Seminary
Exodus 1—Honoring God in the Face of Opposition
a girl looking worried among peers at a party

Exodus 1–6; Lesson 38

Exodus 1

Honoring God in the Face of Opposition

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

The Egyptian pharaoh enslaved the Israelites and commanded the midwives to kill the Israelite sons at birth. These midwives chose to disobey Pharaoh because of their reverence for God. Like these faithful women, we can choose to put our trust in God even in difficult circumstances. This lesson can help you desire to put God first.

Study the Scriptures

President Russell M. Nelson described characteristics of disciples of Jesus Christ:

President Russell M. Nelson

True disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to stand out, speak up, and be different from the people of the world. They are undaunted, devoted, and courageous. (“Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives, ” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 40–41)

Why might it take courage to act in the way President Nelson described? Why do you think it is important to follow President Nelson’s counsel?

Righteous Examples

Pharaoh overlooking his kingdom

Joseph’s siblings, their families, and their father moved to Egypt. Things went well for generations. The children of Israel had many children. Eventually, a new pharaoh began to feel threatened by the number of Israelites (also known as Hebrews). Pharaoh began taking steps to control the Hebrews.

Defining words. Knowing the meaning of words will help you understand the Lord’s counsel in the scriptures. Take time to learn the meaning of words you do not understand. You could use the Define feature in the Gospel Library app or a dictionary. In this chapter, it might be helpful to know the following terms:

  • midwives: women who assist in childbirth

  • stools: seats used by women who are giving birth

  • fear God: to revere or respect God

mark iconRead Exodus 1:7–21. Look for truths about the Lord. Use any scripture-marking skills that you have been practicing this year.

note iconMake a note next to verses in Exodus 1 with truths you feel are important. If you are having trouble finding one, you could finish the phrase “If I trust the Lord …” and note it next to verse 20.

What do you think the midwives knew about the Lord that motivated them to do what they did? What in these verses could motivate someone who might wonder whether they should put God above other pressures they face?

Review the following study options. Complete one or more. Then complete the Now What? section at the end of the lesson.

Option A

What blessings come when we put God first?

God loves to bless us as we put Him first even when we face opposition. Review two of the following stories in the scriptures or the video, looking for how God blessed others who put Him first.

Review the following verses and anything you may have marked in them:

“Be Valiant in Courage, Strength, and Activity” from time code 1:20 to 5:13

10:35

notebook iconThink about people you have learned about in the Old Testament. If it helps, go back through your notebook. Identify at least one example of people who put God first despite opposition (such as Noah in Genesis 6–9). Record one or more ways the Lord blessed them for putting Him first.

Option B

How did Jesus Christ put Heavenly Father first?

boy Jesus in the temple

notebook iconJesus Christ is the perfect example of following Heavenly Father. Think of a time when Jesus Christ acted with great courage like the midwives.

Outline a five-minute lesson about putting God first. Include the following:

  • An account of Christ’s courage

  • Two or three characteristics that you feel helped the Savior to put Heavenly Father first.

Now What?

Interview someone you know. Share with them the account of the Hebrew midwives. Then ask the following questions:

  • Have you ever had to stand for your values in the face of opposition? If so, what happened?

  • How has God blessed you as you have put Him first?

  • What words of encouragement would you give someone who is being pressured about their beliefs?

notebook iconIn your notebook, write about your experience. Include your response to the following question:

  • What have you learned or felt today that can help you be confident that God will bless you when you choose to put Him first?

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you desire to put God first.

share iconShare one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

  • Your experience interviewing someone about the blessings of putting God first.

  • Your lesson outline.

  • Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

  • Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?