2 Nephi 9:27–49

“To Be Spiritually-Minded Is Life Eternal”

young women smiling and walking

How often do you think about where your actions and attitudes will lead you? After declaring that Jesus Christ has power to deliver all mankind from the effects of the Fall, Jacob warned against actions and attitudes that draw us away from the Lord. He testified of Jesus Christ and what we can do to come to Him and be saved. This lesson can help you avoid behaviors that lead to unhappiness and separate you from Jesus Christ.

Distance from God

Think of times in your life when you have felt especially close to God and times when you have felt distant from Him. What are some actions that might have led to these outcomes?

Read 2 Nephi 9:47–49, looking for words or phrases that indicate how close the Nephites of Jacob’s time were to God.

• What did you find?

• What do you think helped Jacob feel the way he described in 2 Nephi 9:49?

Think about your own life and how close you currently feel to God. As you study more of Jacob’s sermon in 2 Nephi 9, look for teachings that can help you draw nearer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

“Give ear to my words”

After teaching about Jesus Christ’s role in helping us overcome sin and death (see 2 Nephi 9:1–26), Jacob warned the Nephites against attitudes and behaviors that would lead them away from the Savior.

Read 2 Nephi 9:27–38, looking for attitudes and actions that Jacob warned against. You might consider making a list of them as you read.

Think about how each of the behaviors Jacob warned against apply to teenagers today. For example, while most teenagers do not participate in murder, verse 35 can help you remember to avoid violent thoughts, feelings, and behavior (see Matthew 5:21–22, 38–42).

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1. Answer the following questions:

   • What are some examples of how Jacob’s teachings relate to teenagers today?

   • How can the attitudes and behaviors listed by Jacob impact our relationship with God?

A person who demonstrates the behaviors and attitudes Jacob warned against can be described as “carnally-minded” (2 Nephi 9:39).

Read 2 Nephi 9:39, looking for what Jacob taught about the effects of being carnally minded and of being spiritually minded.

• What did you discover?

• What do you think it means to be spiritually minded?

From this verse, we learn that being carnally minded leads to spiritual death. Being spiritually minded leads to eternal life.

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2. Answer the following question:

   • What are some daily actions you can take to keep your mind spiritually focused on Jesus Christ?

To see an example of someone who turned away from carnally minded attitudes and behaviors and was blessed through Jesus Christ, consider watching “His Grace: Change Is Possible through Christ” (3:29), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Come unto the Holy One of Israel

Think back to the carnally minded behaviors Jacob listed in 2 Nephi 9:27–38. Which of these warnings do you find most challenging? Are there changes you could make that would help you come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Consider what steps you might take.

As you think about your own circumstances, read Jacob’s words in 2 Nephi 9:40–45. Look for his teachings, particularly those about the Savior, that might help you in your current situation.

• What words and phrases did you find most meaningful? Why?

• How might remembering “the greatness of the Holy One of Israel” (verse 40) help you be more spiritually minded?

Take a moment to reflect on what you have learned and felt through your study today. Record in your study journal any thoughts and impressions you have had, including any actions you have felt prompted to take. Remember that the Lord will bless you as you make efforts to draw nearer to Him.

Optional: Want to Learn More?

2 Nephi 9:28–29. Why is it important to prioritize spiritual learning over secular learning?

President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught:

President Henry B. Eyring

It is clear that putting spiritual learning first does not relieve us from learning secular things. On the contrary, it gives our secular learning purpose and motivates us to work harder at it.

If we will keep spiritual learning in its proper place, we will have to make some hard choices of how we use our time. But there should never be a conscious choice to let the spiritual become secondary as a pattern in our lives. Never. That will lead to tragedy. The tragedy may not be obvious at first, nor may it ever be clear in mortal life. But remember, you are interested in education, not just for mortal life but for eternal life. When you see that reality clearly with spiritual sight, you will put spiritual learning first and yet not slight the secular learning. In fact, you will work harder at your secular learning than you would without that spiritual vision. (Henry B. Eyring, “Education for Real Life,” Ensign, Oct. 2002, 18)

Watch “The Soul’s Sincere Desire” to learn more about the importance of including God in your educational goals and activities.

2 Nephi 9:39. How can striving to be spiritually minded help me see things differently?

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:

President Dallin H. Oaks

As we draw farther from worldliness, we feel closer to our Father in Heaven and more able to be guided by his Spirit. We call this quality of life spirituality.

To the faithful, spirituality is a lens through which we view life and a gauge by which we evaluate it. …

To be spiritually minded is to view and evaluate our experiences in terms of the enlarged perspective of eternity.

… Through the lens of spirituality, we see all the commandments of God as invitations to blessings. (Dallin H. Oaks, “Spirituality,” Ensign, Nov. 1985, 61, 63)

2 Nephi 9:40. How can remembering “the greatness of the Holy One of Israel” help me maintain a spiritually minded attitude?

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared:

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Our Heavenly Father wants us to recall His and His Beloved Son’s goodness, not for Their own gratification but for the influence such remembrance has on us. By considering Their kindness, our perspective and understanding are enlarged. By reflecting on Their compassion, we become more humble, prayerful, and steadfast. …

I invite you to remember each day the greatness of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and what They have done for you. Let your consideration of Their goodness more firmly bind your wandering heart to Them. Ponder Their compassion, and you will be blessed with added spiritual sensitivity and become more Christlike. (Dale G. Renlund, “Consider the Goodness and Greatness of God,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 41, 44)