The accounts in Alma 30–31 clearly demonstrate the power of words—for evil and for good. The “flattering” and “great swelling words” of a false teacher named Korihor threatened to bring “many souls down to destruction” (Alma 30:31, 47). Similarly, the teachings of a Nephite dissenter named Zoram led a whole group of people to fall “into great errors” and “pervert the ways of the Lord” (Alma 31:9, 11).
In contrast, Alma had unwavering faith that the word of God would have a “more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else” (Alma 31:5). Alma’s words expressed eternal truth and drew upon the powers of Jesus Christ to silence Korihor (see Alma 30:39–50), and they invited His blessing on those who went with him to bring the Zoramites back to the truth (see Alma 31:31–38). These are valuable examples for followers of Christ today when false messages are common. We can find truth by trusting, as Alma did, “the virtue of the word of God” (Alma 31:5).
The adversary tries to deceive me with false teachings.
In Alma 30, Korihor is called “Anti-Christ” (verse 6). An anti-Christ is anyone or anything that is openly or secretly in opposition to Jesus Christ and His gospel. Which verses in Alma 30:6–31 show that Korihor fits this description? Studying Korihor’s false teachings can help you recognize and reject similar teachings. The following activities may help in your study:
What object lessons can you think of to better understand the difference between the Savior’s teachings and Satan’s false imitations? Some examples are a lure used for fishing, fake money, and false advertising. How can you tell if something is fake? How can you recognize truth?
Consider making a list of the false doctrines Korihor taught in Alma 30:6–31. Which of his teachings might be enticing today? (see Alma 30:12–18, 23–28). What harm can result from accepting such ideas? What false messages is the adversary using to try to deceive you today?
What did Alma do to counter Korihor’s teachings with truth? (see Alma 30:31–54). How can you use these same principles in your life?
Like Alma, modern prophets and apostles help us know the difference between truth and Satan’s lies. What counsel do you find in these messages: Gary E. Stevenson, “Deceive Me Not” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 93–96); Dallin H. Oaks, “Be Not Deceived” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 43–46).
See also Gospel Topics, “Seeking Truth and Avoiding Deception,” Gospel Library; “Oh Say, What Is Truth?,” Hymns, no. 272.
Many people today believe that there is no God. What do you find in Alma 30:39–46 that helps you know that God is real? What prevents us from knowing Him? What other testimonies has God given you that He lives?
As you study Alma 31, what other gospel truths can you find that apply to your life experiences? For example:
How have you seen the word of God lead people to do good things? (see verse 5).
Compare Alma’s attitudes, feelings, and actions regarding others (see verses 34–35) with those of the Zoramites (see verses 17–28). How can you be more like Alma?
What do you find in Alma 31:30–38 that can help people who sorrow for the sins of others?
Notice the group of people Alma took with him to teach the gospel to the Zoramites (see Alma 31:6). What do you learn about the lives of these people in Mosiah 27:8–37; 28:4; Alma 10:1–6; 11:21–25; 15:3–12. What message might there be for you in their experiences?
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
The Book of Mormon warns me against false teachings.
Consider displaying some items (such as money or food) and toy imitations of these items. This could lead to a discussion about how to know the difference between things that are real and things that are false. Then you could help your children identify from Alma 30:12–18 the lies or false teachings that Korihor taught about God. In Alma 30:32–35, how did Alma respond to those lies? What do we learn from his example?
Alma talked about how things in the sky and on the earth testify that God lives. If possible, take a walk outside with your children or stand at a window as you read Alma 30:44. Ask them to point out things they see that help them know that God is real and that He loves them. They could also draw pictures of things they discover (see this week’s activity page).
While you and your children sing “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29), pass around a ball or other object. Periodically stop the music and ask the child holding the object to share one thing Heavenly Father created that he or she is grateful for.
Children learn through visuals. Visuals will help your children understand better and remember longer what they have been taught. Most of the activities for children in this outline suggest visuals to use. Consider showing the same visuals again in the future to help your children remember what they learned.
How can you help your children understand that the word of God is more powerful than “anything else”? (Alma 31:5). Consider asking them to think of something or someone powerful, or show pictures of a few powerful things. What makes them powerful? Read Alma 31:5 together, and ask your children what they think this verse means. Share an experience when the word of God had a powerful influence on you.
Briefly summarize the story of Alma and the Zoramites, using verses from Alma 31:8–35 (see also “Chapter 28: The Zoramites and the Rameumptom,” Book of Mormon Stories, 78–80). Help your children identify things the Zoramites said in their prayer (see Alma 31:15–18) as they help you build a Rameumptom tower with blocks or rocks. Explain that this is not how we should pray. As you and your children talk about how we should pray, let them remove the blocks or rocks one at a time. Maybe they could keep one of the rocks by their bed as a reminder to pray every morning and night. They might enjoy decorating their rock.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
