“1 Nephi 8:19–38: Hold Fast to the Word of God” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)
“1 Nephi 8:19–38: Hold Fast to the Word of God” Book of Mormon Student Manual
1 Nephi 8:19–38
Hold Fast to the Word of God
Many people in the world want to feel joy and love but don’t know where to find it. Through his vision of the tree of life, Lehi learned about the path we must travel and how to stay on it to enjoy the blessings of God’s love. This lesson can help you follow the word of God to guide you to His greatest blessings.
Lehi’s vision
Take a moment to look at this painting of Lehi’s vision. It includes the tree, which represents the love of God, and its fruit, which symbolizes the blessings offered through the Atonement of Jesus Christ (see David A. Bednar, “Lehi’s Dream: Holding Fast to the Rod,” Ensign, Oct. 2011, 32–37). It also includes several additional elements.
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What stands out to you about this painting?
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What can you learn from what you observe?
President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:
You may think that Lehi’s dream or vision has no special meaning for you, but it does. You are in it; all of us are in it. (Boyd K. Packer, “Finding Ourselves in Lehi’s Dream,” Ensign or Liahona, Aug. 2010, 22)
As you study this lesson, seek guidance from Heavenly Father to understand how Lehi’s vision may relate to your life. Look for truths that might help you receive the promised joy through the Savior, as well as what obstacles you may need to avoid or overcome.
Many people pressing forward
In his dream, Lehi saw “numberless concourses of people” (1 Nephi 8:21) trying to make their way to the tree of life. They encountered several elements that affected their ability to come to the tree: mists of darkness, the iron rod, and people in a great and spacious building. You can see these three elements in the painting above.
As you read 1 Nephi 8:22–34, look for these elements and what you think they may symbolize. You may also want to watch “Lehi Sees an Iron Rod and Those Who Fall Away” (3:30), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
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In your study journal, draw a simple representation of the mists of darkness and the great and spacious building.
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What do you think these elements of Lehi’s vision may represent?
Later, Nephi saw in vision what his father had seen and explained these symbols. Read 1 Nephi 12:17–18 to see what Nephi taught. Record what you learned.
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What do the large and spacious building and the mists of darkness look like in our day?
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How do these obstacles cause people to lose their way today?
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What did you learn that is important to understand about your journey through life?
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Think about temptations you face and in what ways pride may affect you. Ponder how these may distract you or impede your ability to come unto Christ and feel the love of God.
The help God offers us
In Lehi’s vision, God had also prepared ways to help His children come unto the tree. There was “a strait and narrow path” (1 Nephi 8:20) that led to the tree. Along the path, He provided a “rod of iron” that guided people (1 Nephi 8:19, 24, 30).
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What do you think might be significant about the rod being made of iron?
Read 1 Nephi 15:23–25 to discover what Nephi taught about the meaning of the rod and his promises about it.
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What stood out to you from these verses?
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In your study journal, make a drawing of the iron rod and write what it symbolizes.
One truth we can learn is that if we hearken and hold fast to the word of the Lord, the adversary’s temptations will not overpower us.
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How can the Lord’s words in the scriptures and those spoken by His prophets provide safety and strength during times of temptation?
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What are some examples of how the word of God can lead us to receive the blessings and joy the Savior offers through His Atonement?
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What does this truth teach you about the Lord?
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On or around the iron rod you drew, take a few minutes to write scripture phrases or references that have helped you come to Jesus Christ and receive His blessings. If no scriptures come to mind, you could look up references that use the term “word of God” (Guide to the Scriptures, scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). You may also write teachings from living prophets or promptings you have received from the Lord through the Holy Ghost.
To conclude this lesson, ponder where you are in that vision. How have you come to the Savior, and how are you continuing to strive to come unto Him? What distractions and temptations do you face? How is the Lord helping you through His word?
Consider evaluating your scripture study goal and how it is helping you, as well as any improvements or changes you would like to make. If you do not have a study goal, consider taking a few moments to make one.