Jacob 1:6-8, 17-19 We Labored Diligently
In these verses, have students find the words “labor” and “diligence” in all their forms. What is it that Jacob and his associates did and why did they do it? Why must we labor diligently today?
Jacob 2:12-20 The Pride of Your Hearts
Ask students what caused the Nephites to be proud in their hearts (see verses 13, 16, and 20). What is it that causes people to have unrighteous pride today? Have students read verse 17 and explain how the ideas in this verse would help them overcome pride.
Jacob 2:23-35 They Shall Not Commit Whoredoms
Explain that some Nephites had more than one wife. Have students read verse 27-29 and have them state in their own words how the Lord feels about this kind of behavior. Verse 30 explains when the Lord allows men to have more than one wife. The living prophets have declared that the Lord does not want his children to have more than one wife. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “More than a century ago God clearly revealed unto His prophet Wilford Woodruff that the practice of plural marriage should be discontinued, which means that it is now against the law of God. Even in countries where civil or religious law allows polygamy, the Church teaches that marriage must be monogamous and does not accept into its membership those practicing plural marriage” (Ensign, November 1998, page 70).
Jacob 3:3-10 Repent and Remember
Jacob said that the pure in heart will receive the word of God (see Jacob 3:2).
Have students find the word “repent” in verses 3-8 and ask them what Jacob taught about repentance. Have students find the word “remember” in verses 9-10 and ask them what Jacob wanted his people to remember. How can repenting and remembering help us come closer to Christ today?
Jacob 4:1-13 Things as They Really Are
In these verses the word “Wherefore” is the first word several times. Remind students that the word wherefore is a summary word. It suggests that the words that come before are leading to the words that come after. For example, Jacob 4:6 says, “Wherefore, we search the prophets.” Somewhere before verse 4 this question is answered, “Why did Jacob search the prophets?” If you read verse 3 you can find the answer. Have students answer these questions by looking in the verse that comes before:
Jacob 4:6 Why did Jacob search the prophets?
Jacob 4:7 Why did Jacob tell the Nephites not to despise the revelations of God?
Jacob 4:10 Why did Jacob tell the Nephites not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand?
Jacob 4:11 Why did Jacob tell the Nephites to be reconciled to Christ through His atonement?
Jacob 4:13 How can the Holy Ghost speak of things as they really are, and as they really will be?
Jacob 4:14-18 Rejecting the Sure Foundation
These verses explain that the Jews will reject Jesus as the Messiah, or the “stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation” (Jacob 4:15). Have students read verse 14 and explain why the Jews would reject the Savior. Why do people today reject the Lord as their sure foundation?
