Alma 36–38

Overview

In Alma 36–39, Alma counseled his sons Helaman, Shiblon, and Corianton. He recounted his experience of seeing an angel, feeling the torment of his sins, and finding deliverance through Jesus Christ. He taught that the Lord often uses small and simple things to do great things, such as allowing scriptures to point “the way [we] should go” in our lives (Alma 37:40). He counseled his sons to keep the commandments of God. He lovingly counseled his son Corianton to forsake and repent of his sins, including a violation of the law of chastity.

Prepare to Teach

The following information provides teachers with ideas of what may need to be prepared in advance for each lesson.

Alma 36

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students turn to Jesus Christ in faith and feel the joy of His deliverance.

Student preparation: Invite students to come prepared to share an example of someone who found peace in Christ after suffering for a time. What helped this person find peace?
Image to display: An image of Alma the Younger and the angel
Videoconference teaching suggestion: While students practice marking words and phrases in different ways, you might invite those who use digital scriptures to share their screen to show effective ways they have found to mark their scriptures.

Alma 37

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students exercise faith in Jesus Christ as they study His word in the scriptures.

Student preparation: Encourage students as they do daily scripture study to reflect on the blessings it brings into their lives, especially how it helps them come unto Christ.
Images to display: Pictures of small and simple things, such as a toothbrush, a text message, exercises, or a simple act of service; a picture of Lehi and the Liahona
Videos: “Alma Counsels His Sons” (17:05; watch from time code 3:15 to 5:05); “Reflecting God’s Love—What Scripture Mean to Me” (3:27; watch from time code 2:36 to 3:27); “Continuous Conversion—What Scriptures Mean to Me” (2:42)
Videoconference teaching suggestion: To begin the lesson, consider showing students one or two examples of small and simple things that make a great difference in our lives. Then give students 30 seconds to find another example in their home and bring it to show the class.

Alma 37–38

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students learn that living the commandments now will bless them throughout their lives.

Student preparation: Invite students to read or memorize Alma 37:35 and to come to class prepared to share why they think it is important to “learn in [their] youth to keep the commandments of God.”
Image to display: An image of a young tree
Video: “Standing by Our Promises and Covenants” (14:39; watch from time code 7:29 to 8:35)
Videoconference teaching suggestion: When students respond to the question about the best advice they have received from a parent or Church leader, consider inviting them to post the advice in the chat. This will allow them to review one another’s comments. You could then invite them to share who they received the advice from and how it has blessed them.

Alma 39

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students understand the seriousness of sexual sin and how to resist the temptation to break the law of chastity.

Student preparation: Invite students to think about what they know about the law of chastity, how they feel about it, and any questions they may have.
Video: “I Choose to Be Pure” (4:19)
Videoconference teaching suggestion: Have students use the chat feature to brainstorm ways youth today can exercise self-control and overcome temptation. You also might consider using a mobile app that allows students to share their thoughts anonymously.

Doctrinal Mastery: Alma 39:9

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students memorize the doctrinal mastery passage and key scripture phrase for Alma 39:9, explain the doctrine taught in this passage, and apply principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in real-life situations.

Student preparation: Invite students to start memorizing the key scripture phrase for Alma 39:9. You might also encourage them to try memorizing the entire verse.
Videoconference teaching suggestion: For the practice application activity, consider grouping students in breakout rooms so they can discuss how to help Ivan. Post the following questions in the chat: “What might it look like for Ivan to examine his situation with an eternal perspective? What are some examples of divinely appointed sources that could help Ivan? What can Ivan do to act in faith and ‘go no more after the lusts of [his] eyes’ (Alma 39:9)?” Consider visiting each breakout room if possible. As needed, consider posting in the chat any additional questions listed in the lesson that may help students.