“November 30–December 6. Moroni 1–6: ‘To Keep Them in the Right Way,’” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 (2020)
“November 30–December 6. Moroni 1–6,” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: 2020
Minerva K. Teichert (1888–1976), Alma Baptizes in the Waters of Mormon, 1949–1951, oil on masonite, 35⅞ x 48 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, 1969.
November 30–December 6
Moroni 1–6
“To Keep Them in the Right Way”
Moroni recorded what he hoped would “be of worth … in some future day” (Moroni 1:4). What do you find in Moroni 1–6 that is of worth to you? Record what you discover, and consider sharing it with someone who also might find it valuable.
Record Your Impressions
After finishing his father’s record of the Nephites and abridging the record of the Jaredites, Moroni thought at first that his record-keeping work was done (see Moroni 1:1). What more was there to say about two nations that were utterly destroyed? But Moroni had seen our times (see Mormon 8:35), and he was inspired to “write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth … in some future day” (Moroni 1:4). He knew that widespread apostasy was coming, bringing with it confusion about priesthood ordinances and religion in general. This may be why he gave clarifying details about the sacrament, baptism, conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the blessings of gathering with fellow believers to “keep [each other] in the right way, … relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of [our] faith” (Moroni 6:4). Precious insights like these give us reason to be thankful that the Lord preserved Moroni’s life so he could “write a few more things” (Moroni 1:4).
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
Disciples of Jesus Christ remain faithful despite opposition.
For some people, it’s easier to be faithful in times of ease and comfort. But as disciples of Jesus Christ, we must remain faithful even when we face trials and opposition. As you read Moroni 1, what inspires you about Moroni’s faithfulness to the Lord and to his calling? How can you follow his example?
Priesthood ordinances must be administered as the Lord commands.
During His mortal ministry, the Savior received and administered sacred ordinances, such as baptism (see Matthew 3:13–17; Joseph Smith Translation, John 4:1–3 [in the Bible appendix]), priesthood ordination (see Mark 3:13–19), and the sacrament (see Matthew 26:26–28). However, because of the Great Apostasy, many people today are confused about how ordinances must be performed—and even whether they are needed at all. In Moroni 2–6, Moroni provided important details about certain priesthood ordinances that can help clear up some of that confusion. What impressions come as you learn about the ordinances in these chapters? The following are some questions you might ask to help you learn:
-
Confirmation (Moroni 2; 6:4).What do the Savior’s instructions in Moroni 2:2 teach you about the ordinance of confirmation? What do you think it means to be “wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost”? (Moroni 6:4).
-
Priesthood ordination (Moroni 3).What do you find in this chapter that could help someone prepare to be ordained to the priesthood? What do you find that would help someone perform an ordination?
-
The sacrament (Moroni 4–5; 6:6).Note the promises in the sacrament prayers (see Moroni 4:3; 5:2), and ponder what you are doing to keep your promises. What can you do to invite the influence of the Spirit more powerfully as you participate in the sacrament?
-
Baptism (Moroni 6:1–3).What can you do to continue to meet the qualifications for baptism given in these verses, even after you are baptized? What do these verses suggest to you about what it means to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ?
Based on what you have learned, how will you change the ways you think about, participate in, or prepare others for these ordinances? Why is it important that these ordinances be “administered … according to the commandments of Christ”? (Moroni 4:1).
See also “Ordinances,” Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Jesus taught how ordinances should be performed.
Disciples of Jesus Christ look after the welfare of each other’s souls.
While it’s true that we all “work out [our] own salvation” (Mormon 9:27), Moroni also taught that “meet[ing] together oft” with fellow believers can help keep us “in the right way” (Moroni 6:4–5). As you read Moroni 6:4–9, ponder the blessings that come from being “numbered among the people of the church of Christ” (Moroni 6:4). How could you help make the experiences you and others have at church more like the one Moroni describes, whether you are a leader or a participant?
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.
Moroni 1; Moroni 6:3
What does it mean to “deny the Christ”? (Moroni 1:2–3). How can we show our “determination to serve him to the end”? (Moroni 6:3). Share examples of people you know who have this determination to serve Him.
Moroni 4:3; Moroni 5:2
Reading the sacrament prayers as a family could lead to a discussion about treating the sacrament with more reverence. Perhaps family members could discuss phrases from these prayers that are especially meaningful to them. They could also record their thoughts about these phrases or draw a picture that helps them think about the Savior. They could bring what they wrote or drew to sacrament meeting to help them focus their thoughts on Him. Tell your family how you feel about the sacrament and the Savior’s sacrifice.
Moroni 6:1–4
What does it mean to have a “broken heart and a contrite spirit”? (Moroni 6:2). How does this help us prepare for baptism? How might it help us after we are baptized?
Moroni 6:4–9
According to these verses, what are some of the blessings that come from being “numbered among the people of the church of Christ”? (Moroni 6:4). Why do we need the Church?
Moroni 6:8
What does this verse teach about repentance? What does it mean to seek forgiveness with “real intent”? (Moroni 6:8). Consider singing a song about forgiveness, such as “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99).
For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.
Suggested song: “Help Me, Dear Father,” Children’s Songbook, 99.
Improving Personal Study
Find evidence of God’s love. President M. Russell Ballard taught, “[The] gospel is a gospel of love—love for God and love for one another” (“God’s Love for His Children,” Ensign, May 1988, 59). As you read the scriptures, consider noting or marking evidences of God’s love for you and all of His children.
Moroni in the Cave, by Jorge Cocco