Seminary
3 Nephi 1–7: Overview

“3 Nephi 1–7: Overview,” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual (2024)

“3 Nephi 1–7,” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual

3 Nephi 1–7

Overview

Nephite believers watched for the signs Samuel the Lamanite prophesied would come (see Helaman 14), but unbelievers threatened to kill them if the signs did not appear. The prophet Nephi pleaded with God, and that night the prophecy was fulfilled. Later, the Gadianton robbers attempted to destroy the Nephites. However, the Nephites “were prepared to meet them … in the strength of the Lord” (3 Nephi 4:10). The Nephites returned to their homes and began to rebuild their lives. Through pride and division, Satan led the people to rebel against God. The consequences were so severe that the government collapsed, and the people were divided into tribes.

Prepare to Teach

The following information provides teachers with ideas of what may need to be prepared in advance for each lesson.

3 Nephi 1

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students feel greater confidence that the Lord will fulfill all the words He speaks through His prophets.

  • Student preparation: Students could prepare to share an example of how or why having faith in Jesus Christ could strengthen someone in uncertain or troubling times.

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider displaying a list of situations that may cause people to feel uncertainty or fear. This can help students reflect on how they can have faith in Jesus Christ as they respond to such situations

3 Nephi 2–5

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students receive the Lord’s strength by being prepared spiritually and temporally.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to discuss with family members or Church leaders the blessings that come from being prepared temporally or spiritually.

  • Videos: “Temporal Preparedness Resources” (3:09)

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: When students are invited to list Nephite preparations and then list modern parallels, consider using the whiteboard feature to allow them to share their answers.

3 Nephi 6–7

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students better understand the impact of pride and how to overcome pride by following the Savior.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to pray and ask Heavenly Father to help them recognize spiritual promptings as they study their scriptures.

  • Object lesson: Popcorn kernels, some popped popcorn, and a bowl of water

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: For the scenario about Jim, you might want to divide students into breakout rooms of two or three to discuss the questions. Be sure to give them clear instructions beforehand, including how much time they will have for their discussion.

Assess Your Learning 7

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students remember and evaluate how their experiences with Alma 53–3 Nephi 7 have helped them grow spiritually.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to review what they have learned in recent weeks and come to class prepared to share one way they might finish the following statement: “One lesson from Alma 53–3 Nephi 7 that I think is important for me to remember is … because …”

  • Images: Nephi praying on the tower; Samuel the Lamanite on the wall

  • Content to display: A diagram of the pride cycle; drawings of Lehonti on the mountain, a walled city, and a home on a foundation

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider placing students in breakout rooms to explain the role of prophets. Students could use the chat feature to share what they have done to build their spiritual foundation on Jesus Christ.

Doctrinal Mastery Review 19

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students apply truths in doctrinal mastery passages from the second half of the Book of Mormon.

  • Student preparation: Consider inviting students to select one or two doctrinal mastery passages and work on memorizing the scripture reference and key scripture phrase.

  • Handouts: “Gaining Spiritual Momentum through Doctrinal Mastery”; “Book of Mormon Doctrinal Mastery: Alma–Moroni”

  • Video: The Power of Spiritual Momentum (17:17; watch from time code 5:11 to 5:55)

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider using the whiteboard function to draw the image from the handout “Gaining Spiritual Momentum through Doctrinal Mastery.” Invite students to select a doctrinal mastery passage that supports one of the three aspects of gaining spiritual momentum. Encourage students to share how their selected passage has influenced them.