Helaman 1-2
Reading for class on March 1: Helaman 1-2
Learning Activities:
1) What negative consequences come because of contention?
2) Why does Satan want us to hide our sins? (Helaman 2:3-4)
Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Encourage the class to listen for negative consequences of hiding our sins.
3) What are some examples of secret combinations today? (Helaman 2:12-14)“If you have seriously transgressed, you will not find any lasting satisfaction or comfort in what you have done. Excusing transgression with a cover-up may appear to fix the problem, but it does not. The tempter is intent on making public your most embarrassing acts at the most harmful time. Lies weave a pattern that is ever more confining and becomes a trap that Satan will spring to your detriment” (Richard G. Scott, “Finding Forgiveness,”Ensign, May 1995, 77).
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Ask students to listen for examples of secret combinations today:
“… [The devil] uses secret combinations, including gangs, ‘from generation to generation according as he can get hold upon the hearts of the children of men’ [Helaman 6:30]. His purpose is to destroy individuals, families, communities, and nations [see 2 Nephi 9:9]. To a degree, he was successful during Book of Mormon times. And he is having far too much success today. That’s why it is so important for us … to take a firm stand for truth and right by doing what we can to help keep our communities safe” (M. Russell Ballard, “Standing for Truth and Right,”Ensign, Nov. 1997, 38).“The Book of Mormon teaches that secret combinations engaged in crime present a serious challenge, not just to individuals and families but to entire civilizations. Among today’s secret combinations are gangs, drug cartels, and organized crime families. …“If we are not careful, today’s secret combinations can obtain power and influence just as quickly and just as completely as they did in Book of Mormon times. …
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Introduction to the Book of Helaman
Why study this book?
In their study of the book of Helaman, students will learn from the examples and teachings of great men such as Helaman, his sons Nephi and Lehi, and Samuel the Lamanite, who courageously obeyed the Lord and testified of Him. The ministries of these men demonstrate that God grants power to help His servants accomplish His will and that the efforts of righteous individuals can bless thousands. Students will also learn about the devastating effects of pride, wickedness, and secret combinations.
Who wrote this book?
Mormon compiled and abridged records from the large plates of Nephi to create the book of Helaman. The book is named for Helaman, who was a son of Helaman and a grandson of Alma the Younger. Helaman received the records from Shiblon, his uncle, and served as a righteous chief judge over the Nephites. He taught his sons Nephi and Lehi to keep the commandments and to remember their Redeemer and make Him the foundation of their lives (see Helaman 5:9–14). Inspired by these teachings and concerned about the wickedness of the people, Nephi and Lehi preached repentance to the Nephites and the Lamanites. Nephi gave up his position as chief judge to do so. After thousands of Lamanites were converted, a Lamanite prophet named Samuel was inspired to preach repentance and prophesy among the Nephites. The book of Helaman draws from the records kept during the reigns and ministries of Helaman (Helaman 1–3) and Nephi (Helaman 4–16). Nephi’s records included the prophecies and teachings of Samuel the Lamanite.
To whom was this book written and why?
Mormon wrote the book of Helaman for the people in the latter days who would receive his record. Like his other abridgments from the large plates of Nephi, the book of Helaman testifies of the divinity and redeeming mission of Jesus Christ (see Helaman 3:27–30; 5:9–12; 8:13–23; 14:1–29; 16:4–5).
When and where was it written?
The original records used as sources for the book of Helaman were likely written between 52 BC and 1 BC. Mormon abridged those records sometime between AD 345 and AD 385. Mormon did not record where he was when he compiled this book.
Commentary and Background Information
The book of Helaman recounts a period of great wickedness among the Nephites. The Gadianton robbers thrived, and the people experienced cycles of wickedness, destruction, and repentance, only to return to wickedness. Many of these troubles began with contention, as described in the first chapter of Helaman. Some people consider contention to be a small sin. However, the following two statements by latter-day prophets emphasize the seriousness of this sin.
President James E. Faust (1920–2007) of the First Presidency warned:
“When there is contention, the Spirit of the Lord will depart, regardless of who is at fault” (James E. Faust, “What I Want My Son to Know before He Leaves on His Mission,” Ensign, May 1996, 41).
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles cautioned:
“The sins of corruption, dishonesty, strife, contention, and other evils in this world are not here by chance. They are evidences of the relentless campaign of Satan and those who follow him. He uses every tool and device available to him to deceive, confuse, and mislead” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Deep Roots,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 76).
In contrast to the destructive impact of contention, President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency emphasized the unity and peace that the Spirit of the Lord brings:
“Where people have that Spirit with them, we may expect harmony. The Spirit puts the testimony of truth in our hearts, which unifies those who share that testimony. The Spirit of God never generates contention (see 3 Ne. 11:29). It never generates the feelings of distinctions between people which lead to strife (see Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 13th ed. [1963], 131). It leads to personal peace and a feeling of union with others. It unifies souls. A unified family, a unified Church, and a world at peace depend on unified souls” (Henry B. Eyring, “That We May Be One,” Ensign, May 1998, 67).
