Theme: “The Great Plan of Happiness”
Scripture Focus: Alma 39-42
Welcome to the weekly “Come, Follow Me” study guide. This guide is designed to assist you in your personal scripture study and reflection, helping you delve deeper into the teachings of Jesus Christ and apply them in your daily life. You’ll find scriptures to focus on and simple daily prompts to guide your study each week. By consistently following this guide, you can enhance your understanding of the gospel, strengthen your relationship with God, and experience personal growth and spiritual development. As we study “Come, Follow Me” at home, we invite the Spirit into our lives, receive personal revelation, and build a foundation of faith that sustains us through life’s challenges.
Introduction:
Welcome to this week’s Come Follow Me study guide, where we delve into Alma 39-42 with the theme, “The Great Plan of Happiness.” In these chapters, Alma the Younger addresses his son Corianton, offering both correction and profound doctrinal teachings that provide a comprehensive understanding of God’s plan for our happiness and eternal progression. As we study these chapters, we are invited to deepen our comprehension of fundamental gospel principles and to reflect on how they apply to our lives.
Alma 39 begins with Alma’s admonition to Corianton regarding his serious sins and the impact they had on the Zoramites’ faith. This chapter highlights the importance of living a life of integrity and the far-reaching consequences of our actions. Alma’s loving yet firm counsel to Corianton serves as a reminder that repentance is always available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It encourages us to examine our own lives, seek forgiveness, and make the necessary changes to align ourselves more closely with the Savior’s teachings.
In Alma 40, Alma shifts his focus to the doctrine of the resurrection, offering comfort and clarity about what happens after death. He teaches that the spirit world is divided into paradise and prison, where spirits await the resurrection. Alma’s explanation emphasizes the fairness and mercy of God’s plan, reassuring us that justice and mercy are perfectly balanced. This chapter invites us to ponder the eternal nature of our existence and to find hope in the promise of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Alma 41 continues with teachings on the principle of restoration, explaining that in the resurrection, we will be restored to a state of happiness or misery according to our choices in mortality. Alma’s words remind us that our actions and desires have eternal consequences and that living righteously leads to enduring happiness. This chapter encourages us to evaluate our priorities and to strive to live in a way that reflects our commitment to the gospel.
Finally, in Alma 42, Alma expounds on the justice and mercy of God, explaining the necessity of the Fall and the Atonement. He teaches that without the Fall, there would be no opportunity for growth or the exercise of agency, and without the Atonement, there would be no way to overcome sin and death. Alma’s teachings in this chapter are a testament to the brilliance and love inherent in Heavenly Father’s plan. This chapter invites us to appreciate the depth of God’s love and the Savior’s sacrifice and to embrace the opportunities for repentance and growth that they provide.
As we engage with Alma 39-42 this week, let us strive to understand more deeply “The Great Plan of Happiness” and how it applies to our lives. Through study and prayer, we can gain insights that will strengthen our faith, guide our actions, and bring us closer to our Heavenly Father. May this week’s study inspire you to live more fully in accordance with the gospel, finding joy and peace in the knowledge of God’s perfect plan for our eternal happiness.
Day 1: Discover
- Read the assigned scriptures for the week.
- Alma 39-42
- Reflect on key phrases or messages.
- Consider historical context and background information.
- Reading the chapter headings can help gain background context.
Day 2: Study
- Dive deeper into the scriptures by studying cross-references.
- Consult study aids such as footnotes, Bible dictionary, or online resources.
- Here are a few podcasts to listen to as you study Come Follow Me this week.
- Alma 39–42 | August 5–11 | Scripture Study Insights | A Come Follow Me Resource
- Come Follow Me Book of Mormon Alma 39-42 (Aug. 5-11) Don’t Miss This
- Alma 39-42 | Book of Mormon Insights with Taylor and Tyler: Revisited
- Alma 43–52 | Aug 5–11 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon
- Alma 39-42 Part 1 • Dr. Adam Miller • August 5-11 • Come Follow Me •
- Alma 39-42 Part 2 • Dr. Adam Miller • August 5-11 • Come Follow Me •
- Keep a study journal and write down any questions that arise as you study this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson.
Day 3: Apply
- Reflect on how these chapters apply to your life.
- Consider a time in your life when you felt the redeeming power of Jesus Christ’s atonement.
- Think of small and simple things you can do this week to strengthen your testimony.
- Daily prayer
- Simple acts of service
- Attending church services
- Worshiping in the temple
- Study the scriptures.
Day 4: Share
- Discuss the scriptures and insights gained with a friend, family member, or study group.
- Exchange thoughts and perspectives.
- Share something you learned from your Come, Follow Me study this week with a friend, family member, or on social media.
Day 5: Ponder
- Find a peaceful environment and dedicate specific time to reflecting on what you have learned. Consider visiting the temple or a place of worship that resonates with you, as it can provide a serene setting conducive to contemplation.
- Pray for guidance and understanding.
- Consider how the principles taught can deepen your relationship with God.
Conclusion:
As we conclude this week’s study of Alma 39-42, we are reminded of the profound depth and beauty of “The Great Plan of Happiness.” Alma’s teachings to Corianton emphasize the importance of repentance, the promise of resurrection, the principle of restoration, and the balance of justice and mercy in God’s plan. These chapters invite us to reflect on our choices, embrace the Savior’s Atonement, and find hope in the eternal nature of our existence. May the insights gained this week strengthen your faith, inspire you to live righteously, and deepen your appreciation for Heavenly Father’s loving plan. As we strive to align our lives with these eternal truths, we can experience true happiness and peace, knowing that we are part of a divine plan designed for our growth and eternal joy.
Additional Resources:
- Here are some links to relevant talks, articles, and videos from Church leaders that can benefit your study this week.
Hannah Hall is a student at Utah State University, studying Human Experience Design and Interaction. She loves music, reading, hiking, gardening, baking, and spending time with her family.
