Helaman 6-9

Reading Assignment for Wednesday: Helaman 6-9

Learning Activities:

1) 

Introduction

Following the missionary efforts of Nephi and Lehi, the Lamanites increased in their righteousness. Unfortunately, during this same time the Nephites became wicked and supported the Gadianton robbers, resulting in the Spirit of the Lord being withdrawn from them. The prophet Nephi prophesied that if the Nephites continued to live in wickedness, they would perish. In response, corrupt judges stirred many of the people up to anger against Nephi, while some people boldly defended the prophet. As a testament that his words would be fulfilled, Nephi revealed that the chief judge had been murdered by his brother. When Nephi’s words were verified, some of the people accepted him as a prophet.
2) Read Helaman 6:1–5, 16–17, 34–36; look for what the Lamanites did that caused the Spirit of the Lord to increase; In the same verses, look for what the Nephites did that caused the Spirit of the Lord to decrease. What truths can we learn from these verses?
3) As recorded in Helaman 8:11–23, Nephi reminded the people of prophet after prophet who had testified of Jesus Christ. He taught the Nephites this principle: As we exercise faith in Jesus Christ and are obedient, we will receive eternal life. Despite the multitude of prophets whose teachings confirmed Nephi’s words, the people rejected Nephi and his message. Read Helaman 8:24–26, and identify the consequences the Nephites faced if they continued to reject the testimonies of prophets. Then ponder the following question: Why do you think those who consistently deny the truth and rebel against God face such serious consequences?
4) 
  1. Imagine you are a detective investigating the murder of the chief judge. Find the answers to the following questions by reading the verses in parentheses. Write your answers in your scripture study journal.
    Day One of the Investigation:
    1. When five people investigated Nephi’s claims, what did they find? Why did they fall to the ground? (Helaman 9:1–5)
    2. Who did the people suspect were the murderers? (Helaman 9:7–8)
    Day Two of the Investigation:
    1. Who was proven innocent? (Helaman 9:10–14, 18)
    2. Who was accused? (Helaman 9:16, 19)
    3. What evidence of his innocence did Nephi give? (Helaman 9:25–36)
    4. Who was the murderer? (Helaman 9:37–38)
Consider marking the answers to the following questions in your scriptures:
  • According to Helaman 9:5, what did the five men who discovered the murdered chief judge believe and fear?
  • According to Helaman 9:36, what did Nephi say that Seantum would testify of as he confessed to murdering his brother?
  • According to Helaman 9:39–41, why did some people believe Nephi?

Want More?

Helaman 6:35–36. “The Spirit of the Lord began to withdraw”

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that our choices and actions can cause us to withdraw from the Holy Spirit:
Elder David A. Bednar
“We should also endeavor to discern when we ‘withdraw [ourselves] from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in [us] to guide [us] in wisdom’s paths that [we] may be blessed, prospered, and preserved’ (Mosiah 2:36). Precisely because the promised blessing is that we may always have His Spirit to be with us, we should attend to and learn from the choices and influences that separate us from the Holy Spirit.
“The standard is clear. If something we think, see, hear, or do distances us from the Holy Ghost, then we should stop thinking, seeing, hearing, or doing that thing. If that which is intended to entertain, for example, alienates us from the Holy Spirit, then certainly that type of entertainment is not for us. Because the Spirit cannot abide that which is vulgar, crude, or immodest, then clearly such things are not for us. Because we estrange the Spirit of the Lord when we engage in activities we know we should shun, then such things definitely are not for us” (David A. Bednar, “That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 30).





Helaman 7–11. Characteristics of prophets

You may want to search the following passages and identify and MARK characteristics of prophets. 
Helaman 7:17–19 (Prophets exhort people to repent.)