Seminary
3 Nephi 11:18–41: Jesus Christ Declares His Doctrine

“3 Nephi 11:18–41: Jesus Christ Declares His Doctrine,” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“3 Nephi 11:18–41,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

3 Nephi 11:18–41

Jesus Christ Declares His Doctrine

Christ teaching in the Americas

Have you ever thought about what truths missionaries share with those they are teaching? One of their most important messages relates to what we must do to receive the blessings of eternal life. This message is sometimes called the doctrine of Christ (see 2 Nephi 31:21). The Savior taught this doctrine to the Nephites shortly after appearing to them at the temple. This lesson can help you better understand and explain the doctrine of Jesus Christ.

Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ

Imagine you have a friend who has become interested in the Church. Your friend tells you he has a good feeling about what he has learned and experienced so far. He wants to know what he should do next to follow the Savior more fully.

  • What might you invite your friend to do? Why?

“This is my doctrine”

Shortly after the resurrected Savior appeared to the Nephites in the land of Bountiful, He taught them His doctrine. This doctrine, sometimes referred to as “the doctrine of Christ” (2 Nephi 31:21), helps us understand how we can follow Jesus Christ and receive the blessings of eternal life. Today you will have an opportunity to better understand the doctrine of Christ and explain it in your own words.

  1. Complete the following activity:

    1. Study the Savior’s teachings about His doctrine in 3 Nephi 11:31–41.

    2. If desired, study additional teachings about the doctrine or gospel of Jesus Christ, such as 2 Nephi 31:17–21 or 3 Nephi 27:19–22. You could also search “doctrine of Christ” in the Gospel Library app or at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

    3. Prepare a three-to-five-minute lesson about the doctrine of Christ. Use the template provided below to help you prepare your outline. You could imagine you are a missionary preparing this lesson for someone you are teaching. Or you could think about someone you know and prepare as if you were going to share the lesson with them.

The Doctrine of Christ Lesson Plan

Book of Mormon Teacher Manual (2024)—“3 Nephi 11:18–41: Jesus Christ Declares His Doctrine”

  1. From what you have learned and studied, write a summary of the doctrine of Christ.

  2. List two or three questions you could ask to help those you teach to understand and think more deeply about the doctrine of Christ.

  3. Describe why you feel it is important to follow these teachings of the Savior. If possible, include experiences you have had that demonstrate how these teachings have blessed your life.

  4. List one or two invitations you could extend to help those you teach apply what they have learned about the doctrine of Christ.

  5. (Optional) Think of an object or activity to help those you teach better understand the doctrine of Christ.

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Self-assessment

As you conclude the lesson, take some time to ponder how you can apply the doctrine of Christ to your life each day. The following self-assessment can help you identify ways you are currently living the Savior’s doctrine, as well as ways you could improve.

Respond to each of the following statements with one of these answers: “regularly,” “sometimes,” or “rarely.”

  1. I exercise faith in Jesus Christ by striving to keep the commandments and trust that He can help me overcome my challenges.

  2. I repent daily for my mistakes and seek for the Savior’s power to help me become more like Him.

  3. I strive to keep my baptismal covenants and weekly renew that effort by worthily partaking of the sacrament.

  4. I invite the Holy Ghost into my life through regular prayer to Heavenly Father and study and seek to act on spiritual promptings.