Alma Teaches Shiblon – Alma 38

Setting

After leading a mission to the Zoramites, Alma the Younger returned to Zarahemla. Having either visited or sent representatives to every city, and finding that many people were not receptive to his message, he became discouraged. He turned his attention to his family and taught his three sons: Helaman, Shiblon, and Corianton (Alma 35:15-16).

Purpose

Alma was pleased with Shiblon’s steadiness and faithfulness during the mission to the Zoramites. His purpose in teaching Shiblon was to encourage him to remain faithful, and to warn him of some dangers he might face, including pride and self-righteousness.

Outline

1. If you keep the commandments, you will prosper (Alma 38:1).
2. You have been faithful and diligent from a young age. You have served faithfully among the Zoramites, including enduring persecution with patience (Alma 38:2-4).
3. If you trust God, He will deliver you from your trials, troubles, and afflictions (Alma 38:5).
4. I know this because I was saved by the Lord Jesus Christ (Alma 38:6-9).
5. Advice to Shiblon (Alma 38:10-15):
   1. Continue to teach diligently (Alma 38:10).
   2. Don’t be proud or boastful (Alma 38:11).
   3. Don’t be overbearing (Alma 38:12).
   4. Bridle all your passions (Alma 38:12).
   5. Refrain from idleness (Alma 38:12).
   6. Don’t pray like the Zoramites. Acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times (Alma 38:13-14).
   7. Be sober (Alma 38:15).

My Takeaways

It’s important to be faithful in obeying God’s commandments. However, there is a danger that righteousness will lead to self-righteousness. If this happens, we will lose the humility which invites God’s saving power into our lives. Therefore, when we are doing well spiritually, we must maintain an awareness of our weakness and of our ongoing need for the saving power that can only come through Jesus Christ. We must continue to work hard, avoid boasting, and treat other people with respect and love.

I will respond to Alma’s words by avoiding self-righteousness in any form. I will be grateful that God has helped me to accomplish meaningful things, and I will remember that I must continue to humbly rely on His help.

Blog Posts About Alma Teaching Shiblon

• The Pharisee and the Publican (5/13/2023)
• God Gave Them Knowledge (11/1/2022)
• “Not for Thy Righteousness” (5/25/2022)
• Quail (5/13/2022)
• “The Lord Bless Thee, and Keep Thee” (5/10/2022)
• Heavenly Help (2/22/2022)
• The Living Christ and the Book of Mormon (12/26/2021)
• Endure in Faith (6/8/2021)
• Rashly (11/5/2020)
• Alma’s Advice to Shiblon (7/23/2020)
• What Is a “Remission” of Your Sins? (4/23/2020)
• How Does the Savior Bring Us Peace? (12/25/2019)
• Why Did Ammon Consider Himself Unworthy to Baptize? (12/18/2019)
• What Is Wisdom? (12/13/2019)
• How Should I Express Gratitude? (11/30/2019)
• What Does It Mean to “Refrain from Idleness?” (11/3/2019)
• Why Is Steadiness Important? (11/2/2019)
• What Does It Mean to Be “Temperate in All Things?” (11/1/2019)
• How Can I Teach the Gospel More Effectively in My Home? (9/16/2019)
• How Can I Be Bold Without Being Overbearing? (9/12/2019)
• What Does It Mean to Be Saved “In and Through” the Grace of God? (8/27/2019)
• How Can I Find Peace? (7/23/2019)
• What Is the Significance of God’s Promise to Nephi? (7/19/2019)
• How Can I Be a Better Father? (6/17/2019)
• What Does It Mean to Be “Temperate in All Things?” (5/18/2019)
• How Can I Be Bold Without Being Overbearing? (5/17/2019)
• What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Being an Effective Parent? (5/15/2019)
• What Does It Mean to “Bridle All Your Passions?” (5/5/2019)
• What Does It Mean to Be Sober? (4/20/2019)
• What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Patience? (4/11/2019)
• What Does It Mean to Be “Long-Suffering?” (3/1/2019)
• If I Had Not Been Born of God – Alma 38:6 (11/18/2017)
• I Trust that I Shall Have Great Joy in You – Alma 38:2 (11/16/2017)
• I Trust That I Shall Have Great Joy in You – Alma 38:2-5 (11/23/2016)
• That Ye May Learn Wisdom – Mosiah 2:17, Alma 38:9 (4/27/2016)
• Use Boldness, but Not Overbearance – Alma 38:12 (4/23/2016)
• Bridle All Your Passions – Alma 38:12 (4/17/2016)
• Bridle All Your Passions – Alma 38:12 (7/25/2015)