Youth Lesson Plan: Moses 1;Abraham 3

Opening Connection
Imagine standing on a mountaintop, feeling small amid endless stars, wondering who you are and why you're here. Moses felt that awe in Moses 1:36, pleading, “Be merciful unto thy servant, O God, and tell me concerning this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, and also the heavens.” Like Moses and Abraham, you face choices every day at school or with friends—choices that echo eternal questions: Who is God? Who am I? What is my place in His plan? Today, we'll explore Moses 1 and Abraham 3 to discover truths that light our path.

Scripture Discovery
Divide into pairs to explore three key passages interactively. First, partner-read Moses 1:4, 6 and 12. In verse 4, God declares to Moses, and mark phrases showing divine identity. Contrast with Satan's words in verse 12. What differences emerge? (See CFM: “Look for this pattern in God’s message to Moses in Moses 1:4, 6 and in Satan’s messages in Moses 1:12.”)

Next, do a treasure hunt in Moses 1:13–18, 20–22, 24–26. Find phrases Moses uses to resist Satan, like commands or appeals to God. Share one “treasure” with the class—what helped Moses overcome?

Finally, in small groups, scan Abraham 3:22–28 for truths about premortal life. List items about “spirits,” “before the world was,” and our purpose to “prove” ourselves. Compare: How does this connect to Moses 1:39?

Core Gospel Principles
These truths build from identity to purpose:

1. I am a child of God with divine worth. God tells Moses, “thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten” (Moses 1:6). President Russell M. Nelson taught, “If the Lord were speaking to you directly, the first thing He would make sure you understand is your true identity” (“Choices for Eternity” [worldwide devotional for young adults, May 2022]). This comes before other labels.

2. With the Lord’s help, I can resist Satan. Satan tempts with counterfeits (Moses 1:12–26). Moses commands, “Depart from me, Satan” (Moses 1:20), relying on God’s power (Moses 1:24–26).

3. Heavenly Father’s work is to help me gain eternal life. After his vision, Moses asks, “why these things are so” (Moses 1:30). The Lord replies, “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). Abraham 3:24–26 shows Christ’s role in this.

4. I lived as a spirit before birth, with divine potential. “We know very little about our premortal life. But much of what we do know comes from Abraham’s vision in Abraham 3:22–28” (CFM). We are spirits who chose to “make an earth” and “prove” ourselves (Abraham 3:22–25).

Engaging Activities (Choose 2-3)

1. Case Study Discussions: In small groups, present scenarios like peer pressure to cheat (“Is this God’s message or Satan’s counterfeit?” using Moses 1:12–18). Discuss: How would Moses respond? Groups share solutions.

2. Role-Playing Resistance: Pairs act out Moses 1:12–26. One as Satan offering a “fake” temptation (e.g., popularity over honesty); the other as Moses, using verses 13, 15, 20–22, 26 to resist. Debrief: What gave strength?

3. Premortal Life Workshop: Groups research Abraham 3:22–28, listing truths about self and Christ. Create a poster: “My Premortal Promise.” Present how it affects daily choices, like Abraham 3:25.

Life Application Bridge
These principles touch your world directly. Knowing “your identity as a child of God comes before other labels” (President Nelson, “Choices for Eternity”) changes school friendships—treating others as “children of God” (Moses 1:4). Resisting Satan’s counterfeits builds courage against social media lies or group dares. God’s work for your “eternal life” (Moses 1:39) shapes family roles and future missions, reminding you of premortal choices to “prove” faithful (Abraham 3:25). As you plan for adulthood, anchor in: “The way you think about who you really are affects almost every decision you will ever make” (President Nelson).

Unified Closing
From Moses’s mountaintop plea to Abraham’s vision of spirits, these chapters reveal God’s love: you are His child, empowered to resist evil, central to His work of eternal life. This week, list three choices flowing from your divine identity—act on one daily, like affirming “I am a child of God” before tough moments. Share next week how it strengthened you. I bear testimony that these revelations from Joseph Smith ring true—they have guided my life through trials, drawing me closer to the Savior who makes it all possible.

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