1 Nephi 17:15-21 (02/16/15)

Scripture study participants:  Dad, mom, Brandon, Kenyon, Shaylee, Jaron & Maycee 
Hymn:   I Hope They Call Me On A Mission
Prayer:  Mom


CLICK TO READ  1 Nephi 17:15-21

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1 Nephi 17:17

Q:   When did Laman and Lemuel start murmuring about building the ship? (Dad)
A:   "When Nephi was about to start building." (Shaylee)  "Yeah, notice that it didn't say they started to complain because Nephi asked them to help build it. Nephi just started working on building it without asking for their help yet they still murmured and mocked him anyway."  (Dad) 

1 Nephi 17:18

Q:   So why do you think that Laman and Lemuel did not believe Nephi could build a ship or that he was instructed of the Lord? (Dad)
A:   "Building a ship is really hard, and since they're older and couldn't build a ship they thought that Nephi wouldn't be able to either." (Shaylee)  "Interesting insight Shaylee. I'm sure their pride played a big part. Nephi also said that they didn't want to labor or work to build the ship. So the way not to have to work on the ship is to discourage Nephi not to build it."  (Dad)
 

1 Nephi 17:19

Q:   So why did Laman and Lemuel start to rejoice? (Dad)
A:   "Because Nephi was sad because of how wicked they were, and they thought he was sad because he didn't think he could build the ship." (Brandon)   "Yes, they were happy Nephi was discouraged and thought he gave up on building the ship."  (Dad)   "They don't want him doing stuff that they can't because they don't want him to be better than them."  (Mom)

1 Nephi 17:20

Q:   What did Laman and Lemuel say it would have been better if they had done what? (Dad)
A:    "To stay in Jerusalem." (Kenyon)  "They said it would have been better had they stayed and died in Jerusalem than to have suffered all of the afflictions they went through traveling in the wilderness."  (Dad)

1 Nephi 17:21

Q:   Why did they say it would have been better to have stayed in Jerusalem? (Dad)
A:    "They might have enjoyed their possessions." (Shaylee)  "Yes. It would be like us complaining that if we left our home to travel across the country complaining that we could have stayed at home playing video games and watching TV. So we need to be careful what we desire the most in our lives. If we don't put the Lord first, it doesn't matter what else it is that we desire more. It is worshipping a false god or idol and will end up keeping us from returning to our spiritual promised land."  (Dad)