1 Nephi 8–11; 15

January 18–24

Partaking of the Love of God

Introduction and Impressions

As I look at the world around me, I can see many things that remind me of Lehi’s dream. I see people trying to find the path that leads to God. I see others who disregard the path and mock those who are on it. Sometimes I am tempted to stray from this path. But as I exercise faith in Jesus Christ, I can hold fast to the word of God, press forward to taste the fruit of the love of God, and help my loved ones experience “exceedingly great joy” (1 Nephi 8:12).

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 8–11; 15. 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 8:19–38. The word of God leads me to the Savior and helps me feel God’s love.

In Lehi’s dream of the tree of life, he saw four groups of people (see 1 Nephi 8:21–23, 24–28, 30, and 31–33). What do I learn about each of these groups that can help me find my way back to Heavenly Father? What messages does this dream have for me? What goals can I set that can help me continually hold fast to the word of God? (see verse 30).

See also Boyd K. Packer, “Finding Ourselves in Lehi’s Dream,” Ensign, Aug. 2010, 21–25.

1 Nephi 10:17–19; 11:1; 15:1–11. God will reveal truth to me if I diligently seek it.

Lehi’s sons responded to the vision in different ways. How was Nephi’s response different from Laman and Lemuel’s in these verses? Why did they respond in these ways? What were the results of their responses? How do I respond when I hear or read something I don’t understand? When I have questions, how can I follow Nephi’s example?

See also Doctrine and Covenants 8:1–3; “Patterns of Light: Spirit of Revelation” (video), LDS.org.

1 Nephi 11:16–33. God loves His children.

To teach Nephi that the tree of life represented the love of God, an angel showed Nephi a vision of the birth, ministry, and Crucifixion of the Savior. What can I learn from Nephi’s testimony of God’s love? (see 1 Nephi 11:17). What do I find in 1 Nephi 11:16–33 that helps me feel God’s love? How can I use what I learn from these verses to help others feel God’s love?

See also John 3:16; “Godhead—He Knows Me” (video), LDS.org.

Improving Personal Study

Look for inspiring words and phrases.

As you read, the Spirit may bring certain words or phrases to your attention. They may inspire and motivate you, or they may seem to be written for you. Consider making note of any words or phrases that inspire you in 1 Nephi 8.

Ideas for Family Learning

Family Discussions

1 Nephi 8:10–12. How can we help others experience God’s love?

1 Nephi 8:19–38. How are we like the people in Lehi’s vision?

1 Nephi 10:17–19. What does it mean to “diligently seek” revelation?

Family Home Evening

1 Nephi 8. God invites all of us to partake of His love.

To better understand Lehi’s vision of the tree of life and how it applies to our family, we could reenact parts of 1 Nephi 8. We could also look for interpretations of the symbols in the dream in 1 Nephi 11:21–22; 12:16–18; and 15:23–30.

See also “The Iron Rod,” Hymns, no. 274.

Improving Our Teaching

Apply the scriptures to our lives.

After reading a passage of scripture, invite family members to share how it applies to their lives. For instance, they might share ways they could follow Nephi’s example of not giving heed to those who mocked him (see 1 Nephi 8:33).