9 Reasons Scripture Memorization Matters

How do you memorize Scripture? (Unsplash)

I still remember the first Bible verses I memorized decades ago. I was a young believer saved out of a non-Christian home, and the Bible was new, fresh and alive to me then.

To be honest, though, I often still need to remember why memorization matters:

1. The Bible is the Word of God. I've been with people who have little access to this Word. Shouldn't those of us who have Bibles in our homes want to know God's Word so well that it dwells within our hearts?

2. Jesus modeled for us the power of knowing the Word. Satan tempted Jesus—and three times Jesus countered him with the book of Deuteronomy. Jesus showed us that the Word—all of it—has power over the devil.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

3. Memorizing verses we encounter in our quiet time brings life to that time. I love it when the Spirit uses a verse so powerfully in my life and study that I want to memorize it.

4. Hiding the Word in our heart helps us to avoid sin. That's what the psalmist told us in Psalm 19:11 and 119:9-11. We fight sin by treasuring God's Word.

5. Memorizing Scripture today can help prepare us for tomorrow's battles. Years ago, I started memorizing Scripture using a prescribed list of verses. I didn't even understand all of them then—but I've been amazed by how often I've turned back to those verses through the years.

6. The Word drives the garbage from our minds. I'm 59 years old, but I still occasionally remember images I saw as a teenager. Here's the good news, though: through the Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17), we can capture every thought for Christ.

7. The day may come when we have little or no access to the Bible. Much of the world already faces this situation, and we can't assume it won't happen to us. We need to know the Word so well that we can teach it without a written text in front of us.

8. Memorization prepares us to share the gospel. Sure, we can use apps and tracts to evangelize—but having the Word ever on our lips gives us confidence and conviction to tell the Good News. Knowing the Word weakens our fears of proclaiming.

9. Memorization review requires daily time with the Word. That's the nature of memorization—if we don't work on it regularly, we forget what we've memorized. Even a few minutes a day to review biblical texts can strengthen our walk with God.

Readers, help us learn how you memorize Scripture. What's your method? What apps do you use? If you're interested in leading your church to memorize the Word together, perhaps this post will also help you.

Chuck Lawless is dean of doctoral studies and vice-president of spiritual formation and ministry centers at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he also serves as professor of evangelism and missions. In addition, he is team leader for theological education strategists for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

For the original article, visit chucklawless.com.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.


Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.

Charisma Leader — Serving and empowering church leaders