Alma 47–48

Amalickiah and Lehonti

Have you ever heard someone say, “Just once won’t hurt,” “It’s only a little bit,” or “It’s not that bad”? When we decide to yield to Satan’s temptations even a little, we give him power over us. In Alma 47, we learn about a man named Lehonti who yielded just a little to his enemy and found himself in very dangerous and even deadly circumstances. This lesson can help you resist Satan’s attempts to gain power over you.

Lures

A fishing lure is a type of bait used to catch fish. The lure attracts the attention of the fish and can entice the fish to try to bite it. Then once the fish is hooked, it can be captured.

President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared similarities between fishing lures and Satan’s temptations. You may want to watch “O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One” from time code 0:43 to 2:30, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, to learn about the comparisons he made.

• What are some of the lures Satan uses to entice us to sin?

• Why would you want to resist these lures?

• What can make resisting temptation difficult?

You might remember that Amalickiah and a group of Nephite dissenters sought to overthrow the freedom of the Nephites and destroy the church of God (see Alma 46:10). After being stopped by Moroni and other Nephites, Amalickiah escaped to the Lamanites and attempted to stir them up to anger against the Nephites (see Alma 46:29–33; 47:1).

Today you will learn about Amalickiah’s further attempts to gain power. Many of his tactics are similar to the tactics Satan uses against us today. As you study, look for truths that can help you avoid the lures Satan uses in his attempts to harm you.

Amalickiah seeks to become king of the Lamanites

Read Alma 47:1–8, and look for what Amalickiah’s plans were as he went among the Lamanites.

• What did Amalickiah do to gain influence and power among the Lamanites?

• How are Amalickiah’s goals similar to Satan’s? (see 2 Nephi 26:22).

• How are Heavenly Father’s goals for you different from Satan’s? (see Moses 1:39). Why is this important to remember?

The group of Lamanites who refused to go to battle against the Nephites were led by a man named Lehonti.

Read Alma 47:9–12, looking for what Amalickiah wanted Lehonti to do.

• What are some reasons Lehonti might have considered accepting Amalickiah’s final invitation in verse 12?

• What would you have told Lehonti if you had been in his army and he had asked you for advice about whether to meet Amalickiah? Why?

Read Alma 47:13–19, looking for how Lehonti responded to additional efforts from Amalickiah and what happened as a result.

• In what ways were Amalickiah’s tactics similar to the tactics Satan uses to destroy us? (If needed, see 2 Nephi 28:7–8, 21–22.)

Your fight against Satan

One truth we can learn from this account is that if we give in to Satan’s temptations even a little, we give him greater influence to lead us astray.

Think about how you have seen this truth demonstrated in your life or the lives of others. The following activity can help you identify some ways Satan might try to make you vulnerable to his temptations and ways the Savior can help protect you against those temptations.

1. Complete the following activity:

   • Step 1: Draw a teenager standing on top of a mountain. At the bottom of the mountain, list temptations or tactics Satan uses to try to get us to “come down” a little so he can gain power over us. Be sure to leave space between the teenager and the temptations you list so you have room for step 2.

   • Step 2: At the top of the mountain, list some of the resources or teachings the Lord has given us that can protect us against Satan’s temptations. (For some examples, consider studying a few of the following verses: 1 Nephi 15:24; Helaman 5:12; Doctrine and Covenants 10:5; 11:12–13; 20:22; 87:8.)

Make a plan

Think about how the truths you have studied today apply to your life. Consider recording your answers to the following questions:

• When have you resisted Satan’s temptations by using the tools the Lord has provided you with?

• How will you strive to better seek God’s help to resist Satan’s temptations?

Optional: Want to Learn More?

What are examples of temptations Satan uses to try to gain power over us?

Watch “A Return to Virtue” from time code 4:28 to 6:30 to see examples shared by Sister Elaine S. Dalton, former Young Women General President.

Watch “Step 3: Trust in God – Sharon’s Story About Crystal Meth Addiction Recovery” (5:29) to see an example of someone who fell into Satan’s traps.

Watch “Seek Christ in Every Thought” from time code 8:18 to 9:42 to see an example told by Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

What can I remember when I feel a desire to participate in “small” sins?

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

My dear friends, when we resist the little temptations, which often come unexpectedly in our life, we are better equipped to avoid serious transgressions. (Ulisses Soares, “Seek Christ in Every Thought,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 84)

What help does the Lord provide to resist temptation?

President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught:

With the help of the Holy Ghost, we can watch over ourselves. We can pray to recognize and reject the first thoughts of sin. We can pray to recognize a warning not to speak words which would hurt or tempt someone else. And we can, when we must, pray for the humility and the faith to repent.

There will surely be some who hear my voice who will have this thought come into their minds: “But the temptations are too great for me. I have resisted as long as I can. For me, the commandments are too hard. The standard is too high.”

That is not so. The Savior is our Advocate with the Father. He knows our weaknesses. He knows how to succor those who are tempted. (Henry B. Eyring, “As a Child,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 17)