I was recently called as a gospel doctrine instructor and I taught my first lesson on Alma 17-22. It was the smaller upstairs classroom, so it was much less intimidating. The main points of the lesson were:
Alma 17
- there is great joy in learning that those we love are still our brothers/sisters in the Lord
- preparation for teaching includes fasting and prayer
- fasting and prayer was specifically to be instruments in the hands of God
- immediate response to prayer included comfort, direction (be patient and long-suffering, teach word/doctrine), and promise that yes, they would be instruments in the hands of God
- they supposed their work was great - and Alma says, "assuredly it was."
- their cause was to teach the Lamanites - each of us should consider what our cause is (home/visiting teaching, families/friends, callings, etc.)
Ammon's Experience
- service / faithfulness softened hearts of King Lamoni and his people
- taught pure doctrine with boldness
- was wise, yet harmless
- saw his prayer answered in that the Spirit was poured upon the heads of those he taught
- overwhelming joy
- example of generosity and faithfulness to King Lamoni's father (Ammon sowed)
Aaron's Experience
- imprisoned, mocked, beaten, stripped
- taught King Lamon's father (Aaron reaped)
We can apply the principles fasting, praying, teaching pure doctrine, testifying with boldness, being wise (yet harmless), and sowing / reaping as we go along.
