In the Service of Your God, by Walter Rane

April 20–26

Mosiah 4–6

“A Mighty Change”

As you read and ponder Mosiah 4–6, pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. What good things are you inspired to do? (see Mosiah 5:2).

Record Your Impressions

Have you ever heard someone speak and felt inspired to change your life? Perhaps you decided, because of what you heard, to live a little differently—or even a lot differently. King Benjamin’s sermon was that kind of sermon, and the truths he taught had that kind of effect on the people who heard them. King Benjamin shared with his people what an angel had taught him—that wonderful blessings were possible through “the atoning blood of Christ” (Mosiah 4:2). His message changed their entire view of themselves (see Mosiah 4:2), changed their desires (see Mosiah 5:2), and inspired them to covenant with God that they would always do His will (see Mosiah 5:5). This is how King Benjamin’s words affected his people. How will they affect you?

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mosiah 4

Through Jesus Christ, I can receive and retain a remission of my sins.

Overcoming the natural man isn’t easy. It requires great effort to become “a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord” (Mosiah 3:19). Sometimes, even when you have felt forgiven of your sins, you might struggle to keep that feeling and stay on the path of righteousness. King Benjamin taught his people how to both receive and retain a remission of sins and live consistently as a saint. As you study chapter 4 of Mosiah, you might ask yourself questions such as these:

Verses 1–12.What blessings did a remission of sins bring to King Benjamin’s people? What did King Benjamin teach to help them retain the remission of their sins? What did he teach about how we receive salvation? Note what King Benjamin said we should “always retain in remembrance” (verse 11). What do you feel inspired to do to remember these things?

Verses 12–16.According to these verses, what happens in our lives if we do the things described in verse 11? Have you experienced these changes in your life? How do they relate to the changes described in Mosiah 3:19?

Verses 16–30.How does sharing with the poor help us retain a remission of our sins? How can you apply verse 27 to your efforts to be Christlike?

See also David A. Bednar, “Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 59–62; Dale G. Renlund, “Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 97–99.

Mosiah 5:1–7

The Spirit of the Lord can cause a mighty change in my heart.

It is not uncommon for people to say, “I can’t change. That’s just the way I am.” In contrast, the experience of King Benjamin’s people shows us how the Spirit of the Lord can truly change our hearts. President Russell M. Nelson taught: “We can change our behavior. Our very desires can change. … True change—permanent change—can come only through the healing, cleansing, and enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. … The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of change!” (“Decisions for Eternity,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 108).

As you read about the change that King Benjamin’s people experienced, think about how the “mighty change” leading to true conversion has happened—or can happen—in your life. Have a few “mighty” moments led to your change of heart, or has your conversion happened more gradually?

See also Ezekiel 36:26–27; Alma 5:14; David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 106–9.

The Savior can change our hearts and our lives. Healing Hands, by Adam Abram

Mosiah 5:5–15

I take upon myself the name of Christ when I make covenants.

One reason King Benjamin wanted to address his people was to “give this people a name.” Some were Nephites and others were descendants of Mulek, but these weren’t the names he had in mind. He invited the people to take upon themselves “the name of Christ” as part of their covenant of obedience to God (Mosiah 1:11; 5:10). What do you learn from Mosiah 5:7–9 about what it means to take upon yourself the name of Christ?

Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “The source [of moral and spiritual power] is God. Our access to that power is through our covenants with Him” (“The Power of Covenants,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 20). As you read Mosiah 5:5–15, make a list of the blessings that will come into your life as you keep the covenants you have made with God. How does keeping your covenants help you retain the “mighty change” wrought in you through Jesus Christ and His Atonement?

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening

As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family. Here are some ideas.

Mosiah 4:9–12

How can your family more fully “believe in God” (Mosiah 4:9) and “always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God”? (Mosiah 4:11). Perhaps family members could read Mosiah 4:9–12 and identify phrases that help build their faith in God. Then they could write down these phrases and place them around the home as reminders. How will remembering these things help us “always rejoice” and “retain a remission of [our] sins”? (Mosiah 4:12).

Mosiah 4:14–15

What do we learn about fighting and quarrelling from these verses?

Mosiah 4:16–26

In what sense are we all beggars? According to these verses, how should we treat all of God’s children? (see Mosiah 4:26). Who needs our help?

Mosiah 4:27

Is your family running faster than you have strength? Maybe you could invite family members to evaluate their activities to make sure they are being diligent but also wise.

Mosiah 5:5–15

What does taking the name of Christ upon us suggest about our relationship with Him? It might help to talk about why people sometimes write their names on their belongings. How can we show that we “belong” to the Savior?

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “Love One Another,” Children’s Songbook, 136–37.

Improving Our Teaching

Nurture a loving atmosphere. The way family members treat each other can profoundly influence the spirit of your home. Help all family members do their part to establish a loving, respectful home so that everyone will feel safe sharing experiences, questions, and testimonies. (See Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 15.)

In His Constant Care, by Greg K. Olsen