Mormon 7

Take the following quiz to see what you remember about the prophet Mormon.

Answers are found at the end of the lesson.

1. How was Mormon described in his youth? (See Mormon 1:2.)

   1. He was an arms bearer in the Nephite army

   2. He was scared

   3. He was quick to observe

2. What did Mormon experience at the age of 15? (See Mormon 1:15.)

   1. He was visited of the Lord

   2. His preaching converted hundreds

   3. He was injured in battle

3. Approximately how much of the Book of Mormon was written or abridged by Mormon?

   1. 1/2

   2. 2/3

   3. 3/4

Mormon had the responsibility to abridge, write, and preserve the sacred scripture we now know as the Book of Mormon. Toward the end of his life, Mormon witnessed and participated in a great war between the Nephites and Lamanites. This war eventually cost Mormon his life (see Mormon 8:3). Prior to passing the sacred records to his son Moroni, Mormon wrote his final message to future readers of the Book of Mormon.

• As you reflect on Mormon’s life, experience, and testimony, what do you think he might write in his final message to future Book of Mormon readers? Why?

As you study Mormon 7, look at how Mormon’s message might be meaningful not only to people in the midst of a war but to people in any circumstance in life.

Read Mormon 7:2–7. Mark in your scriptures or list in your journal the things that Mormon wanted readers to know. Pay particular attention to what Mormon taught about Jesus Christ in verses 5–7.

Image

icon, record

1. Answer the following questions:

   • Why do you think Mormon may have felt these were important truths for us to know?

   • Which of these truths is most meaningful to you personally? Why?

   • Why is it essential to know “that ye are of the house of Israel” (Mormon 7:2)?

You may have noticed that as Mormon was surrounded by wickedness and war, he looked to the Resurrection and redemption of Jesus Christ. He taught that because of Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven of our sins and thus prepared to live with God in a state of happiness (see Mormon 7:7).

• What are some challenges or negative influences that surround you?

• How does a knowledge of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the potential for eternal happiness serve as a source of hope and strength in your life right now?

Knowing we can dwell with God in eternal happiness can provide us with great hope. To help us achieve this happiness, Mormon encouraged us to turn knowledge into action. This is indicated by his use of the word “therefore” in verse 8.

In your study journal, write the following incomplete statement: “I can live with God in a state of happiness as I …”

Read Mormon 7:8–10 and complete the statement by writing at least three actions that Mormon invites us to take. Note that in verse 9, “this” refers to the Book of Mormon and “that” refers to the Holy Bible.

Reflect on how well you are acting on Mormon’s counsel. Look at the following scale and rate yourself in each category (1 = never; 5 = almost always).

Image

scale 1 to 5 for each statement

Select one of Mormon’s invitations that you feel could help you seek the happiness available through Jesus Christ. Decide what you can do to act on that invitation and how it can help you focus on the Savior.

Answers to the quiz: 1) c; 2) a; 3) b (Words of Mormon–Mormon 7 and Moroni 7–9)