WHY MUST I MEMORIZE SCRIPTURES?
Dear children,
When it comes to memorization of Bible verses, some of you would complain, show indifference or treat it is just a mental excercise to train your minds. Having either of these attitudes does not please God. When it comes to Bible verse memorization time, you need to have a very God centred attitude and you must know the reasons why.
Firstly, when we memorize the Bible verses, always remember we are memorizing not man’s words but the very words of God. God speaks to us in the Bible. Therefore, it is a privilege to have God’s Word to fill and saturate our minds and hearts. The Bible is inspired by our Lord without error. It is infallible because it does not mislead, deceive or disappoint. God in 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21 and Hebrews 4:12 has declared:
2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Secondly, to memorize verses is a commandment from God. This is found in Deuteronomy 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart (see Deuteronomy 11:18).
Thirdly, storing God’s Word in our hearts will cause us to resist temptations, grow in Christ and be like Him. The Psalmist in Psalm 119:11 says, Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. When we pursue holiness, we will be more like Christ and less like the world. The world hates us, Satan hates us. Everyday is a spiritual battle against the evil one. We cannot live each day without the “Sword” in our hand. This “Sword” is none other than the Word of God stored in our hearts (Ephesians 6:17).
Fourthly, memorizing the Bible verses would help us to walk in God’s ways and not our ways. The Psalmist was glad that travelling in this world of darkness, he has God’s Word as a lamp to his feet and a light to his path (Psalm 119:105).
Fifthly, memorization of God’s Word will help us to be channels of blessings to those around us who are discouraged, weak, sick or in need of help and comfort. The promises and assurance of God’s faithfulness and love spontaneously spoken to the comfortless would have an remarkable power on them. It is like what Proverbs 25:11 says: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Sixthly, memorization of God’s Word will come in handy when we need to defend the faith and share the gospel to others as what the apostle Peter said in 1 Peter 3:15 But 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 and fear:
Last but not least, memorization of the Scriptureswill help us to draw close to God and enjoy His presence wherever we are; we may be travelling, exercising, resting or waiting for someone or reading.
Conclusion
When it comes to memorization of Bible verses, some of you would complain, show indifference or treat it is just a mental excercise to train your minds. Having either of these attitudes does not please God. When it comes to Bible verse memorization time, you need to have a very God centred attitude and you must know the reasons why.
Firstly, when we memorize the Bible verses, always remember we are memorizing not man’s words but the very words of God. God speaks to us in the Bible. Therefore, it is a privilege to have God’s Word to fill and saturate our minds and hearts. The Bible is inspired by our Lord without error. It is infallible because it does not mislead, deceive or disappoint. God in 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21 and Hebrews 4:12 has declared:
2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Secondly, to memorize verses is a commandment from God. This is found in Deuteronomy 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart (see Deuteronomy 11:18).
Thirdly, storing God’s Word in our hearts will cause us to resist temptations, grow in Christ and be like Him. The Psalmist in Psalm 119:11 says, Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. When we pursue holiness, we will be more like Christ and less like the world. The world hates us, Satan hates us. Everyday is a spiritual battle against the evil one. We cannot live each day without the “Sword” in our hand. This “Sword” is none other than the Word of God stored in our hearts (Ephesians 6:17).
Fourthly, memorizing the Bible verses would help us to walk in God’s ways and not our ways. The Psalmist was glad that travelling in this world of darkness, he has God’s Word as a lamp to his feet and a light to his path (Psalm 119:105).
Fifthly, memorization of God’s Word will help us to be channels of blessings to those around us who are discouraged, weak, sick or in need of help and comfort. The promises and assurance of God’s faithfulness and love spontaneously spoken to the comfortless would have an remarkable power on them. It is like what Proverbs 25:11 says: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Sixthly, memorization of God’s Word will come in handy when we need to defend the faith and share the gospel to others as what the apostle Peter said in 1 Peter 3:15 But 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 and fear:
Last but not least, memorization of the Scriptureswill help us to draw close to God and enjoy His presence wherever we are; we may be travelling, exercising, resting or waiting for someone or reading.
Conclusion
Knowing the reasons why we must memorize God’s Word will certainly help us to see the tremendous spiritual value in it. I pray that you will have the right and proper attitude towards memorization of Scriptures. As His children, we have the Holy Spirit who indwells in us to teach, lead and guide us.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm 1:1-2
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