2026-05-03 Elder Thoric Smith – Feast on the Word

“Feast on the Word"
with Elder Thoric Smith
Adult Study Class
May 3rd, 2026
11:15 AM

Class Video Under The Study Notes
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Summary

Elder Thoric Smith’s Adult Study Class titled "Feast on the Word" inspires believers to daily consume and internalize the words of Christ as spiritual nourishment essential for growth, strength, and direction in life. Drawing on scriptural references, he emphasizes that God's word is more than just guidance—it is living, transformative sustenance that shapes desires, strengthens weaknesses, and aligns us with divine purpose. He contrasts true spiritual nourishment with the fleeting satisfaction of worldly "junk"—entertainment, materialism, and addictive behaviors—that leaves people empty and enslaved to fleshly desires.

Thoric challenges listeners to reflect on the sources of their daily intake—whether spiritual or worldly—and to choose wisely what they feed their minds and hearts. He highlights the importance of obedience, agency, and the kingdom of God as central themes of Christ’s gospel, calling for a committed pursuit of God’s word to experience peace, righteousness, and joy through the Spirit.

The lesson concludes with a powerful metaphor of light dispelling darkness, urging believers to embody the light of Christ and shape their lives with His word, transforming not only themselves but the world around them.

Highlights

1. The word of Christ is living spiritual nourishment essential for strength and guidance.
2. Consuming God’s word daily transforms desires and aligns life with divine purpose.
3. Worldly entertainment and materialism offer temporary pleasure but lead to spiritual emptiness.
4. Believers must carefully choose what they "feast" on, as it shapes their character and destiny.
5. Emotions and desires should not master us; instead, we must choose Christ as our King.
6. The kingdom of God is central to Christ’s message and involves righteousness, peace, and joy.
7. Light and darkness cannot coexist; choosing God’s light is choosing life and true freedom.

Key Insights

1. Spiritual Nourishment Mirrors Physical Nourishment: Just as food sustains the body, the words of Christ sustain the soul. This analogy inspires a deeper appreciation for scripture, encouraging active "chewing" (meditation and application) rather than passive reading. This process integrates God’s word into our being, empowering us to live purposefully.
2. The Living Word Transforms Mind and Behavior: Thoric emphasizes that the word of God is not static; it actively changes how we view the world and ourselves. This transformation helps overcome weaknesses and reshapes desires, illustrating the profound impact of consistent scripture engagement.
3. Danger of Consuming ‘Junk’ Media and Ideas: The class warns against filling one’s mind with fleeting, addictive worldly content—social media, entertainment, and toxic ideologies—that can dull spiritual hunger and foster destructive habits. This insight encourages intentional media consumption aligned with spiritual values.
4. The Struggle with Fleshly Desires and Slavery to Sin: Using examples like nicotine addiction and caffeine dependence, Thoric illustrates how unchecked desires can enslave individuals. This metaphor highlights the importance of choosing spiritual masters and surrendering to Christ’s lordship to gain true freedom.
5. Emotions as Tools, Not Masters: Strong emotions can become addictive and controlling if unchecked. The teaching that emotions typically last 90 seconds invites believers to practice self-control, leaning on God’s word rather than transient feelings, fostering emotional health and spiritual growth.
6. The Kingdom of God as the Central Gospel Message: Christ’s core teaching was the nearness of the kingdom of God, inviting believers to make Him king in their lives. This kingdom is characterized by spiritual fruits—righteousness, peace, and joy—offering a powerful alternative to worldly kingdoms.
7. Light vs. Darkness as a Spiritual Choice: The metaphor of light dispelling darkness beautifully captures the spiritual reality that God’s presence and word illuminate and transform. Choosing to live in the light means rejecting darkness; this choice shapes eternal destiny and daily life quality.

Outline

1. Introduction: Feast on the Word and Daily Bread
   • Opening question: Are you getting your daily spiritual bread?
   • Scriptural foundation from 2 Nephi 14:4 and 1 Nephi 5:10-18 about feasting on Christ’s words for guidance and nourishment.
2. Spiritual Nourishment Compared to Physical Food
   • Food as a metaphor for the word of God—nourishment, strength, and energy.
   • Importance of active engagement with scripture: tasting, chewing, digesting, and making it part of us.
   • Contrast between physical and spiritual sustenance—righteousness, peace, and joy as the true kingdom essentials.
3. The Transformative Power of God’s Word
   • God’s word changes desires, perspectives, and interactions.
   • The presence of other voices and ideas that can transform but may not be beneficial.
   • Call to evaluate what we consume daily and its impact on spiritual growth.
4. The Danger of Worldly ‘Junk’ Consumption
   • Examples of addictive and empty worldly consumption: social media, entertainment, materialism.
   • The analogy of junk food: addictive but lacking true nourishment.
   • Effects of overconsumption of junk—spiritual lethargy and societal breakdown.
   • Generational effects of screen addiction and the need to return to tangible, meaningful engagement.
5. Choosing Our Masters: Fleshly Desires vs. Spiritual Freedom
   • Slavery to sin illustrated by addiction examples (nicotine, caffeine).
   • The spiritual principle of choosing who or what to serve—Christ or flesh.
   • Emotional addiction and victimhood mentality as modern challenges.
   • Encouragement to master emotions through faith and scripture.
6. The Centrality of the Kingdom of God
   • Christ’s message focused on the kingdom of God as near and accessible.
   • The kingdom’s qualities: righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
   • The call to seek first the kingdom and make God king in our lives.
7. Light and Darkness: A Spiritual Metaphor
   • Light as a tangible, powerful force that dispels darkness.
   • Darkness as the absence of light, not a tangible entity.
   • Choosing light or darkness as a daily and eternal decision.
   • The consequences of rejecting God’s light—spiritual separation and discomfort.
   • God’s sacrifice to bring light and our invitation to receive it.
8. Conclusion: Application and Challenge
   • Encouragement to consume God’s word daily and apply it.
   • The impact of living in God’s light on relationships and community.
   • Choosing forgiveness, love, and obedience as expressions of faith.
   • Final scriptural reminder: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”
   • Call to action: What will you do differently this week?