3 Nephi 12-16: “I Am the Law, and the Light” (September 21-27)

“Hear ye him.” That is what our Heavenly Father said to a group of people just before Jesus Christ descended from heaven. They were therefore highly motivated to listen and receptive to His message.

What was that message? After calling twelve disciples and teaching them how to baptize, He addressed the multitude. Here are the first topics He discussed with them:

1. The Sermon on the Mount (3 Nephi 12-14)
   1. Becoming perfect (3 Nephi 12)
   2. Avoiding hypocrisy (3 Nephi 13)
   3. Judging righteously (3 Nephi 14)
2. What it means for the law to be fulfilled in Christ (3 Nephi 15:1-10)
3. The importance of the gathering of Israel (3 Nephi 15:11-24, 16)

Here is a summary of the entire sermon, which He delivered over two days:

Jesus Christ’s Sermon at the Temple in Bountiful – 3 Nephi 12-16, 20-22

Here are some blog posts about this week’s reading:

Becoming Perfect

• Finishing what we’ve started: Why Did Jesus Tell Us to Be Perfect?
• Don’t fret yourself when things don’t seem fair: How Will the Meek Inherit the Earth?
• If you are demeaned or belittled, you are in good company: Why Are We Blessed When We Are Reviled?
• Whether someone offends you, or whether you offend them, take the first step toward reconciliation: How Can I Heal a Broken Relationship?
• …but be prepared to be patient if necessary: How Can I Heal a Relationship with Someone Who Doesn’t Want the Relationship Healed?
• Avoid hurtful feelings just as you would avoid hurtful words or actions: Whosoever Is Angry with His Brother – 3 Nephi 12:21-22
• Making wise decisions with imperfect information: More Blessed Are They Who Shall Believe in Your Words – 3 Nephi 12:1-2

Avoiding Hypocrisy

• Don’t miss the intrinsic blessings of good decisions by focusing on the wrong outcomes: They Have Their Reward – 3 Nephi 13:2, 5, 16
• Keeping our prayers simple and pure: The Lord’s Prayer- 3 Nephi 13:9-13
• Prepare before you pray: What Are “Vain Repetitions,” and Why Should We Avoid Them?
• Choosing forgiveness—for ourselves and for others: If Ye Forgive – 3 Nephi 13:14-15
• When should our good works be visible, and when should they be private? When Thou Doest Alms – 3 Nephi 13:1-4
• Prioritize the duties of today over the duties of tomorrow: What Is the Meaning of the Phrase “Sufficient Is the Day Unto the Evil Thereof?”

Judging Righteously

• Separating the principles from the circumstances can help us apply those principles in other settings: This Is the Law and the Prophets – 3 Nephi 14:12
• Jesus values authenticity: I Never Knew You – 3 Nephi 14:21-23
• Dig deep, and sure you’re building on a solid foundation: A Wise Man, Who Built His House upon a Rock – 3 Nephi 14:24-27 
• God will answer when we call: Ask…Seek…Knock – 3 Nephi 14:7-8
• Don’t be harsh in your assessment of other people: Judge Not – 3 Nephi 14:1-5

The Law Is Fulfilled

• Practices change but eternal principles do not: Why Did the Nephites Keep the Law of Moses?
• Adapting to change while trusting in fundamental truths: The Law in Me is Fulfilled – 3 Nephi 15:2-8
• Remembering the ultimate goal: I Am the Law – 3 Nephi 15:3-5, 9

The Gathering of Israel

• Be grateful for diversity: Other Sheep I Have – 3 Nephi 15:21, 24 
• As we grow closer to the Savior, we grow closer to each other: One Fold, and One Shepherd – 3 Nephi 15:21
• Help sometimes comes from unexpected places: The Fulness of the Gentiles – 3 Nephi 16:4
• The gospel can help people from different backgrounds become unified: They Shall See Eye to Eye – 3 Nephi 16:18-20