Lesson 22 2 Nephi 1

Chapters 1–4 of 2 Nephi contain Nephi’s record of his father’s final counsel.

Why might a parent’s or a prophet’s final counsel be particularly significant?

In 2 Nephi 1:1, we read that Nephi said his father listed the “great things the Lord had done for them.”

2 Nephi 1:2–5

2 And he spake unto them concerning their rebellions upon the waters, and the mercies of God in sparing their lives, that they were not swallowed up in the sea.

3 And he also spake unto them concerning the land of promise, which they had obtained—how merciful the Lord had been in warning us that we should flee out of the land of Jerusalem.

4 For, behold, said he, I have seen a vision, in which I know that Jerusalem is destroyed; and had we remained in Jerusalem we should also have perished.

5 But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.

What are some of the great things the Lord had done for Lehi’s family?

Why do you think it would be important for Lehi’s loved ones to remember what the Lord had done for them?

Actions

Consequences

2 Nephi 1:6–9

As you examine the answers on the board, how would you summarize the principles Lehi taught to his family?

Topic

Work in pairs. One student in each pair read 2 Nephi 1:13–14 silently and the other student read 2 Nephi 1:21–23 silently, looking for words and phrases that relate to these three objects. Teach one another what you find.

What did Lehi warn would happen if his sons did not repent and “shake off [their] chains” (2 Nephi 1:13)?

What are some ways that captivity and misery can come upon those who choose not to repent?

Please, read 2 Nephi 1:15 silently, looking for the blessing Lehi had received for being faithful to the Lord.

What blessing had Lehi received

because of his faithfulness?

What do you think it means to be encircled

in the arms of the Lord’s love?

Elder Neil L. Andersen

“We have each felt to some extent these spiritual arms around us. We have felt His forgiveness, His love and comfort. The Lord has said, ‘I am he [who] comforteth you’” (Neil L. Andersen, “Repent … That I May Heal You,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 40).

2 Nephi 1:25–28

27 And it must needs be that the power of God must be with him, even unto his commanding you that ye must obey. But behold, it was not he, but it was the Spirit of the Lord which was in him, which opened his mouth to utterance that he could not shut it.

28 And now my son, Laman, and also Lemuel and Sam, and also my sons who are the sons of Ishmael, behold, if ye will hearken unto the voice of Nephi ye shall not perish. And if ye will hearken unto him I leave unto you a blessing, yea, even my first blessing.

25 And I exceedingly fear and tremble because of you, lest he shall suffer again; for behold, ye have accused him that he sought power and authority over you; but I know that he hath not sought for power nor authority over you, but he hath sought the glory of God, and your own eternal welfare.

26 And ye have murmured because he hath been plain unto you. Ye say that he hath used sharpness; ye say that he hath been angry with you; but behold, his sharpness was the sharpness of the power of the word of God, which was in him; and that which ye call anger was the truth, according to that which is in God, which he could not restrain, manifesting boldly concerning your iniquities.

What qualities did Lehi emphasize when he spoke of Nephi’s leadership? Why would you trust a leader with these qualities?

Please, read 2 Nephi 1:30–32 silently. Ask them to look for promises Lehi gave to Zoram.

What promises did you find?

Point out that Zoram was told that his posterity would be given these blessings because he had been faithful in following Lehi and Nephi.

What principle can we learn from these verses about the blessings that come from following those whom God has called to lead us?

Elder M. Russell Ballard

“The Lord’s servants are inspired to help us avoid obstacles that are spiritually life threatening and to help us pass safely through mortality to our final, ultimate, heavenly destination” (M. Russell Ballard, “God Is at the Helm,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 24).

According to Elder Ballard, what are some ways in which we may be blessed with prosperity and security (or safety) as we follow those whom God has called to lead us?