5 TEACHING IDEAS FOR COME FOLLOW ME LESSONS
See the complete list of CFM Lessons
Alma 17 – 22
This post is almost finished. Quotes #1, #2, and #3 have enough content to fill a 2nd-hour class on Sunday (easily). I will keep adding to this lesson.
Lesson Notes
You can find the full Come, Follow Me lesson here. Unless you opt to spend a lot of time on a particular quote, try to pick around 2 questions per quote. Choose the questions that resonate the most with you and make a meaningful discussion for your group of personalities.
All blue quotes from the Book of Mormon (unless otherwise noted).
Lesson Prep
- If you want the discussion to be more meaningful, hand out reading assignments ahead of time and ask the reader to answer one question about them (pick one of the questions below and give it to them, along with the assigned quote). The sooner you do this, the better, but if possible, at least show it to them before the Sacrament meeting. You can also text or email it.
- Ask various people to read and participate – especially those who aren’t asked as much.
Lesson Delivery
You can arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you. I suggest starting with the most important ones and working your way down. Don’t worry about covering all the quotes.
- Make sure you assign others to read the quotes. You’re talking enough already. Letting others read allows more people to participate.
- Encourage discussion by accepting all reasonable answers. Validate people for participating and be thankful they spoke up. Engage with the answer in a conversational way whenever it feels natural. Never say, “That’s not the right answer,” or “We haven’t got to that part of the lesson yet.”
- Remember, spiritual discussion is golden. We want people to talk about the gospel together.
- If a lesson takes a different turn, roll with it. The Spirit intends for you to be successful.
- If the discussion gets too non-spiritual, pull it back by going to the following quote or question.
- Avoid videos – they shut down discussion. Save them for personal study.
Quote #1 (prophecy)
The following verses are highlighted OFTEN because they are ultra-important instructions for how to get close to God and experience His miracles more abundantly. But let’s take a deeper look:
2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer and fasting; therefore, they had the spirit of prophecy and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. (Alma 17:2-3)
Optional: Discuss the Terms!
When we fully comprehend the different phrases, the scriptures open up to us even more.
Possible engagement tool: Write the three terms on the board. “diligently,’ ‘spirit of prophecy,’ and ‘spirit of revelation.’
After the word ‘diligently’ write its three definitions – attentive, persistent, and studious.
diligently: attentive, persistent, studious
spirit of prophecy: “A prophecy consists of divinely inspired words or writings, which a person receives through revelation from the Holy Ghost. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev. 19:10). A prophecy may pertain to the past, present, or future. When a person prophesies, he speaks or writes that which God wants him to know, for his own good or the good of others. Individuals may receive prophecy or revelation for their own lives.” (Guide to the Scriptures, Prophecy, Prophesy)
spirit of revelation: “Revelation is communication from God to His children on the earth and one of the great blessings associated with the gift and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “The Holy Ghost is a revelator,” and “no man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations.” …Sincere desire and worthiness invite the spirit of revelation into our lives. (Elder Bednar, The Spirit of Revelation – April 2011).
Possible discussion questions: Describe in your own words how the Sons of Mosiah acquired the spirit of prophecy and revelation. (accept all reasonable and partial answers – they searched scriptures diligently, and they had given themselves to much fasting and prayer) What does it mean to search the scriptures diligently? How would you explain the spirit of prophecy to a friend who asked you what it was? How would you describe the “spirit of revelation” in your own words? Who can have the spirit of prophecy and revelation?
Quote #2 (however)
Hard work was an essential element of their success.
Hard work is always more valuable than luck. Luck is seldom long-lasting, timely, or frequent. However, hard work is an option for each of us; it brings about many desired outcomes. Learning to love hard work is one of the most powerful characteristics a person can acquire, only outranked by true charity.
The sons of Mosiah served missions and worked hard for 14 years. That’s a lot of doing and giving!
4 And they had been teaching the word of God for the space of fourteen years among the Lamanites, having had much success in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, by the power of their words many were brought before the altar of God, to call on his name and confess their sins before him. (Alma 17:4)
Possible engagement tool: Ask your class to ponder, “Why is noting how hard they worked an important message for us?” as you read this following quote.
By work we sustain and enrich life. It enables us to survive the disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience. Hard-earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God. A consecrated life is filled with work, sometimes repetitive, sometimes menial, sometimes unappreciated but always work that improves, orders, sustains, lifts, ministers, aspires. (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Reflections of a Consecrated Life – Oct 2010)
Possible discussion question: In your own words, what does Elder Christofferson teach about “work”?
Setbacks, Difficulties, and Trials
Possible engagement tool: Ask, “Was it always easy for the sons of Mosiah?” Sometimes, glorifying heroes and ignoring their trials and tribulations is tempting.
Now these are the circumstances which attended them in their journeyings, for they had many afflictions; they did suffer much, both in body and in mind, such as hunger, thirst and fatigue, and also much labor in the spirit. (Alma 17:5)
Possible discussion questions: The real question is, why didn’t trials and tribulations stop the sons of Mosiah? Should trials and tribulations stop you? Does having difficult circumstances or hardships mean God does not favor or love you? (Absolutely not. God’s most chosen prophets and apostles faced hard trials and afflictions. Even Christ was very ill-treated and poorly thought of.) Should we stop working hard when life is rough or lacking good fortune? What did the sons of Mosiah do when the going got tough? Why does that matter to us – what is the message?
Quote #3 (fathers)
For the Lamanites, their fathers’ traditions led away from God rather than toward Him. They didn’t fully realize that until the sons of Mosiah pointed that out to them. Sometimes, our family history or family culture also has traditions, habits, and beliefs that lead us away from God. We are so used to them we don’t think of them as wrong or limiting. Ponder that thought as you listen to the following verse:
And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the wilderness, and they fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth, to the knowledge of the baseness of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct. (Alma 17:9)
baseness: immorality, depravity, wickedness
Possible discussion questions: How do incorrect traditions sneak into our family’s culture? (Accept all reasonable answers – they’ve been around so long we don’t stop to notice how incorrect they are.) What past or present traditions of your fathers are you aware of that are incorrect and lead away from God? Can we develop traditions and habits of our own that are not correct and lead us away from God? Is it possible to pass false traditions on to our children someday?
Optional – Deepen the Understanding
One of the best talks ever about opening our eyes to better paths is the General Conference talk, “What Lack I Yet?” by Elder Larry R. Lawrence of the Seventy (Oct 2015). He relates several accounts of people discovering false traditions they needed to change through prayer and the Spirit.
Have several people read these mini-stories shared by Elder Lawrence (read all of them or pick the ones you feel your class needs.)
Intro
The Holy Ghost makes an ideal traveling companion. If we are humble and teachable, He will take us by the hand and lead us home.
However, we need to ask the Lord for directions along the way. We have to ask some difficult questions, like “What do I need to change?” “How can I improve?” “What weakness needs strengthening?”
Stories
“I knew a faithful mother who humbled herself and asked, “What is keeping me from progressing?” In her case, the response from the Spirit came immediately: “Stop complaining.” This answer surprised her; she had never thought of herself as a complainer. However, the message from the Holy Ghost was very clear. In the days that followed, she became conscious of her habit of complaining. Grateful for the prompting to improve, she determined to count her blessings instead of her challenges. Within days, she felt the warm approval of the Spirit.”
“A humble young man who couldn’t seem to find the right young woman went to the Lord for help: “What is keeping me from being the right man?” he asked. This answer came into his mind and heart: “Clean up your language.” At that moment, he realized that several crude expressions had become part of his vocabulary, and he committed to change.”
“A single sister bravely asked the question: “What do I need to change?” and the Spirit whispered to her, “Don’t interrupt people when they are talking.” The Holy Ghost really does give customized counsel. He is a completely honest companion and will tell us things that no one else knows or has the courage to say.”
“One returned missionary found himself stressed with a very heavy schedule. He was trying to find time for work, studies, family, and a Church calling. He asked the Lord for counsel: “How can I feel at peace with all that I need to do?” The answer was not what he expected; he received the impression that he should more carefully observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy. He decided to dedicate Sunday to God’s service—to lay aside his school courses on that day and study the gospel instead. This small adjustment brought the peace and balance that he was seeking.”
“Years ago I read in a Church magazine the story of a girl who was living away from home and going to college. She was behind in her classes, her social life was not what she had hoped for, and she was generally unhappy. Finally one day she fell to her knees and cried out, “What can I do to improve my life?” The Holy Ghost whispered, “Get up and clean your room.” This prompting came as a complete surprise, but it was just the start she needed. After taking time to organize and put things in order, she felt the Spirit fill her room and lift her heart.”Years ago I read in a Church magazine the story of a girl who was living away from home and going to college. She was behind in her classes, her social life was not what she had hoped for, and she was generally unhappy. Finally one day she fell to her knees and cried out, “What can I do to improve my life?” The Holy Ghost whispered, “Get up and clean your room.” This prompting came as a complete surprise, but it was just the start she needed. After taking time to organize and put things in order, she felt the Spirit fill her room and lift her heart.”
Possible discussion question: Which story stood out to you the most and why?
Quote #4 (give away)
Possible engagement tool: Ask your class to listen to this scripture story about what happens to the king (King Lamoni’s father) after Aaron teaches him about Christ, the atonement, and repenting of sins:
Note: This can be divided between 2-4 readers.
15 And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.
16 But Aaron said unto him: If thou desirest this thing, if thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.
17 And it came to pass that when Aaron had said these words, the king did bow down before the Lord, upon his knees; yea, even he did prostrate himself upon the earth, and cried mightily, saying:
18 O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day. And now when the king had said these words, he was struck as if he were dead. (Alma 22:18)
Possible activity: Have your class list the positive steps the king took.
- became aware of his “wicked spirit”
- desired to change completely
- wanted to feel the Lord’s Spirit instead
- was willing to walk away from all his power and all his wealth to have it (hungered and thirsted after righteousness)
- bowed down in humble, honest prayer, confessing he had sins
- willing to change his life
Possible discussion questions: What sins might a king with a warring heart want to repent of? (Whose lifestyle and culture condoned robbing and plundering others.) (Accept all reasonable answers – making war, inciting violence, chaos, anger and victimizing others instead of being peaceful and a peacemaker.)
Deepen the Understanding
While this story about a king of war and chaos is dramatic, it highlights the steps we must take to get closer to God and feel his power. Notice the repeating, similar message in this Bible verse:
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:17-18)
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
Possible discussion questions: Is a warring heart a sin? How is the king’s story important in our lives? What can we do to have more peace with others?
Summary
Summarize class discussion highlights and/or share your testimony and feelings about the lesson. Thank your class for their excellent contributions and insights.
Final Comment
As you study and teach, you can help others find more truths in the scriptures. Thank you for bringing powerful Book of Mormon teachings into other people’s lives.
If you would like some tips on how to feel more confident while teaching, try “9 Tips for More Class Participation.” Please arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you.
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