Belgian Ecclesia Brussel - LeuvenMemorizing wonderfully 2 Biblical Reasons to Memorize Scripture
In our introduction we talked about the coming tool which may help you to reach your goal to help you on the right track and to give you enough inspiration to go forwards on the narrow road to the small gate.
ScriptureSeedsLogo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)In the coming weeks we are going to go from the first until to the last book of the bible, looking at a few verses which could be interesting to memorize.
Those verses should be our seed in our life to make us grow in our faith. Those memorization verses should be Scripture seeds which bring us joy, encouragement, hope and should strengthen us in our faith. With the knowledge that Scripture calls itself much more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey, we may find in them our desirable sweetness, which can give us nice dreams and hopes for a better future. Also we should be aware that the Word of God is so much more important than the word of man. Plus only the Word of God is infallible and having all Truth in it. In the Bible we can find our best tool to come to know about ourselves, the world around us and the Divine Creator or heavenly Maker behind it all.
Psalms 19:7-10 The Scriptures 1998+ (7) The Torah of יהוה {Jehovah} is perfect, bringing back the being; The witness of יהוה {Jehovah} is trustworthy, making wise the simple; (8) The orders of יהוה {Jehovah} are straight, rejoicing the heart; The command of יהוה {Jehovah} is clear, enlightening the eyes; (9) The fear of יהוה {Jehovah} is clean, standing forever; The right-rulings of יהוה {Jehovah} are true, They are righteous altogether, (10) More desirable than gold, Than much fine gold; And sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.
Not the fear of man should guide our life, but the fear of God. We should know that the world offers lots of stories and may offer lots of ideas, but the real Truth belongs only to God. Every page of the Bible is filled with eternal truth about the universe and wisdom for every aspect of life. Unfortunately, many believers leave a treasure trove of spiritual riches on the shelf instead of sowing it deep into their hearts through Scripture memory.
When we love God it is not bad to memorize certain sayings he said to us.
Today we like to look at ten biblical reasons to memorize Scripture:
1. Jesus memorized Scripture.
When we call ourself Christian, we should be a follower of the Nazarene master teacher Jeshua, who is better known as Jesus Christ. That Jewish rebbe loved his heavenly Father so much he was willing to do everything for him putting his own will aside.
As soon as he started his public life he showed to others that he very well knew the written Word. Though he brought a lot of stories or parables, he quoted all the time the writings from previous men of God.
When we look at the writings of his disciples we can see that he quoted twenty-four books of the Old Testament almost 180 times in those books of the New Testament.
From those writings of his close disciples we come to hear that he thought of the Scriptures as the ultimate authority in life and a way to understand the heart and desires of God. More than once he not only referred to that Word of God but warned also of the importance of that infallible Word.
Those who call themselves Christian should follow the example of Jesus in knowing the Scriptures by heart.
2. We are called to memorize Scripture.
Excerpt from the New Testament of Mark, chapter 12 (The New Testament, by George Campbell, Philip Doddridge & James Macknight , publ. 1827). God’s name Jehovah is used in the footnotes to clarify the cases that Jehovah is meant by the word “[the] Lord”. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)In the Messianic Scriptures the followers of the Kristos or Messiah are reminded to let the word of Christ dwell in them richly.
Colossians 3:16 The Scriptures 1998+ (16) Let the Word of Messiah1 dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing with pleasure in your hearts to the Master in psalms and songs of praise and spiritual songs. Footnote: 1John 12:48, Dt. 18:19, Rev. 19:13.
To have the words of Christ and his heavenly Father dwell in us we do need to remember them. At the time of Jesus many of them who listened to his words knew they had to make sure they carried it in their heart (figuratively having it bounded on them).
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 The Scriptures 1998+ (4) “Hear, O Yisra’el: יהוה {Jehovah} our Elohim, יהוה {Jehovah} is one! (5) “And you shall love יהוה {Jehovah} your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your being, and with all your might. (6) “And these Words which I am commanding you today shall be in your heart, (7) and you shall impress them upon your children, and shall speak of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up, (8) and shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. (9) “And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
To be able to teach others about the Word of God, we need to know it ourselves very well. To be able to talk about it wherever we go we do have to have them in our head and be able to remember them so that we can use them at the appropriate time.
To make the Word of God an integral part of our lives, we do have to get our mind thinking of them and seeing them even when we do not have a bible at hand.
We must know Scripture first before we can teach it or apply it as God desires. The command to know Scripture is not burdensome, but life-giving.
3. Memorizing Scripture renews our mind and transforms our life.
We all know people around us who have to write everything down because otherwise they might forget. Perhaps we too have to write everything down in order to not forget.
French – American Bible Society – 1846 open BibleIt also can be so difficult to remember so many things. The Bible also brings us a giant amount of matters, stories, lessons, we would love to remember.
The Elohim does not expect us to have such knowledge as his Son. He is aware that we are limited much more than Christ because we are not yet so close to God as him.
The Divine Maker knows our incapabilities and is aware of our weaknesses. He knows that we cannot remember or keep His commands without being reminded of them frequently.
We should know God provides possibilities to get regularly in contact with His Words. There are ecclesiae and preachers who talk about that Word of God and present that Word regularly to the public.
The Divine Maker also told the world to spend more attention to His word than to the words of man. He requires to renew our minds in the Scriptures daily. He took care that everything we need to know is assembled in a Library of books. That Book of books is available for all, all over the world!
Romans 12:2 The Scriptures 1998+ (2) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you prove what is that good and well-pleasing and perfect desire of Elohim.
we are warned by the apostle Paul.
To renew our mind we can use a memorization tool. Keeping Scripture at the forefront of our minds will help us receive spiritual transformation from the Most Almighty God. As such we must make sure that we are not conformed to this world, but are transformed by the renewal of our mind, by regularly calling or reciting Words from God into our mind.
4. Memorizing Scripture helps against temptation.
Everyday we are confronted by things which can distract us and can get us away from the Will of God. More than once we can find in the bible that the best armour is the one which God provides.
tells us the Word of God is “living and active,” meaning that it has supernatural power to mould us into Christ-likeness when we meditate upon it, and there is no better way to meditate on the Word than to have it in our minds and memories.
By the wisdom we get from those Bible verses we shall be armed against those who are against God and His people.
The Word of God is the believer’s only truly potent weapon against sin, and when placed in the mind through Bible memorization, it is a strong influence for godliness and righteous living.
Ephesians 6:10-20 The Scriptures 1998+ (10) For the rest, my brothers, be strong in the Master and in the mightiness of His strength. (11) Put on the complete armour of Elohim, for you to have power to stand against the schemes of the devil. (12) Because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against authorities, against the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual matters of wickedness in the heavenlies. (13) Because of this, take up the complete armour of Elohim, so that you have power to withstand in the wicked day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand, then, having girded your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (15) and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace; (16) above all, having taken up the shield of belief with which you shall have power to quench all the burning arrows of the wicked one. (17) Take also the helmet of deliverance, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of Elohim,1 Footnote: 1Isa. 59:21. (18) praying at all times, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, watching in all perseverance and supplication for all the set-apart ones; (19) also for me, that a word might be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to be bold in making known the secret of the Good News, (20) for which I am an envoy in chains, that in it I might speak boldly, as I should speak.
When you memorize different verses of the Bible they shall help you to have your weapon ready when you encounter adversaries of God. You should know that the most offensive weapon is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”
As followers of Christ we should know that like he used the Word of God to reply to others, we too should use that Word of God. The only offensive weapon is the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v. 17). Just as Jesus used God’s Word to fend off attacks of those who opposed him, so must we be able to use the same weapon.
Scripture is a powerful weapon for cutting down deceitful words and reminding us of God’s precious and powerful promises to us.
Look at what happened to Jesus after his baptism. When he got tempted in the wilderness, Jesus wielded the sword of the Spirit and the ‘devil‘ fled (Matthew 4:1-11). There we can see that Jesus against the satan or adversary used the Word of God. He was not afraid to bring up those words of his heavenly Father.
You too in the same way should make sure that you can use the Word of God instead on counting on your own fallible words. God’s Word has so much power!
If you are fighting against a specific sin, hide God’s Word in your heart to help you live overcome temptation (Psalm 119:11).
Romans 12:1-2 exhorts us to “renew” our minds so that we are no longer influenced by the thinking that conforms us to this world. The only way to renew the mind is to fill it with Scripture.
Romans 12:1-2 The Scriptures 1998+ (1) I call upon you, therefore, brothers, through the compassion of Elohim, to present your bodies a living offering – set-apart, well-pleasing to Elohim – your reasonable worship. (2) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you prove what is that good and well-pleasing and perfect desire of Elohim.
5. Memorizing Scripture helps us live in obedience.
In the many books of the set-apart or Holy Scriptures we find people who trusted God’s Word and counted on it to keep their way pure.
To be able to guard your way according to the Word of God, one has to know that Word. (Psalm 119:9)
Memorizing Scripture and meditating on it is a preventative method for avoiding temptation because when God’s Word is fresh in your mind, you will more easily avoid temptation.
6. Memorizing Scripture will bring God’s blessing to our lives.
Several times in the Bible, God connects His blessing with a continual meditation on His Word.
Joshua 1:7-9 The Scriptures 1998+ (7) “Only be strong and very courageous, to guard to do according to all the Torah which Mosheh My servant commanded you. Do not turn from it right or left, so that you act wisely wherever you go. (8) “Do not let this Book of the Torah depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you guard to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and act wisely. (9) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, nor be discouraged, for יהוה {Jehovah} your Elohim is with you wherever you go.”
When we have verses memorized we can carry that Word everywhere where we go and can consult it everywhere we are.
When having memorized several verses of the Bible that Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall be able to meditate on it day and night.
By your memorization and meditation you shall have reminders for yourself so that it will be easier for you to live according to all that is written in The Word of God, the Bible.
By memorizing verses from Scripture you shall find that it shall enrich your spiritual life and that it will make your way prosperous, making that already here on earth you may feel happy and successful in your life.
Psalm 1 also describes a man who delights on the Word of God as blessed. It logically follows that if you truly delight in the Word, you will think about it so much that it will fuse into your memory.
The blessing that comes is not necessarily health, wealth, or prosperity, but rather will be something far greater: spiritual vitality, profound hope, and greater communion with the Creator of the Universe and Lover of your soul.
7. Memorizing Scripture allows us to more readily encourage believers.
We should remember
Romans 15:4 The Scriptures 1998+ (4) For whatever was written before was written for our instruction,1 that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have the expectation. Footnote: 11 Cor. 10:11, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
God took care that His Word came unto the next generations. He protected it. Whatever translation you may use, God shall take care you can come closer to Him when your heart has the right attitude.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 The Scriptures 1998+ (18) So, then, encourage one another with these words.
writes the apostle Paul to his flock.
To be able to encourage other believers with the truth, we ourselves have to be in the truth and should know Word of God to tell to others. When we have verses and passages ready, we can more easily build up other believers in the truth.
We must make it possible to speak about God and to tell about His word without having a Bible at hand. On the spot we should be able to share something from God’s Word.
8. Memorizing Scripture allows us to share with unbelievers better.
Today we live in a world where there are more unbelievers than believers. Today we also must be aware that the majority are not at all aware what is really written in the bible. The majority of people we meet have never read the Bible.
We not only have to sanctify the Lord God in your heart, we should praise Him High and let His Word sound all over the earth.
1 Peter 3:15 The Scriptures 1998+ (15) But set apart יהוה {Jehovah} Elohim in your hearts, and always be ready to give an answer to everyone asking you a reason concerning the expectation that is in you, with meekness and fear,
When you have memorized verses from the Scriptures you shall be able to recall them when necessary. You also shall be able to be ready to give a defence for your hope in Christ.
We should memorize Scripture so we can walk unbelievers through the salvation message and help them understand their sin and need for a Saviour.
Speaking God’s words instead of our own will give our message more authority and will harness the power that is in the Word of God (Isaiah 55:11; Hebrews 4:12; Jeremiah 23:29).
9. Memorizing Scripture gives us a better understanding of God and his will.
When we know God’s Word and obey it, we are able to experience God at a deeper level and experience the freedom that comes only through obedience (John 8:31-32, 14:21). The deeper we know God, the deeper we know his will for us. Romans 12:2 says that when we renew our minds and are transformed, we will be able to “discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
What Christian does not want a better understanding of God and his perfect will?
The Word of God tells us how to live and how to do right. By coming to know the Will of God and how we have to relate to Him and His creation we shall be mare aware how to build our own life and how to stay on the right track.
10. Memorizing Scripture makes us wise.
The Bible is a book of tremendous wisdom that can have an impact on every area of our life. By memorizing the Scripture we are able to have wisdom with us at all times. Luke 2:52 says that even Jesus grew in wisdom during his earthly life. Why should we not do the same?
Christian, make the Bible your supreme treasure. Whether it be a few verses, longer passages, or complete books, there is no better investment of your time than hiding God’s Word in your heart.
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We gratefully also made use of an article by the Christian, blogger, and coffee aficionado Kevin Halloran, who also writes
If you don’t dare to tackle a longer chunk of Scripture, I recommend this list of verses as a starting place: 2 Corinthians 5:21; Isaiah 53:5; 1 John 1:9; Acts 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Deuteronomy 8:3; Psalm 73:25-26; Mark 8:35-36; Romans 8:31-32; 1 Peter 1:13; Ezekiel 36:26; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10; Hebrews 4:15-16; John 1:1-2; Psalm 27:4.
May God richly bless your efforts!
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The benefits of memorizing Scripture are lost to those merely seeking head-knowledge of Bible trivia or theological truth rather than a devotion to the Lord and desire to grow more like Christ.
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Preceding
Memorizing wonderfully 1 Introduction
Understand what the will of the Lord is
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Additional reading
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Further articles of interest
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