2 Nephi 5:1–9

The Warnings of God

It must have been heartbreaking for Nephi. Because Laman and Lemuel planned to kill him, Nephi was warned to take “those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God” (2 Nephi 5:6) and flee into the wilderness. At times, we too may be warned by the Lord of physical and spiritual dangers around us. This lesson can help you to follow the warnings that the Lord lovingly gives to protect you.

Warnings

• Why are warning signs like these important?

• Why might some people look at warning signs with gratitude? with irritation?

• When have you been grateful you were warned?

As you study today, think about why God sends us warnings. Try also to remember different ways that you may have reacted to warnings He has given.

God’s warnings for Nephi

Read 2 Nephi 5:1–9, looking for a warning that the Lord gave Nephi after he became the spiritual leader of the family following Lehi’s death. Or you may want to watch the video “The Nephites Flee into the Wilderness” from time code 0:00–3:21.

Try to put yourself in the place of one of the Nephite teenagers whose families were invited to follow Nephi.

• Why might it have been difficult to leave?

• What would it take for you to make the decision to follow Nephi into the wilderness?

• According to verse 6, what determined who went with him?

One truth we can learn from this account is that God can lead us away from danger if we choose to believe His revelations and hearken to His prophets.

You may want to watch the video “Enemy Territory” (3:38), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, looking for how God’s warnings can bless our lives.

1. Try to imagine how the world (or your personal life) would be different if God never warned us. Then answer at least three of the following questions:

   • Why do you think we need God’s warnings in our day?

   • What are different ways that God makes His warnings known to people in general and to individuals about their specific circumstances?

   • What are reasons that someone might choose not to follow God’s warnings, and how might you respond to someone who gives one of these reasons?

   • How have you or your loved ones been protected by following warnings from God? Share a specific example if you can think of one.

God warns us through His prophets

One of the ways God lovingly warns us of danger is through His living prophets. For example, in 2 Nephi 5:5–6, many of Nephi’s family hearkened to the warning given to him by the Lord to depart into the wilderness. (See also Amos 3:7.) We also find many prophetic warnings from God for us in His scriptures.

Take some time to search the scriptures for warnings that God has given us through His prophets in the past. (Some examples include Alma 41:10; Moroni 10:30, 32; Doctrine and Covenants 63:57–58; 89:1–4.)

2. Answer at least three of the following questions:

   • What warnings did you find that you think the world most needs today?

   • What do you think the consequences are for obeying or disregarding these warnings?

   • How are these warnings a sign of God’s love?

   • How will obeying the warnings you found help you become more like Jesus Christ?

   • How can ignoring His warnings distance us from Him?

God’s warnings for you

President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Spirit. This promise applies to all members of the Church. (Boyd K. Packer, “Counsel to Youth,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 18)

Ponder how President Packer’s statement and what you learned from 2 Nephi 5 apply to your life. Then record your thoughts and feelings in your study journal. Following are some possible things to consider:

• Has Heavenly Father been warning me of something specific in my life through thoughts or feelings from the Spirit?

• Are there specific warnings from God that I have received through Church leaders, parents, priesthood blessings, or other means? How am I doing at following them?

• What is one thing that I think Heavenly Father wants me to do with what I learned or felt today?

Optional: Want to Learn More?

How can I find spiritual safety in the world today?

President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught:

There seems to be no end to the Savior’s desire to lead us to safety. And there is constancy in the way He shows us the path. He calls by more than one means so that it will reach those willing to accept it. And those means always include sending the message by the mouths of His prophets, whenever people have qualified to have the prophets of God among them. Those authorized servants are always charged with warning the people, telling them the way to safety. (Henry B. Eyring, “Finding Safety in Counsel,” Ensign, May 1997, 24)

President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

As a servant of the Lord, I promise that you will be protected and shielded from the attacks of the adversary if you will heed the promptings that come from the Holy Spirit. (Boyd K. Packer, “Counsel to Youth,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 18)