Doctrinal Mastery: 2 Nephi 32:3

“Feast upon the Words of Christ; for Behold, the Words of Christ Will Tell You All Things What Ye Should Do”

In a previous lesson, “2 Nephi 32:1–7,” you learned the importance of feasting upon the words of Christ. This lesson can help you memorize the doctrinal mastery reference and key scripture phrase for 2 Nephi 32:3, explain the doctrine, and apply principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in real-life situations.

Explain and memorize

Imagine that you have been asked to give a short devotional thought in seminary about the importance of studying the scriptures. Read 2 Nephi 32:3 and recall the principle when we feast upon the words of Jesus Christ, they will tell us all things we should do.

• How might you use what you learned in the previous lesson, and your personal experience, to explain what it means to “feast upon the words of Christ”? (2 Nephi 32:3).

• What difference could feasting upon the words of Christ make in the life of youth?

To help you memorize and apply this passage, draw a table setting on a piece of paper. It may be similar to the image below. You might also draw pictures of food or scriptures on the plate. Write the phrase “2 Nephi 32:3—Feast upon the words of Christ, for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” somewhere on your page. Read this phrase multiple times until you have it memorized. Consider posting your drawing somewhere in your home or on the refrigerator where you can review it each time you eat.

Practice application

Understanding the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge will help you with the following activity. Take a few minutes to review these principles in paragraphs 5–12 of the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023). Choose one of the principles to study more closely.

Imagine that after a seminary lesson about the importance of daily scripture study, your friend says to you, “I know studying the scriptures is a good thing to do, but with all the things going on in my life right now, I just don’t have time, especially not every day.”

Examine concepts and questions with an eternal perspective

1. Answer the following questions:

   • What would you want your friend to know about Jesus Christ or the plan of salvation that could help them want to strive to feast on His words every day?

   • How might regularly feasting upon the words of Christ affect us over time, even eternally?

Seek further understanding through divinely appointed sources

Imagine that after discussing an eternal perspective, your friend says, “Thanks. That helps a little. But I still think I will struggle to find time every day to study my scriptures.”

2. Answer the following questions:

   • How do you think 2 Nephi 32:3 could help your friend?

   • What scriptures or statements from prophets may help your friend?

Some examples may include Doctrine and Covenants 26:1 as well as the following statement from Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

Don’t yield to Satan’s lie that you don’t have time to study the scriptures. Choose to take time to study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If so, do it! (Richard G. Scott, “Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 93)

• How might these teachings help?

Act in faith

Imagine that your friend reacts well to what you have shared, but you know they will not truly overcome their concern until they act in faith, trusting in the Lord.

Take time to consider personal experiences you have had with the words of Christ and what you know about the Savior that may motivate your friend to feast upon His words daily.

3. Answer the following questions:

   • What experiences or testimony could you share that might help your friend act in faith?

   • What have you learned that you feel could help you improve your personal scripture study?