Alma 36-39 Alma Counsels His Sons

Alma 36:1-24 Alma’s Deliverance from Sin
This series of verses is essentially Alma’s report of his conversion. It appears to have been written down and included in the plates that were preserved by Alma and abridged by Mormon. What is there in these verses that show God’s mercy toward Alma? Why do you suppose the Lord would show such mercy to Alma when others who had tried to destroy the church of God had not been dealt with so mercifully? How has the Lord shown mercy to you?

Alma 36:25-30 Alma’s Continued Deliverance
Discuss all the ways that the Lord continued to watch over Alma after his conversion. Review Alma’s life. What has he done to merit this special attention from the Lord? What evidence is there that the Lord has not removed hardship from his life? Where can you see the blessings of the Lord amid the hardships of your own life?

Alma 37:1-7 The Records
Find the words “records” and “plates” in these verses. What are the adjectives that are used to describe the plates? These records eventually became the scriptures we read today. They are the “small and simple” things God has preserved for us. Why are they a blessing to us today?

Alma 37:8-20 Things to Remember
In these verses, Alma speaks of mysteries and memories and things to remember. What does he want his son, Helaman, to remember? Why would he want him to remember these things? What things should you remember?

Alma 37:21-31 Secret Works of Darkness
The Lord saw that the people began to work in “darkness and abominations.” What did the Lord teach Alma about secret works of darkness? How are the Lord’s words concerning persons who think they are sinning in secret being fulfilled today?

Alma 37:32-37 Overcoming Works of Darkness
Alma teaches Helaman how to overcome the affects of secret works of darkness. What are we to preach? What are we to remember? What should our relationship be with the Lord? Have students memorize Alma 37:37.

Alma 37:38-47 How to Read Scripture
In these verses, Alma gives us a small glimpse of how he reads the scriptures. He takes a literal event from the past – the voyage of Lehi from Jerusalem to the Promised Land – and looks at it allegorically, or symbolically. The event is real, but it is spoken of as if it were symbolism. He speaks of the Liahona, the wilderness, faith, and deliverance. Read these verses and explain how Alma applied the scriptures to his own life and to the life of Helaman.

Alma 38:1-15 I Shall Have Great Joy in You
Alma’s counsel to his son, Shiblon, is divided into three categories: first, commendation (verses 1-4); second, testimony (verses 5-9), and third, direction (verses 10-15). Pick one thing out of each category that you feel would be important for your children to know. Compare Alma’s testimony to Shiblon (verses 5-9) with the testimony he bore to Helaman (Alma 36:4-30). How are they the same? How are they different? Why are they different?

Alma 39:1-16 You Cannot Hide Your Crimes
Alma’s third son, Corianton, made terrible mistakes when he served as a missionary. Alma’s counsel to him is different from that given to Helaman and Shiblon. Alma’s words may be divided again into three categories: first, condemnation (verses 1-4); second, doctrine (verses 5-8); and finally, exhortation (verses 9-16). What are the most important principles taught in each category? What lessons can we learn from Alma’s approach to dealing with a child who has made serious mistakes?