Book of Mormon Primary Lessons

“Lesson 7: Crossing the Sea,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, 22

Following Jesus’ teachings helps us have the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives.

Read 1 Nephi 18, Gospel Principles chapter 7, the First Article of Faith and the Fourth Article of Faith.

Nephi was able to build a ship that could carry his family safely across the ocean, by receiving guidance and help from the Lord (1 Nephi 18:1–3).

Laman, Lemuel, the sons of Ishmael, and their wives "began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness" causing them to lose the guidance of the Lord threw the Liahona (1 Nephi 18:9–12). Similarly we can loose the guidance of the Holy Ghost if we forget the Lord in our lives.

The disobedience of Laman and Lemuel affect their parents and the rest of the family: They "suffered much grief . . . and much sorrow . . . And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also [Nephi's] wife with her tears and prayers, and also [his] children" (1 Nephi 18:12–19). How does our obedience or disobedience affect our family members?

Nephi's did not murmur because of being mistreated by his brothers, but "did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long" (1 Nephi 18:16). Why do you think Nephi praised the Lord instead of complaining while he was suffering?

In what ways would you like to be more like Nephi?

The inspiration of the Holy Ghost can come to us as a feeling of peace or comfort, a thought that inspires us to make a right choice, a quiet voice of instruction, a feeling that warns of danger, and so on.

What can we do to prepare ourselves so we can recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost? Nephi did this by praying often, and fearing and praising God (1 Nephi 18:3, 10, 16). What choices do you make daily that will help you be guided by the Holy Ghost?

How can the following affect our ability to have the Holy Ghost in our lives:
prayer, choice of friends, words we use, television shows, video programs, music, movies, obedience to parents, keeping the commandments, kindness to brothers and sisters, respect for other people, service.

Labels: Book of Mormon, Lesson 7, Liahona, Nephi, Promised Land, Sea, Ship

“Lesson 6: Heavenly Father Commands Nephi to Build a Ship,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, 19

We should be good examples and have a spiritual influence on our families by obeying Heavenly Father’s commandments. “If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them” (1 Nephi 17:50).

Read 1 Nephi 17 also review 1 Nephi 16:17–32 from Lesson 5.

Think of the following questions:

• What materials do you think you would need to build a ship large and strong enough to carry you and your family across the ocean?
• What kind of help would you need?
• Where could you go to learn how to build a ship?

This lesson is about how Heavenly Father helped Nephi build a ship.

The Lord promise if we obey his commandments, that he will "doth nourish [us], and strengthen [us], and provide means whereby [we] can accomplish the thing which he has commanded [us]" (1 Nephi 17:3). We and our families can be blessed because of our obedience.

The Lord command Nephi to build a ship, so they could cross the waters (1 Nephi 17:8). Nephi respond by asking the Lord where to find the materials he needed (1 Nephi 17:9). What gave Nephi had such great confidence because he trusted in the Lord (1 Nephi 17:14–15).

Why do you think the Lord did not just give them a ship? Why doesn't he just give us what we need? It is important for us to do all we can for ourselves, so that we can learn and grow from our experiances. We can become spoiled if everything is given to us, and we fail to learn the value of doing things for our selves and others.

Laman and Lemuel didn't want to help Nephi build a ship, because they didn't have faith that it could be done. They did not want to work to gain the promises of the Lord (1 Nephi 17:17–19, 45–46). How would working together make building the ship easier? How can working together in our families and communities make large projects easier?

How would you feel if your older brothers made fun of you because you were keeping Heavenly Father’s commandments? How have you been able to help your family? How have you felt when you have helped your family or have not helped your family?

When his brothers tried to kill him, Heavenly Father give Nephi power that "whoso shall lay his hands upon [him] shall wither even as a dried reed" (1 Nephi 17:48, 54).

Nephi show his faith in Jesus Christ by building a ship according to his instructions (1 Nephi 17:50–51). How can you be like Nephi and show courage and faith in Jesus Christ?

List the things the Lord promises when we are obedient as found in 1 Nephi 17:3 and 1 Nephi 3:7. You will be blessed if they keep the commandments and ask Heavenly Father for guidance.

List things you could do to help your families learn the gospel and keep the commandments, such as encourage daily scripture study, participate willingly in family prayer, help organize and participate in family home evening, obey your parents, help keep your homes neat and clean, pray for family members, show love and kindness to each other, share what you have learned here, and so on. Choose one thing you would like to work on improving during the coming week.

Labels: Book of Mormon, Lesson 6, Nephi, Obediance, Ship