Helaman 6: Prosperity Leads to Wickedness … Again!

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 148–149

In Helaman 6 we read about some of the effects of the mission of Nephi and Lehi among the people—especially among the Lamanites. There was much peace and prosperity. However, it is often easier to forget the Lord in times of peace and prosperity. When people focus on the temptations of this world, Satan can gain great power over them. One of his most effective tools is secret combinations. Secret combinations thrive where there is selfishness, greed, and hunger for power. This chapter records how Satan and secret combinations gained great power among the Nephites again. What can we learn from this? Read carefully to see what Mormon and the Lord wanted us to understand so we will not make those same errors and fall under the power of the adversary.

Understanding the Scriptures

Helaman 6

Impenitent (v. 2)Unrepentant, not sorry for wrongdoings
Exhort (v. 4)Encourage, urge
Intercourse (v. 8)Trade, communication
Flourish (v. 12)Prosper, succeed
Plunder (vv. 17–18, 21, 23)Take from another by force or violence
Entice (v. 26)Make something look desirable, tempt
Seduced (v. 38)Lured to disobedience
Spoils (v. 38)Stolen riches

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–D) as you study Helaman 6.

Activity A iconFind Important Phrases

  1. 1.

    Helaman 6:31 teaches us that Satan had taken hold upon the hearts of “the more part” of the Nephites. He did not, and cannot, force them to be in his power. Find at least two phrases that describe how he was able to obtain power over the hearts of the Nephites. Write them in your notebook.

  2. 2.

    What can you do to keep Satan from taking hold upon your heart? You may consider some of the principles you learned in Helaman 5 as part of your answer.

Activity B iconThink of a Question

In your notebook make a chart similar to the one below, containing phrases from Helaman 6:21–31. Think of a question that can be answered by the phrase provided. The first item is an example to help you get started.

Helaman 6

Answer

Question

v. 21

Satan

Who inspires the leaders of secret combinations?

v. 22

“That they might distinguish a brother who had entered into the covenant”

v. 26

Gadianton

v. 28

“Entire destruction”

v. 30

“The author of all sin”

v. 31

“Trample under their feet”

Activity C iconWhat Can You Do?

  1. 1.

    List what Helaman 6:17–40 teaches about secret combinations. Note the verses where you found each item on your list.

  2. 2.

    Based on Helaman 6, make another list of three things you could do to help prevent or eliminate secret combinations and their evil effects from your society. Give a reference from Helaman 6 (or some other reference in the scriptures) for each idea you find.

Activity D iconMake a Comparison

In your notebook, make a chart similar to the following to compare the condition of the Nephites with the condition of the Lamanites at the end of Helaman 6. For each verse listed from Helaman 6, write what it reveals about the condition of either the Nephites or the Lamanites. Some verses give information about only one of the groups.

Nephites

Helaman 6

Lamanites

v. 34

v. 35

v. 36

v. 37

v. 38

v. 39

v. 40

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