3 Nephi 14: The Sermon at the Temple, Part 3

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 167

Have you known someone who seemed to feel that membership in the Church was important but that keeping all of the commandments was really not required or expected? In 3 Nephi 14, which is similar to Matthew 7, Jesus Christ gave specific counsel to those who claim to be His followers but do not keep His commandments.

Understanding the Scriptures

3 Nephi 14

Measure ye mete (v. 2)Standard you measure or judge by
Mote (vv. 3–5)Small sliver or speck
Beam (vv. 3–5)Large piece of wood
Swine (v. 6)Pigs
Rend (v. 6)Tear
The law and the prophets (v. 12)The meaning of the law of Moses and the teachings of the Old Testament prophets
Strait (vv. 13–14)Narrow, strict
Ravening (v. 15)Symbolic statement about people who are predators, who exploit and victimize others to satisfy their own desires
Profess (v. 23)Say
Work iniquity (v. 23)Do wicked things

Studying the Scriptures

Do one of the following activities (A–C) as you study 3 Nephi 14.

Activity A iconHow Would You Respond?

Jesus’s commandment in 3 Nephi 14:1–5 (or Matthew 7:1–5) is often misunderstood and even misused. For example, imagine that a friend invited you to participate in an activity that you knew was against the Lord’s standards. Your friend quotes Matthew 7:1–5 and says that if you disapprove then you are judging him and others, and that is not what a Christian should do. Write what you think the Savior would have you say. In his inspired translation of the King James Bible, the Prophet Joseph Smith clarified the Savior’s teaching, that we must “judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged; but judge righteous judgment” (JST, Matthew 7:2; 3 Nephi 14:15–20 and Moroni 7:14–19 might also be of help).

Activity B iconPrayers and Answers

  1. 1.

    What do you learn about Heavenly Father from Jesus Christ’s teachings in 3 Nephi 14:7–11?

  2. 2.

    Based on what these verses teach, what would Heavenly Father do if you asked for bread or a fish? Would He give you something harmful? What would your parents do?

  3. 3.

    Write about a time when you were thankful Heavenly Father did not give you what you thought you wanted. Explain why and how that experience might help you in future prayers and requests.

  4. 4.

    From what you learn in 3 Nephi 18:20; Doctrine and Covenants 50:28–29; 88:64–65, summarize how our Heavenly Father answers our requests.

Activity C iconWrite Your Own Questions

Write at least three important and meaningful questions people often have that can be answered in 3 Nephi 14:13–27. Give the answers from scriptures.

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