Among Nephi’s last recorded words, we find this declaration: “The Lord commanded me, and I must obey” (2 Nephi 33:15). This is a good summary of Nephi’s life. He tried to understand the will of God and courageously obeyed it—whether that meant risking his life to get the brass plates from Laban, building a boat and crossing the sea, or faithfully teaching the doctrine of Christ with plainness and power. Nephi could speak persuasively of the need to “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ,” of following the “strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20, 18), because that is the path he followed. He knew by experience that this path, though demanding at times, is also joyful, and that “there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Nephi 31:21).
Jesus Christ and His doctrine are the only way to eternal life.
If you had to summarize the path to eternal life in just a few words, what would you say? Notice how Nephi described it in 2 Nephi 31. Consider drawing a path and writing along the path some of the principles or steps you find in these chapters. You could add to your drawing your own summary of what Nephi taught about each principle.
As you read 2 Nephi 31:18–20, evaluate your own efforts to “press forward” along the gospel path.
See also “Press Forward, Saints,” Hymns, no. 81; “Nephi Teaches the Doctrine of Christ” (video), Gospel Library.
Jesus Christ set the perfect example of obedience when He was baptized.
Whether your baptism happened yesterday or a long time ago, it was an important moment. You entered an eternal covenant to follow Jesus Christ. Think about your baptism as you read about the Savior’s baptism in 2 Nephi 31:4–13. Answering questions like these may help:
Why was Christ baptized? Why did I choose to be baptized?
What promises did I make when I was baptized? What does the Lord promise in return? (see verses 12–13; see also Mosiah 18:10, 13).
How can I show that I am still committed to following Jesus Christ?
“He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.”
As you read 2 Nephi 31:15–20, ask yourself, “How do I know if I am enduring to the end?” What do you learn from Nephi that helps you answer this question?
Elder Dale G. Renlund taught: “Enduring to the end is not a separate step in the doctrine of Christ—as though we complete the first four steps and then hunker down, grit our teeth, and wait to die. No, enduring to the end is actively and intentionally repeating the steps” (“Lifelong Conversion” [Brigham Young University devotional, Sept. 14, 2021], 2, speeches.byu.edu). How can you repeat the steps in the doctrine of Christ (faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost)?
Through the words of Christ and the Holy Ghost, God will show me what to do.
Have you ever felt uncertain about the next steps in your life? Nephi’s people had similar concerns (see 2 Nephi 32:1). Look for Nephi’s answer in 2 Nephi 32:2–9. How would you state in your own words what Nephi taught? What experiences have taught you that Nephi’s words are true?
Consider making a list of decisions or situations (now and in the future) in which you need God’s guidance. What can you learn from 2 Nephi 32 that will help you succeed in receiving inspiration from Him? What might lead people to “harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit”? (2 Nephi 33:2).
As you ponder Nephi’s counsel, think about how you study the Savior’s words. Would you describe it as snacking, eating, or feasting? What’s the difference, in your opinion? Consider how you can make your experience with the Savior’s words more like a feast. Maybe you could get ideas from a friend or family member.
Feast upon the words of Christ. There are many ways to feast on the words of Christ, including praying for inspiration, asking questions before and during study, defining words, pondering, cross-referencing, taking notes, looking for gospel truths, and applying the scriptures to your life (see 1 Nephi 19:23).
How do you invite the Holy Ghost to be a constant companion in your life, rather than an occasional visitor? Read David A. Bednar’s three suggestions to make the companionship of the Holy Ghost an “ongoing reality” in “Receive the Holy Ghost” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 94–97). How will you apply his counsel?
See also Gospel Topics, “Revelation,” Gospel Library; “Daily Bread: Pattern” (video), Gospel Library.
The Book of Mormon persuades us all to believe in Christ.
In 2 Nephi 33, as Nephi concluded his writings, he explained why he was writing in the first place. What reasons do you find in this chapter? Reflect on the stories and teachings you’ve read so far in 1 Nephi and 2 Nephi. Which have influenced you and your faith in Christ the most?
See also “Nephi Records His Final Testimony” (video), Gospel Library.
There’s a picture of Jesus being baptized at the end of this outline. Maybe your children could use it to tell you what they know about this event (see also Matthew 3:13–17). Why does Jesus want us to be baptized like He was? Your children could listen for reasons as you read together portions of 2 Nephi 31:4–13. It might be helpful if someone who was recently baptized could share their experience.
Jesus Christ taught me how to return to Heavenly Father.
To help your children visualize the teachings in 2 Nephi 31, they could draw a path with a picture of Christ at the end. You could help them find or draw pictures that represent steps on that path, such as faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. They could point to the pictures as you read 2 Nephi 31:17–20 together.
To teach about “feasting” on the words of Christ, you could ask your children to act out how they would feast on their favorite food. In 2 Nephi 32:3, what did Nephi say we should feast on? How is feasting on God’s word different from just reading it? Maybe your children could act out the differences. Share with them the blessings you’ve received as you’ve feasted on the scriptures.
After reading 2 Nephi 32:8–9, talk with your children about why Satan doesn’t want us to pray. Why does God want us to “pray always”? Your children could make a list or draw pictures of situations in which they could pray. Then you could sing a song that teaches about prayer, such as “Did You Think to Pray?” (Hymns, no. 140). You could replace some of the words in the song with the words from their lists. How does God bless us when we pray always?
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
