Come, Follow Me: Scriptural Insights - Helaman 13-16

Samuel the Lamanite

Insight from Come, Follow me Program - Helaman 13-16. Below were guides on your personal study or teachings that will simplify your approach. Take time to study on it.

Insight with biblical reference

Let's dive into some key points from Helaman 13-16 with related Biblical references, which can help bridge understandings and deepen insights.

• Helaman 13

1. Prophecies of Destruction and Unheeded Warnings: Samuel warns the Nephites of their pending destruction if they do not repent. This mirrors many Old Testament prophets' warnings, such as Jeremiah’s messages to Jerusalem.
• Biblical Reference: Jeremiah 7:25-26, where Jeremiah speaks of God's continual sending of servants to call His people to repentance, which they ignored.
2. Cursed Treasure: Samuel talks about cursed treasures that will "slip away" as a consequence of the people's wickedness.
• Biblical Reference: Matthew 6:19-21, where Christ teaches not to lay up treasures on earth where they can decay or be stolen, but to lay up treasures in heaven.

• Helaman 14

1. Signs of Christ’s Birth and Death: Samuel predicts the signs of Jesus Christ's birth and death, emphasizing the importance of these signs in recognizing the Messiah.
• Biblical Reference: Luke 2:8-14 speaks of the heavenly signs and wonders that accompanied Jesus’ birth, serving as a testament to those witnessing these events.
2. The Power and Importance of Prophecy: The clarity and specificity of Samuel’s prophecies highlight prophecy's role as a guide and a warning for the people.
• Biblical Reference: 2 Peter 1:19-21 discusses the prophetic word as a "light shining in a dark place," underlining its importance in guiding faith and conduct.

• Helaman 15
1. The Righteous Among the Lamanites: Samuel praises the Lamanites who have converted to the Lord's ways, indicating God's promises to those who remain faithful.
• Biblical Reference: Romans 11:17-23 discusses how Gentiles, like the Lamanites in this context, were grafted into the tree of covenant Israel through faith, emphasizing the inclusiveness of God’s salvation.
2. Promises to the Repentant: God’s mercy is promised to those who repent, a recurring theme in scripture highlighting God's readiness to forgive.
• Biblical Reference: 1 John 1:9, which promises that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

• Helaman 16
1. Rejection and Acceptance of Samuel’s Words: While some believe Samuel's prophetic messages, others harden their hearts, illustrating the varied responses to God’s messages through the ages.
• Biblical Reference: Acts 28:24 describes a similar reception to Paul's preaching, where some were persuaded by the things spoken, and some disbelieved.
2. Attempts to Silence the Prophet’s Voice: Despite attempts to silence him, Samuel's words reach those who are meant to hear them, underscoring the unstoppable nature of God's word.
• Biblical Reference: Isaiah 55:11, where it’s stated that God’s word will not return void but will accomplish what He desires.

These highlights from Helaman 13-16 not only provide profound lessons but also connect seamlessly with Biblical teachings, deepening our understanding of God's consistent messages throughout the scriptures.

Thought Provoking Question

Here are some thought-provoking questions tied to specific references in Helaman 13-16 to deepen your study and reflection

• Helaman 14:2-6
• Reference: Samuel prophesies about the signs of Christ's birth and death. Question: How do prophecies about Christ's birth and death strengthen your own faith in God's eternal plan? How can these signs guide us in recognizing divine intervention in today's world?

• Helaman 13:11
• Reference: Samuel warns about the necessity of repentance. Question: What challenges do you face in trying to sincerely repent? How can you differentiate between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow in your own life?

• Helaman 15:7
• Reference: Description of the Lamanites' conversion and steadfastness. Question: How does the transformation of the Lamanites inspire you to change your own spiritual habits? What does 'steadfastness in faith' look like in everyday life?

• Helaman 13:29-30
• Reference: Warnings against inciting contention. Question: In what ways can you actively promote peace in your community and avoid contention? What are practical steps you can take to become a more effective peacemaker?

• Helaman 13:25-28
• Reference: Challenges of accepting truth when it conflicts with desires. Question: How can you ensure that your personal desires do not interfere with your acceptance of truth? Can you share a time when accepting a hard truth brought unexpected blessings?

• Helaman 13:6
• Reference: Samuel attributes his knowledge and prophetic calling to the Lord. Question: How does recognizing God as the source of all wisdom influence your approach to personal achievements and knowledge acquisition?

• Helaman 16:5
• Reference: Samuel continues to prophesy despite rejection. Question: How can you continue to use your talents to serve others even when faced with rejection or discouragement? What motivates you to keep going?

• Helaman 16:2-3
• Reference: Some Nephites recognize the truth of Samuel's words despite skepticism. Question: Reflect on a time when you felt a strong confirmation of truth in a skeptical environment. What helped you to recognize and hold on to that truth?

• Helaman 15:3
• Reference: Blessings that come from believing in the words of the prophets. Question: How has following prophetic counsel brought blessings in your life? What challenges have you overcome through faith in their words?

• Helaman 14:16-17
• Reference: Promises of hope through Christ's Resurrection. Question: How does the promise of the Resurrection provide hope in your personal trials and challenges? What does eternal life mean to you in your daily spiritual journey?

These questions are designed to stimulate deeper reflection and personal application of the teachings in Helaman 13-16. This will serve as a guide or additional insights. It is important to take your personal study guided by the spirit, it is still best to let the Holy Spirit teaches you what to teach.