3 Nephi Chapter 5
Summary: The Nephites continue to prosper and become prideful. Distinct classes begin to develop. The church begins to see many dissenters. Soon (and now almost ten years after the great Gadianton robbers war) preaches teach that the people should not forget their God - that they should repent and stop being wicked. Many of these preaches are put to death, for the people do not want to hear the Word. The dissenters are brought up to the governor of the land and sentenced to death. The rich and wicked do not like this and begin to scheme to take over the government.
Lessons Taught/To be Learned:
This is another example of the The Pride Cycle.
Key Scriptures (italicized and in quotes):
"15 Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world.""
"16 And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years.""