Lesson 9

How can we become like the 2,000 stripling warriors and Captain Moroni?

We can be like Helaman’s 2,000 young soldiers, who were exemplary in their faith, prayerfulness, courage, strength, obedience, and integrity. We can also seek to develop the qualities of Captain Moroni by being firm in the faith of Christ and honorably leading by example in defending liberty, family, God, and country.

As a teacher, prepare yourself spiritually

Prayerfully study the following scriptures and resources. Other resources may be included later in the outline as well. What will help service members understand the attributes they can develop as members of Christ’s Church while serving during times of peace and war?

• Alma 43:9, 47; Alma 44:5 (Fighting for liberty, family, God, and country)

• Alma 48:11–17 (Characteristics of Captain Moroni)

• Alma 53:10–18 (Origins of Helaman’s 2,000 stripling warriors, and the importance of covenants)

• Alma 53:20–21 (Helaman’s young warriors were valiant, courageous, true, and obedient)

• Alma 56:47–48 (Selfless service and faith in God)

• Alma 57:19–21 (Firm and undaunted)

• Alma 57:26–27 (Exceeding faith and trust in God)

• Alma 58:10–12 (Courage, determination, hope, prayer, and blessings of assurance)

• Alma 58:40–41 (The stripling warriors were strict to remember and keep the commandments of God)

Begin the learning experience

Note: This lesson is different from the other lessons. Do your best to manage class time so you can discuss as many scripture references as possible that will help service members understand the characteristics that people of faith exhibit during a time of war.

Use the following curriculum and handouts to teach about Helaman’s 2,000 stripling warriors. Before the class begins, distribute to each service member a copy of the handout on page 31, “Lessons We Can Learn from Helaman’s 2,000 Stripling Warriors.”

Each of the scripture references used in this lesson can help students understand the character traits, core values, and spiritual attributes these young men of faith exhibited during a time of war. Following the guidance of the Spirit, facilitate dialogue through group discussion using the following scriptures for lesson content.

• Summarize in your own words the background and origin of the stripling warriors, found in Alma 53:10–16.

• Have one of the service members read Alma 53:17–18 aloud. Discuss how the stripling warriors’ covenant relates to class members’ service in the military.

Teaching tip

“Prayerfully studying the word of God puts us in tune with the Holy Ghost. He can then inspire us to draw upon what we have studied as we teach and lift others. For this reason, it is best to diligently study the scriptures and the words of the prophets before going to supplementary materials to plan a lesson. The Lord promises that if we ‘treasure up in [our] minds continually the words of life, … it shall be given [us] in the very hour’ what we should say and how we should teach (D&C 84:85)” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way [2016], 12).

Learn together

Divide the students into groups of three or four. Invite the groups to use the student handout to list character traits, core values, and spiritual attributes mentioned in the scripture references listed in the left column.

Use the Teacher Resource Guide on page 32 to help you list on the board the virtues or qualities identified in the scriptures.

Lead a class discussion on the virtues of the 2,000 stripling warriors. Make sure you summarize with the class the meaning of the identified virtues.

1. Alma 53:20–22

Valiant for courage. Ask the students what courage means. Point out that it is the quality of mind and spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain with firmness and without fear. Bravery implies true courage together with daring and intrepid boldness. Courage is linked to one’s sense of self­worth and self­confidence. One gains confidence through practice and obedience. President Hugh B. Brown declared that “history rests on the shoulders of those who accepted the challenge of difficulties and drove through to victory in spite of everything” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1963, 87).

Valiant for strength and activity. What do you think it means that these young men were described as being valiant for strength and activity? These young men were physically fit, possessing great endurance in the battlefield.

Men of soberness. Soberness is a quality that implies having self­control, showing mental and emotional balance, and not being extreme or extravagant but sensible and serious.

True at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. They were men of honesty and integrity. Integrity means strict adherence to high standards of moral and ethical behavior, to honor your word even when no one is watching, to be whole and complete. Aesop provided this moral to the fable of the fox and the mask: “A fine appearance is a poor substitute for inner worth” (Aesop’s Fables: A Classical Illustrated Edition [Chronicle Books LLC, 1990], 73). In a letter to Alexander Hamilton on August 28, 1788, President George Washington wrote, “I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain (what I consider the most enviable of all titles) the character of an honest man” (teachingamericanhistory.org/library/washington).

Obedient to God’s commandments. See also James 1:22: “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

2. Alma 56:47–48

Thought more on the liberty of their fathers than upon their lives. This principle could be summarized as “selfless service” or “service before self.” The Savior taught, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Did not doubt. These young men exhibited great faith and truly believed God would deliver them, if not physically then spiritually.

Remembered the words of their mothers. They treasured up and remembered what they learned about the gospel. When we establish righteous habits, the blessings of heaven are manifested in our lives.

3. Alma 57:19–21

Firm and undaunted. Some definitions for firm and undaunted could include not yielding under pressure, not being easily intimidated, not faltering or hesitating because of fear or discouragement, being ferociously persistent, and exhibiting mental toughness. After the Savior had fasted for 40 days, Satan came to tempt Him. Satan tempted him with physical pleasures, worldly possession, and power. The Savior’s response was clear: “Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Luke 4:8).

Performed every word of command with exactness. The core value described in this verse could include excellence in all we do and precise obedience to God’s commandments. These warriors were loyal to their leaders. Exactness implies striving for perfection. Don’t demand more from others than you are willing to give yourself. Excellence is doing the common things of life uncommonly well. President Hinckley said: “Don’t be a scrub! Rise to the high ground of spiritual, mental, and physical excellence. … We are a people with a present and with a future. Don’t muff your opportunities. Be excellent” (“The Quest for Excellence,” Ensign, Sept. 1999, 5).

According to their faith it was done. These warriors were able to make important things happen by their faith (see D. Todd Christofferson, “The Power of Covenants,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 19–23). How does faith become a powerful force in our lives?

4. Alma 57:25–27

Miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith. These warriors were preserved because of their exceeding faith. Their preservation in battle was miraculous and astonished the whole army. They put their trust in God continually.

5. Alma 58:10–12

They did pour out their souls in prayer to God. Why do we pray to God? What did they pray for? How did God answer their prayers? He visited them with assurance and spoke peace to their souls. God granted unto them great faith and hope in their deliverance and courage to conquer their enemies.

Fixed with determination. Ask the students what virtue Helaman is describing in this statement. One way to explain this virtue is that they were resolute and committed. W. H. Murray, a Scottish soldier and mountaineer, wrote: “Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness” (The Scottish Himalayan Expedition [J. M. Dent and Sons, 1951], 6).

6. Alma 58:40–41

Strict to remember God from day to day. How can we remember God each day? When we partake of the sacrament each Sunday, we covenant to always remember Him and keep his commandments. God is a personal God who will answer your prayers and grant the righteous desire of your heart.

Observed to keep his statutes, judgments, and commandments continually. Obedience is one way we can show our commitment to live Christlike lives.

Faith in the prophecies. How can we know concerning the prophecies? When we study the scriptures, our faith increases, our appreciation for the Atonement of Christ grows, and our resolve to live better is strengthened.

Prayed for their leader (Captain Moroni) and had gratitude for God’s blessings. We should pray for our Church leaders and the leaders of our nation. We should also express gratitude for the blessings we receive. Elder David A. Bednar said, “Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings (see Alma 37:37), as we express heartfelt gratitude, and as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart” (“Pray Always,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 44).

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

Faith in the Savior Jesus Christ was the ultimate source of power for Helaman’s young warriors and for Captain Moroni. The attributes they possessed were immovable and made them people who were firm and undaunted in all things. Let the service members know that they can become men and women like Captain Moroni and the stripling warriors—military men and women of faith who follow the commandments of God and are Christlike in their actions.

Read aloud Alma 48:11–17 and discuss these verses, which are a powerful tribute to Captain Moroni, one of the great heroes of the Book of Mormon. Divide into groups of two and reflect on Moroni’s character. Think about the impact Moroni’s character had on those he led. While service members are reading these scriptures in their groups, have them ponder the following questions: What were the spiritual qualities of Moroni? How did he acquire these qualities, and how can we develop those same qualities? Can one person make a powerful difference? Take five minutes to discuss these ideas. Ask service members to share their impressions.

• As directed by the Spirit, share the following quote: “Fasting and prayer can help develop within us courage and confidence. It can strengthen our character and build self-restraint and discipline. Often when we fast, our righteous prayers and petitions have greater power. Testimonies grow. We mature spiritually and emotionally and sanctify our souls. Each time we fast, we gain a little more control over our worldly appetites and passions” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 73; Liahona, July 2001, 89).

Invite to act

Invite service members to consider what kind of people they want to be in their military service. Invite them to become men and women of character and faith who obey God fearlessly.

Lessons We Can Learn from Helaman’s 2,000 Stripling Warriors

Scripture	Character Traits	Core Values	Spiritual Attributes
1. Alma 53:20–22
2. Alma 56:47–48
3. Alma 57:19–21
4. Alma 57:26–27
5. Alma 58:10–12
6. Alma 58:40–41

Character TraitsFeatures or virtues that make up or distinguish an individual.

Core ValuesValues or principles that form the foundation of how we conduct ourselves. These are not values that change from time to time, situation to situation, or person to person, but rather, they define who we really are.

Spiritual AttributesQualities that help define a person’s relationship with God.

Teacher Resource Guide: Lessons We Can Learn from Helaman’s 2,000 Stripling Warriors

Scripture	Character Traits	Core Values	Spiritual Attributes
1. Alma 53:20–22	Valiant for courage Valiant for strength and activity Honest Soberness (serious­minded, even­tempered, rock­solid)	True at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted (integrity)	Obedient to God’s commandments
2. Alma 56:47–48	Remember (they had prepared)	Liberty and family more important than their lives (selfless service)	Faith in God
3. Alma 57:19–21	Firm and undaunted	Perform every word or command with exactness (excellence in all we do)	Exceeding faith and belief
4. Alma 57:26–27	Minds are firm	Trust in God at all times	Exceeding faith
5. Alma 58:10–12	Courage Fixed determination		Pour our souls out in prayer Visited with peace and assurance of our deliverance Great faith
6. Alma 58:40–41			Strict to remember God Keep commandments Understood prophecies (knowledge of scriptures) Prayer of gratitude and continued blessing on their leader, Moroni