“November 2–8. Mormon 7–9: ‘I Speak unto You As If Ye Were Present,’” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 (2020)
“November 2–8. Mormon 7–9,” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: 2020
Moroni Writing on Gold Plates, by Dale Kilborn
November 2–8
Mormon 7–9
“I Speak unto You As If Ye Were Present”
Mormon and Moroni had faith that their record would inspire those living in the latter days. As you read Mormon 7–9, write the impressions that come to you about how you can apply what you are learning.
Record Your Impressions
Mormon and Moroni knew what it felt like to be alone in a wicked world. For Moroni the loneliness must have been especially severe after his father died in battle and the Nephites were destroyed. “I even remain alone,” he wrote. “I have not friends nor whither to go” (Mormon 8:3, 5). Things may have seemed hopeless, but Moroni found hope in his testimony of the Savior and his knowledge that “the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on” (Mormon 8:22). And Moroni knew that a key role in those eternal purposes would be played by the Book of Mormon—the record he was now diligently completing, the record that would one day “shine forth out of darkness” and bring many people “to the knowledge of Christ” (Mormon 8:16; 9:36). Moroni’s faith in these promises made it possible for him to declare to the future readers of this book, “I speak unto you as if ye were present” and “I know that ye shall have my words” (Mormon 8:35; 9:30). Now we do have his words, and the Lord’s work is rolling forth, in part because Mormon and Moroni stayed true to their mission, even when they were alone.
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
I must believe in Jesus Christ and “lay hold” upon His gospel.
Mormon’s last recorded words, found in Mormon 7, are addressed to the latter-day descendants of the Lamanites, but they contain truths that are for all of us. What does Mormon’s message teach you about Jesus Christ and His gospel? Why might Mormon have chosen this message to conclude his writings?
Mormon 7:8–10; 8:12–22; 9:31–37
The Book of Mormon is of great worth.
President Russell M. Nelson asked: “If you were offered diamonds or rubies or the Book of Mormon, which would you choose? Honestly, which is of greater worth to you?” (“The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 61).
Mormon and Moroni knew the record they were keeping would be of great worth in our day, so they made great sacrifices to prepare and protect it. As you read Mormon 7:8–10; 8:12–22; and 9:31–37, consider why the record is so valuable in our day. You may find additional insights in 1 Nephi 13:38–41; 2 Nephi 3:11–12; and Doctrine and Covenants 33:16; 42:12–13. What experiences have helped you know that the Book of Mormon is of great worth?
The writings of Book of Mormon prophets apply to us.
The Book of Mormon was written for our day.
Jesus Christ showed Moroni what would be happening when the Book of Mormon came forth (see Mormon 8:34–35), and what Moroni saw led him to give bold warnings for our day. As you read Mormon 8:26–41 and 9:1–30, ponder whether there are any signs of these attitudes and actions in your life. What could you do differently?
For example, Mormon 9:1–30 contains Moroni’s message in response to the widespread lack of belief in Jesus Christ he foresaw in our day. Consider recording what you learn from his words about the following:
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The consequences of not believing in Christ (verses 1–6, 26)
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The importance of believing in a God of revelation and miracles (verses 7–20)
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Moroni’s counsel for us (verses 21–30)
What do you learn from Moroni that can help you bring others closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening
As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family. Here are some ideas.
Mormon 7:5–7, 10; 9:11–14
What do these verses teach us about Heavenly Father’s plan and why we need a Savior?
Mormon 7:8–10
What have we learned in our study of the Book of Mormon this year that has helped strengthen our belief in the Bible? To begin a discussion, you could read together some scriptures from the Book of Mormon and the Bible that teach similar truths, such as Alma 7:11–13 and Isaiah 53:3–5 or 3 Nephi 15:16–24 and John 10:16.
Mormon 8:1–9
How might it have felt to be alone like Moroni was? What impresses us about the work he accomplished?
Mormon 8:12, 17–21; 9:31
Consider reading these verses as a family and then reading the following statement by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: “Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. … When you see imperfection, remember that the limitation is not in the divinity of the work” (“Lord, I Believe,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 94). Why is it dangerous to focus on imperfections in others, including those who wrote the Book of Mormon?
Mormon 8:36–38
What does it mean to take the name of Jesus Christ upon us? Why might someone be ashamed to take upon himself or herself the name of Jesus Christ? How can we be bold in our testimonies of the Savior?
Mormon 9:16–24
Certain ingredients are needed to make a science experiment or recipe work successfully. Consider doing an experiment or making a favorite recipe as a family before reading Mormon 9:16–24. As you read the verses (especially verses 20–21), look for the necessary “ingredients” that make miracles possible. What miracles can we see in the world around us and in our family?
For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.
Suggested song: “Stand for the Right,” Children’s Songbook, 159.
Improving Personal Study
Refer to official Church resources. If you have gospel questions, the best sources for answers are prayer, the scriptures, the words of living prophets, and other official Church publications (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 17–18, 23–24).
Mormon Abridging the Plates, by Jon McNaughton