approx. 200-150BC.]
1. Why did Zeniff want to protect the Lamanites from Nephite armies? What was his motivation for leading a group of Nephites into Lamanite territory?
2. Why were Zeniff’s people “smitten with famine and sore afflictions” on their journey?
3. Which two lands did the Lamanites give Zeniff for his people to inhabit? Why do you think Zeniff did not see any red flags as he worked out the treaty?
Day 2: Read Mosiah 9:10-19; Jacob 1:11
4. Read Jacob 1:11. What was the tradition among the Nephites regarding their kings? What does the title of the Lamanite king imply about the tradition of the Lamanites in this regard?
5. Why do you think King Laman allowed Zeniff to rule in Lamanite territory for 12 years before attacking?
6. How did remembering the power of the Lord to save increase the faith of Zeniff’s people? How can we apply this principle today?
Day 3: Read Mosiah 10:1-10
7. What precautions did Zeniff take to keep the Lamanites at bay for 22 years? What can we learn from this?
8. Was it a righteous battle for which Zeniff prepared his people?
9. According to Mosiah 10:10, how did Zeniff’s people go up to battle?
Day 4: Read Mosiah 10:11-22; Alma 37:31-34; D&C 93:39
10. How did Zeniff describe the Lamanites?
11. What false traditions did the Lamanites believe?
12. How do you cure eternal hatred? (see also Alma 37:31-34, D&C 93:39)
Day 5: Read Mosiah 11:1-7
13. What do you think it means to walk after the desires of one’s own heart? Is there another name for this?
14. Make a list of five things from Mosiah 11:2-7 that contributed to the downfall of Zeniff’s people under Noah.
15. What did King Noah and his wicked priests do to sway the people to wickedness? Why did this work?
Day 6: Read Mosiah 11:8-19
16. During King Noah’s reign, how was the temple used?
17. What was Noah’s first priority or chief motivation?
18. List five more things from Mosiah 11:8-19 that contributed to the decline of the Nephite settlers under Noah.
Day 7: Read Mosiah 11:20-29
19. Search Mosiah 11:20–25 and find the phrases “except they repent” and “except this people repent.” List the four punishments Abinadi said would come upon the people if they did not repent.
20. How did the people react to Abinadi’s warning? How did Noah react?
BOOK OF MORMON STUDY GUIDES
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Mosiah 5-8
Mosiah 5-8 Study Guide – to be discussed September 27
Day 1: Read Mosiah 5:1-6
1. How did the people know that King Benjamin had told them the truth?
2. Why did Benjamin’s people rejoice?
3. What did the people of Zarahemla offer to do as their part of their covenant with God? What was God’s part?
Day 2: Read Mosiah 5:7-15; D&C 76:24; Romans 6:16-18; Mosiah 26:24
4. In Mosiah 1:11, Benjamin said he wanted to give his people a new name, because they had been diligent in keeping the Lord’s commandments. Can you think of people in the Bible who received new names? Why were their names changed?
5. In Mosiah 5:5, the people made a covenant to obey God’s commandments. Find two other covenants Benjamin asked his people to keep in Mosiah 5:7-15.
6. Read Romans 6:16-18 and John 10:1-5. How can we “hear and know the voice” of God? From Mosiah 26:24, what is the promise when we do this?
Day 3: Read Mosiah 6
7. Why do you think Benjamin recorded the names of all those who entered into the covenant?
8. How old was Mosiah when he began to reign? About what year was that?
9. Why did Mosiah pursue farming during his kingship?
Day 4: Read Mosiah 7:1-16 (with the chapter heading); Mosiah 9:1
10. Who was Ammon? What was his quest?
11. About what year did Ammon’s party leave Zarahemla? Use the date at the bottom of page 164 (associated with Zeniff’s departure into Nephi, Mosiah 9:1) to calculate approximately how many years had passed between Zeniff’s departure and Ammon’s journey to the land of Lehi-Nephi (Nephi).
12. What was Limhi’s first reaction to Ammon and his brethren? How did he react when he learned who Ammon was? Why?
Day 5: Read Mosiah 7:17-33; Mosiah 17:20
13. In what way(s) were Limhi’s people in bondage? How did they get into this situation?
14. Use Mosiah 17:20 to tell the name of the prophet who was called to preach repentance to the inhabitants of Nephi.
15. What does it mean to “sow filthiness"? Did Limhi depend on Ammon to rescue his people without any effort on their part? From verse 33, list what Limhi asked his people to do.
BONUS: Review Mosiah 7 and list parallels between Ammon and Christ – that is, how was Ammon a type of Christ?
Day 6: Read Mosiah 8:1-12
16. What two subjects of Ammon’s speech are identified in verses 2-3?
17. List the items found by the party Limhi sent forth to find Zarahemla.
18. Why was Limhi looking for someone who was able to translate unknown languages?
Day 7: Read Mosiah 8:13-21
19. Use the footnote to Mosiah 8:13b to give another name for the interpreters. Find these words in the Bible Dictionary and give the Hebrew meanings of the words.
20. What is a seer?
21. By what power was Mosiah able to translate?
22. What was Limhi’s reaction when he learned the Lord had provided a way to translate the 24 gold plates?
BONUS: What record did these plates contain?
Day 1: Read Mosiah 5:1-6
1. How did the people know that King Benjamin had told them the truth?
2. Why did Benjamin’s people rejoice?
3. What did the people of Zarahemla offer to do as their part of their covenant with God? What was God’s part?
Day 2: Read Mosiah 5:7-15; D&C 76:24; Romans 6:16-18; Mosiah 26:24
4. In Mosiah 1:11, Benjamin said he wanted to give his people a new name, because they had been diligent in keeping the Lord’s commandments. Can you think of people in the Bible who received new names? Why were their names changed?
5. In Mosiah 5:5, the people made a covenant to obey God’s commandments. Find two other covenants Benjamin asked his people to keep in Mosiah 5:7-15.
6. Read Romans 6:16-18 and John 10:1-5. How can we “hear and know the voice” of God? From Mosiah 26:24, what is the promise when we do this?
Day 3: Read Mosiah 6
7. Why do you think Benjamin recorded the names of all those who entered into the covenant?
8. How old was Mosiah when he began to reign? About what year was that?
9. Why did Mosiah pursue farming during his kingship?
Day 4: Read Mosiah 7:1-16 (with the chapter heading); Mosiah 9:1
10. Who was Ammon? What was his quest?
11. About what year did Ammon’s party leave Zarahemla? Use the date at the bottom of page 164 (associated with Zeniff’s departure into Nephi, Mosiah 9:1) to calculate approximately how many years had passed between Zeniff’s departure and Ammon’s journey to the land of Lehi-Nephi (Nephi).
12. What was Limhi’s first reaction to Ammon and his brethren? How did he react when he learned who Ammon was? Why?
Day 5: Read Mosiah 7:17-33; Mosiah 17:20
13. In what way(s) were Limhi’s people in bondage? How did they get into this situation?
14. Use Mosiah 17:20 to tell the name of the prophet who was called to preach repentance to the inhabitants of Nephi.
15. What does it mean to “sow filthiness"? Did Limhi depend on Ammon to rescue his people without any effort on their part? From verse 33, list what Limhi asked his people to do.
BONUS: Review Mosiah 7 and list parallels between Ammon and Christ – that is, how was Ammon a type of Christ?
Day 6: Read Mosiah 8:1-12
16. What two subjects of Ammon’s speech are identified in verses 2-3?
17. List the items found by the party Limhi sent forth to find Zarahemla.
18. Why was Limhi looking for someone who was able to translate unknown languages?
Day 7: Read Mosiah 8:13-21
19. Use the footnote to Mosiah 8:13b to give another name for the interpreters. Find these words in the Bible Dictionary and give the Hebrew meanings of the words.
20. What is a seer?
21. By what power was Mosiah able to translate?
22. What was Limhi’s reaction when he learned the Lord had provided a way to translate the 24 gold plates?
BONUS: What record did these plates contain?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Mosiah 3-4
Mosiah 3-4 Study Guide: to be discussed September 20
Day 1: Read Mosiah 3:1-8; Isaiah 52:7; Luke 2:10; D&C 128:23
1. In Mosiah 3, King Benjamin delivers a message from an angelic visitor to his people. What was the first thing the angel commanded Benjamin to do? Do you think the angel meant it physically or spiritually?
2. Use Isaiah 52:7, Luke 2:10 and D&C 128:23 to explain what good tidings angels are often charged to declare.
3. According to the angel, why would Jesus bleed from every pore?
BONUS: List names and titles of Christ from Mosiah 3:8.
Day 2: Read Mosiah 3:9-17
4. The angel wanted Benjamin and his people to understand the plan of salvation. From Mosiah 3:9-10, what was the purpose of Jesus’ life and mission?
5. How were Benjamin’s people able to repent and receive salvation before Christ had atoned for their sins?
EXTRA CREDIT: Benjamin taught his people that living the law of Moses could help them understand Christ’s atonement (see Mosiah 3:14-15). Read Leviticus 14:1-9 and list how the symbolism in these rituals specifically pointed toward an understanding of the plan of salvation. (eg: Leprosy can be symbolic of serious sin.)
Day 3: Read Mosiah 3:18-27; Alma 41:11; Moses 6:49
6. Why do you think it’s so important for us to become like little children?
7. Use Alma 41:11 and Moses 6:49 to explain who the natural man is. How does Benjamin say we can avoid becoming “natural” men and women?
8. How did King Benjamin’s teachings as received from the angel make his people accountable? Does it make us accountable too?
Day 4: Read Mosiah 4:1-7
9. Why did King Benjamin’s people feel they were “less than the dust of the earth”? For what did they cry out?
10. How was their humble prayer in Mosiah 4:2 answered? What did the people receive?
11. List three things from Mosiah 4:6 we must do to receive salvation.
Day 5: Read Mosiah 4:8-15
12. Underline or mark everywhere you find the word “believe” in Mosiah 4:9-10. What does it mean to believe? Is this word passive or active?
13. How can we reconcile Mosiah 4:11 and Moses 1:10 with D&C 18:10-16?
14. According to Mosiah 4:14-15, what do children need to learn? Why do you think this counsel came directly after Benjamin’s counsel on how to retain a remission of sins?
Day 6: Read Mosiah 4:16-25
15. In what way(s) are we all beggars?
16. What is our responsibility if we are wealthy? if we are not wealthy?
Day 7: Read Mosiah 4:26-30; D&C 104:18
17. According to D&C 104:18, what is the “law of the gospel”? How is this part of “believing”?
18. What do you think King Benjamin meant when he said, “it is not requisite [required] that a man should run faster than he has strength”? (see also D&C 10:4)
19. According to Mosiah 4:30, what do we need to watch? Why?
Day 1: Read Mosiah 3:1-8; Isaiah 52:7; Luke 2:10; D&C 128:23
1. In Mosiah 3, King Benjamin delivers a message from an angelic visitor to his people. What was the first thing the angel commanded Benjamin to do? Do you think the angel meant it physically or spiritually?
2. Use Isaiah 52:7, Luke 2:10 and D&C 128:23 to explain what good tidings angels are often charged to declare.
3. According to the angel, why would Jesus bleed from every pore?
BONUS: List names and titles of Christ from Mosiah 3:8.
Day 2: Read Mosiah 3:9-17
4. The angel wanted Benjamin and his people to understand the plan of salvation. From Mosiah 3:9-10, what was the purpose of Jesus’ life and mission?
5. How were Benjamin’s people able to repent and receive salvation before Christ had atoned for their sins?
EXTRA CREDIT: Benjamin taught his people that living the law of Moses could help them understand Christ’s atonement (see Mosiah 3:14-15). Read Leviticus 14:1-9 and list how the symbolism in these rituals specifically pointed toward an understanding of the plan of salvation. (eg: Leprosy can be symbolic of serious sin.)
Day 3: Read Mosiah 3:18-27; Alma 41:11; Moses 6:49
6. Why do you think it’s so important for us to become like little children?
7. Use Alma 41:11 and Moses 6:49 to explain who the natural man is. How does Benjamin say we can avoid becoming “natural” men and women?
8. How did King Benjamin’s teachings as received from the angel make his people accountable? Does it make us accountable too?
Day 4: Read Mosiah 4:1-7
9. Why did King Benjamin’s people feel they were “less than the dust of the earth”? For what did they cry out?
10. How was their humble prayer in Mosiah 4:2 answered? What did the people receive?
11. List three things from Mosiah 4:6 we must do to receive salvation.
Day 5: Read Mosiah 4:8-15
12. Underline or mark everywhere you find the word “believe” in Mosiah 4:9-10. What does it mean to believe? Is this word passive or active?
13. How can we reconcile Mosiah 4:11 and Moses 1:10 with D&C 18:10-16?
14. According to Mosiah 4:14-15, what do children need to learn? Why do you think this counsel came directly after Benjamin’s counsel on how to retain a remission of sins?
Day 6: Read Mosiah 4:16-25
15. In what way(s) are we all beggars?
16. What is our responsibility if we are wealthy? if we are not wealthy?
Day 7: Read Mosiah 4:26-30; D&C 104:18
17. According to D&C 104:18, what is the “law of the gospel”? How is this part of “believing”?
18. What do you think King Benjamin meant when he said, “it is not requisite [required] that a man should run faster than he has strength”? (see also D&C 10:4)
19. According to Mosiah 4:30, what do we need to watch? Why?
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Mosiah 1-2
Study Guide 1: Mosiah 1-2
To be discussed September 13
Day 1: Review Omni 1:12-19; read 1 Nephi 1:4; Jeremiah 39:1-10
1. What kind of leader was the first King Mosiah? Why do you think the people of Zarahemla appointed him to be their king?
2. Who was Zedekiah? (see Jer. 39:1-10, 1 Nephi 1:4) Approximately when did the people of Mulek leave Jerusalem?
BONUS: What do you think would have happened had the Lamanites found the Mulekites first?
Day 2: Read Mosiah 1:1-8
3. What kind of men did King Benjamin want his sons to be? List what King Benjamin taught his sons.
4. Why were the records written and preserved?
Day 3: Read Mosiah 1:9-18
5. Which of Benjamin’s sons was to succeed him? Where would the ceremony take place?
6. What did King Benjamin want to give his people before he died? Why?
7. What physical artifacts were passed on to the new king?
Day 4: Read Mosiah 2:1-8
8. For what did Benjamin’s people give thanks?
9. In what direction did the families in Benjamin’s kingdom pitch their tents? Why?
Day 5: Read Mosiah 2:9-17 (This is the beginning of King Benjamin’s speech, which continues through Mosiah 5.)
10. What three things did King Benjamin ask his people to open?
11. Use verses 13-14 to list the kinds of rules or laws under which Benjamin’s people were governed.
Day 6: Mosiah 2:18-30
12. Why should we have gratitude toward God?
13. What are the promises to those who keep God’s commandments?
Day 7: Read Mosiah 2:31-41, 3 Nephi 11:29
14. What is the warning to those who harbor or encourage contention?
15. What do you think it means to be an “enemy to God” (v. 38)? List all the counsel King Benjamin gives in this chapter as ways to avoid becoming an enemy to God.
To be discussed September 13
Day 1: Review Omni 1:12-19; read 1 Nephi 1:4; Jeremiah 39:1-10
1. What kind of leader was the first King Mosiah? Why do you think the people of Zarahemla appointed him to be their king?
2. Who was Zedekiah? (see Jer. 39:1-10, 1 Nephi 1:4) Approximately when did the people of Mulek leave Jerusalem?
BONUS: What do you think would have happened had the Lamanites found the Mulekites first?
Day 2: Read Mosiah 1:1-8
3. What kind of men did King Benjamin want his sons to be? List what King Benjamin taught his sons.
4. Why were the records written and preserved?
Day 3: Read Mosiah 1:9-18
5. Which of Benjamin’s sons was to succeed him? Where would the ceremony take place?
6. What did King Benjamin want to give his people before he died? Why?
7. What physical artifacts were passed on to the new king?
Day 4: Read Mosiah 2:1-8
8. For what did Benjamin’s people give thanks?
9. In what direction did the families in Benjamin’s kingdom pitch their tents? Why?
Day 5: Read Mosiah 2:9-17 (This is the beginning of King Benjamin’s speech, which continues through Mosiah 5.)
10. What three things did King Benjamin ask his people to open?
11. Use verses 13-14 to list the kinds of rules or laws under which Benjamin’s people were governed.
Day 6: Mosiah 2:18-30
12. Why should we have gratitude toward God?
13. What are the promises to those who keep God’s commandments?
Day 7: Read Mosiah 2:31-41, 3 Nephi 11:29
14. What is the warning to those who harbor or encourage contention?
15. What do you think it means to be an “enemy to God” (v. 38)? List all the counsel King Benjamin gives in this chapter as ways to avoid becoming an enemy to God.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Enos and Jarom
Enos and Jarom Study Guide
Day 1: Read Enos 1:1-8; Genesis 32:24-28; D&C 10:5
1. Who was Enos’ father? Grandfather? How did Enos feel about his father?
2. Read Genesis 32:24-28 with footnotes 28 b and c. Who else “wrestled” before God? What does his name mean?
3. List the steps Enos took in order to receive revelation and forgiveness.
Day 2: Read Enos 1:9-14; 1 John 4:20
4. What was Enos’ first desire after he received spiritual healing? What did he do about it?
5. After Enos received peace concerning his first two petitions, what was the next desire of his heart?
6. Compare Enos’ mighty prayer with Lehi’s vision in 1 Nephi 8:10-18. What do these records teach us about true conversion? (use also 1 John 4:20)
Day 3: Read Enos 1:15-20; Mosiah 10:12-17
7. How had Enos’ faith grown from the time he first went into the forest to hunt beasts? How did his increased faith lead to his soul’s rest?
8. After Enos’ extended “wrestle” before God, what did he DO?
9. Use Mosiah 10:12-17 to explain why the Lamanites were filled with hatred. How did this affect their ability to feel the Spirit?
Day 4: Read Enos 1:21-27
10. How were the Nephites different from the Lamanites at this point in their history? How were they the same?
11. In what did Enos find cause to rejoice?
12. What principle of the gospel is most manifested in Enos’ last testimony?
Note from the Institute Teacher’s Manual:
There is no universal kind of spiritual experience, but some elements which appear to be basic are revealed in the book of Enos.
1. A consciousness of the reality and power of God.
2. A recognition of one’s human weaknesses.
3. A feeling of guilt and remorse for yielding to temptation.
4. A desire for reconciliation with God.
5. A knowledge of the joy of redemption through the merits of Jesus Christ.
6. A vibrant testimony that God lives and a desire to share this.
Day 5: Read Jarom 1:1-5
13. Who was Jarom? Why was his record brief?
14. What was the state of the Nephites during Jarom’s tenure?
15. What do you think it means to be “stiffnecked”? What was the reward for those who were not stiffnecked?
Day 6: Read Jarom 1:6-9
16. What part did the Nephites’ leaders play in strengthening them?
17. List the ways in which the Nephites prepared.
18. How was the word of the Lord verified?
Day 7: Read Jarom 1:10-15
19. What did the Nephite prophets, priests and teachers do to fortify the people?
20. What blessings resulted from the Nephites’ repentance?
21. To whom did Jarom give the small plates?
Day 1: Read Enos 1:1-8; Genesis 32:24-28; D&C 10:5
1. Who was Enos’ father? Grandfather? How did Enos feel about his father?
2. Read Genesis 32:24-28 with footnotes 28 b and c. Who else “wrestled” before God? What does his name mean?
3. List the steps Enos took in order to receive revelation and forgiveness.
Day 2: Read Enos 1:9-14; 1 John 4:20
4. What was Enos’ first desire after he received spiritual healing? What did he do about it?
5. After Enos received peace concerning his first two petitions, what was the next desire of his heart?
6. Compare Enos’ mighty prayer with Lehi’s vision in 1 Nephi 8:10-18. What do these records teach us about true conversion? (use also 1 John 4:20)
Day 3: Read Enos 1:15-20; Mosiah 10:12-17
7. How had Enos’ faith grown from the time he first went into the forest to hunt beasts? How did his increased faith lead to his soul’s rest?
8. After Enos’ extended “wrestle” before God, what did he DO?
9. Use Mosiah 10:12-17 to explain why the Lamanites were filled with hatred. How did this affect their ability to feel the Spirit?
Day 4: Read Enos 1:21-27
10. How were the Nephites different from the Lamanites at this point in their history? How were they the same?
11. In what did Enos find cause to rejoice?
12. What principle of the gospel is most manifested in Enos’ last testimony?
Note from the Institute Teacher’s Manual:
There is no universal kind of spiritual experience, but some elements which appear to be basic are revealed in the book of Enos.
1. A consciousness of the reality and power of God.
2. A recognition of one’s human weaknesses.
3. A feeling of guilt and remorse for yielding to temptation.
4. A desire for reconciliation with God.
5. A knowledge of the joy of redemption through the merits of Jesus Christ.
6. A vibrant testimony that God lives and a desire to share this.
Day 5: Read Jarom 1:1-5
13. Who was Jarom? Why was his record brief?
14. What was the state of the Nephites during Jarom’s tenure?
15. What do you think it means to be “stiffnecked”? What was the reward for those who were not stiffnecked?
Day 6: Read Jarom 1:6-9
16. What part did the Nephites’ leaders play in strengthening them?
17. List the ways in which the Nephites prepared.
18. How was the word of the Lord verified?
Day 7: Read Jarom 1:10-15
19. What did the Nephite prophets, priests and teachers do to fortify the people?
20. What blessings resulted from the Nephites’ repentance?
21. To whom did Jarom give the small plates?
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Jacob 6-7
Jacob – Lesson 3: Jacob 6-7
Day 1: Read Jacob 6:1-5
1. What was Jacob’s witness concerning the allegory of the olive tree?
2. How has the Lord “set his hand again the second time”? What is being done to nourish and prune today?
3. Jacob wrote that the Lord is merciful because he remembers both Israel’s roots and branches. What might the roots and branches represent in Israel as a nation? as individuals?
Day 2: Read Jacob 6:6-13; Ezekiel 18:25-32
4. What is the “good word of God” with which we can be nourished?
5. How do people “make a mock of the great plan of salvation”? What will happen to those who do?
6. Why do you think Jacob left us the allegory of the olive trees? What is our responsibility now that we understand it?
Day 3: Read Jacob 7:1-5
7. Jacob seemed to close his record at the end of chapter 6. After some years, he added chapter 7. Considering his message in the first six chapters, why do you think Jacob wanted us to know about Sherem?
8. How did Sherem indoctrinate so many Nephites? Look up “Antichrist” in the Bible Dictionary. What qualities of an antichrist did Sherem possess?
9. Why couldn’t Jacob’s faith be shaken?
Day 4: Read Jacob 7:6-9
10. What law did Sherem advocate? Use Galatians 3:24-26 to tell what the purpose of this law was. Why do you think Sherem was willing to listen to dead prophets but not the living prophet?
11. By what power did Jacob confound Sherem?
12. How do Sherem’s statements at the end of verses 7 and 9 contradict each other?
Day 5: Read Jacob 7:10-16
13. From Jacob 7:10-12, what three witnesses did Jacob give for the reality of the Savior who was to come?
14. What did Sherem ask for? Why didn’t he ask for the scriptures or the Holy Ghost?
15. If Sherem knew the truth, as Jacob said, why do you think he asked for a sign? In what ways was Sherem “nourished” by the Lord?
Day 6: Read Jacob 7:17-22
16. Of what did Sherem bare witness in his post-sign address?
17. What happened to the Nephites who heard his witness?
18. Why was Jacob pleased?
Day 7: Read Jacob 7:23-27
19. After their branch had been “pruned” of its bitter fruit, what marvelous fruits did the Nephites produce?
20. To whom did Jacob pass the responsibility for the small plates? What was his hope?
21. Do you have a favorite verse from the writings of Jacob?
Day 1: Read Jacob 6:1-5
1. What was Jacob’s witness concerning the allegory of the olive tree?
2. How has the Lord “set his hand again the second time”? What is being done to nourish and prune today?
3. Jacob wrote that the Lord is merciful because he remembers both Israel’s roots and branches. What might the roots and branches represent in Israel as a nation? as individuals?
Day 2: Read Jacob 6:6-13; Ezekiel 18:25-32
4. What is the “good word of God” with which we can be nourished?
5. How do people “make a mock of the great plan of salvation”? What will happen to those who do?
6. Why do you think Jacob left us the allegory of the olive trees? What is our responsibility now that we understand it?
Day 3: Read Jacob 7:1-5
7. Jacob seemed to close his record at the end of chapter 6. After some years, he added chapter 7. Considering his message in the first six chapters, why do you think Jacob wanted us to know about Sherem?
8. How did Sherem indoctrinate so many Nephites? Look up “Antichrist” in the Bible Dictionary. What qualities of an antichrist did Sherem possess?
9. Why couldn’t Jacob’s faith be shaken?
Day 4: Read Jacob 7:6-9
10. What law did Sherem advocate? Use Galatians 3:24-26 to tell what the purpose of this law was. Why do you think Sherem was willing to listen to dead prophets but not the living prophet?
11. By what power did Jacob confound Sherem?
12. How do Sherem’s statements at the end of verses 7 and 9 contradict each other?
Day 5: Read Jacob 7:10-16
13. From Jacob 7:10-12, what three witnesses did Jacob give for the reality of the Savior who was to come?
14. What did Sherem ask for? Why didn’t he ask for the scriptures or the Holy Ghost?
15. If Sherem knew the truth, as Jacob said, why do you think he asked for a sign? In what ways was Sherem “nourished” by the Lord?
Day 6: Read Jacob 7:17-22
16. Of what did Sherem bare witness in his post-sign address?
17. What happened to the Nephites who heard his witness?
18. Why was Jacob pleased?
Day 7: Read Jacob 7:23-27
19. After their branch had been “pruned” of its bitter fruit, what marvelous fruits did the Nephites produce?
20. To whom did Jacob pass the responsibility for the small plates? What was his hope?
21. Do you have a favorite verse from the writings of Jacob?
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Jacob 5
Jacob – Lesson 2: Jacob 5: The Allegory of the Tame and Wild Olive Trees (see additional study links in column to the right)
Day 1: Read Jacob 5 chapter heading, verses 1-3, 1 Nephi 19:10-16, Alma 33:3-15, Helaman 8:19
1. From 1 Nephi 19:10-16 and Helaman 8:19, what do we know about the prophet Zenos? Where might Nephi and Jacob have read Zenos’ prophecies? Why do you think these prophecies are not in our current Bible?
2. Alma quotes Zenos in Alma 33:4-11. In this quote, when does Zenos say he has felt the mercies of God?
3. From Jacob 5:3, to what is the house of Israel likened? Use footnote 3d to explain how the House of Israel could “decay.”
Day 2: Read Jacob 5:4-14 (First visit of the Master to His vineyard)
4. What did the master of the vineyard do first to save his vineyard?
5. When the “main top… began to perish” what did the Master and his servants do with the branches of the tame and wild olive trees?
6. Use footnotes 8a, 10a and 14a to help explain what the grafting of branches of the tame olive tree into the nethermost parts of the vineyard represents. What do the wild olive trees represent? Why was it necessary to scatter Israel?
Day 3: Read Jacob 5:15-28 (Second visit of the Master to His vineyard)
7. Why did the Lord and his servant revisit the vineyard? What was the state of the tame olive tree (Israel)? What brought strength to the wild branches?
8. What was the state of the tame branches grafted into trees in poor ground?
9. What part of the world have we been taught is “choice above all lands” (see 2 Nephi 1:5, Ether 2:7-10)? What was the problem with the branches grafted into good soil, and how was it addressed?
Day 4: Read Jacob 5:29-40 (Third visit of the Master to His vineyard)
10. What kind of fruit did the Lord find on the tame olive tree during his third visit? Use footnote 30a to explain what happened spiritually.
11. How were the roots kept vital? Why was the tree (the House of Israel) beginning to perish?
12. What had happened to the natural branches of Israel that had been scattered, or planted in the nethermost parts of the vineyard?
Day 5: Read Jacob 5:41-50 (Third visit continued)
13. Why did the Lord weep?
14. What does verse 47 tell you about how the Lord cares for the inhabitants of the earth?
15. From v. 48, what was the cause of the apostasy? How does the bad fruit of apostasy corrupt individuals and nations?
Day 6: Read Jacob 5:51-60 (Fourth visit of the Master to His vineyard)
16. According to footnote 52a, of what is the re-grafting of the natural branches back into the original tree symbolic?
17. What is the fate of any branch that continues to bear bad fruit after all the pruning, grafting and nourishing it needs to survive?
18. What are some things the Lord has done in your life to “prune” and “nourish” you?
Day 7: Read Jacob 5:61-77
19. Why do you think the Lord instructs his servants in the last days to prune the trees so that roots and tops are equal in strength?
20. Who do the servants in the vineyard represent? From vv. 71-72, who works with them? What is their reward?
21. What might the fruit of the tree represent?
BONUS: What were olives used for in ancient Israel? How are they used today?
Olive Culture
"Jacob's (or rather Zenos's) treatise on ancient olive culture (Jacob 5�6) is accurate in every detail: Olive trees do have to be pruned and cultivated diligently; the top branches are indeed the first to wither, and the new shoots do come right out of the trunk; . . . the ancient way of strengthening the old trees (especially in Greece) was to graft in the shoots of the oleaster or wild olive; also, shoots from valuable old trees were transplanted to keep the stock alive after the parent tree should perish; to a surprising degree the olive prefers poor and rocky ground, whereas rich soil produces inferior fruit; too much grafting produces a nondescript and cluttered yield of fruit; the top branches if allowed to grow as in Spain or France, while producing a good shade tree, will indeed sap the strength of the tree and give a poor crop; fertilizing with dung is very important, in spite of the preference for rocky ground, and has been practiced since ancient times; the thing to be most guarded against is bitterness in the fruit. All these points, taken from a treatise on ancient olive culture, are duly, though quite casually, noted in Zenos's Parable of the Olive Tree."39
39. Nibley, Since Cumorah, 238�39. See Nibley, Temple and Cosmos, 244�52.
Day 1: Read Jacob 5 chapter heading, verses 1-3, 1 Nephi 19:10-16, Alma 33:3-15, Helaman 8:19
1. From 1 Nephi 19:10-16 and Helaman 8:19, what do we know about the prophet Zenos? Where might Nephi and Jacob have read Zenos’ prophecies? Why do you think these prophecies are not in our current Bible?
2. Alma quotes Zenos in Alma 33:4-11. In this quote, when does Zenos say he has felt the mercies of God?
3. From Jacob 5:3, to what is the house of Israel likened? Use footnote 3d to explain how the House of Israel could “decay.”
Day 2: Read Jacob 5:4-14 (First visit of the Master to His vineyard)
4. What did the master of the vineyard do first to save his vineyard?
5. When the “main top… began to perish” what did the Master and his servants do with the branches of the tame and wild olive trees?
6. Use footnotes 8a, 10a and 14a to help explain what the grafting of branches of the tame olive tree into the nethermost parts of the vineyard represents. What do the wild olive trees represent? Why was it necessary to scatter Israel?
Day 3: Read Jacob 5:15-28 (Second visit of the Master to His vineyard)
7. Why did the Lord and his servant revisit the vineyard? What was the state of the tame olive tree (Israel)? What brought strength to the wild branches?
8. What was the state of the tame branches grafted into trees in poor ground?
9. What part of the world have we been taught is “choice above all lands” (see 2 Nephi 1:5, Ether 2:7-10)? What was the problem with the branches grafted into good soil, and how was it addressed?
Day 4: Read Jacob 5:29-40 (Third visit of the Master to His vineyard)
10. What kind of fruit did the Lord find on the tame olive tree during his third visit? Use footnote 30a to explain what happened spiritually.
11. How were the roots kept vital? Why was the tree (the House of Israel) beginning to perish?
12. What had happened to the natural branches of Israel that had been scattered, or planted in the nethermost parts of the vineyard?
Day 5: Read Jacob 5:41-50 (Third visit continued)
13. Why did the Lord weep?
14. What does verse 47 tell you about how the Lord cares for the inhabitants of the earth?
15. From v. 48, what was the cause of the apostasy? How does the bad fruit of apostasy corrupt individuals and nations?
Day 6: Read Jacob 5:51-60 (Fourth visit of the Master to His vineyard)
16. According to footnote 52a, of what is the re-grafting of the natural branches back into the original tree symbolic?
17. What is the fate of any branch that continues to bear bad fruit after all the pruning, grafting and nourishing it needs to survive?
18. What are some things the Lord has done in your life to “prune” and “nourish” you?
Day 7: Read Jacob 5:61-77
19. Why do you think the Lord instructs his servants in the last days to prune the trees so that roots and tops are equal in strength?
20. Who do the servants in the vineyard represent? From vv. 71-72, who works with them? What is their reward?
21. What might the fruit of the tree represent?
BONUS: What were olives used for in ancient Israel? How are they used today?
Olive Culture
"Jacob's (or rather Zenos's) treatise on ancient olive culture (Jacob 5�6) is accurate in every detail: Olive trees do have to be pruned and cultivated diligently; the top branches are indeed the first to wither, and the new shoots do come right out of the trunk; . . . the ancient way of strengthening the old trees (especially in Greece) was to graft in the shoots of the oleaster or wild olive; also, shoots from valuable old trees were transplanted to keep the stock alive after the parent tree should perish; to a surprising degree the olive prefers poor and rocky ground, whereas rich soil produces inferior fruit; too much grafting produces a nondescript and cluttered yield of fruit; the top branches if allowed to grow as in Spain or France, while producing a good shade tree, will indeed sap the strength of the tree and give a poor crop; fertilizing with dung is very important, in spite of the preference for rocky ground, and has been practiced since ancient times; the thing to be most guarded against is bitterness in the fruit. All these points, taken from a treatise on ancient olive culture, are duly, though quite casually, noted in Zenos's Parable of the Olive Tree."39
39. Nibley, Since Cumorah, 238�39. See Nibley, Temple and Cosmos, 244�52.
Jacob 1-4
Jacob – Lesson 1: Jacob 1-4
Note: Jacob 1 is a preview of what Jacob would address further in chapters 2 and 3, which comprise the text of a sermon he gave at the Nephite temple.
Day 1: Read Jacob 1:1-8; 1 Nephi 18:7; 2 Nephi 2:1-4
1. Review 1 Nephi 18:7 and 2 Nephi 2:1-4 to explain who Jacob was and why he was qualified to preach and to continue Nephi’s record.
2. When did Jacob begin his record? What did Nephi tell Jacob to write on the small plates?
3. What do you think it means to “view [Christ’s] death” (see D&C 6:36-37), “suffer his cross” (see Luke 9:23-25), and “bear the shame of the world (see Matt. 5:11-12). How can the sacrament help us remember these things?
Day 2: Read Jacob 1:9-19
4. How did Nephi’s people feel about him at his death? Choose one verse of scripture from Nephi’s writing that you would have liked to quote at his funeral.
5. What are the two grievous sins Jacob tells us his people began to practice after Nephi’s death?
6. How did Jacob and Joseph magnify their callings and ordinations in their service to God and their people?
Day 3: Read Jacob 2:1-19
7. How did Jacob know that his people, although outwardly obedient, were “beginning to labor in sin”?
8. Why was Jacob’s soul burdened by the subject of his discourse?
9. According to Jacob, what should we seek before we seek riches? How would this change our motivations?
BONUS: Jacob refers to the “eye” of God in 2 Nephi 9:44, Jacob 2:10 and 15. What three qualities does Jacob attribute to God’s eye?
Day 4: Read Jacob 2:20-35; D&C 132:34-39
10. According to Jacob, what is a “grosser crime” than pridefully seeking riches?
11. Why did the Lord constrain Jacob to address this particular sin?
12. Why do you think the Lord (through Jacob) said that the Nephites had “done greater iniquities than the Lamanites”? (see also Jacob 3:5-8.)
Day 5: Read Jacob 3
13. What are the promises to the pure in heart who look to God for comfort in affliction?
14. What was the cause of the Nephites’ filthiness? What was the cause of the Lamanites’ filthiness?
15. What does Jacob say will happen to those who do not repent of their lasciviousness?
Day 6: Read Jacob 4:1-9
16. Why did Jacob “labor diligently” to engrave his words on the plates? What is his hope regarding the effect of the plates on his posterity?
17. In Jacob 4:6-7, underline the words “search,” “revelations,” “prophecy,” “witness,” “hope,” and “grace.” How can we attain unshakable faith?
18. By what power was the earth and all in it created? (see also Moses 1:30-32.)
Day 7: Read Jacob 4:10-18
19. In what ways do we sometimes seek to counsel the Lord?
20. What are the promises to those who are “reconciled” unto Christ through his atonement?
21. What “mystery” will Jacob explain by quoting Zenos’ allegory of the wild and tame olive trees in chapter 5?
Note: Jacob 1 is a preview of what Jacob would address further in chapters 2 and 3, which comprise the text of a sermon he gave at the Nephite temple.
Day 1: Read Jacob 1:1-8; 1 Nephi 18:7; 2 Nephi 2:1-4
1. Review 1 Nephi 18:7 and 2 Nephi 2:1-4 to explain who Jacob was and why he was qualified to preach and to continue Nephi’s record.
2. When did Jacob begin his record? What did Nephi tell Jacob to write on the small plates?
3. What do you think it means to “view [Christ’s] death” (see D&C 6:36-37), “suffer his cross” (see Luke 9:23-25), and “bear the shame of the world (see Matt. 5:11-12). How can the sacrament help us remember these things?
Day 2: Read Jacob 1:9-19
4. How did Nephi’s people feel about him at his death? Choose one verse of scripture from Nephi’s writing that you would have liked to quote at his funeral.
5. What are the two grievous sins Jacob tells us his people began to practice after Nephi’s death?
6. How did Jacob and Joseph magnify their callings and ordinations in their service to God and their people?
Day 3: Read Jacob 2:1-19
7. How did Jacob know that his people, although outwardly obedient, were “beginning to labor in sin”?
8. Why was Jacob’s soul burdened by the subject of his discourse?
9. According to Jacob, what should we seek before we seek riches? How would this change our motivations?
BONUS: Jacob refers to the “eye” of God in 2 Nephi 9:44, Jacob 2:10 and 15. What three qualities does Jacob attribute to God’s eye?
Day 4: Read Jacob 2:20-35; D&C 132:34-39
10. According to Jacob, what is a “grosser crime” than pridefully seeking riches?
11. Why did the Lord constrain Jacob to address this particular sin?
12. Why do you think the Lord (through Jacob) said that the Nephites had “done greater iniquities than the Lamanites”? (see also Jacob 3:5-8.)
Day 5: Read Jacob 3
13. What are the promises to the pure in heart who look to God for comfort in affliction?
14. What was the cause of the Nephites’ filthiness? What was the cause of the Lamanites’ filthiness?
15. What does Jacob say will happen to those who do not repent of their lasciviousness?
Day 6: Read Jacob 4:1-9
16. Why did Jacob “labor diligently” to engrave his words on the plates? What is his hope regarding the effect of the plates on his posterity?
17. In Jacob 4:6-7, underline the words “search,” “revelations,” “prophecy,” “witness,” “hope,” and “grace.” How can we attain unshakable faith?
18. By what power was the earth and all in it created? (see also Moses 1:30-32.)
Day 7: Read Jacob 4:10-18
19. In what ways do we sometimes seek to counsel the Lord?
20. What are the promises to those who are “reconciled” unto Christ through his atonement?
21. What “mystery” will Jacob explain by quoting Zenos’ allegory of the wild and tame olive trees in chapter 5?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
2 Nephi 29-33
2 Nephi – Lesson 13: 2 Nephi 29-33 (to be discussed April 26)
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 29:1-2; Ezekiel 37:15-17
1. From 2 Nephi 29:1-2, list five reasons the Lord proceeds with his “marvelous work,” the restoration of the gospel in the latter days.
2. Why will many Gentiles reject the Book of Mormon? How have we thanked the Jews for giving us the Bible?
3. Give three or more reasons listed in this chapter regarding why we should study the Book of Mormon.
Day 2: Read 2 Nephi 30:1-8; Review 2 Nephi 19:2-3, 2 Nephi 3:5
4. From 2 Nephi 30:2, with whom does the Lord covenant?
5. Why does the coming forth of the Book of Mormon give Nephi hope for his posterity?
6. Use 2 Nephi 29:14 with 2 Nephi 30:7 to explain how the promises made to Abraham are fulfilled through the Book of Mormon.
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 30:9-18; Isaiah 11:4-9 with footnotes
NOTE: Nephi, who quoted Isaiah 11 in its entirety in 2 Nephi 21, quotes key verses again here. Isaiah 11 was also quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith, telling him it was about to be fulfilled. Nephi’s commentary precedes and follows this quote from Isaiah.
7. For who’s sake will the wicked be destroyed?
8. How do all of God’s creations bear witness of his sovereignty?
9. What added detail does Nephi give to explain how the earth will be “full of the knowledge of the Lord”?
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 31:1-12; Article of Faith 4
10. According to Nephi, what does he want to leave us as his final topic, given as plainly as he can?
11. What four reasons does Nephi give for why Christ needed to be baptized?
12. Stated simply, what is the doctrine of Christ? (see also 3 Nephi 11:31-39)
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 31:13-21 (Bonus reading: Moses 6:31-62)
13. Circle the word “if” in 2 Nephi 31:13. What are the promises to those who sincerely follow Christ into the waters of baptism (the “then” statements that follow)? Why do you think the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are referred to as the “gate” rather than the “destination”?
14. Why do you think it would be better for those who have received a witness of Christ to have never known him rather than to deny him?
15. Verses 14-21 in 2 Nephi 31 discuss the principle of enduring to the end. List ways we can “press forward” or endure to the end.
BONUS: What two things does Nephi record in chapter 31 that he heard directly from the voice of the Father? List also two things from the voice of the Son.
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 32; Review 2 Nephi 30:13-14
16. What is the unspoken question of Nephi’s audience, pondered in their hearts, that Nephi answers in this chapter?
17. In answer to this question, Nephi tells us two ways we can be directed, or shown “all things what ye should do.” What divine help is outlined in 2 Nephi 32:3-5?
18. What does Nephi encourage us to do in 2 Nephi 32:8-9, as an antidote to unbelief, wickedness and ignorance? How often should we do this? Who teaches us not to?
Day 7: Read 2 Nephi 33
19. From 2 Nephi 33:3, what does Nephi do for his people? How does this make you feel about him? about his words?
20. In what three things does Nephi say he glories? For what three groups does he have charity?
21. Having completed this study of Nephi’s writing, what would you like to do or say when you stand face to face with him before the bar of God?
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 29:1-2; Ezekiel 37:15-17
1. From 2 Nephi 29:1-2, list five reasons the Lord proceeds with his “marvelous work,” the restoration of the gospel in the latter days.
2. Why will many Gentiles reject the Book of Mormon? How have we thanked the Jews for giving us the Bible?
3. Give three or more reasons listed in this chapter regarding why we should study the Book of Mormon.
Day 2: Read 2 Nephi 30:1-8; Review 2 Nephi 19:2-3, 2 Nephi 3:5
4. From 2 Nephi 30:2, with whom does the Lord covenant?
5. Why does the coming forth of the Book of Mormon give Nephi hope for his posterity?
6. Use 2 Nephi 29:14 with 2 Nephi 30:7 to explain how the promises made to Abraham are fulfilled through the Book of Mormon.
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 30:9-18; Isaiah 11:4-9 with footnotes
NOTE: Nephi, who quoted Isaiah 11 in its entirety in 2 Nephi 21, quotes key verses again here. Isaiah 11 was also quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith, telling him it was about to be fulfilled. Nephi’s commentary precedes and follows this quote from Isaiah.
7. For who’s sake will the wicked be destroyed?
8. How do all of God’s creations bear witness of his sovereignty?
9. What added detail does Nephi give to explain how the earth will be “full of the knowledge of the Lord”?
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 31:1-12; Article of Faith 4
10. According to Nephi, what does he want to leave us as his final topic, given as plainly as he can?
11. What four reasons does Nephi give for why Christ needed to be baptized?
12. Stated simply, what is the doctrine of Christ? (see also 3 Nephi 11:31-39)
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 31:13-21 (Bonus reading: Moses 6:31-62)
13. Circle the word “if” in 2 Nephi 31:13. What are the promises to those who sincerely follow Christ into the waters of baptism (the “then” statements that follow)? Why do you think the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are referred to as the “gate” rather than the “destination”?
14. Why do you think it would be better for those who have received a witness of Christ to have never known him rather than to deny him?
15. Verses 14-21 in 2 Nephi 31 discuss the principle of enduring to the end. List ways we can “press forward” or endure to the end.
BONUS: What two things does Nephi record in chapter 31 that he heard directly from the voice of the Father? List also two things from the voice of the Son.
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 32; Review 2 Nephi 30:13-14
16. What is the unspoken question of Nephi’s audience, pondered in their hearts, that Nephi answers in this chapter?
17. In answer to this question, Nephi tells us two ways we can be directed, or shown “all things what ye should do.” What divine help is outlined in 2 Nephi 32:3-5?
18. What does Nephi encourage us to do in 2 Nephi 32:8-9, as an antidote to unbelief, wickedness and ignorance? How often should we do this? Who teaches us not to?
Day 7: Read 2 Nephi 33
19. From 2 Nephi 33:3, what does Nephi do for his people? How does this make you feel about him? about his words?
20. In what three things does Nephi say he glories? For what three groups does he have charity?
21. Having completed this study of Nephi’s writing, what would you like to do or say when you stand face to face with him before the bar of God?
2 Nephi 27-28
2 Nephi Lesson 12: 2 Nephi 27-28
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 27:1-5; Isaiah 29:6-10 with footnotes
1. Nephi quotes again extensively from Isaiah in 2 Nephi 27, inserting his commentary and related prophecies. Read the chapter heading for Isaiah 29. According to this note, who will speak as a voice from the dust? From 2 Nephi 27:1, when will these prophecies of Isaiah have their fulfillment?
2. Isaiah 29:9 is quoted in 2 Nephi 27:4. The prophecy states that men will be “drunken but not with wine.” According to 2 Nephi 27:1, with what will they be drunken? How will this cause them to “stagger”? (Hint: use 2 Nephi 27:5)
3. What will happen to all the nations that fight against Zion?
Day 2: Read 2 Nephi 27:6-14; D&C 5:5-15; Luke 12:3; “The Testimony of Three Witnesses” found after the Introduction to the Book of Mormon in the front of the book.
4. What is contained in the sealed portion of the Nephite records?
5. How can we read the Book of Mormon “upon the housetops” today? What will happen when we do?
6. How did Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris receive their witness of the plates?
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 27:15-23; JS-H 1:64-65; Ether 4:6-7
7. According to 2 Nephi 27:16, why did “the learned” want to read the book? Use the footnote for 16a to give a name to this kind of motivation.
8. In what way(s) does the passage in JS-H 1:64-65 fulfill this prophecy from Isaiah and Nephi?
9. From 2 Nephi 27:23, what is Jehovah a God of? Use Ether 4:6-7 to help list the steps Gentiles will need to take in order to receive the sealed portion of scripture.
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 27:23-35; Isaiah 29:13-24; JS-H 1:19
10. How do people today draw near to the Lord with their lips but remove their hearts far from Him?
11. What is the marvelous (astonishing!) work of the Lord today? List specific things you consider astonishing.
12. What role does pride play in trying to hide our works of darkness from the Lord? How does considering ourselves as “potter’s clay” keep us humble?
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 28:1-6; Mormon 8:23, 26-32
Note: One way of looking at 2 Nephi 28 is as a playbook for Satan’s “game plan.” As such, it is also a commentary on 2 Nephi 27.
13. Without giving specific names of denominations, list ways in which churches today “contend with each other.”
14. Why would a church “deny the power of God” or teach that God is “not a God of miracles”?
15. Moroni, writing in Mormon 8:26-32, describes the day when the Book of Mormon will come forth. What does Moroni identify as a motivator for the contentions and false doctrine of the latter days?
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 28:7-15; 3 Nephi 29:4-7
16. Of the two “false and foolish” doctrines outlined in 2 Nephi 28:7-8, which do you think is potentially most harmful? Why?
17. How many times is the word “pride” used in verses 11-15?
18. Read 3 Nephi 29:4-7. What is the fate of those who deny Christ for gain, or “pervert the way of the Lord”?
Day 7: Read 2 Nephi 28:16-32
19. According to 2 Nephi 28:19-20, what does Satan want to “stir up” in us?
20. From 2 Nephi 28:21-23, give two main categories of deceit Satan uses against us.
21. Use the last three verses of 2 Nephi 28 to list the main points of the Lord’s plan for us.
Day 1: Read 2 Nephi 27:1-5; Isaiah 29:6-10 with footnotes
1. Nephi quotes again extensively from Isaiah in 2 Nephi 27, inserting his commentary and related prophecies. Read the chapter heading for Isaiah 29. According to this note, who will speak as a voice from the dust? From 2 Nephi 27:1, when will these prophecies of Isaiah have their fulfillment?
2. Isaiah 29:9 is quoted in 2 Nephi 27:4. The prophecy states that men will be “drunken but not with wine.” According to 2 Nephi 27:1, with what will they be drunken? How will this cause them to “stagger”? (Hint: use 2 Nephi 27:5)
3. What will happen to all the nations that fight against Zion?
Day 2: Read 2 Nephi 27:6-14; D&C 5:5-15; Luke 12:3; “The Testimony of Three Witnesses” found after the Introduction to the Book of Mormon in the front of the book.
4. What is contained in the sealed portion of the Nephite records?
5. How can we read the Book of Mormon “upon the housetops” today? What will happen when we do?
6. How did Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris receive their witness of the plates?
Day 3: Read 2 Nephi 27:15-23; JS-H 1:64-65; Ether 4:6-7
7. According to 2 Nephi 27:16, why did “the learned” want to read the book? Use the footnote for 16a to give a name to this kind of motivation.
8. In what way(s) does the passage in JS-H 1:64-65 fulfill this prophecy from Isaiah and Nephi?
9. From 2 Nephi 27:23, what is Jehovah a God of? Use Ether 4:6-7 to help list the steps Gentiles will need to take in order to receive the sealed portion of scripture.
Day 4: Read 2 Nephi 27:23-35; Isaiah 29:13-24; JS-H 1:19
10. How do people today draw near to the Lord with their lips but remove their hearts far from Him?
11. What is the marvelous (astonishing!) work of the Lord today? List specific things you consider astonishing.
12. What role does pride play in trying to hide our works of darkness from the Lord? How does considering ourselves as “potter’s clay” keep us humble?
Day 5: Read 2 Nephi 28:1-6; Mormon 8:23, 26-32
Note: One way of looking at 2 Nephi 28 is as a playbook for Satan’s “game plan.” As such, it is also a commentary on 2 Nephi 27.
13. Without giving specific names of denominations, list ways in which churches today “contend with each other.”
14. Why would a church “deny the power of God” or teach that God is “not a God of miracles”?
15. Moroni, writing in Mormon 8:26-32, describes the day when the Book of Mormon will come forth. What does Moroni identify as a motivator for the contentions and false doctrine of the latter days?
Day 6: Read 2 Nephi 28:7-15; 3 Nephi 29:4-7
16. Of the two “false and foolish” doctrines outlined in 2 Nephi 28:7-8, which do you think is potentially most harmful? Why?
17. How many times is the word “pride” used in verses 11-15?
18. Read 3 Nephi 29:4-7. What is the fate of those who deny Christ for gain, or “pervert the way of the Lord”?
Day 7: Read 2 Nephi 28:16-32
19. According to 2 Nephi 28:19-20, what does Satan want to “stir up” in us?
20. From 2 Nephi 28:21-23, give two main categories of deceit Satan uses against us.
21. Use the last three verses of 2 Nephi 28 to list the main points of the Lord’s plan for us.
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