DateLesson 11: Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ

PurposeTo help class us understand the doctrine of Christ and have an increased desire to press forward, feasting on His words.

Preparation1. Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:a. 2Nephi 31:118. Nephi teaches of the doctrine of Christ. He teaches that Jesus was baptized to fulfil all righteousness and that we must be baptized and follow Him. He also teaches about the blessings and power of the Holy Ghost.b. 2Nephi 31:1921. Nephi teaches that we must press forward and endure to the end.c. 2Nephi 32. Nephi speaks of the importance of feasting on the words of Christ and praying always.d. 2Nephi 33. Nephi declares that people will believe his words if they believe in Christ. He warns that we will be judged according to our acceptance or rejection of his words.2. Additional reading: Moroni 7:1317; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 7174.

Nephi stands as one of the most valiant of all the sons of God. Though he experienced family strife, warfare, and other trials, he loved the Lord with all his heart. He was full of faith, zeal, and integrity, and he never wavered in his obedience. As you study the assigned chapters, remember that these words are among Nephis last.

Describe a feastWhat kinds of foods would be on the table?

How is a feast different from an ordinary meal?

2Nephi 32:3, 3..Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. The Lord has invited us to a feastone that will give us eternal life. This lesson discusses Nephis teachings on how to live the doctrine of Christ and feast on His words.

2Nephi 31:1921. Nephi taught that baptism is the gate to enter the strait and narrow path to eternal life. He also taught what it means to walk in this path.What question did Nephi ask in 2Nephi 31:19? What is the answer to this question? (See 2Nephi 31:1920.) What do you think it means to press forward? To move forward with determination, regardless of adversity or distraction.What are some things that might distract us from pressing forward? Why is pressing forward an important part of enduring to the end?

2Nephi 31:20What does it mean to have a steadfastness in Christ?. How can following Christ help us have a perfect brightness of hope? What are some ways we can help one another in our efforts to press forward? What can we do to help new members of the Church as they begin their journeys along the path?

President GordonB. HinckleyWith the ever increasing number of converts, we must make an increasingly substantial effort to assist them as they find their way. Every one of them needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with the good word of God (Moroni 6:4). It is our duty and opportunity to provide these things (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 66; or Ensign, May 1997, 47).

In 2Nephi 32, Nephi gave instructions about what we must do after we have entered in the path to eternal life (2Nephi 32:13). What specific instruction is given in verse three? What sources do we have for receiving the words of Christ?What do you think it means to feast on these words? How is feasting different from reading or even studying? How can we help others feast?

Elder NealA. Maxwell We need to feast upon the words of Christ in the scriptures and as these words come to us from living prophets. Just nibbling occasionally will not do. (See 2Nephi 31:20 and 32:3.) Feasting means partaking with relish and delight and savoringnot gorging episodically in heedless hunger, but partaking gratefully, dining with delight, at a sumptuous spread carefully and lovingly prepared over the centuries (Wherefore Ye Must Press Forward [1977], 28).

What promise did Nephi give regarding the words of Christ? (See 2Nephi 32:3.) How have you found this to be true?Nephi taught that the Spirit teaches, or encourages, a person to pray (2Nephi 32:8). Why is it important that we pray before we perform any thing unto the Lord? (2Nephi 32:9). How have you been blessed as you have followed this counsel?

2Nephi 33. This chapter contains Nephis testimony of the truth of his words and of their importance to all people.Why are Nephis words of great worth? (See 2Nephi 33:35.)

3But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people. For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry.4And I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers for the gain of my people. And the words which I have written in weakness will be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which is life eternal.5And it speaketh harshly against sin, according to the plainness of the truth; wherefore, no man will be angry at the words which I have written save he shall be of the spirit of the devil.

How can we learn of the worth of these words? How can we know that the words of Nephi are true? 2Nephi 33:1010And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.see also

Moroni 7:1317.13But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.14Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.15For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.16For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.17But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

2Nephi 33:11.And if they are not the words of Christ, judge yefor Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.

2Nephi 33:14. 14And you that will not partake of the goodness of God, and respect the words of the Jews, and also my words, and the words which shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the Lamb of God, behold, I bid you an everlasting farewell, for these words shall condemn you at the last day.How could Nephis words condemn [us] at the last day? If we choose to reject these words or disobey the principles they teach, we will be cut off from the presence of the Lord.

2Nephi 33:15For what I seal on earth, shall be brought against you at the judgment bar; for thus hath the Lord commanded me, and I must obey. Amen.Why is this a fitting end to Nephis writings? What have you learned from Nephis example that can help you as you strive to be more obedient?

ConclusionHow would you define the doctrine of Christ? The doctrine of Christ, includes believing in Christ, repenting, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.2Nephi 31:13, 15; see also 3Nephi 11:3140

Additional Teaching IdeasThe following material supplements the suggested lesson outline. You may want to use one or both of these ideas as part of the lesson.1. HymnWith class members, sing or read the words to Press Forward, Saints (Hymns, no.81).2. Overcoming barriers to understandingRead and discuss 2Nephi 32:7. Why did the Spirit stop Nephi from speaking? How are the problems mentioned in these verses still prevalent today? How can we help each other avoid these pitfalls?

1. Nephi teaches of the doctrine of Christ.Read and discuss selected verses from 2Nephi 31:118. Nephi began his final writings by saying that he would speak concerning the doctrine of Christ (2Nephi 31:2)2Nephi 31:4Why was Jesus baptized? (See 2Nephi 31:5.) How did He fulfil all righteousness by being baptized? 2Nephi 31:67. President JosephF. Smith said that to fulfil all righteousness is to fulfil the law [in Conference Report, Apr. 1912, 9].)According to 2Nephi 31:9, for what other reason was Jesus baptized? Why do we need baptism? (Have class members read 2Nephi 31:13, 17 and Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 7174 to find answers to this question. Summarize their answers on the chalkboard. Some answers are listed below.)To receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (2Nephi 31:13).To receive a remission of sins (2Nephi 31:17).To enter the gate for the path to eternal life (2Nephi 31:17).To receive membership in the Lords Church (D&C 20:37, 7174).

Nephi exhorted his people to follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God (2Nephi 31:13). What do you think it means to act without hypocrisy or deception before God? How can following the Son with full purpose of heart help us avoid hypocrisy and deception?What gift will we receive when we show our willingness to follow [the] Savior down into the water through baptism? (2Nephi 31:13). How did Nephi describe the way a person could speak after being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost? (See 2Nephi 31:13.) What does it mean to speak with the tongue of angels? (See 2Nephi 32:23. It means to speak the words of Christ by the power of the Holy Ghost.) In what situations might we be blessed to speak with the tongue of angels? (Answers may include when we are teaching or testifying to friends and family, during a talk in church, or when we pray.)Nephi also taught that after baptism we receive a remission of sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost (2Nephi 31:17). Why do you think Nephi used the word fire in describing this process? (Just as fire purifies and cleanses, the Holy Ghost cleanses from sin those who sincerely repent and are baptized.)Nephi taught that the Holy Ghost witnesses of the Father and the Son (2Nephi 31:18). Why is it essential for us to receive a testimony of the Father and the Son through the Holy Ghost? In what ways can a witness from the Holy Ghost come to us? (See D&C 8:2 and the following quotation.) Why is it important to understand how the Holy Ghost speaks to us? (See 2Nephi 32:5.)President BoydK. Packer taught: The Holy Ghost speaks with a voice that you feel more than you hear. It is described as a still small voice (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 77; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 60).Note: Many times members of the Church feel the influence of the Spirit but are not aware that the feelings they are experiencing are from the Holy Ghost. On occasion throughout the year, when you feel the influence of the Spirit during the lesson, you may want to stop and share your feelings with class members. Explain that they may not feel the influence of the Spirit in exactly the same way you do, but that the influence of the Spirit brings peace and joy.