BIBLE-MEMORIZATION

One of the most valuable aids to meditation is Scripture memorization. In fact, when I encounter someone who is battling discouragement or depression, I often ask two questions: “Are you singing to the Lord?” and “Are you memorizing Scripture?” These two exercises are not some magical formula to make all our problems go away, but they do have incredible power to change our perspective and attitude toward the issues we are facing.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss

A Place of Quiet Rest, Moody, 2000, p. 166.

Memorizing Scripture is beneficial because it:

1. Helps to renew your mind and change your thought life, establishing permanent change in your entire manner of life and conduct (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2-3).

2. Follows the example of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:1-10).

3. Equips you to use Scripture in everyday situations (for example: Acts 2:16-21, 25-28; 3:22-23; 13:40-41, 47).

4. Allows God’s Word to be the foundation of your life (Deuteronomy 6:6-8).

5. Provides guidance (Psalm 119:24, 105).

6. Develops confidence in witnessing (Isaiah 55:11).

7. Establishes a fountain to conquer temptation (for example: Matthew 4:1-10) and to gain victory over sin (Psalm 119:9-11).

8. Becomes an integral part of your prayer life (for example: Acts 4:24-31).

9. Enables you to teach, counsel, encourage, and build up others in the Body of Christ (Colossians 3:16).

10. Provides a basis for meditation On God’s Word (Psalm 119:15-16, 97).

11. Makes the Word of God readily available for comfort (Psalm 119:52).

12. Keeps God’s Word ready to refresh or revive (Psalm 119:93).

13. Provides stability in your spiritual life (Psalm 37:31; 40:8).

14. Gives you the truth so that, at times of need, you are ready to answer others concerning your source of hope (Proverbs 22:17-21; 1 Peter 3:15).

Biblical Counseling Foundation

This material is excerpted from the Biblical Counseling Foundation’s 480 page in‑depth discipleship manual entitled, Self‑Confrontation (1991 edition) by permission of the Biblical Counseling Foundation.

You are commanded to put aside the sinful practices of your old self, to be changed by a renewing of the mind, and to put on Christlike practices of your new self. Memorizing God’s Word is foundational to that process.

Biblical Counseling Foundation

Self-Confrontation Manuel, Lesson 2, Page 12, Used by Permission of the Biblical Counseling Foundation.

What if I offered you one thousand dollars for every verse you could memorize in the next seven days? Do you think your attitude toward Scripture memory and your ability to memorize would improve? Any financial reward would be minimal when compared to the accumulating value of the treasure of God’s Word deposited within your mind.

Donald Whitney

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, 1991, p. 42. Used by permission of NavPress – www.navpress.com. All rights reserved. For more information please see the website www.BibicalSpirituality.org.

Gather the riches of God's promises. Nobody can take away from you those texts from the Bible which you have learned by heart.

Corrie ten Boom

The word, stored in the heart, provides a mental depository for the Holy Spirit to use to mediate His grace to us, whatever our need for grace might be.

Jerry Bridges

God’s Word must be so strongly fixed in our minds that it becomes the dominant influence in our thoughts, our attitudes, and our actions. One of the most effective ways of influencing our minds is through memorizing Scripture. David said, “I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psm. 119:11).

Jerry Bridges

Usually we think of methods of intake as falling into four categories – hearing the Word taught by our pastors and teachers (Jeremiah 3:15), reading the Bible ourselves (Deuteronomy 17:19), studying the Scriptures intently (Proverbs 2:1-5), and memorizing key passages (Psalm 119:11). All of these methods are needed for a balanced intake of the Word… (But) we must do more than hear, read, study, or memorize Scripture. We must (also) meditate on it (Joshua 1:8).

Jerry Bridges

To memorize Scripture effectively, you must have a plan. The plan should include a selection of well-chosen verses, a practical system for learning those verses, a systematic means of reviewing them to keep them fresh in your memory, and simple rules for continuing Scripture memory on your own.

Jerry Bridges

Of course, the goal of memorization is application of the Scripture to one’s daily life

Jerry Bridges

10 Reasons to Memorize Scripture:

1. It creates and sustains delight in the law of the Lord (Psm. 1:2-3; 119:97).

2. It keeps you from sin (Psm. 119:11).

3. It fulfills your very purpose for living (Mt. 4:4).

4. It fends off the flaming arrows of the evil one (Eph. 6:16).

5. It feeds, sustains and grows faith (Pro. 22:18-19; Rom. 10:17).

6. It teaches you how to pray more effectively (Jn. 15:7).

7. It lets the Word of Christ richly dwell in you (Jn. 15:7; Col. 3:15).

8. It assists in encouraging, evangelizing and defending the faith (Pro. 10:11; 1 Pet. 3:16).

9. It promotes ongoing meditation (Jos. 1:8).

10. It was done by Jesus (Mt. 4:4, 7, 10).

Adapted from: Grace Church of DuPage

Scripture Memory Program, Informational Booklet

I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture… No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.

Chuck Swindoll

Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, Zondervan, 1994, p. 61.

Why Scripture memorization as so essential to the Christian life:

1. Conformity to Christ (1 Sam. 3:2).

2. Daily triumph over sin (Psm. 119:9,11).

3. Daily triumph over Satan (Mt. 4:1-11).

4. Comfort and counsel for people you love (Pr. 25:11).

5. Communicating the Gospel to unbelievers.

6. Communion with God in the enjoyment of His person and ways.

John Piper

Why Memorize Scripture? September 5, 2006, www.DesiringGod.org.. Used by Permission.

When the heart full of God’s love can draw on the mind full of God’s word, timely blessings flow from the mouth.

John Piper

Why Memorize Scripture? September 5, 2006, www.DesiringGod.org. Used by Permission.

As sin lures the body into sinful action, we call to mind a Christ-revealing word of Scripture and slay the temptation with the superior worth and beauty of Christ over what sin offers.

John Piper

Why Memorize Scripture? September 5, 2006, www.DesiringGod.org. Used by Permission.