Alma began a new series of sermons in his home town of Zarahemla. He asked the people a number of searching questions to help them evaluate the state of their own spiritual conversion, and he invited them to hear the voice of the good shepherd.
After setting the church in order in Zarahemla, Alma traveled to the city of Gideon, where he taught that the Savior can succor us because He has experienced our pains, afflictions, temptations, and infirmities. He expressed confidence in the people and blessed them that “the peace of God” might “rest upon [them]” (Alma 7:27).
Here are some lessons I’ve learned from these chapters:
Outline
- Alma 5 – Alma invites the people of Zarahemla to reflect on the state of their conversion and recommit to follow the good shepherd.
- Alma 6 – Alma ordains priests and elders and welcomes new members into the church.
- Alma 7 – Alma teaches the people of Gideon that Jesus will experience our pains and weaknesses so that He will know how to succor us.
Key Themes
- If you can get your heart in the right place, good works will flow naturally.
- God can help us align our desires with what we know we should do.
- Jesus provides gentle and dedicated leadership, like a shepherd.
- Jesus understands our pains, afflictions, temptations, and infirmities.
- Equality is a core principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must treat one another with dignity and respect.
Connections
- Paul wrote that as we behold the glory of God, we are changed into the same image by the Spirit of the Lord. (See 2 Corinthians 3:18.) Alma similarly asked the people of Zarahemla, “Have ye received his image in your countenance?” (Alma 5:14).
- Jesus called Himself the “good shepherd” (John 10: 11). Alma used that same title for him in Zarahemla. (See Alma 5:38, 41, 60.)
- The apostle Paul and Alma both encouraged us to be “temperate in all things.” (See 1 Corinthians 9:25, Alma 7:23, Alma 38:10.)
- James and Alma both encouraged us to be “easy to be entreated.” (See James 3:13-17, Alma 7:23.)
Applications
- Take time to remember what God has done for those who preceded you.
- Follow the Savior’s example of “succoring,” which is answering a distress call immediately.
- As a gospel teacher, use the scriptures, follow the Spirit, share testimony, and teach with authority.
- With God’s help, strip yourself of pride and envy.
- Be temperate in all things: restrained or moderate, avoiding excesses.
- Pray for all of God’s children, whether they are willing to receive your help or not.
Recommended Posts
- Asking Better Questions: Learning from Alma 5
- Alma 5 – Alma’s Sermon in Zarahemla
- Alma 7 – Alma’s Sermon in Gideon
Blog Posts: June 11-16
A Personal Interview
I took Elder M. Russell Ballard’s challenge to hold a personal interview using Alma 5. As a result, I resolved to remember, to be more adaptable, to exercise faith, to let go of pride, to respect others’ experiences, and to change some patterns of thought
Preserving Our Changed Hearts
Alma asked if we have retained the changed heart we have previously received. Elder Dale G. Renlund compared a new spiritual heart to a new physical heart. He pointed out the importance of caring for our new heart, even when we think we’re doing well.
Looking Forward with An Eye of Faith
Alma invited the people of Zarahemla to “look forward with the eye of faith” to the resurrection and the Final Judgment. First, we visualize. Then, we act. Finally, with God’s help, we see with our eyes what we had previously seen with “the eye of faith.”
Establishing Order
Alma organized the church in Zarahemla by choosing and training leaders, welcoming new members, and removing unrepentant members. We can similarly organize our lives by planning well, embracing new opportunities, and letting go of low-value activities.
How to Preach
Alma was an effective teacher because he taught according to: 1. The revelations received by his predecessors. 2. The spirit of prophecy: He received revelation while he taught. 3. The testimony of Jesus 4. The holy order by which he was called.
How the Savior Succors Us
The author of Hebrews and Alma both emphasized that Jesus lived as a normal human, subject to all of our afflictions and temptations so that He would know how to succor us. To “succor” is to run to help someone in distress.
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