2 Nephi 28

(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.)

The Book of Mormon exposes the false ideas of the devil and strengthens us against his evil designs. Satan uses many tactics to try to overpower us, such as by stirring us up to anger, pacifying us and lulling us and flattering us.

1-32. what have you learned from this chapter that will help you overcome Satan's tactics? What are some places, activities, or attitudes you want to avoid so you are not exposed to Satan's influence? What are some of the warning signs this chapter helps you recognize of spiritual danger?

1-19. How do the warnings contained in the Book of Mormon help you avoid influences that are harmful to your spirit?

"The Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon are similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat the false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time." - Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, January 1988

1. How does the witness of the Spirit of God help you proceed with confidence in life?

2. How highly do you value the things recorded in the scriptures?

3. Why is it so confusing to have such a vast number of churches proclaiming to be of The Lord?

4. How does the contention between the churches of the world help one determine if they are based on the fullness of the gospel of Christ? Why might a church criticize and turn from another church? Is this behavior of God or from another source? How can the Holy Spirit help one determine and know of the truthfulness of the church?

5. Do the churches of the world believe that God still speaks to his children on the earth today? Why or why not? What logic is there in believing that God would turn his back on His children when all through the ages he has sent prophets to declare repentance to all people?

6. Have miracles ceased to exist? Why is faith necessary to be the recipient of a miracle? What miracles have you experienced in your life?

7-8. How does Satan try to make you think that his way of doing things will bring you happiness? How does Satan seek to tempt you with his views? Through what medium are his temptations often delivered? How does Satan want you to feel? Through what means does the Lord promote those things that he has counseled us to do? How does the Lord want you to feel? What difference do you see between the fun that Satan offers and the joy that Heavenly Father has promised you?

"For the most part, Satan has made great strides in establishing and selling his value system, which is based upon the son of man, not the Son of God: “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die” (2 Nephi 28:7) and “There is no hell” (2 Nephi 28:22). His is a value system based upon selfishness, self-indulgence, and immediate gratification. Thus we see devastating decisions constantly being made by those of your age. We see cultures infested with drugs, sex, alcohol, pornography, laziness, and many other spiritually devastating practices. But that does not have to be you." - Richard C Edgley, CES Fireside, November 3, 2002

"I wish to say in the strongest language of which I am capable, stay away from moral iniquity. You know what is right and wrong. You cannot use ignorance as an excuse for unacceptable behavior. . . ." - Gordon B Hinckley, GC, October 2002

"It should come as no surprise that one of the adversary’s tactics in the latter days is stirring up hatred among the children of men. He loves to see us criticize each other, make fun or take advantage of our neighbor’s known flaws, and generally pick on each other. The Book of Mormon is clear from where all anger, malice, greed, and hate come." - Marvin J Ashton, GC, April 1992

7-9. What is the folly of believing that we can eat, drink and be merry (or sin against God) and yet reap little or no consequences for our behavior? How is this view of God cynical and shallow? How would you define the phrase 'premeditated repentance'? What is the folly of premeditated repentance? How are these attitudes and teachings of the world the products of pride? What can you do to guard against them?

"All of our covenants must not only be received through ordinances, but to be eternal, must also be sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise.This divine stamp of approval is placed upon our ordinances and covenants only through faithfulness. The false idea of so-called premeditated repentance involves an element of deception, but the Holy Spirit of Promise cannot be deceived." - James E Faust, GC, October 2000

8-9. What does the phrase 'a few stripes' mean? Read Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-20. Is 'a few stripes' an accurate description of what our punishment will be like if we do not repent? Why is the idea of paying for your own sins a false, vain, and foolish doctrine?

10-15. What does pride found in the congregation of worshipers cause them to care most about? What should good Christian Saints be the most concerned about? How far down the list do education, wealth, and prestige come into play?
15.What do you think 'wo, wo, wo' means? (This triple wo is only found in three other places in scripture) Why is it important to pay attention to what the Lord is talking about when he uses the word 'wo'?
16. What examples have you seen in your life of behavior or attitudes that discredit the value of righteousness as being of no worth?

"Good returns good. Evil returns evil. You govern yourself by subjecting yourself to the discipline of law. If you are obedient to God’s law, you remain free. You progress and are perfected. If you are disobedient to God’s law, you bind yourself to that which restricts your progress. You become defiled and unworthy to be an associate with those who are more clean and pure." - William R Bradford, GC, October 1979

20. Why will the hearts of men be fooled into being angry over that which is good? How can you guard yourself against this malady? How does Satan use anger to deceive and destroy individuals, families, and communities?
20-25. What tactics of the devil are exposed in these verses? After identifying them, ponder your experiences. Have you ever observed these attitudes and beliefs in others? In yourself?
21. What does the word pacify mean? What is the danger of allowing Satan to calm, lull, or put you spiritually to sleep? What methods that Satan used to try to pacify and lead you into his power? What are some examples that you have seen of how some people have been pacified and become blinded to the dangers of Satan?

"We cannot say we will so a few wild oats in our youth or that we will just dabble a little around the fringes of sin. There are no fringes of sin. Every act, good or bad, has a consequence. Every good act improves our ability to do good and more firmly stand against sin or failure. Every transgression, regardless of how minor, makes us more susceptible to Satan's influence the next time he tempts us. Satan takes us an inch at a time, deceiving us as to the consequences of so-called minor sins until he captures us in major transgressions. Nephi describes this technique as one of pacifying, lulling, and flattering us away until Satan grasps us with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance." Richard C Edgley, GC, October 1994

22. What is the danger of doubting the existence of spiritual crocodiles when you can't see them?

"Those ahead of you in life have probed about the waterholes a bit and raise a voice of warning about crocodiles. Not just the big, gray lizards that can bite you to pieces, but spiritual crocodiles, infinitely more dangerous, and more deceptive and less visible, even than those well-camouflaged reptiles of Africa. These spiritual crocodiles can kill or mutilate your souls. They can destroy your peace of mind and the peace of mind of those who love you. Those are the ones to be warned against, and there is hardly a watering place in all of mortality now that is not infested with them." – Boyd K Packer, GC, April 1976

28. How do you build upon the rock? What is the difference between a rock foundation and a sandy foundation? How is trusting in the Savior like building upon a foundation of rock, a foundation of security?

30-32. Why does God call some people blessed? How will harkening to God's counsel hope you overcome the Devils tactics?
30. How does the Lord bless us? Why do you think that He blesses little by little, a little at a time? How can you ensure that you are ready to receive knowledge and wisdom from Him? What promise does he give to those who choose to receive His wisdom?
32. What is the Lord saying when he says that he will lengthen out his arm all the day long? How does this make your feel - especially when you make mistakes?