“January 25–31. 1 Nephi 12–14: ‘Armed with Righteousness and with the Power of God’” Come, Follow Me: For Individuals and Families at Home (2015), 10–11
“January 25–31. 1 Nephi 12–14: ‘Armed with Righteousness and with the Power of God’” For Individuals and Families at Home, 10–11
January 25–31
“Armed with Righteousness and with the Power of God”
Introduction and Impressions
When Nephi saw the vision of the tree of life, he saw more than what his father had told him. He saw the future of his people, the Great Apostasy, and the Lord’s marvelous work in restoring the gospel. As I ponder Nephi’s words, my vision can also expand to see that even though the adversary is fighting against the Saints, the Lord is directing His work, and truth and righteousness will ultimately prevail. Nephi’s words can strengthen my desire to be a defender of truth despite opposition.
Record Impressions
It is very important that you seek impressions from the Spirit to help you and your family. Therefore, before reading the rest of this study outline, read 1 Nephi 12–14. What messages do you find for your life? What will be of most value to you and your family? What can you share in your Church classes? Record your thoughts and impressions below or in a journal or notebook.
Ideas for Personal Learning
1 Nephi 12. God will help me resist Satan’s influence.
Sometimes people who are richly blessed spiritually still turn to wickedness. Nephi saw that this would happen to his people. What examples do I see today of Satan’s attempts to destroy the Saints of God? What do I learn from Nephi’s vision about how the Lord will help me resist Satan’s influence?
See also Kevin W. Pearson, “Stay by the Tree,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 114–16.
1 Nephi 13:28–29, 38–42. Latter-day scripture restores “plain and precious” truths.
Nephi saw that “plain and precious” truths would be lost from the Bible; however, he also saw that God would restore these truths through “other books”—the Book of Mormon and other latter-day scripture (1 Nephi 13:39). What precious truths have I found as I have read the Book of Mormon? Why was it important that these truths were restored? How might the world be different if everyone knew them? How is my life different because of them?
See also 2 Nephi 29:6–14.
1 Nephi 14:8–17. When I keep my covenants, God gives me power.
Nephi saw that in the last days, the followers of Satan would have great power “over all the earth.” The Church of the Lamb, though smaller in numbers, would also be upon all the face of the earth (see 1 Nephi 14:11–12). However, “the covenant people of the Lord” would be “armed with righteousness and with the power of God” (1 Nephi 14:14). I am part of this covenant people. How have I been armed with power as I have kept my covenants with God?
See also D. Todd Christofferson, “The Power of Covenants,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 10–23.
Ideas for Family Learning
Family Discussions
1 Nephi 12. What did Nephi see in his vision that made him happy? What made him sad?
1 Nephi 13:20–41. Why do we need both the Book of Mormon and the Bible?
1 Nephi 14:8–17. What experiences have strengthened our testimonies of the Book of Mormon?
Family Home Evening
1 Nephi 13:20–41. The Book of Mormon teaches plain and precious truths.
Nephi saw that the Book of Mormon would restore “plain and precious things” that had been removed from the Bible (1 Nephi 13:40). To help family members value the precious truths that were restored through the Book of Mormon, we could compare a clearly written message to a message that is missing key words. Family members might bear testimony of some precious, simple truths they have learned from the Book of Mormon.