Book of Mormon Primary Lessons

“Lesson 30: Nephi Receives Great Power,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, 107

In this lesson we will learn about the power of the priesthood of God.

It is the power of God.
Through this power the Lord blesses his children and his church.
Those who hold this power represent the Lord Jesus Christ.
Those who hold this power are appointed to do the things the Savior wants done.

Read Helaman 10, and Helaman 11:1–18. Also see Moroni 3, and the fifth and sixth articles of faith.

As Nephi went his way toward his own house, he was "pondering upon the things which the Lord had shown unto him" (Helaman 10:2–3). What should we ponder or think about?

Nephi had become discouraged as he labored to proclaim the gospel to the Nephites, because they were becoming more wicked (Helaman 10:3).

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were pleased that Nephi because he "hast with unwearyingness declared the word" (Helaman 10:4).

Jesus Christ promise to bless Nephi "mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will" (Helaman 10:5). How can we learn to follow Jesus Christ’s will?
Nephi was given "power over this people, [to] smite the earth with famine, and with pestilence, and destruction, according to the wickedness of this people." (Helaman 10:6–10).

Nephi was given the sealing power to "seal on earth [and] in heaven" which is the same sealing power used in the temples today (Helaman 10:7; see also D&C 132:7). In the temple our families can be sealed together forever.

The Lord command Nephi to tell the people to repent (Helaman 10:11). Nephi showed obedience when the Lord finished speaking to him, by "not [going] unto his own house, but did return unto the multitudes . . . and began to declare unto them the word of the Lord which had been spoken" (Helaman 10:12). The Lord can speak to us threw the Holly Spirit, and threw his Priesthood leaders. How can we show obedience?

Nephi’s revelation of the murder of the chief judge (from Lesson 29) didn't change the lives of the Nephites because "they did harden their hearts and did not hearken unto the words of the Lord" (Helaman 10:13).

Nephi was protected as he declared the word of God to these people (Helaman 10:15–17). "The power of God was with” Nephi because he had the priesthood. The priesthood can also bless and protect us today.

Nephi’s teachings had no affect on these people because of their wickedness (Helaman 10:18). It took Nephi asking God to replace their war with a terrible famine before the people remembered the words of Nephi, and once again believed in God (Helaman 11:1-18).


In the Church today the priesthood is divided up as follows:

Deacon (ages 12 & 13): I have had the Aaronic Priesthood conferred on me. I pass the sacrament. I may serve as a messenger for priesthood leaders. I collect fast offerings. I help care for Church buildings and grounds.

Teacher (ages 14 & 15): I hold the Aaronic Priesthood. I have all the duties and powers of a deacon, and I prepare the bread and water for the sacrament. I may be assigned to be a home teacher.

Priest (ages 16 & 17): I hold the Aaronic Priesthood. I have all the duties and powers of a deacon and teacher, and I can administer (bless) the sacrament. I have the authority to baptize, help with ordinations of other Aaronic Priesthood holders, and take charge of meetings when there are no Melchizedek Priesthood holders present. I help Church members live the commandments.

Elder (ages 18 and up): I hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. I may serve a full-time mission. I am called to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the Church. I may give the gift of the Holy Ghost, conduct meetings, bless little children, administer to the sick, and bless family members.

Labels: Book of Mormon, Helaman, Jesus Christ, Lesson 30, Moroni, Nephi, Priesthood