Memorizing Scripture, Part 2

By March 18, 2015 Bible, Memorization No Comments

In part 1 of this series I began to build the case for why we should memorize scripture. Here are three more reasons:

1. Because of sin

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

Isaiah 59:2 says that sin separates us from God. When we fall into sin we are taking a detour out of God’s plan for our lives. As John Owen said, “Be killing sin or it will be killing you”.

In Ephesians 6 Paul describes what we need to “stand against the devil’s schemes”. Every piece of armor mentioned is defensive except the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”. The Word is a potent weapon against satan and his greatest attacks against us.

In Matthew 4, when Jesus was led into the desert to be tempted by satan, he quoted scripture to fend off his attacks. We too can follow his example through Bible memorization.

2. It helps you make wise decisions.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

We often ask the question, “What is God’s will for my life?” Generally, we ask this regarding life’s major changes and decisions but we face decisions and challenges everyday. We really need to ask what is God’s will for today, in this situation.

The answer to what is God’s will in this situation has most likely already been answered in the Bible. As we memorize scripture the Holy Spirit can bring to mind the appropriate scripture right when we need it.

The more we saturate our minds with scripture, the more we will be able to know the will of God.

3. Because the devil is a liar.

In the word, we read statements about satan which say he is the “god of this age” (2 Cor 4:4), the “whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19), and that he is the father of lies (John 8:44). Armed with that information it’s safe to say that this world is full of lies. It lies to us about who we are, where we came from, the problems in our homes and the issues at work. It also lies to us about the solution to all these problems. And let’s not forget that small voice inside that causes us to lie to ourselves.

Bible memorization gives us a greater ability to discern truth from error. As we let the word of Christ dwell in us richly we are renewing our minds to be conformed to the unchanging mind of Christ. We are better able to align ourselves with God’s point of view rather than the latest trends of this world.