Jarom 1

(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

As we obey the commandments of God, we will prosper.

1-15. Have you ever wondered if or how the Lord would fulfill His promise to bless you for keeping His commandments? When has the Lord blessed or prospered you for keeping His commandments? What are you able to testify about the Lord and His promises?

"I learned that God's promises are not always fulfilled as quickly as or in the way we might hope; they come according to His timing and in His ways. Years later I could see clear evidence of the temporal blessings that come to those who obey the Word of Wisdom—in addition to the spiritual blessings that come immediately from obedience to any of God’s laws. Looking back, I know for sure that the promises of the Lord, if perhaps not always swift, are always certain." - Dieter F Uchtdorf, GC, April 2010

1. How did Jarom feel about doing genealogy?

2. How important does Jarom esteem the doctrine of the Plan of Salvation to be? How does the plan of salvation encompass ALL the doctrines of the gospel? Is there more you can do to understand and appreciate the plan of Salvation?

"Truly, of all the errors mortals could make, God’s plan of salvation is the wrong thing to be wrong about! No error could be more enormous or more everlasting in its consequences!" - Neal A Maxwell, GC, April 1984

3. How well do those who are hardened, deaf, blind and stiffnecked receive the word of God? How do each of these things represent spiritual sickness? Do any of those conditions ever prevent you from learning and understanding by the Spirit about the doctrines of Christ? How can you overcome such conditions of the heart?

4. How does overcoming spiritual sickness help you receive revelation and inspiration in your life? What blessing do you receive if you have faith and communion with the Spirit? Ponder upon the revelation you have received in your life. What can you do to hear the voice of the Lord? How can you see and recognize the Lord's mercy in your life?

5-10. Why did the Nephites prosper? How might each reason in these verses help you and your family to prosper and be successful?

5. What commandments did Jarom specifically mention? Of these commandments, how many of them do you see being broken on a regular basis in our society? How does your keeping of the commandments convey your love for your Father in Heaven to others?

6. How did the lifestyle of the Lamanites differ from that of the Nephites? Do you ever feel like trying to live righteously is vastly different from those who choose to live wickedly? When there is such a difference between the two, how is it that people can turn from righteousness to wickedness so quickly? Is there anything in your heart or in your actions that might indicate a shift away from righteousness? If so what can you do to make sure that you are firmly standing for righteousness and truth in ALL things/

7. To what does Jarom attribute the Nephites ability to conquer their enemies in war? Do you find it interesting that he does not mention skill with a sword or anything like it to be the reason for their victory? What do you have that helps you conquer your enemies, your spiritual challenges?

8. What things were the Nephites blessed with for their righteousness? How did these things help them prepare to meet their enemies when wars broke out? How can your worldly possessions help you to face your enemies and be spiritually prepared to meet them?

9. How did the Nephites realize the promise of the Lord to Lehi, when he was told that if they would keep the commandments they would prosper? Is this promise in force today? How has the Lord prospered you for choosing to live righteously?

10-12. What would have been the result of not following the prophets? What was the result for obedience (See Mosiah 2:41)?

"I know of no other writing which sets forth with such clarity the tragic consequences to societies that follow courses contrary to the commandments of God. Its pages trace the stories of two distinct civilizations that flourished on this Western Hemisphere. Each began as a small nation, its people walking in the fear of the Lord. But with prosperity came growing evils. The people succumbed to the wiles of ambitious and scheming leaders who oppressed them with burdensome taxes, who lulled them with hollow promises, who countenanced and even encouraged loose and lascivious living, who led them into terrible wars that resulted in the death of millions and the final and total extinction of two great civilizations in two different eras. No other written testament so clearly illustrates the fact that when men and nations walk in the fear of God and in obedience to his commandments, they prosper and grow, but when they disregard him and his word, there comes a decay that, unless arrested by righteousness, leads to impotence and death. " - Gordon B Hinckley, Ensign, June 1988, 5

10. What role did the prophets play in assisting the people to remain true to their God? How do the prophets assist you today as you seek to strengthen your faith and be obedient in all things? What specific counsel have the prophets given that has helped you to avoid the pitfalls and snares of the adversary?

11. Why do you think we need prophets and priesthood leaders today? What did the prophets teach the Nephite people regarding the law of Moses? How did this help prepare them for the eventual coming of the Savior to the world? How do you think that understanding the law of Moses and its symbolism of Christ, helped the people effect the Atonement in their own lives? How has the Atonement affected your life?

12. How were the prophets a protection to the people of Nephi? How are the prophets a protection to you today?

13. What things filled the Nephite history? How much of your time is spent disagreeing, criticizing or judging others? How is this tendency a reflection of what Jarom summarizes as wars and contentions and dissensions which filled much of their history?