1 Nephi 16-22 Lesson Help - Come Follow Me Book of Mormon Lesson Guide for LDS Sunday School Teachers

The Savior will help me face life’s challenges.

Engaging Questions:

1. How do you see the role of the Savior in Nephi's journey and challenges in these chapters?

2. In 1 Nephi 16, Nephi faces challenges in obtaining food. How can the Savior's teachings guide us in times of physical need or scarcity?

3. Nephi and his brothers experience contention and disagreements. How can the Savior's example help us navigate conflicts within our families or communities?

4. In 1 Nephi 17, Nephi is commanded to build a ship. What parallels can you draw between Nephi's obedience and the guidance the Savior provides us when facing tasks that seem overwhelming?

5. Lehi's dream is discussed in 1 Nephi 8, and Nephi interprets it in 1 Nephi 11-14. How does the Savior's role in these visions relate to the challenges we face in our personal journeys?

6. 1 Nephi 19 contains teachings about the Savior's Atonement. How can the Savior's sacrifice provide comfort and strength as we confront the challenges of mortality?

7. In 1 Nephi 22, Nephi talks about the fulfillment of God's promises. How can faith in the Savior help us trust in God's promises, especially during challenging times?

8. Nephi prophesies about the scattering and gathering of Israel in 1 Nephi 21-22. How does the Savior play a central role in the gathering of God's children and the resolution of challenges on a broader scale?

Object Lessons & Activities:

Liahona Compass Activity:

• Use a compass as a symbol of the Liahona, the compass provided to Lehi's family in the Book of Mormon.

• Discuss how the Liahona guided them through their journey just as the Savior can guide us.

• Create a compass rose with directions representing challenges. Participants can discuss how the Savior helps them navigate through challenges.

Building Spiritual Arrows:

• Provide materials to create arrows (craft sticks, feathers, paper, etc.).

• Discuss how Nephi faced challenges with faith and obedience.

• Participants can write or draw on the arrows ways in which they can face challenges with faith and obedience, symbolizing spiritual arrows that lead them in the right direction.

Stone of Remembrance Collage:

• Discuss the importance of remembering the Lord's hand in our lives, as mentioned in 1 Nephi 16:34.

• Have participants create a collage using stones or pictures representing moments when they felt the Savior's help during challenges.

Faith Walk:

• Set up an obstacle course to represent life's challenges.

• Blindfold participants and have them navigate the course with a partner guiding them.

• Discuss the importance of trusting the Savior as our guide through life's challenges.

Musical Reflection:

• Choose hymns or songs related to facing challenges with faith.

• Have participants listen to the music and share their thoughts on how the Savior's teachings and promises in the Book of Mormon can help them during difficult times.

Scripture Role Play:

• Act out scenes from 1 Nephi 16-22, emphasizing the challenges faced by the characters.

• Discuss how the characters turned to the Savior for guidance and strength, relating it to our own challenges.

Prayer Journaling:

• Provide journals and encourage participants to write prayers expressing their challenges and seeking the Savior's help.

• Discuss the role of prayer in finding strength and guidance during difficult times.

Parable: The Lighthouse in the Storm

In the darkness of a tumultuous sea, a ship found itself battered by raging waves and engulfed in a fierce storm. Just as despair threatened to overtake the crew, a distant light emerged on the horizon—the steadfast beam of a lighthouse. The ship, guided by the unwavering light, navigated through the storm safely to calmer waters. The lighthouse, symbolizing the Savior, provided a beacon of hope and guidance, ensuring the ship faced life's challenges with fortitude.

In this parable, the lighthouse represents the Savior, and the stormy sea symbolizes life's challenges. Just as the lighthouse guides the ship through the storm, the Savior helps individuals navigate through the challenges of life.

The parable emphasizes that, like a steadfast lighthouse in a storm, the Savior provides unwavering guidance and hope, helping individuals face life's challenges with courage and assurance.

Analogy: The Sheltering Oak in the Wind

Picture a lone oak tree standing tall amidst a gusty windstorm. Its branches sway and leaves rustle, yet the trunk remains sturdy and unyielding. Seeking refuge from the tempest, a weary traveler finds shelter under the protective branches. The oak tree, representing the Savior, shields the traveler from the full force of the storm, offering comfort and strength.

In this analogy, the oak tree symbolizes the Savior, and the windstorm represents life's challenges. Just as the oak tree provides shelter in the storm, the Savior offers solace and strength to individuals facing the tempests of life.

The analogy underscores that, like a sheltering oak in the wind, the Savior provides refuge and support, helping individuals withstand the challenges life brings and find peace in His protective embrace.

God guides me through small and simple means

Engaging Questions

1. In 1 Nephi 16, Nephi is guided by the Liahona, a small and simple instrument. How can the concept of the Liahona apply to the small and simple ways God guides us in our daily lives?

2. Lehi receives guidance through a dream in 1 Nephi 8. How does this dream illustrate the idea that God can communicate with us through simple and symbolic means?

3. Nephi's broken bow becomes a concern in 1 Nephi 16. How might this experience teach us about relying on God in seemingly mundane challenges?

4. In 1 Nephi 17, Nephi is commanded to build a ship. How does this event demonstrate God's guidance in practical and tangible ways as Nephi follows step-by-step instructions?

5. 1 Nephi 19 describes Nephi's understanding of Isaiah's writings. How can the process of studying and gaining insight from scriptures be an example of God guiding us through small and simple means?

6. In 1 Nephi 22, Nephi talks about the scattering and gathering of Israel. How might God's influence be seen in the small and simple events leading to the gathering of His people?

7. Nephi's encounter with the Spirit in 1 Nephi 22:30 emphasizes the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. How can we recognize and appreciate the small and simple promptings of the Spirit in our lives?

8. 1 Nephi 16-22 is filled with prophecies about the Savior. How do these prophecies show God guiding His children through the small and simple means of revelation and foresight?

Object Lessons and Activities:

Seed Planting Activity:

• Provide seeds and small pots.

• Discuss the symbolism of planting small seeds and watching them grow, reflecting on how God's guidance often starts with small and simple things.

• Participants can plant seeds as a reminder that small efforts can lead to significant outcomes.

Small Compass Exploration:

• Provide small compasses for each participant.

• Discuss how a compass guides in a specific direction and relate it to the small and simple means God uses to guide us.

• Participants can use the compass to navigate a simple course, reflecting on how God's guidance can be subtle but effective.

Message in a Bottle:

• Have small bottles and paper slips.

• Participants can write down simple messages or insights they receive during quiet reflection or prayer.

• Discuss how God's guidance often comes through small, personal impressions.

Nature Scavenger Hunt:

• Organize a scavenger hunt in a natural setting.

• Encourage participants to find and appreciate the small and simple beauties of nature, drawing parallels to how God's guidance is often found in simple aspects of life.

Symbolic Stone Path:

• Use small stones to create a path.

• Discuss how each stone represents a small step or guidance from God.

• Participants can add their own stones to the path, symbolizing personal experiences of God's guidance.

Colorful Thread Weaving:

• Provide colorful threads and small hoops.

• Discuss how God weaves small and simple experiences together to guide us.

• Participants can weave threads through the hoops, creating a visual representation of God's intricate guidance in their lives.

Story Stones:

• Use small stones and markers to create story stones.

• Each stone can have a simple image representing a small means through which God guides.

• Participants can share their stories or insights by arranging the stones.

Journaling Journey:

• Provide small journals.

• Encourage participants to keep a daily journal of small and simple experiences where they feel God's guidance.

• Discuss how reflecting on these moments can enhance awareness of God's involvement in their lives.

Parable: The Whispering Wind

In a serene valley surrounded by towering mountains, a seeker yearned for guidance on life's journey. Instead of thunderous declarations or grand visions, a gentle breeze, almost imperceptible, began to stir. This soft, whispering wind, like God's guidance through small and simple means, subtly directed the seeker's path. As the seeker followed the barely discernible breeze, they found themselves guided safely through the twists and turns of the valley.

In this parable, the whispering wind symbolizes God's guidance through small and simple means, and the seeker represents individuals navigating life's journey. Just as the gentle breeze guides the seeker through the valley, God's subtle guidance leads individuals safely through the complexities of life.

The parable emphasizes that, like the whispering wind in the valley, God guides through small and simple means, providing subtle direction to those who are attuned to His influence.

Analogy: The Glow of Fireflies

Imagine a tranquil evening in a vast meadow, where fireflies gradually illuminate the darkness with their soft glow. Each firefly, like a small and simple means, contributes to the overall brilliance of the meadow. As a traveler seeks his way through the night, the collective glow of these tiny lights guides him along a safe path, revealing the way forward.

In this analogy, the fireflies represent small and simple means, and the traveler symbolizes individuals seeking guidance. Just as the combined glow of the fireflies illuminates the traveler's path, God's guidance through various small and simple means collectively lights the way for individuals navigating life.

The analogy underscores that, like the glow of fireflies guiding through the darkness, God's guidance through small and simple means collectively directs individuals along the safe path of life's journey.

My trials can be a blessing

Engaging Questions:

1. In 1 Nephi 16, Nephi faces challenges in obtaining food. How do his trials become a blessing, and how might this apply to our own experiences of scarcity or need?

2. Nephi's broken bow becomes a trial in 1 Nephi 16. How can unexpected challenges, like a broken bow, turn out to be blessings in disguise?

3. In 1 Nephi 17, Nephi is commanded to build a ship. How does the trial of building a ship become a blessing as Nephi relies on the Lord's guidance and strengthens his faith?

4. Lehi's dream, discussed in 1 Nephi 8, is a vision that includes both challenges and blessings. How do the trials and blessings in the dream teach us about the purpose and meaning of our mortal experiences?

5. In 1 Nephi 19, Nephi faces opposition and persecution. How can trials like opposition lead to spiritual growth and ultimately become blessings in our lives?

6. The teachings about the Savior's Atonement in 1 Nephi 19 emphasize the blessing of redemption through trials. How does understanding the Savior's sacrifice enhance our perspective on the blessings that can come through our own challenges?

7. Nephi prophesies about the scattering and gathering of Israel in 1 Nephi 21-22. How do these prophecies highlight the eventual blessings that come from enduring trials and challenges?

8. 1 Nephi 22 talks about the fulfillment of God's promises. How can the assurance of God's promises turn trials into opportunities for blessings in our lives?

Object Lessons and Activities:

Broken Pottery Mosaic:

• Provide broken pieces of pottery and art supplies.

• Discuss how trials can feel like broken pieces, but they can be assembled into a beautiful mosaic.

• Participants can create a mosaic, symbolizing the beauty that can emerge from life's challenges.

Seeds of Resilience:

• Provide seeds and small pots.

• Discuss how trials are like seeds that, when planted, can grow into resilience and strength.

• Participants can plant seeds and nurture them, reflecting on the positive growth that can come from facing challenges.

Mountain Climbing Metaphor:

• Create a miniature mountain using cardboard or a similar material.

• Discuss how trials are like climbing a mountain, challenging but with rewarding views.

• Participants can navigate a small mountain course, symbolizing their journey through trials.

Blessing Jar:

• Provide jars and small pieces of paper.

• Encourage participants to write down blessings that have come from their trials.

• Create a "Blessing Jar" where these notes are collected, serving as a visual reminder of the positive outcomes of challenges.

Storytelling Stones:

• Use smooth stones and markers.

• Participants can write or draw on the stones moments of trial and the blessings that followed.

• Discuss how these stones represent the narrative of turning trials into blessings.

Balloon Release:

• Provide balloons and small pieces of paper.

• Participants can write down their trials on the paper and attach it to a balloon.

• Release the balloons as a symbolic gesture of letting go of trials and allowing blessings to soar.

Positive Affirmation Wall:

• Set up a wall where participants can add positive affirmations related to trials.

• Discuss how affirmations can shift perspectives, turning trials into opportunities for growth.

Nature Collage:

• Collect various natural items like leaves, twigs, and flowers.

• Discuss how nature undergoes changes and growth, similar to the positive transformation during trials.

• Participants can create a collage representing their personal journey through challenges.

Parable: The Potter's Molding Hands

In a humble pottery workshop, a skilled artisan meticulously shaped clay on a spinning wheel. The clay, representing an individual facing trials, endured the pressure and twists of the potter's hands. Though the process seemed arduous, the artisan skillfully molded the clay into a beautiful vessel. The trials, once seen as challenges, became the means through which the clay transformed into something valuable and refined.

In this parable, the potter's hands symbolize life's trials, and the clay represents the individual undergoing challenges. Just as the potter's hands transform the clay into a beautiful vessel, trials, when endured with patience and faith, can lead to personal refinement and blessings.

The parable emphasizes that, like the potter's molding hands, trials, when approached with faith and resilience, can shape individuals into vessels of strength, resilience, and beauty.

Analogy: The Butterfly's Struggle

Imagine observing a cocoon as a butterfly undergoes its transformation. As the time for emergence approaches, the struggle of the butterfly to break free is noticeable. Initially, one might see the struggle as a challenge, but it is through this very struggle that the butterfly gains the strength needed to fly. The trials of breaking through the cocoon become a blessing, enabling the butterfly to soar gracefully.

In this analogy, the butterfly's struggle symbolizes life's trials, and the emergence represents personal growth. Just as the butterfly's struggle becomes a blessing for its ability to fly, trials can be the means through which individuals develop strength and resilience.

The analogy underscores that, like the butterfly's struggle leading to the ability to soar, trials, when faced with determination and faith, can be transformative and ultimately become a source of blessings.

I can “liken all scriptures” to myself.

Engaging Questions:

1. Explore a specific verse or passage from 1 Nephi 16-22 that resonates with you. How can you personally liken the principles or teachings in that scripture to your own life and experiences?

2. Consider Nephi's actions and attitude during challenging times in 1 Nephi 16. In what ways can you emulate Nephi's faith and determination when facing difficulties in your life?

3. Discuss the concept of the Liahona as a compass or guide in 1 Nephi 16. How can you liken the Liahona to spiritual guidance in your life? How does the Lord provide direction and answers to your prayers, similar to the workings of the Liahona?

4. Reflect on the importance of murmuring and gratitude as portrayed in 1 Nephi 16:22. How can you apply the lesson of gratitude in your own life, especially during challenging or uncertain times?

5. Examine the symbolism of the broken bow in 1 Nephi 16:18. How can you liken the broken bow to situations in your life where unexpected challenges or setbacks occurred? How did you seek solutions and rely on the Lord during those times?

6. Discuss the prophecies and teachings of Isaiah found in 1 Nephi 20-22. How do these chapters apply to your understanding of the Savior and His role in your life?

7. Consider the Lord's invitation to "hearken unto me" in 1 Nephi 22:1. How can you personally heed this counsel in your daily life and seek to align your will with the Lord's will?

8. Explore the theme of redemption and deliverance found in 1 Nephi 22. How can you liken the promise of redemption to your own experiences of repentance and reliance on the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

9. Discuss the role of agency in 1 Nephi 22:26. How do you exercise your agency to choose the path that leads to happiness and eternal life?

10. Reflect on the overall messages of hope, repentance, and the Savior's love in 1 Nephi 22. How can these messages provide comfort and guidance in your own life, and how can you share them with others?

Object Lessons and Activities:

Object Lesson: Mirror Reflection

• Materials: Mirror

• Explanation: Discuss the idea of scripture as a mirror reflecting our lives.

• Activity: Participants look into the mirror while discussing how they can liken the scriptures to themselves and see reflections of their own experiences, challenges, and growth.

Activity: Personal Parables

• Participants share personal experiences that parallel or mirror stories from 1 Nephi 16-22. Discuss how their lives and the scriptures intersect.

Object Lesson: Puzzling Parables

• Materials: Puzzle pieces with scriptures and personal experiences written on them

• Explanation: Discuss how the scriptures and personal experiences are like puzzle pieces that fit together.

• Activity: Participants assemble a puzzle, matching scripture verses with personal experiences, emphasizing the principle of likening.

Activity: Scripture Journaling

• Provide journals or notebooks.

• Participants write about how specific scriptures from 1 Nephi 16-22 relate to their own lives. Encourage regular scripture journaling.

Object Lesson: Building Blocks of Application

• Materials: Building blocks with scripture references and application scenarios

• Explanation: Discuss how the scriptures provide building blocks for life application.

• Activity: Participants build structures with the blocks, incorporating scripture references and personal applications.

Activity: Musical Reflection

• Participants choose a scripture passage from 1 Nephi 16-22 and find or create a song that resonates with its message. Discuss the connections between the scripture and the song.

Object Lesson: Seeds of Personal Growth

• Materials: Seeds and small plant pots

• Explanation: Discuss how scriptures are like seeds that can grow in our lives.

• Activity: Participants plant seeds while discussing specific scriptures and principles from 1 Nephi 16-22 that have the potential to grow and shape their personal growth.

Activity: Role-Playing Lessons

• Participants engage in role-playing scenarios that reflect situations from the scriptures. Discuss the lessons learned and how they can be applied in real-life situations.

Object Lesson: Kaleidoscope of Lessons

• Materials: Kaleidoscope or colored filters

• Explanation: Discuss how the scriptures provide a variety of lessons and perspectives.

• Activity: Participants use the kaleidoscope while discussing different insights gained from 1 Nephi 16-22 and how they can apply these perspectives in their lives.

Activity: Testimony Sharing

• Participants share personal testimonies of how principles from 1 Nephi 16-22 have impacted their lives. Discuss the diversity of experiences and applications.

Parable: The Gardener's Reflection

In a lush garden filled with diverse flowers, a diligent gardener perused an ancient book containing the wisdom of horticulture. As the gardener read, they realized that each piece of advice and every lesson could be applied to their own garden. Through the process of "likening" the ancient wisdom to their present circumstances, the gardener transformed their garden into a flourishing masterpiece, drawing inspiration from the timeless principles found in the ancient book.

In this parable, the gardener represents an individual seeking personal growth, and the ancient book symbolizes scriptures. Just as the gardener applies the timeless wisdom to their garden, individuals can "liken" scriptures to their own lives, finding guidance and principles that lead to personal flourishing.

The parable emphasizes that, like the gardener drawing inspiration from ancient wisdom, individuals can find practical and meaningful guidance in scriptures when applied to their own circumstances.

Analogy: The Puzzle Solver

Imagine a person engrossed in solving a complex puzzle. Each piece, with its unique shape and color, represents a verse or passage from scriptures. The challenge lies in fitting these pieces together to reveal the complete picture. As the person connects the puzzle pieces, they recognize the beauty and coherence of the whole image, realizing how each piece contributes to the masterpiece.

In this analogy, the puzzle solver symbolizes an individual exploring scriptures, and the puzzle pieces represent verses and passages. Just as the person discerns the complete picture by connecting puzzle pieces, individuals can find personal insights and guidance by "likening" scriptures to their own lives.

The analogy underscores that, like the puzzle solver discovering the beauty of the complete image, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of life's complexities by applying the principles found in scriptures to their personal circumstances.

Heavenly Father can help me do difficult things

Engaging Questions:

1. In 1 Nephi 16, Nephi is commanded to obtain food in the wilderness. How does Nephi's experience illustrate how Heavenly Father can help us accomplish difficult tasks in challenging circumstances?

2. Nephi faces opposition from his brothers in 1 Nephi 16. How can seeking Heavenly Father's help empower us to navigate challenges that come from those around us?

3. 1 Nephi 17 describes Nephi's obedience in building a ship. How does this event demonstrate the role of Heavenly Father in assisting us in undertaking and completing seemingly impossible tasks?

4. Lehi's dream, discussed in 1 Nephi 8, involves a difficult journey through mists of darkness. How does Heavenly Father provide guidance and support during challenging and confusing times?

5. In 1 Nephi 19, Nephi emphasizes the Atonement of Jesus Christ. How can relying on Heavenly Father's help through the Atonement strengthen us when facing our own personal difficulties and sins?

6. Nephi prophesies about the scattering and gathering of Israel in 1 Nephi 21-22. How does recognizing Heavenly Father's role in the gathering process inspire hope and determination in overcoming challenges?

7. 1 Nephi 22 discusses the fulfillment of God's promises. How does trusting in Heavenly Father's promises give us confidence and resilience in facing difficult circumstances?

8. Nephi's interactions with the Spirit in 1 Nephi 22:30 highlight the importance of heavenly guidance. How can seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost assist us in doing difficult things?

Object Lessons and Activities:

Origami Challenge:

• Provide paper and instructions for making origami figures.

• Discuss how folding paper into intricate shapes can be challenging, but with patience and guidance, it becomes possible.

• Participants can create origami figures as a symbol of Heavenly Father's help in overcoming difficulties.

Trust Fall Exercise:

• Set up a trust fall activity where participants take turns falling backward and trusting others to catch them.

• Discuss the importance of trust and how Heavenly Father can be relied upon during difficult times.

• Reflect on the experience and how trusting in Him can bring comfort and support.

Climbing a "Mountain" Together:

• Use a climbing wall or a simulated mountain setup.

• Discuss the challenges of climbing a mountain and relate it to life's difficulties.

• Participants can take turns climbing while others offer support, symbolizing Heavenly Father's assistance.

Team Building Puzzle:

• Provide a puzzle and divide participants into teams.

• Discuss how solving difficult puzzles requires teamwork and patience.

• Participants can work together to complete the puzzle, emphasizing the support provided by Heavenly Father in challenging situations.

Obstacle Course with Blindfolds:

• Create a simple obstacle course.

• Have participants navigate the course blindfolded, relying on verbal guidance from others.

• Discuss how Heavenly Father provides guidance even when we can't see the path clearly.

Scripture Sword and Shield:

• Provide materials for creating paper swords and shields.

• Discuss the metaphorical idea of using a spiritual sword and shield with Heavenly Father's help in facing difficult challenges.

• Participants can decorate their swords and shields with verses from 1 Nephi 16-22.

Personalized Prayer Rocks:

• Provide smooth stones and art supplies.

• Participants can write their difficulties on the stones and use them as a tangible reminder to pray for Heavenly Father's help.

• Discuss the power of prayer in facing challenges.

Journaling Journey Map:

• Provide journals and art supplies.

• Participants can create a map of their personal journey through difficult times, marking points where they felt Heavenly Father's help.

• Reflect on how these moments contributed to their growth and resilience.

Parable: The Climber's Ascent

In a towering mountain range, a courageous climber faced the daunting challenge of scaling a steep peak. As the climber gazed upward, the summit seemed distant and unreachable. Yet, in moments of weariness and uncertainty, a guide, unseen but ever present, offered encouragement and support. With each challenging step, the climber felt a strength beyond their own, helping them conquer the formidable ascent.

In this parable, the climber symbolizes an individual facing difficult tasks, and the unseen guide represents Heavenly Father offering assistance. Just as the climber receives support to overcome the challenging ascent, individuals can find strength from Heavenly Father to accomplish difficult things.

The parable emphasizes that, like the unseen guide aiding the climber, Heavenly Father's help can empower individuals to conquer daunting challenges.

Analogy: The Weaver's Loom

Envision a skilled weaver creating an intricate tapestry on a large loom. As the weaver faces the complexity of the task, threads may become entangled, and the pattern may seem intricate beyond measure. In these moments, the weaver, representing Heavenly Father, gently guides and supports the process. What initially appears difficult becomes a masterpiece when woven together with the patient and expert touch of the weaver.

In this analogy, the weaver and the loom symbolize Heavenly Father helping individuals navigate through challenging tasks. Just as the weaver's expertise brings order to complexity, Heavenly Father's assistance can turn difficult things into masterpieces of accomplishment.

The analogy underscores that, like the weaver guiding the threads, Heavenly Father's assistance can bring order and beauty to the challenges individuals face, making seemingly difficult tasks achievable with His help.