“March 7–13. 2 Nephi 31–33: Following the Example of the Son of God,” Come, Follow Me: For Individuals and Families at Home (2015), 22–23
“March 7–13. 2 Nephi 31–33: Following the Example of the Son of God,” For Individuals and Families at Home, 22–23
March 7–13
Following the Example of the Son of God
Introduction and Impressions
Nephi’s last recorded words summarize one of the major themes of his life: “The Lord commanded me, and I must obey” (2 Nephi 33:15). Nephi invited me—and everyone—to follow the same path and obey the doctrine of Christ. I can find joy in obedience, even though the path of discipleship may be demanding. I can trust that I will be blessed as I feast on the words of Christ, pray always, and “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ” toward eternal life (2 Nephi 31:20).
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 2 Nephi 31–33. 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 impressions below or in a journal or notebook.
Ideas for Personal Learning
2 Nephi 31. The doctrine of Christ leads me along the path toward eternal life.
As I read 2 Nephi 31, how does the doctrine of Christ help me ponder and plan my path? (To learn what the doctrine of Christ is, see 2 Nephi 31:13–15, 17, 20–21.) What does the path of my life—where I have been and where I want to go—look like? What can I change in order to progress toward eternal life? How does “press[ing] forward, feasting upon the word of Christ” help me attain eternal life? (2 Nephi 31:20).
See also Gary E. Stevenson, “Your Four Minutes,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 84–86.
2 Nephi 31:4–13. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of obedience.
By being baptized, the Savior “humble[d] himself before the Father … that he would be obedient unto him” (2 Nephi 31:7). What do these verses teach me about the Savior? What am I doing to follow the Savior’s example and show Heavenly Father that I want to be obedient?
See also Matthew 3:13–17; Mosiah 18:8–9; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37; “The Baptism of Jesus” (video), LDS.org.
2 Nephi 32:1–9. The Holy Ghost will show me what I should do.
The restored gospel offers me great spiritual knowledge, but that doesn’t mean I am sure about how to act in every situation. Nephi’s people had a similar problem—after he taught them the doctrine of Christ, they had unanswered questions. What counsel did Nephi give in these verses? How have I applied this counsel to receive guidance in my life? What can I do to apply this counsel more fully?
See also John 14:26; 16:13; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith (2013), 181–90.
Ideas for Family Learning
Family Discussions
2 Nephi 31:5–11. How is Jesus Christ our perfect example? What can we do to follow Him?
2 Nephi 32:8–9. What can we learn about prayer from these verses? Why are we commanded to “pray always”?
2 Nephi 33:4. What have we read so far in the Book of Mormon that persuades us to do good and believe in Christ?
Family Home Evening
2 Nephi 32:8–9. What should we do when we do not feel like praying?
Sometimes we may not feel like praying. What motivating promises can we find in these verses? To help family members understand that we can “pray always,” we could list times when we needed help or draw pictures of these times. How can we pray always? Family members could sing a song that teaches about prayer, such as “Did You Think to Pray?” (Hymns, no. 140), replacing some of the words in the song with the words from their lists.