The Book of Mormon begins with an account of a real family experiencing real struggles. It happened in 600 BC, but there are things about this account that might seem familiar to families today. This family was living in a world of wickedness, but the Lord promised them that if they would follow Him, He would lead them to safety. Along the way they had good moments and bad moments, great blessings and miracles, but they also had arguments and contention. Rarely in scripture is there such a detailed account of a family trying to live the gospel: parents struggling to inspire faith in their family and worrying about their safety, children deciding if they will believe their parents, and brothers dealing with jealousy and contention—and sometimes forgiving each other. Overall, there is power in this imperfect family’s examples of faith.
One prominent message in the Book of Mormon is the “great worth” of the word of God (1 Nephi 5:21). As you read 1 Nephi 1–5, look for ways the word of God directly or indirectly blessed Lehi’s family (for example, see 1:11–15; 3:19–20; 5:10–22). What do these chapters teach you about the word of God? What do you find that inspires you to search the scriptures?
I can gain and strengthen my testimony as I turn to the Lord.
Nephi is known for his powerful faith in the Lord, but he had to work to gain his testimony—just as we all do. What do you read in 1 Nephi 2 that shows why Nephi was able to gain a witness that his father’s words were true? Why didn’t Laman and Lemuel gain this witness? (See also 1 Nephi 15:2–11). When have you felt the Lord soften your heart?
See also “The Lord Commands Lehi’s Family to Leave Jerusalem” (video), Gospel Library.
When the Lord commanded Lehi’s sons to obtain the plates of brass, He did not give specific instructions on how to do it. This is often true of direction we receive from God, and it might feel like He has required “a hard thing” (1 Nephi 3:5). What inspires you about Nephi’s response to the Lord’s command in 1 Nephi 3:7, 15–16?
As you read 1 Nephi 3–4, look for the variety of difficulties Nephi encountered. How did the Lord “prepare a way” for Nephi to “accomplish the thing which he [commanded]”? Why is it important for you to know what the Lord did for Nephi?
One powerful way that God has prepared us to keep His commandments is by sending Jesus Christ to be our Savior. Consider reading President Dallin H. Oaks’s message “What Has Our Savior Done for Us?” (Liahona, May 2021, 75–77). How has Jesus Christ prepared a way for each of us? Knowing that He has overcome all things for you, what do you feel impressed to “go and do”?
See also “Nephi Is Led by the Spirit to Obtain the Plates of Brass” (video), Gospel Library; Gospel Topics, “Obedience,” Gospel Library.
Use stories and examples to teach gospel principles. As you prepare to teach, think of personal experiences that could add a second witness to the accounts in the scriptures. For example, when has the Lord prepared a way for you to do His will?
Remembering the works of God can give me the faith to obey His commandments.
When Laman and Lemuel felt like murmuring or complaining, they usually had Nephi and Lehi nearby to inspire and support them. When you feel like murmuring, it can be helpful to read the words of Nephi and Lehi. How did Nephi and Lehi try to help others build faith in God? (see 1 Nephi 4:1–3; 5:1–8; see also 1 Nephi 7:6–21). What do you learn that can help you when you are tempted to murmur or complain?
In 1 Nephi 4:5–18, what impresses you about Nephi’s ability to recognize and follow the Spirit? You might study President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 93–96) to learn more about receiving revelation from the Lord.
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
How did Nephi know that what his father taught was true? Help your children find answers to this question in 1 Nephi 2:16, 19. They might also enjoy writing Nephi’s actions on blocks or other objects and then building something with the objects. This could lead to a conversation about how these actions help us build a testimony.
You could show your children pictures or objects that represent things they might seek a testimony of, such as a copy of the Book of Mormon or a picture of Jesus Christ, a temple, or the living prophet. Invite them to pick one and share their testimonies of that thing. You could also tell your children how you gained your testimony. Why do we need our own testimony?
Consider using one or more of these resources to help your children talk about how God helped Nephi get the brass plates: 1 Nephi 3–4; this week’s activity page; “Nephi’s Courage” (Children’s Songbook, 120–21); and “Chapter 4: The Brass Plates” (in Book of Mormon Stories, 8–12).
You and your children might enjoy role-playing 1 Nephi 3:2–7. Maybe you could pretend to be Lehi and ask your children to return to Jerusalem to get the brass plates. Invite them to respond in their own words as if they were Laman and Lemuel or Nephi. What are some things God has commanded us to do? (see pictures 103–15 in the Gospel Art Book or Mosiah 18:8–10 for ideas). How can we be like Nephi?
The scriptures were very important to Lehi’s family. To illustrate this, you could invite your children to help you tell or act out what Nephi and his brothers did to get the brass plates: they traveled a long distance, gave up their gold and silver, and hid in a cave to save their lives. Then you could read 1 Nephi 5:21 and talk about why the scriptures were so valuable to Lehi’s family. Why are they valuable to us? How can we treat the scriptures like a treasure?
The Holy Ghost will lead me as I seek to do the Lord’s will.
After reviewing together in 1 Nephi 3 how Nephi and his brothers tried to get the brass plates, read with your children 1 Nephi 4:6 to find out what Nephi did that allowed him to finally succeed. Then your children could make a list of things that God wants them to do. How can the Holy Ghost help us in these situations?
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
