Mormon 2

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

Mormon leads the Nephite armies and sorrows over their wickedness. If our sorrow for sins is unto repentance, it will lead us to come unto Christ with a humble heart. Sorrow only for the consequences of sin leads to damnation for being stopped in our progress toward eternal life. We can choose to live righteously even in our weekend society.

1-2. How would you describe conditions at this time? What responsibility was Mormon given and how old was he when he received it? Why do you think Mormon accepted the call to lead the Nephites at a time like this?

3. What caused the Nephite armies to be frightened?

4. What did the Nephites do to protect themselves from their enemies? Why were their fortifications ineffective? What fortifications do you have against spiritual enemies? Is it superficial or strong and enduring? What can you do to strengthen it more?

5-6. What do you think the Nephites felt like as they were driven about upon the land? Have you ever been pushed around by your enemies? Do you have spiritually weakening habits or activities that drive you hither and thither? How does it feel to be enslaved by sin?

7. Why were the Nephites trying to get their people gathered together in one place? What strength do we find against our enemies when we are gathered in unity?

8. How does this verse help us understand why the Nephites were being driven by the Laminates?

9. How does this verse help you understand the magnitude of the wars and bloodshed that took place in Mormons day?

10. What inspired the Nephites to repent?

11. What was the feeling among he Nephites? What were they mourning for? Have you ever had a person express to you sorrow for something they do, yet in the very same breath express a desire to maintain that habit?

12. Why do you think that Mormon was thrilled that his people were lamenting and mourning?

13. What was the source of the sorrowing of the people?

14. How did Mormon know that the sorrow of the people was not an indication of true repentance? What difference do you see between the sorrow the Nephites felt and the sorrow that Alma the younger felt? What specifically was Alma sorry for? What specifically were the Nephites sorry for? How does this help explain why the Nephites did not repent and Alma did?

"Alma the younger certainly understood that easy and painless sorrow was not a sufficient basis for repentance. His experience, related in detail in the Book of Mormon, is our best scriptural illustration of the fact that the process of repentance is filled with personal suffering for sin. Alma said that after he was stopped in his wicked course, how was in the darkest abyss, racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins... All of our personal experience confirms the fact that we must endure personal suffering in the repentance process - and for serious transgressions, that suffering can be severe and prolonged." -Dallin H Oaks, Ensign, July 1992

15. How might someone who has sinned show worldly sorrow - the kind of sorrow that leads to damnation? How do you respond when you realize you have made mistakes or sinned? Do you come unto the Savior with a humble heart or do you turn away and curse him for your misery?

"Very frequently people think they have repented and are worthy of forgiveness when all they have done is to express sorrow or regret at the unfortunate happening, but their repentance is barely started. Until they have begun to make changes in their lives, transformation in their habits, and to add new thoughts to their minds, to be sorry is only a bare beginning." - Spencer W Kimball, New Era, January 1996

16. The Nephites fled before the Lamanites in such haste that it was impossible to stop them. Have you ever blindly moved forward without heeding the advice or counsel of The Lord? If The Lord were to seek to direct you, would you be brave enough to stop and listen and then act?

17. Even among all the chaos that existed, Mormon did not forget his commitment to care for and keep the Nephite records. Are you as committed to keeping the commands that The Lord has given you as Mormon was in fulfilling his responsibilities? Are there areas I which you can improve?

18. To what degree had wickedness and abomination covered the land?

19. How did Mormon feel about the wickedness that was upon the land? How do you feel when others sin? How does knowing The Lord will strengthen and sustain you in righteousness help you to endure through such trials? From what you have learned about Mormon, why do you think he was confident that he would be lifted up at the last day? Think of a specific area in your life in which you can be more determined to stand for what is right. Record this goal and place it where you can work on it every day.  What did Mormon have hope in? How can this same hope give you strength as you face difficult times in your life?

"You are responsible for the choices you make. God is mindful of you and will help you make good choices, even if your family and friends use their agency in ways that are not right. Have the moral courage to stand firm in obeying God's will, even if you have to stand alone. As you do this, you set an example for others to follow." -For the Strength of Youth Booklet [2011]

20-25. What do you think Mormon counselled the Nephites to do as they faced yet another battle with the Lamanites? How did his words strengthen them?

26. Even though they won their battle, how could Mormon tell that the strength of the Lord was not with them? How have they become like their brethren the Lamanites? How does sin and wickedness weaken you?

27. Even though Mormons heart was heavy over the abominations of the people, why do you think that he continued to help and lead them in battle?

28. In what way did they establish peace in the land? Was it the Lords peace? How did their own wickedness prevent them from having the Lords peace? Do you have the Lords peace in your life?

29. How did dividing the land prevent further battles? Are there things you can give up to avoid contention with others in your life?