3 Nephi 1-7 The Chosen People Choose Poorly

3 Nephi 1:16-19 Signs Verify Birth of Christ

The signs foretold by Samuel the Lamanite began to appear, announcing to the world that the Son of God was born. Have students find what those who did not believe the words of the prophets suddenly knew when they saw the signs.

3 Nephi 1:26-2:4 A Quick Fall from Righteousness

The signs of Christ's birth were given in the 92nd year of the reign of the judges. Have students read 3 Nephi 1:22-25 and summarize the qualities of the people. Compare those qualities to the circumstances of the 95th year of the reign of the judges (see 3 nephi 2:2-3). How could the affairs of the people change so quickly? What is the path that leads from good to evil so quickly?

3 Nephi 2:10-19 The Path from Good to Evil

Have students read 3 Nephi 2:10-19 and find key words that describe the fall of the Nephites. How do people follow that same path today?

3 Nephi 3:6-10 Recognizing Evil When It Appears

Giddianhi, the leader of the Gadianton robbers, wrote a letter to Lachoneus, the leader of the Nephites. Giddianhi was an evil man. But, the words he wrote make him seem good. Have students read these verses and find words and phrases that sound good but are truly evil. How can we recognize evil when we hear it today?

3 Nephi 3:21-26 Gaining Divine Protection

The Gadianton robbers were thieves and terrorists. Their goal was to destroy the Nephites and take all that they had. Gidgidonni was the commander of the armies of the Nephites. He is encouraged to go after the terrorists. But he does not. Have students read 3 Nephi 3:21-26 and make a list of all the things Gidgidonni asked the people to do to protect themselves from terrorists. How are these things like actions we can take to protect ourselves from sin?

3 Nephi 4:16 Gathering Together

The Nephites gathered together. They came together as a people and brought their food, animals and possessions with them. Have students read 3 Nephi 4:16 and describe the plan of the Gadianton robbers. Why would this plan fail? (See 3 Nephi 4:4.) What kinds of things can we do do fortify ourselves against people who want to cut us off from Christ and His doctrines?

3 Nephi 4:29-33 Songs of Celebration

When the battle against the Gadianton robbers ended, there was a great celebration. New songs were written and sung. Have students read 3 Nephi 4:29-33 and summarize the themes of these songs. Invite students to write poems to describe their feelings about the Redemption they have received through the Atonement of Christ.

3 Nephi 5:10-20 Mormon, the man

Mormon writes to all who will read his record in some future time. In verses 11-13, 16, 20 what important things do we learn about Mormon?

3 Nephi 5:24-26 Gathering again?

In 3 Nephi 4 we read about the gathering of the Nephites to protect them from the Gadianton robbers. How is that gathering like the gather that Mormon speaks about in 3 Nephi 5:24-26? Cross-reference: Articles of Faith 1:10; 2 Nephi 29:13-14.

3 Nephi 6:5 Memorization

Invite students to memorize one or more of the following passages: 3 Nephi 1:13-14; 3:20-21; 5:13; 6:5. Have students explain how the doctrines in these passages apply to their own lives.

3 Nephi 6:10-18 Another Fall?

The Nephites fall into apostasy again! Have students read 3 Nephi 6:10-18 and list all the activities the Nephites engaged in that led to apostasy. Why do people who are so blessed "wilfully rebel against God"?

3 Nephi 6:19-30 A Different Kind of Gathering

In these chapters we have read about the gathering of the Nephites to defend themselves against the Gadianton robbers. We have read about the gathering of Israel. 3 Nephi 6:19-30 speaks of a different kind of gathering. Have students read verses 21, 27-30 and describe the gathering spoken of. Why is this gathering evil?

3 Nephi 7:1-13 They Were Not Righteous

In 3 Nephi 7:11 we read that the Nephites "were not a righteous people." Have students read verses 1013 and find evidence that the Nephites were not righteous. How can we determine if we are righteous today?

3 Nephi 7:14-26 Another Great "Nephi"

These verses speak of a man named Nephi. His second-greatgrandfather was Alma the Younger. Invite students to review what type of person Alma the Younger was when we first read about him (see Mosiah 27:8). Have students read 3 Nephi 7:14-26 and describe in their own words the man called Nephi. Why was it important that Alma the Younger be converted to the Lord over a hundred years before this Nephi was born? What can we do to insure that generations born after us will be righteous?