The Path to Apostasy

#1 Did Laman and Lemuel understand the Gospel?  They were surely taught of their father concerning these things.

They were taught concerning the vision of the tree of life by their Father - and Nephi The Explanation of the Tree of life
1 Nephi 15:21-36 - The explanation of the symbols... (see vs 31... they understood the gospel..)
1 Nephi 16:1-3 thou has declared unto us hard things - more than we are able to bear...

Why were they to hard for them to bear?
vs 2 - The guilty take the truth to be hard - for it cuts them to the very CENTER. Why?

#2a) What was their foundational issue...  a QUESTION a PROBLEM a DIFFICULTY

The Breaking of the Bow (1 Nephi 16:18-25)

• Verses 18-20: Nephi's steel bow breaks, and this event causes great distress among the family because it significantly reduces their ability to obtain food. The loss of this critical tool for hunting exacerbates the challenges they are already facing in the wilderness. Laman and Lemuel and the others begin to murmur against Lehi, showing their frustration and lack of faith.

• Verses 21-22: Nephi demonstrates faith and initiative by making a new bow from wood and also preparing arrows. His proactive approach contrasts sharply with his brothers' despair and inaction.

• Verses 23-24: Nephi goes to his father Lehi to ask where he should go to obtain food, showing respect and seeking divine guidance. This act prompts Lehi to go to the Lord in prayer, acknowledging his murmuring and showing humility.

• Verse 25: The Lord responds to Lehi's prayer by giving him directions through the Liahona, leading Nephi to where he can obtain food. This sequence of events highlights the importance of humility, faith, and the willingness to act, as well as the consequences of murmuring and doubt.

They do not - rather instead they complain and say this is too heard to BEAR... 
What do we learn from this?  Were Laman and Lemuel's commitment real... or was it merely for the moment?

What about Lehi - didn't he also complain and yet he had lead his family out into the wilderness.
WHY did Lehi complain - was it not because he agreed with his Sons?

What can we learn from this?
Why didn't Nephi Complain? 1 Nephi 16:21-23

What was different between Nephi's response and the rest of the family?  Why did he respond this way?  What can we learn from this.

#3 THE SOLUTION: The receipt of the Liahona - God will support those who put their faith and trust in him/He will not support those who do not

How the Liahona Works (1 Nephi 16:26-30)

• Verses 26-27: The Liahona is described as working according to the faith and diligence of those using it. It is a round ball of curious workmanship, with two spindles, one of which points the direction they should go in the wilderness. Its functioning as a divine compass demonstrates the Lord's guidance and care for Lehi's family.

• Verses 28-29: The text emphasizes that the spindles only work according to the faith, diligence, and heed given to them by the family. This principle illustrates a broader spiritual lesson about the necessity of faith and obedience in receiving guidance from God.

• Verse 30: Nephi notes that by following the directions given by the Liahona, they were able to travel and survive in the wilderness, obtaining food and sustenance by hunting. This success further underscores the theme of divine assistance and guidance contingent upon faith and obedience.

How does this directly apply to the topic of personal Apostasy?

Nephi is successful when he put's his trust in God, and fails epically when he does things on his own.
Remember also How he was able to get the plates... the first 2 times were the ideas of Nephi... 
The last time - the successful one - was when he went not knowing before hand the things he would do.

God supports those who put their faith and trust in him, and who GO AND DO... even if they may not understand why and how.
What will your choice BE will you trust in God and continue on in FAITH and GO and DO or will you reject what you once knew and go on in your own opinions and beliefs?

#2b The Death of Ishmael - the problem the concern the trial...

Ishmael's Death (1 Nephi 16:34-36)

Verses 34-36: Ishmael's death is recorded as occurring in a place called Nahom. His passing is a moment of great sorrow for his family and those traveling with Lehi. Ishmael's daughters mourn excessively, and this mourning turns into murmuring against Lehi and Nephi. They lament their departure from Jerusalem, the hardships of their journey, and express a desire to return, blaming Lehi and Nephi for their afflictions. This event underscores the physical and emotional challenges faced by the group and highlights the continuing theme of murmuring in response to adversity.

Laman and Lemuel Lie to Themselves (1 Nephi 16:37-38)

Verses 37-38: In their grief and frustration, Laman and Lemuel, along with others, begin to stir up others to anger against Nephi. They accuse him of seeking power and authority over them and blame him for their suffering and hardships, including the death of Ishmael. This accusation is a form of self-deception or lying to themselves, as it distorts the true nature of Nephi's leadership and the divine guidance that has directed their journey. Their actions reflect a deeper unwillingness to accept responsibility for their spiritual state and to acknowledge the Lord's hand in their journey.

These are all blatant lies... they know this is not the truth but they are becoming harder and harder to convince of it.  Their justification in their own mind has in fact become their reality.

Do we lie to ourselves?  Do we justify our own actions in our own mind so much that we ignore the greater council of God?

The Voice of God Speaks to Them (1 Nephi 16:39)

Verse 39: In response to their rebellion and the threat of violence against Nephi, the voice of the Lord chastens Laman and Lemuel, speaking to them in a way that shakes the ground beneath them. This divine intervention serves as a powerful reminder of God's presence and power, as well as a rebuke to their murmuring, rebellion, and violence. The voice of the Lord commands them to cease their murmuring and to know that Nephi has been appointed by God to lead them.

#2 c The Building of the Ship and the DRAMATIC contrast between Nephi and his Brothers responses

Nephi is Commanded to Build a Ship (1 Nephi 17:7-11)

Verses 7-11: After arriving in the land Bountiful, Nephi is commanded by the Lord to go into the mountain, where he is instructed to build a ship. The Lord guides him in making tools from the raw materials found in the mountains. This commandment is a test of Nephi’s faith and his willingness to follow God’s instructions, even when the task seems impossible from a human perspective. Yet his response is informative... where do I go to get ORE!

The Journey without Fire (1 Nephi 17:12-14)

Verses 12-14: It's mentioned that during their travels, they were commanded not to make much fire and ate raw meat. This detail underscores their reliance on divine guidance for their daily survival and the ways in which their journey is being directly overseen by the Lord.  It is also a demonstration of the evidence that had been given to them... Yet again that which is being rejected.

Laman and Lemuel Complain and Rebel (1 Nephi 17:17-22)

Verses 17-22: Laman and Lemuel complain against Nephi, expressing disbelief that they could build a ship and questioning Nephi’s leadership and intentions. They reminisce about their life in Jerusalem and doubt the feasibility of crossing the great waters, showcasing their lack of faith and understanding of God's power.  Why and how can they doubt... because they yet again do not have faith, and belief that with GOD NOTHING is impossible.

Nephi’s Response (1 Nephi 17:23-47)

Verses 23-47: Nephi responds to their complaints with a powerful sermon that recounts the history of God's dealings with the children of Israel, emphasizing God's power to do all things for those who exercise faith. He rebukes their lack of faith and reminds them of the miracles God has performed, including their own preservation in the wilderness.

The Attempt on Nephi’s Life and Divine Intervention (1 Nephi 17:48-55) 

Verses 48-55: When Laman and Lemuel attempt to harm Nephi, he is filled with the power of God, preventing them from touching him. This divine empowerment serves as a testimony of God’s support for Nephi and his mission. It also acts as a physical manifestation of the spiritual authority Nephi holds, which finally causes Laman and Lemuel to fear and temporarily cease their rebellion.

#2 d The Story and the DRAMATIC contrast between Nephi and his Brothers responses

They Begin to Act Wickedly (1 Nephi 18:9-10)

Verses 9-10: Laman, Lemuel, and others on the ship begin to behave wickedly, ignoring Nephi’s warnings and the commandments of the Lord. Their actions demonstrate a rejection of spiritual guidance and foreshadow the consequences of their rebellion.

They Bind Nephi to the Ship (1 Nephi 18:11-12)  

Verses 11-12: In their defiance, Laman and Lemuel, along with their companions, bind Nephi with cords, incapacitating him because they are angered by his rebukes and fearful of his influence. This act of binding Nephi symbolizes their complete rejection of prophetic authority and divine will.

A Great Storm Appears (1 Nephi 18:13-20)    

Verses 13-20: As a direct consequence of their wickedness and the act of binding Nephi, the Liahona stops working, and a terrible storm arises, threatening the lives of everyone on the ship. The storm represents divine displeasure and serves as a physical manifestation of the spiritual turmoil within the group. Despite the danger, Laman and Lemuel initially refuse to release Nephi, demonstrating the hardness of their hearts.

Nephi Holds the Compass and Prays, and It Works (1 Nephi 18:21-23)

Verses 21-23: After four days of tempest, when they are brought to the brink of destruction, Laman and Lemuel finally humble themselves enough to release Nephi. Upon being freed, Nephi prays to the Lord, the storm ceases, and the Liahona begins to work again, guiding them towards the promised land. This resolution illustrates the power of prayer, the importance of obedience to God’s commandments, and the mercy of the Lord in responding to repentance.

#4 How much evidence is enough?  How much evidence is required for us to finally DECIDE and Commit to God and have it be real?

You will note that there is a progression also in evidence. 

First Laman and Lemuel have the words of Nephi... which they accept for a time. 1 Nephi 3:16
Then they have their Father Speaking with such power and authority they are dumbfounded 1 Nephi 2:14
Then they have the appearance of an angel stopping them from beating/killing their brother. 1 Nephi 3:28-29
Then they hear the voice of GOD speaking directly to them. 1 Nephi 16:39
Then they are SHOCKED and so afraid of Nephi that they won't touch him for days. 1 Nephi 17:48-55
Then their own death and their imminent destruction that causes them to change. 1 Nephi 18:15-21
Then they are beyond feeling in that they will reject God, and his prophets, and nothing will change their minds 2 Nephi 26:10

It is interesting to note... that Nephi is commanded to create these plates... and tell his story and he uses 
This pattern to demonstrate and emphasize this point - that God will indeed support and sustain those who put their trust in him, and he will not support and sustain those who do not exercise real faith in him.

Let's read 1 Nephi 20:1-10 - and compare it to what we have just studied today... perhaps we can understand why Nephi included this within his text.
I hope you have come to a greater understanding of these chapters and how we can avoid personal apostasy.