Memorizing Scripture ~ Part One

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom"

Colossians 3:16

Memorizing Scripture.  Are you a fan, or are you a-feared?  It takes some effort, but it's well worth it.   In John 14:26, Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would "teach all things, and bring to your remembrance all things I have said to you."  I just love it when a piece of Scripture pops into my head at an opportune moment, because I know I'm seeing that verse in action.  And the more we familiarize ourselves with the Bible, the more that's going to happen.


So, for the next few days, I thought I'd share some of my thoughts on the subject.  Today... the "Why?"

WHY

For your brain

The process of memorizing strengthens your brain.  However, your goal is not to have a strong brain so that you can be a trivia expert, but so that it works for you, helps you solve problems. 

A brain strong in Scripture will help you solve spiritual problems.   He can’t bring to your remembrance something you never knew.

God wants to renew your mind. “Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

You might complain that you try to memorize Scripture, but it’s like water going through a sieve.

But after a while, you are going to have a very clean sieve.

For your heart

The Bible is entirely inspired by God himself. That is why it says that all scripture is 'God-Breathed'. It comes from God's own mouth.  How many times have you been taking notes on a lecture or sermon – and if you don’t take notes, why don’t you?? – and you try to write down what the pastor has said, but by the time you write the first half, you have forgotten the second half, and you desperately wish he would repeat it, and you’re sneaking a look at your neighbor’s notes… How much more desperate should we be for God’s words?

When we have something memorized, we say we know it “by heart”

Scripture should be in your heart…

…So you are prepared to answer questions concerning your faith. “…always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you… 1 Peter 3:15

…So you are prepared to share the Gospel.  “(Paul) reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.”  And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.” Acts 17:3-4

…So you know right from wrong. “Your Word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11

…So you grow in Him. “For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”  Hebrews 5:13-14

…So you grow in your prayer life. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”  John 15:7

…So you can meditate on it anytime, anywhere. “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” Psalm 119:97

 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God,

a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

2 Timothy 2:15

Corrie Ten Boom had memorized huge chunks of Scriptures, which blessed her when she was in a Nazi prison camp, and did not have a Bible.  Not planning on being in a prison camp?  Okay… are you planning on driving on long trips? Conversing with friends? Sleepless nights? Long walks on the beach? Sitting in a hospital waiting room?


So there are some reasons.  Pick the one you like, and stop thinking of excuses.  :)  I'll share some more tomorrow on the subject.