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Seven Bible Disciplines: Memorizing the Word by Pastor Charlie Handren

By Anonymous
     The Lord is a God who speaks, and when he speaks, he reveals his glory, his purposes, his promises, his plans, his will, and his ways. When he speaks, he wants his people to listen to him so that they may know him, love him, walk with him, and glorify him in the earth. Since his words are so central to the life he wants to live with his people, he gives them a desire to hear it, read it, study it, meditate on it, and memorize it. And while memorizing his words can be challenging, he inspires them to do it for at least seven reasons.
     First, memorizing Scripture is encouraged by Scripture. The Lord says, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:6), meaning, “you shall commit them to heart.” Or as Paul later wrote, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). What better way to obey this command than to commit that word to memory?
     Second, memorizing Scripture helps renew our minds and transform our lives. Since all Scripture is breathed-out by God (2 Timothy 3:16) and since our lives are transformed by the renewing of our minds, the best way to be renewed and transformed is to saturate our minds with God’s own words. 
     Third, memorizing Scripture helps us know the will of God. King David wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). In other words, the words of God makes the will and ways of God plain to us, so that the more we memorize, the more will be made plain.
     Fourth, memorizing Scripture helps us fight against temptation. Again, King David wrote, “I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). It is no wonder, then, that Jesus defeated Satan at every turn by accurately quoting and applying Scripture from memory. And while Jesus’ temptations were unique, there is still much we can learn from them, not the least of which is that Scripture rightly quoted and applied is a powerful weapon against the enemy of our souls (see Ephesians 6:10-20).
     Fifth, memorizing Scripture helps us encourage other believers. As we allow the word of Christ to dwell richly in our hearts and minds, we are able to teach and admonish one another in all wisdom (Colossians 3:16). Encouragement that flows from Scripture is the best encouragement we could give to anyone, especially to those who believe!
     Sixth, memorizing Scripture equips us to share the gospel with unbelievers. Peter encouraged us to always be ready to give a reason for the hope that lies within us (1 Peter 3:15), and the best way to be ready is to be able to quote our reasons from our Savior in his words. 
     Seventh, memorizing Scripture helps us to know God and enjoy fellowship with him. As we grow in the knowledge of God, we grow in treasuring God, worshiping God, and communing with God. So let us memorize his words so that we may know, love, worship, serve, and exalt him!

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