“Lesson 22 Class Preparation Material: Protecting Ourselves against the False Doctrines of the Last Days,” Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material (2021)
“Lesson 22 Class Preparation Material,” Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material
Lesson 22 Class Preparation Material
Protecting Ourselves against the False Doctrines of the Last Days
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observed, “We live in difficult times. There is an increased tendency to ‘call evil good, and good evil’ [2 Nephi 15:20; see also Isaiah 5:20]” (“Shipshape and Bristol Fashion: Be Temple Worthy—in Good Times and Bad Times,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 40). With great foreknowledge and love, the Lord provided the Book of Mormon, which helps expose the false teachings and ideas that are prevalent in our day. As you study this material, consider what principles from the Book of Mormon can help you recognize deception and stand up for truth.
Section 1
How can the Book of Mormon protect me against false teachings in the world today?
President Ezra Taft Benson and President Russell M. Nelson taught the following about the Book of Mormon’s power to protect us from false teachings:
The Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines. … It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 132)
The Book of Mormon both illuminates the teachings of the Master and exposes the tactics of the adversary [see 2 Nephi 26–33]. The Book of Mormon teaches true doctrine to dispel false religious traditions. (“The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 62)
Nephi recorded a remarkable prophecy concerning the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, which was an essential part of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ (see 2 Nephi 27:6–23). Nephi then prophesied about false teachers, foolish doctrines, and tactics of the devil that would lead people astray (see 2 Nephi 28).
Study in Preparation for Class
Read 2 Nephi 28:7–9, 20–22, 29–30, and consider marking false teachings Nephi said we would face in the last days.
Ponder in Preparation for Class
A daily study of the Book of Mormon invites the Holy Ghost into our lives. The Holy Ghost is the greatest help in discerning truth from error. When have you seen examples of the false teachings Nephi warned we would face in the last days? How did you recognize them? What have you done to protect yourself against these false teachings?
Section 2
How can I prepare myself against those who may seek to destroy my faith in Jesus Christ?
The Book of Mormon warns against antichrists. An antichrist is “anyone or anything that counterfeits the true gospel plan of salvation and that openly or secretly opposes Christ” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Antichrist ,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Of antichrists, President Nelson said:
Remember Korihor, the anti-Christ? Spewing falsehoods about the Savior, Korihor went from place to place until he was brought before a high priest who asked him: “Why do ye go about perverting the ways of the Lord? Why do ye teach this people that there shall be no Christ, to interrupt their rejoicings?” [Alma 30:22].
Anything that opposes Christ or His doctrine will interrupt our joy. That includes the philosophies of men, so abundant online and in the blogosphere, which do exactly what Korihor did. (“Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 83–84)
Record Your Thoughts
To prepare for class, study one of the following accounts: (1) Sherem and Jacob, (2) Nehor and Gideon, or (3) Korihor and Alma. (Note: The corresponding scripture references for these passages are given in the following sections.) Each account contains the story of an antichrist who opposed the Lord and His Church as well as someone who responded with faith in Jesus Christ. As you study, write your responses to the following questions in your journal. Come to class prepared to share what you learned.
Study Questions
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What tactics did this antichrist use to destroy people’s faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel?
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What are some modern-day examples of the false ideas taught or approaches used by the antichrist in this account? How does Satan spread these ideas in our day?
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What are some principles or practices you learned from the faithful example of the person who confronted the false messages? (List at least three.) How might someone today use these principles and practices in responding to false doctrines and accusations?
Use the resources below as you study the account you have chosen.
Sherem and Jacob
Read Jacob 7:1–14 or watch the Book of Mormon video “Sherem Denies Christ (Jacob 7)” until time code 4:20, and respond to the preceding study questions.
Sherem Denies Christ | Jacob 7
Jacob 7 | Sherem preaches against the doctrine of Christ and demands a sign. He is smitten by the power of God and dies after confessing his sins to the people.
Jacob’s spiritual foundation was a source of strength in overcoming Sherem’s claims (see Jacob 7:5). Read the following statement by Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and consider how you can follow Jacob’s example.
When I have counseled individuals [whose faith is struggling], I have explored their decisions made over the years which led them to forget sacred experiences, to weaken, and to doubt. I encouraged them, as I encourage you now, to recall, especially in times of crisis, when you felt the Spirit and your testimony was strong; remember the spiritual foundations you have built. I promise that if you will do this, avoiding things that do not build and strengthen your testimony or that mock your beliefs, those precious times when your testimony prospered will return again to your memory through humble prayer and fasting. I assure you that you will once again feel the safety and warmth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (“Lest Thou Forget,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 114)
Record in your journal at least one spiritual experience that you could bring to mind in a moment when your faith in Jesus Christ or His gospel is being challenged.
Nehor and Gideon
Study Alma 1:2–16, and respond to the preceding study questions. It may help to note that Nephi taught that “priestcrafts are that men [or women] preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion” (2 Nephi 26:29).
Why do you think Nehor’s false teachings became popular among some people? Read the following description of the adversary’s tactics from President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency, and think about how it applies to Nehor’s teachings recorded in Alma 1:4.
Satan is the great deceiver, the father of lies (see John 8:44). This is not because Satan tells only lies. His most effective lies are half-truths or lies accompanied by the truth. (“Reading Church History” [address to Church Educational System religious educators, Aug. 16, 1985], 9)
Record in your journal a response to the following question: How can I develop greater courage to choose what is right over what is popular but wrong?
Korihor and Alma
Read Alma 30:12–18, 23, 27–28, 32–33, 39–46 or watch the Book of Mormon video “All Things Denote There Is a God (Alma 30)” until time code 7:45, and respond to the preceding study questions.
All Things Denote There Is a God
(Alma 30) Korihor preaches against the prophecies of the coming of Christ. He seeks a sign to be convinced that there is a God. He is struck dumb.
President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave the following counsel to Church members:
Let us beware of false prophets and false teachers, both men and women, who are self-appointed declarers of the doctrines of the Church and who seek to spread their false gospel and attract followers by sponsoring symposia, books, and journals whose contents challenge fundamental doctrines of the Church. Beware of those who speak and publish in opposition to God’s true prophets and who actively proselyte others with reckless disregard for the eternal well-being of those whom they seduce. (“Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 63)
In bearing testimony of the truth, Alma gave Korihor several evidences for the existence of God. Record in your journal evidences you have seen that “denote there is a God” (Alma 30:44). In what ways might these evidences strengthen your faith in and testimony of God?