Lesson 7

3 Nephi 12–17



Complete three of the following assignments:

1.   3 Nephi 12. The Pathway to Perfection

According to 3 Nephi 12:48, what did the Savior appear to have as His objective for what He taught in 3 Nephi 12?

Read the Beatitudes found in 3 Nephi 12:3–11 and the accompanying commentary found in the institute student manual (pages 303–5). Respond in writing to the following:

  • Explain how each Beatitude is a step toward becoming more perfect.
  • List the blessings that are promised to those who live the characteristics described in the Beatitudes.

Choose two or three Beatitudes you feel you could improve with and describe what you can do to implement them more in your life.

Read 3 Nephi 12:20–45. Here the Savior contrasted what had been the standard in the law of Moses with a new raised standard. Considering the differences, what seems to be the change of focus? Write one or two paragraphs about why it is so important to move our personal struggle from an outward action to an inner thought. Choose one of the eight areas the Savior challenged the Nephites to change and write a paragraph about how you could go about making progress in that area.

2.   3 Nephi 13–14. Doing the Right Thing for the Right Reason

Read the student manual commentary “3 Nephi 13:1–8, 16–18: Do Not Your Righteous Acts Openly” (pages 308–9). Write a few sentences about what stood out most to you.

Review 3 Nephi 13:1–24 and list four actions Jesus said we should do for the right reason. After each action, write a sentence describing one way a person could act with the right motives.

3.   3 Nephi 13:5–15; 14:7–11. Prayer

Read the student manual commentaries “3 Nephi 13:7: ‘Use Not Vain Repetitions’” and “3 Nephi 13:9–13: The Lord’s Prayer” (page 309). List some ways you could use 3 Nephi 13:5–15; 14:7–11 to give a talk in sacrament meeting.

Read the entry for “prayer” in the Bible Dictionary (pages 752–53). What truths found there would you include in your talk?

4.   3 Nephi 15–16. Other Sheep

Suppose someone who is not a member of the Church asks you what John 10:16 means. Using what you learn from 3 Nephi 15–16, write an outline about what you would say to that person. Include in your outline your testimony of how you know the Book of Mormon is true.

5.   3 Nephi 17. Following the Savior’s Example

After reading the student manual commentary “3 Nephi 17:1–3: ‘Ponder upon the Things Which I Have Said’” (pages 314–15), list at least three areas of counsel that Jesus gave the Nephites in 3 Nephi 17:1–3 to help them better understand His teachings. Write a short essay describing how you could better follow that pattern to increase what you get out of your Church attendance or temple worship.

In 3 Nephi 12:48 the Savior invited us to become like Him and our Heavenly Father. Using 3 Nephi 17 as a guide, make a list of characteristics of perfection demonstrated by the Savior toward the multitude.

Determine which two characteristics demonstrated by the Savior in 3 Nephi 17 you need to work on the most. Set a goal to develop these traits in your life, including specific ways you could better develop those attributes of perfection. Write a short paragraph describing your plans.