Lesson Highlights

• King Benjamin teaches his sons and has Mosiah call the people together.
• King Benjamin teaches the people their indebtedness to God.
• King Benjamin repeats an angel's prophecies about Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

Scripture references for study:  Mosiah 1–3
    Note: Underlined scripture references have been hyperlinked to the LDS Scriptures at LDS.org and will open in a new window.

Lesson 15 Handout (PDF format)

The Scriptures

1. Introduction To Mosiah.
• In our Book of Mormon lessons thus far, we have been studying the small plates of Nephi.
• With the Book of Mosiah we begin studying Mormon's abridgment of the large plates of Nephi.
• In just a few pages we have jumped several hundred years, from the time of Jacob to the beginning of the Book of Mosiah.
• The Book of Mosiah begins in about 130 B.C.
• As Mormon stated in his insert, Words of Mormon, "I cannot write the hundredth part of the things of my people" (v5). We have even less than the Cliff Notes of Nephite history up to this time.
2. WHAT IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES DID KING BENJAMIN TEACH HIS SONS (AND US) ABOUT THE SCRIPTURES?
• Take a few moments to review Mosiah 1:2-7.
• Knowing the scriptures (and the prophecies contained therein) was so important that Benjamin had his sons taught in the "language of his fathers" in order to read them (v2).
• Without the scriptures (plates of brass) they would be ignorant of the mysteries of God (the principles of salvation and righteousness) (v3).
• The scriptures are a tool for helping us to remember the things of God and aid us in passing them on to our posterity (v4).
• Without the scriptures which contain the "mysteries" and "commandments" we would dwindle in unbelief (v5).
• Search the scriptures "diligently." Those who do so will profit. Those who keep the commandments contain therein will prosper "in the land" (v7).
3. HOW HAVE THE SCRIPTURES HELPED YOU REMEMBER, OBEY, AND TEACH THE THINGS OF GOD?
• This is a good question. We often talk about the important of the scriptures, but are they really making a difference in our lives? What are some examples?
• Consider these questions:  Where would you be today if the scriptures had not influenced your life? What would happen to you if  the scriptures and their influence were suddenly removed from your life?
• Even having grown up active in the Church, attending seminary, and serving a mission, there is no question that without the continuing power of the scriptures, in particular the Book of Mormon, I would not be an active member today. I have had challenges in my life that have tested my faith. Without the power of the scriptures and my testimony in them, I believe my faith would have wavered. My testimony of these incredible writings has pulled me through those times when I might have turned a different direction.
• President Ezra Taft Benson speaking of the Book of Mormon said that, "It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day" (CR, Apr 1986).
• Brother Stephen R. Covey:  "What food is to the body, prayerful scripture study is to the spirit. We physically die without food, and we spiritually die without the Spirit and word of God." (The Divine Center, p188)
4. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT PARENTS TEACH THEIR CHILDREN FROM THE SCRIPTURES?
• Like the Lamanites or Mulekites, without a knowledge of the scriptures they would dwindle in unbelief.
• As it says on the title page of the Book of Mormon, a primary purpose of the scriptures (particularly the Book of Mormon) is to convince us that "Jesus is the Christ." The scriptures bring us to Christ and teach us to follow in his path
• As President Benson stated above, they fortify the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. We take the time to have our children inoculated against deadly diseases. Children that study and are taught the scriptures on a regular basis are being inoculated against the deadly temptations of Satan.
• President Marion G. Romney: "I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity--the pure love of Christ--will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness." (CR, Apr. 1980)
5. WHAT EFFECTIVE WAYS HAVE YOU FOUND FOR HELPING CHILDREN DEVELOP A LOVE FOR THE SCRIPTURES AND A DESIRE TO SEARCH THEM?

(Some of these suggestions are found in Brother Covey's book, The Divine Center)
• Learn to ask good questions.
• Questions serve as catalysts when meditating, pondering, and discussing the scriptures.
• They spark off exciting meanings and applications.
• They can link the ideal with the real, the eternal with the present.
• Ask, then ponder.
• One of the most useful questions: "What useful principle can I learn from these doings of the Lord?"
• Correlate with the Church curriculum. Adult and youth classes base their study on the same volume of scripture.
• Develop a list of family favorite stories and passages for future reference and memorization.
• Memorize a scripture a month.
• Have scripture chases.
• Read a scripture before family prayer or dinner hour.

Leadership & Service

1. We read in Mosiah 2 that the Nephites gathered together in large numbers to hear a great and final address by their beloved king, Benjamin.
• We can sense the burden which Benjamin feels: "I at this time have caused that ye should assemble yourselves together, that I might be found blameless, and that your blood should not come upon me, when I shall stand to be judged of God of the things whereof he hath commanded me concerning you" (v27).
• As righteous as Benjamin was, he felt that he must make one more plea to the people to take up the cause of righteousness.
2. As we read, look for the leadership qualities displayed by King Benjamin.
• READ MOSIAH 2:9-15.
• WHAT IMPRESSES YOU ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP QUALITIES OF KING BENJAMIN?
• Benjamin states, "I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view" (v9).
• Benjamin has not called these people together to massage his own ego, but to teach truth to this people whom he loves. He is not a politician, but a statesman and man of God.
• Humility:  He lets the people know that he is one of them, not to be feared (v11-12).
• He is a champion of obedience to God and freedom (v13).
• Integrity and industry: He provided for himself through his own labor in order to free the people of the onerous burden of taxation.
• Consider these words of the Lord: "We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion."
(D&C 121:39)
• King Benjamin was not this kind of leader. He was a rare political and religious leader.
3. READ MOSIAH 2:16-19. Service to others is service to God.
• HOW MIGHT GIVING HEED TO KING BENJAMIN'S TEACHINGS ABOUT SERVICE AFFECT OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER PEOPLE?
• Consider King Benjamin: His service to the people gained their love and respect. As a consequence many came to Benjamin's farewell address and their lives were changed for eternity.
• HOW HAS GIVING SERVICE BEEN A BLESSING IN YOUR LIFE?
• It helps us maintain a proper view and perspective of life. By doing so, we are blessed with the spirit.
• Robert L. Millet:  "Service sanctifies both giver and receiver. Those who involve themselves in the work of the Master receive the approbation of the Master. Peter taught that charity prevents a multitude of sins (JST, 1 Pet. 4:8). James likewise wrote that 'he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of [his own] sins' (James 5:20; compare D&C 84:61). Indeed, it is through searching out (being sensitive to) and seeing to the needs of the poor—both temporally and spiritually—that disciples of Christ are able to maintain their spiritual standing before their Maker, to retain a remission of sins from day to day (Mosiah 4:11-12, 26)."  (An Eye Single to the Glory of God, p27)
• President Gordon B. Hinckley: "It seems to me that he [the Savior] is saying to each of us that unless we lose ourselves in the service of others our lives are largely lived to no real purpose. . . . He who lives only unto himself withers and dies, while he who forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms in this life and in eternity." ("Forget Yourself," in Speeches of the Year, 1977, p43)
• A high school senior shared this story: "I wasn't active in the Church as a child. However, when I was in the ninth grade, the teachers quorum had a service project of painting the outside of an older couple's home. They invited me to participate, so I spent the entire day with those guys. It was great. I also felt some feelings that I had never felt before, particularly when Brother and Sister Whitney told us how much they appreciated what we did for them. That day was the turning point for me, and I have been active ever since." (quoted in Are My Children Going to Make It? Real Help for Teaching the Gospel in the Home, p116)
• "I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another--I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants."
(Mosiah 2:21)
• DO KING BENJAMIN'S WORDS MAKE YOU FEEL MORE EAGER OR RELUCTANT TO SERVE? WHY?
  • Consider these verses: "And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him.
  And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast?" (Mosiah 2:23-24)

Contention, Commandments, & The Natural Man

1. READ MOSIAH 2:32-33.
• ACCORDING TO KING BENJAMIN, WHY IS CONTENTION SUCH A TERRIBLE EVIL?
• When we give into contention, we are obeying the evil spirit. When we give into that spirit, we are opening ourselves up to additional temptation.
• To "list to obey the spirit of the evil one" is to actively and knowingly rebel against that which is just and true.
• WHAT CAUSES CONTENTION?
• HOW CAN WE HELP MINIMIZE CONTENTION IN OUR HOMES, WARDS, & COMMUNITIES?
• "And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people."  (4 Nephi 1:15)
• President Harold B. Lee told this story: "The old story, presumably authentic, is told that during the Civil War when the fortunes of the Union armies, under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant, were going badly, some concerned ministers called on President Abraham Lincoln at the White House and forcefully urged the dismissal of Grant. To these men Lincoln is alleged to have said: 'Gentlemen, General Grant has under his command all that we hold dear in this nation. Instead of criticism, you too should get down on your knees and pray God that He would see this nation through to victory'." (Ye Are the Light of the World, p184)
2. READ MOSIAH 2:36-39. Those who turn from the truth will be lost.
• WHAT DID KING BENJAMIN SAY WOULD HAPPEN TO PEOPLE WHO REFUSE TO OBEY THE COMMANDMENTS AFTER HAVING BEEN TAUGHT THE TRUTH?
• They withdraw from the Spirit and lose the benefits of guidance and wisdom.
• Such a person is in open rebellion against God and an enemy to all righteousness.
• If one dies in this attitude, "the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever" (v38).
• "For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I." (D&C 19:16-17)
• Benjamin pleads with the people to live righteously.
• "O, all ye old men, and also ye young men, and you little children who can understand my words, for I have spoken plainly unto you that ye might understand, I pray that ye should awake to a remembrance of the awful situation of those that have fallen into transgression.
And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." (Mosiah 2:40-41)
3. The Natural Man.
• READ MOSIAH 3:19. The natural man is an enemy to God.
• WHAT IS THE NATURAL MAN?
• President Kimball says that the natural man rejects "God's call to repentance." (Miracle of Forgiveness, p136)
• "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14)
• Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "After the fall of Adam, man became carnal, sensual, and devilish by nature; he became fallen man....  All accountable persons on earth inherit this fallen state, this probationary state, this state in which worldly things seem desirable to the carnal nature. Being in this state, 'the natural man is an enemy to God,' until he conforms to the great plan of redemption and is born again to righteousness. (Mosiah 3:19.) Thus all mankind would remain lost and fallen forever were it not for the atonement of our Lord. (Alma 42:4-14.)" (Mormon Doctrine, pp267-268)
• HOW MIGHT WE OCCASIONALLY BE ENEMIES TO GOD?
• HOW CAN WE PUT OFF THE NATURAL MAN?
• Yield to "the enticings of the Holy Spirit."
• As Benjamin states we need to "becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father" (v19).
• View video: Becoming Children of Christ

Gospel Doctrine Notebook

1. Record your thoughts on King Benjamin and his teachings. What have you learned from his example? What principles from his teachings can you make part of your life?

Resources Used In This Lesson

• An Eye Single to the Glory of God: Reflections on the Cost of Discipleship by Robert L. Millet.
• Are My Children Going to Make It? Real Help for Teaching the Gospel in the Home by R. Wayne Boss and Leslee S. Boss.
• BYU Speeches of the Year.
• Conference Reports (CR).
• Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie.
• The Divine Center by Stephen R. Covey.
• The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball.

Next Lesson

Lesson 16:  Mosiah 4–6