This week the lesson will focus on the story of Nephi getting the Plates of Brass. There are two strong points taught in this story. The first that you can accomplish anything that the Lord wants you to, if you trust in Him. The second is the importance of the scriptures. You can cover both of these points or choose one to focus on.
You should begin the lesson by reviewing the story of Nephi retrieving the Brass Plates. You can do this by reading 1 Nephi 3 and 4. If you have young children you may want to use the scripture story found here. After you have reviewed the story you may want to take the time to contrast the behavior of Nephi with his brothers Laman and Lemuel. Ask your children how they acted differently? Did Laman and Lemuel trust the Lord the same way? Did the Lord help Nephi? How was Nephi blessed because he trusted the Lord? You may want to share personal experiences of when you trusted the Lord and you were blessed. Then you should ask your children why it was so important for them to get the brass plates. Why is it important to have the scriptures? What can you do to improve your scripture study? If you do not study the scriptures as a family, now would be a great time to set up a time with your children to begin studying every day. You may also want to talk about the steps to great personal scripture study. You should end by bearing your testimony about the things that you taught.
If you have children in Primary, you may want to use this word search about the story. This coloring page can be made into a booklet to remind your children of the story. This Sharing Time activity discusses personal scripture study. The activity in it is aimed at older children (that can read) and introduces them to the tools to help them study the scriptures.
If you have youth you may want to use “Because We Have Them Before Our Eyes” and “How Rare a Possession—The Scriptures” to supplement your discussion on scripture study. If you are focusing on trusting the Lord “Choose a Bright Future” and “The Faith of a Sparrow” are great articles to use. You can also challenge your youth to be courageous in times of trial or to begin studying the scriptures on their own.
If you are teaching primarily adults “The Plates of Brass: A Witness of Christ” is a great article about the importance of Nephi’s mission to retrieve the plates. “Latter Day Prophets Speak: The Scriptures” and “A Discussion on Scripture Study” are good articles to supplement your discussion on scripture study. “Trust in the Lord” and “Tears, Trials, Trust, Testimony” would be great to use as you discuss trusting the Lord. You may want to open the lesson for discussion to allow other people to share their faith building experiences.
You can use “Nephi’s Courage” p 120, “Search, Ponder and Pray” p 109 and “Faith” p 96 from “The Children’s Songbook” for an opening or closing song. “Dearest Children, God Is Near You” p 96 and “As I Search the Holy Scriptures” p 277 from “Hymns” would work as well. Do not forget to have an activity as well as refreshments!
Related Articles:
Scripture Study and Small Children
Trust in the Lord