Got Scripture? Memorizing the Word

The possibility of memorizing the Word ()

Explanation: the prophet announces that God is promising a New Covenant for God’s people. While this New Covenant has dimensions that apply to ethnic Jews, this also applies to anybody who enters the family of God through faith in the LORD Jesus. Jesus proclaimed the reality of the New Covenant at the Last Supper (), indicating its application to all believers.

Argument: One aspect of the New Covenant is that God internalizes the Word in the heart of man. By “writing His law on their hearts” God is declaring the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the spiritual power He brings to believers. This is uniquely seen in the writing of the New Testament. In Jesus tells His disciples that the Holy Spirit will “bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” NOTE: this promise specifically applied to the disciples in the inspired writing of Scripture. This does not mean that Jesus promises us perfect recall. But, in principle, it does mean that the expectation for believers to intimately know the Word is present.

Application: Realize that it is possible for you to memorize portions of God’s Word. Also realize it is expected of believers. Start where you are and make the effort, believing that you are capable of doing so.

The purpose of memorizing the Word ()

Explanation: The 119th psalm is an extended discourse on the majesty of the Word of God. In this psalm the write describes how he delights in the Word, and how it helps him and guides him. Very early in the psalm, the writer declares that he himself has memorized the Word, and then gives the purpose for memorizing it. The Psalmist has a desire God Himself, and he sees that internalizing the Word will keep him from sin.

Illustrate: Taking a final exam for thermodynamics. I struggled with the concepts throughout the class and was barely passing. Me and a friend stayed up most of the night before the exam trying to cram as much as possible into my brain, and hoped it would last for just a few hours.

Argument: Having a clear purpose will sharpen our focus. The psalmist has a desire to live a pure life of integrity. He understands that he needs to know God’s Word in order to reach his goal. He also knows that he will not always have ready access to the written word. Therefore, he memorizes the Word in order that he may not sin against God.

Most modern Christians aren’t really concerned about living a pure life or pursuing holiness. We consider Jesus to be more like fire insurance than a living and growing relationship with a friend who loves us. We focus on forgiveness instead of obedience and hope for the best. Not the biblical pattern at all.

Application: Realize and embrace your purpose as a believer. You are a disciple, a follower of the LORD, and your walk is vitally important. In order to walk worthy of our calling we need to be saturated with His word.

The Benefits of memorizing the Word ()

Explanation: This passage records the encounter between Jesus and Satan in the wilderness. Jesus was undergoing a 40 day fast before He began His public ministry, and Satan comes and tempts Jesus with shortcuts. It is instructive to observe that Jesus counters each of Satan’s temptations with Scripture.

Jesus quotes for the first temptation; for the second temptation; and from for the third

Example: Witnessing to our muslim guide at the Taj Mahal. I did not have a Bible with me, but he had the Koran on his phone. I was able to share some verses with him because of memorization.

Argument: The psalmist also shares the benefit of those who have a love for and a desire to be in the Word. [Don’t be like the pastor who named his bed “The Word;” actually read, meditate, and study the Word. The one who does so will be prosperous like a tree planted by streams of water.

Application: Stop relying on the Holy Spirit to magically prepare you for on the spot encounters with lost people when you haven’t been doing your part.

Practical Methods for Memorizing the Word

Have a plan. The bible is a big book with lots of words. While all are inspired, not all are equally instructive for Christian living and witnessing.

Be willing to struggle. Memorizing Scripture is not the easiest thing to do, and the Holy Spirit is not going to give you perfect recall. It is work, and it requires discipline.

Be accountable. Find someone to memorize Scripture with so you will have some to encourage you and keep you on track.

Set reasonable goals. You CAN memorize Scripture, but you still need to be realistic. Do not attempt to memorize the book of Isaiah for your first project, but don’t settle for “Jesus wept” () or . Have the goal of memorizing one Scripture a week, or at least one a month.

Memorize with the goal of perfection. Don’t settle for “kind of” knowing it. Memorize the verse the way it is written along with the reference. Again, the Bible is a big book and if you are asked about a verse you quote, it is not a good idea to say, “it’s in there somewhere.”

Make use of technology: I use the Scripture Typer App for Bible memorization. I am not a rep for Scripture Typer, but it is helpful. The point is to use something that is portable and easy to use.