Seminary
2 Nephi 28:1–26: Identifying and Overcoming the Tactics of Satan

“2 Nephi 28:1–26: Identifying and Overcoming the Tactics of Satan,” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“2 Nephi 28:1–26,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

2 Nephi 28:1–26

Identifying and Overcoming the Tactics of Satan

youth reading scriptures

Do you feel confident in your ability to recognize Satan’s efforts to lead you away from the Savior? Nephi identified some of the false ideas and strategies Satan would use to try to turn people from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the last days. This lesson is intended to help you recognize the cunning tactics of Satan and seek the Savior’s help to overcome them.

Satan’s purposes

We are involved in an ongoing war against evil. President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught how the Book of Mormon can help us in this war:

President Ezra Taft Benson

The Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. (See 2 Nephi 3:12.) It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. (Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon Is the Word of God,” Ensign, Jan. 1988, 3)

  • In what ways do you see the Book of Mormon doing some of these things taught by President Benson?

As you study, look for truths that can help you better recognize and overcome the cunning tactics of Satan.

False teachings and strategies of Satan

In 2 Nephi 28, Nephi continued his prophecy of the last days. Read 2 Nephi 28:5–9, looking for some of the teachings and attitudes that Nephi saw would exist in our day.

  • What evidence do you see of these teachings and attitudes in our day?

  • How are the corrupt teachings stated in these verses and the attitudes of those who believe them spiritually dangerous?

These verses represent some of the attitudes and beliefs that result from Satan’s deceptions. Nephi continued his teachings by identifying specific strategies Satan would use to try to grasp us with his power.

icon, record In your study journal, write the following: Satan seeks to grasp us with his everlasting chains by …

Read 2 Nephi 28:19–22, looking for teachings that can help you complete this statement:

icon, record

  1. Answer the following question:

    • Based on what you learned from these verses, what are some ways you could complete the statement: Satan seeks to grasp us with his everlasting chains by … ?

One truth we can learn is this: Satan seeks to grasp us with his everlasting chains by …

  • stirring people up to anger against that which is good,

  • pacifying and lulling away individuals into carnal security, and

  • telling people that there is no hell and no devil.

It may be helpful to know that the phrase “lull them away into carnal security” (verse 21) refers to Satan’s efforts to make people feel comfortable in their sinful state and that they have no need to change.

Think about which of Satan’s strategies from verses 20–22 is illustrated in each of the following situations:

  1. Maria made the decision to cheat on her school assignment so she could receive a good score. She felt guilty at first, but she recognized that she never got caught and ended up cheating on other assignments as well. She now feels like acting dishonestly can help her get what she wants in life.

  2. Jude has noticed that when he reads social media posts about Jesus Christ or the Church, there are often many negative comments that attack the Church or people who believe in the Savior.

  3. Skye has a few friends who try to persuade her to lower her standards. They argue that since there is no life after death it’s silly to worry about a place where people go to account for their so-called sins.

  • What are other examples you can think of that illustrate Satan’s strategies listed in verses 20–22?

Think about your own life. Do you feel like any of Satan’s strategies you have learned about are impacting you? Consider recording your thoughts in your study journal. As you continue to study, look for how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can help you overcome Satan’s deceptions in your life.

Turning to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to overcome Satan

We can overcome Satan and his deceptions as we rely on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Create the following heading in your study journal: “How Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ help me overcome Satan.”

Find scripture passages or teachings from Church leaders that can help you in your efforts to overcome Satan. Record your insights in your study journal.

Consider studying some of the scripture references listed under “Tempt, Temptation” in Guide to the Scriptures or “Temptation” in the Topical Guide. You might also study Nephi’s teachings in 2 Nephi 28:17, 26–32. Other helpful scripture passages include 1 Nephi 15:24; Helaman 5:12; and 3 Nephi 18:15, 18.

  1. Answer the following question:

    • How can the teachings from the Church leaders and scripture passages you found help you overcome Satan’s strategies you identified earlier in the lesson?

Ponder your experiences studying today. Take a moment to make a plan based on what you feel the Lord would have you do to better protect yourself against Satan’s tactics. Record this plan in your study journal. You will have an opportunity to refer to this plan in the upcoming “Assess Your Learning” lesson.