Lesson 19 Class Preparation Material

Living Righteously in a Day of Wickedness

President Ezra Taft Benson taught that the Book of Mormon “fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day” (“The Book of Mormon Is the Word of God,” Ensign, Jan. 1988, 3). In this unit you will have the opportunity to learn how the Book of Mormon exposes these dangers so you can better protect yourself. As you study this lesson, look for principles that can help you live righteously in a day of wickedness.

Section 1

How can I remain faithful to the Lord when I face persecution for living the gospel?

When Helaman, son of Helaman, filled the judgment seat, the Nephites experienced a period of peace, and tens of thousands of people joined the Church. While the Church prospered, some members became prideful and began persecuting the humble followers of Jesus Christ. (See Helaman 3:20–34.)

Study in Preparation for Class

Read Helaman 3:33–35, and look for how the humble followers of Christ responded to persecution from other Church members.

Ponder in Preparation for Class

Think about a time when you have experienced or witnessed hurtful behavior or unkind words from another member of the Church. How did you respond? What can you learn from these humble Saints about how to face such forms of persecution?

Section 2

How can I be righteous when I am surrounded by wickedness?

The prophet Mormon and his son Moroni faced a time of widespread wickedness. Because of sin and unbelief, miracles had ceased and the Holy Ghost was no longer with the people. The power of Satan prevailed throughout the land. (See Mormon 1:13–19.) In a letter to his son Moroni, Mormon described the condition of the people and concluded that they were so depraved that they were “without civilization” (Moroni 9:11). Violence, war, and carnage swept the land as the Lamanites and the Nephites continually fought each other. Eventually the Lamanites prevailed, and Mormon and Moroni witnessed the complete destruction of the Nephites (see Mormon 2–6; 8:1–3, 7).

Study in Preparation for Class

Read Mormon 1:1–2, 15 and Moroni 9:25–26, and look for some reasons why Mormon and Moroni were able to remain faithful even while they were surrounded by wickedness.

Addressing the power of focusing on the Savior in a sinful world, President Joy D. Jones, Primary General President, taught:

If the pull of the world is stronger than the faith and trust we have in the Savior, then the pull of the world will prevail every time. …

… While it is often easier to be spiritually passive than it is to put forth the spiritual effort to remember and embrace our divine identity, we cannot afford that indulgence in these latter days. May we … “be faithful in Christ; … may Christ lift [us] up, and may his sufferings and death, … and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in [our minds] forever” [Moroni 9:25]. As the Savior lifts us to higher ground, we can see more clearly not only who we are but also that we are closer to Him than we ever imagined. (“Value beyond Measure,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 15)

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offered the following testimony of how the Lord will help the faithful face a wicked world:

Our days are not unexpected days, and the Lord has provided for our spiritual safety. … As evil increases in the world, there is a compensatory power of revelation and spiritual gifts given to the righteous. The Lord gives us added power as we are willing to remain righteous in a wicked world. (“A Classroom of Faith, Hope, and Charity” [evening with a General Authority, Feb. 28, 2014], ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Record Your Thoughts

Identify an individual or group of people in the Book of Mormon who, like Mormon or Moroni, faced wickedness and remained faithful to the Lord. As you think about this example, look for a scripture passage that can provide added insight about this person (or group of people). Then record your thoughts about the following questions:

• How would you describe the wickedness that this person (or group of people) faced?

• What is something this person (or group of people) did that you can do to remain faithful to the Lord as you face the wickedness and temptations of the world?

Come to class prepared to share your example. You might also prepare to share the example of someone you know personally who has faced wickedness and remained faithful to the Lord.

Want More? (Optional)

In what ways can I be blessed by yielding my heart to God?

Read the chapter headings for Helaman 7–9. Then read Helaman 10:1–5, looking for how Nephi, son of Helaman, was blessed for being submissive to the Lord’s will.

In her talk “Yielding Our Hearts to God” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 30–32), Sister Neill F. Marriott, a former counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, taught how we can increase our power to live righteously as we yield our hearts to God (see also Helaman 3:35).

Why is it important to have courage when facing situations that are not consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ?

In the video “Leave the Party” (6:26), Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shares a story of a young man who demonstrated righteous courage in the face of temptation.

In his talk “That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 28–31), Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles warned about things that can separate us from the Holy Spirit (time code 4:40–7:24).

Where can I learn more about how to have a happy life in a wicked world?

In his talk “How to Live Well amid Increasing Evil” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 100–102), Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discussed how focusing on Jesus Christ makes it possible for the Savior to provide you with “a rich and full life no matter what happens in the world around you” (101).