March 12, 2018 - Scripture Memorization
Reasons for Scripture Memorization
Committing to our memory is beneficial in every arena of life. It is especially important for the follower of Christ to regularly work at storing up God’s Word in our hearts and minds.
It definitely requires much effort and time to accomplish such but all the effort will pay off in both earthly and eternal dividends. Following are a few reasons we need to memorize the Holy Scriptures today for tomorrow!
I. It will assure victory over temptation.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). Remember that Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations by proclaiming, “It is written” (Matthew 4:1–11). When you are tempted to sin, you will be empowered to do the same if you’ve memorized empowering Bible passages. The Holy Spirit will bring to mind the Scriptures you have stored in your heart, working like the “sword of the Spirit” to defeat evil; this sword is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).
II. It will reveal God’s will in our life.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Whenever you are faced with a choice—big or small—you can know that the Holy Spirit will bring to mind Scriptures that will help lead you in the way God wants you to go. The Holy Spirit will never lead you contrary to the Word of God. The Word of God is His will for you—so do everything possible to fill your mind with Scripture.
III. It will provide help during trials.
“Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jeremiah 15:16). Often in our busy lives things happen that are very difficult and we are not in a place that we can sit down and read our Bibles. Sometimes when we’re hurting, tired, offended, discouraged, it can be very easy to dwell on our difficulties and very hard to pick up our Bibles and read them. So often we have heard our Lord speak to us through the Word which we have stored up for such a time when we didn't even have the strength or the desire to read our Bibles. Think about the joy it is to help bring to a friend, co-worker, even a stranger a Word from God by spontaneously speaking His beloved promises, for his or her exact need, from your heart!
IV. It will enable to learn & live God’s Word and lead others to God.
“Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness” (1 Peter 3:15). Sometimes our witnessing opportunities take place at moments we least expect them. When others ask us for reasons for our inward hope. We can be prepared to answer their questions immediately because we have memorized the truths of God’s holy word. Past preparation makes all the difference in our present opportunities.
V. It will sustain focus on God, developing a deep relationship.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). The Word of God changes us in every way. Every moment we spend in God’s Word is another moment in communion with God. As we spend time with God we become more like Him. What better thing to do than to prayerfully focus on a Scripture, to focus on the mind of God, and solidify His Word, His will, and His heart into ours?
It definitely requires much effort and time to accomplish such but all the effort will pay off in both earthly and eternal dividends. Following are a few reasons we need to memorize the Holy Scriptures today for tomorrow!
I. It will assure victory over temptation.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). Remember that Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations by proclaiming, “It is written” (Matthew 4:1–11). When you are tempted to sin, you will be empowered to do the same if you’ve memorized empowering Bible passages. The Holy Spirit will bring to mind the Scriptures you have stored in your heart, working like the “sword of the Spirit” to defeat evil; this sword is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).
II. It will reveal God’s will in our life.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Whenever you are faced with a choice—big or small—you can know that the Holy Spirit will bring to mind Scriptures that will help lead you in the way God wants you to go. The Holy Spirit will never lead you contrary to the Word of God. The Word of God is His will for you—so do everything possible to fill your mind with Scripture.
III. It will provide help during trials.
“Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jeremiah 15:16). Often in our busy lives things happen that are very difficult and we are not in a place that we can sit down and read our Bibles. Sometimes when we’re hurting, tired, offended, discouraged, it can be very easy to dwell on our difficulties and very hard to pick up our Bibles and read them. So often we have heard our Lord speak to us through the Word which we have stored up for such a time when we didn't even have the strength or the desire to read our Bibles. Think about the joy it is to help bring to a friend, co-worker, even a stranger a Word from God by spontaneously speaking His beloved promises, for his or her exact need, from your heart!
IV. It will enable to learn & live God’s Word and lead others to God.
“Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness” (1 Peter 3:15). Sometimes our witnessing opportunities take place at moments we least expect them. When others ask us for reasons for our inward hope. We can be prepared to answer their questions immediately because we have memorized the truths of God’s holy word. Past preparation makes all the difference in our present opportunities.
V. It will sustain focus on God, developing a deep relationship.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). The Word of God changes us in every way. Every moment we spend in God’s Word is another moment in communion with God. As we spend time with God we become more like Him. What better thing to do than to prayerfully focus on a Scripture, to focus on the mind of God, and solidify His Word, His will, and His heart into ours?
More in Bishir Blog
January 1, 2024
70 NEW YEAR DAY'SJanuary 1, 2024
Making an Impact in 2024August 24, 2023
Living Godly in Babylon