Book of Mormon Primary Lessons
Lessons from the Book of Mormon as taught by S.J. Hollist, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Lesson 22 - Alma Teaches Faith
“Lesson 22: Alma Teaches about Faith,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, 74
The word of God, when nourished by faith, will grow in our hearts into a testimony of Jesus Christ; just as a seed can become a large tree, if nourished properly. If you will learn the word of God and obey the commandments, you will gain a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Read Alma 32, and 33.
The poor Zoramites were humble because "they were cast out of the synagogues because of the coarseness of their apparel" (Alma 32:2–3). Sometimes afflictions may make us humble enough to listen to the gospel, or learn the things God wants us to learn.
To be “poor in heart” means to be humble, teachable, truly repentant, and free from pride.
Being poor was a blessing for these people because it made them humble and teachable (Alma 32:12–13). We can become humble even if we don’t suffer afflictions or poverty, but sometimes we become proud and need to be humbled. Why is it necessary for us to be humble when we are taught the gospel?
". . . faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true" (Alma 32:21). We must have faith to develop a testimony of the gospel, because "ye cannot know of [it with] surety at first" (Alma 32:26). It takes time to gain a testimony. Keeping the commandments can help us gain a testimony that they are true.
"But behold, if ye will . . . experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith . . . even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words." (Alma 32:27). What can you do to increase your desire to believe?
Obeying the commandments is an “experiment” on the word of God. As we follow them we will receive blessings for our obedience and our testimonies will become stronger.
We can plant the word of God in our hearts so our testimonies will grow by regularly studying the scriptures; attending church; having family home evening; praying; and consistently applying the principles of the gospel in our lives.
We will know when the good seed, or a testimony of the gospel, is beginning to grow inside us because it will "beginneth to enlighten [your] understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to [you]" (Alma 32:28, 34). Gain and strengthen your testimonies, have faith, and you will gain a strong testimony of the gospel, just as with time a tree will grow to become very strong.
Alma tells us we must have faith and patience to nourish our testimonies of the gospel (Alma 32:41–42). Why do you think patience and diligence are necessary in developing faith and a testimony? Can you expect a large tree to grow over night?
Studying the scriptures will strengthen our faith and testimony as they testify of Christ (Alma 33:14).
". . . believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he [suffered] and [died] to atone for [our] sins; and that he [did] rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works" (Alma 33:22).
A strong testimony like a tree "springing up in you unto everlasting life." (Alma 33:23). How do you think having a testimony will help you gain eternal life?
The word of God, when nourished by faith, will grow in our hearts into a testimony of Jesus Christ; just as a seed can become a large tree, if nourished properly. If you will learn the word of God and obey the commandments, you will gain a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Read Alma 32, and 33.
The poor Zoramites were humble because "they were cast out of the synagogues because of the coarseness of their apparel" (Alma 32:2–3). Sometimes afflictions may make us humble enough to listen to the gospel, or learn the things God wants us to learn.
To be “poor in heart” means to be humble, teachable, truly repentant, and free from pride.
Being poor was a blessing for these people because it made them humble and teachable (Alma 32:12–13). We can become humble even if we don’t suffer afflictions or poverty, but sometimes we become proud and need to be humbled. Why is it necessary for us to be humble when we are taught the gospel?
". . . faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true" (Alma 32:21). We must have faith to develop a testimony of the gospel, because "ye cannot know of [it with] surety at first" (Alma 32:26). It takes time to gain a testimony. Keeping the commandments can help us gain a testimony that they are true.
"But behold, if ye will . . . experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith . . . even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words." (Alma 32:27). What can you do to increase your desire to believe?
Obeying the commandments is an “experiment” on the word of God. As we follow them we will receive blessings for our obedience and our testimonies will become stronger.
We can plant the word of God in our hearts so our testimonies will grow by regularly studying the scriptures; attending church; having family home evening; praying; and consistently applying the principles of the gospel in our lives.
We will know when the good seed, or a testimony of the gospel, is beginning to grow inside us because it will "beginneth to enlighten [your] understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to [you]" (Alma 32:28, 34). Gain and strengthen your testimonies, have faith, and you will gain a strong testimony of the gospel, just as with time a tree will grow to become very strong.
Alma tells us we must have faith and patience to nourish our testimonies of the gospel (Alma 32:41–42). Why do you think patience and diligence are necessary in developing faith and a testimony? Can you expect a large tree to grow over night?
Studying the scriptures will strengthen our faith and testimony as they testify of Christ (Alma 33:14).
". . . believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he [suffered] and [died] to atone for [our] sins; and that he [did] rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works" (Alma 33:22).
A strong testimony like a tree "springing up in you unto everlasting life." (Alma 33:23). How do you think having a testimony will help you gain eternal life?
Labels: Alma, Book of Mormon, Faith, Jesus Christ, Lesson 22, Tree of Life
Other Lessons:
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