“Lesson 14 Class Preparation Material: Becoming Instruments in the Hands of God,” Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material (2021)
“Lesson 14 Class Preparation Material,” Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material
Lesson 14 Class Preparation Material
Becoming Instruments in the Hands of God
Consider how many people you see every day who do not currently enjoy the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. How might their lives change if they were to learn more about Heavenly Father’s plan for their happiness? As you study examples of missionaries in the Book of Mormon, prayerfully think about someone you can share the gospel with. Remember that as you share the gospel with others, you are participating in the gathering of Israel.
Section 1
How can deepening my conversion increase my desire to share the gospel?
The four sons of Mosiah (Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni) were with Alma the Younger when an angel appeared and called him to repentance. All five young men came to feel deep sorrow for their actions, repented of their sins, and were converted to the Lord. After their conversion, they “were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer” (Mosiah 27:36).
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Mosiah 28:1–3, looking for how the conversion of the sons of Mosiah influenced their desire to share the gospel and be instruments in the hands of God.
After years of missionary service among the Lamanites, Ammon said the following to his brothers: “And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work” of salvation (Alma 26:3).
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught the following about how our conversion influences our desire to share the gospel:
Sharing the gospel is not a burden but a joy. What we call “member missionary work” is not a program but an attitude of love and outreach to help those around us. It is also an opportunity to witness how we feel about the restored gospel of our Savior. As Elder Ballard has taught, “A most significant evidence of our conversion and of how we feel about the gospel in our own lives is our willingness to share it with others” [M. Russell Ballard, “Now Is the Time,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 75; Liahona, Jan. 2001, 89]. (“Sharing the Restored Gospel,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 60)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
Identify an example from the scriptures or Church history of how conversion increased someone’s desire and willingness to be an instrument in the hands of God and share the gospel. Come to class prepared to share your example.
Section 2
How can I become a more effective instrument in the hands of God?
The sons of Mosiah and those who went with them confronted “a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people” as they went to teach the Lamanites (Alma 17:8, 14). As they labored among them, these missionaries “did suffer much, both in body and in mind, such as hunger, thirst and fatigue, and also much labor in the spirit” (Alma 17:5).
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Alma 17:2–3, 9–11, looking for what the sons of Mosiah did to receive the spirit of revelation and prepare to become effective instruments in the hands of God. Consider marking what you find.
Ponder in Preparation for Class
What actions have most helped you to qualify for the Spirit to become a more effective instrument in God’s hands?
Section 3
How can the Spirit help me to better serve others and share the gospel?
The sons of Mosiah became instruments in the hands of God, helping to bring many of the Lamanites to the Savior. Ammon traveled alone to the land of Ishmael and was tied up and carried before King Lamoni. The king asked Ammon about his intentions, and Ammon said he wanted to live among the Lamanites, perhaps for all of his life. This pleased the king, and Ammon became one of his servants. (See Alma 17:19–25.)
Ammon was sent to watch over the king’s flocks. When thieves tried to scatter the sheep, Ammon thwarted their efforts with his sling and sword. The robbers were amazed by Ammon’s power and fled. (See Alma 17:25, 33–38.)
When King Lamoni learned of Ammon’s success in defending his flocks, he was astonished and wondered if Ammon was the “Great Spirit who doth send such great punishments upon this people” (Alma 18:2). “Ammon, being filled with the Spirit of God” (verse 16), was able to perceive the king’s thoughts, address his concerns, and begin teaching him the gospel (see Alma 18:15–24).
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Alma 18:33–35, and consider what you can learn from Ammon about being an instrument in the hands of God.
King Lamoni believed Ammon’s words and was converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ammon was also able to teach Lamoni’s wife and the king’s servants. Many of them believed Ammon’s teachings and testified that “their hearts had been changed” (Alma 19:33). Because Ammon had become an instrument in the hands of God, “the work of the Lord did commence among [that part of] the Lamanites” (Alma 19:36).
While our experiences may not be as dramatic as Ammon’s, we can make a difference in others’ lives when we prepare ourselves to become instruments in the hands of God.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained how we can share the gospel with others:
Wherever you are on this earth, there are plenty of opportunities to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with people you meet, study with, and live with or work and socialize with. …
In whatever ways seem natural and normal to you, share with people why Jesus Christ and His Church are important to you. …
Pray not only for the missionaries to find the elect. Pray daily with all your heart that you will find those who will come and see, come and help, and come and stay. (“Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 15, 17)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
What are some things that you have done to share the gospel in “natural and normal” ways? Who comes to mind when you think about inviting someone to come closer to the Savior? What might you do to be an instrument in the Lord’s hand in helping those you thought of?