One of the most important Christian disciplines, that sadly many Christians don’t exercise, is Scripture memorization. Some of the important benefits of memorizing Scripture include:
Helps you to not sin
(Psalm 119:11) says: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”
Provides guidance on your Christian journey
(Psalm 119:105) tells us: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Brings great peace to your heart
(Psalm 119:165) shares: “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
Helps you fall more in love with Scripture
(Psalm 119:97) reads: “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.”
Prepares you to handle all the trials of life
Pastor David Jeremiah provides great insight on this point when he commented: “The Holy Spirit can’t remind you of something you never read which is why it’s important to memorize scripture. When you have Bible verses inscribed in your mind, you’re carrying a concealed weapon to use against the enemy in battle. Find a passage today and begin laying up His words in your heart and in doing so you will be prepared for any trials that will come.”1
And if you ever wanted to see a demonstration of the power of Scripture memorization, I implore you to read (Matthew 4:1-11). Here we see the familiar story of Jesus being tested in the wilderness.
(Matthew 4:1-11)
4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Notice when Satan hurled his three temptations at Jesus, our Lord said “it is Written,” each time and quoted to the devil a verse from the book of Deuteronomy (Matthew 4:4 see Deut. 8:3, Matthew 4:7 see Deut. 6:16, Matthew 4:10 see Deut. 6:13). And what was the result: The devil had to flee (Matthew 4:11).
My friends Scripture memorization is a powerful tool that can prove a wonderful help in running the Christian race. If you haven’t tried to memorize Scripture why not start small and memorize one verse a week for 52 weeks. I guarantee you that the time spent in this endeavor will reap eternal dividends!
1 45 Motivational David Jeremiah Quotes for Success In Life (overallmotivation.com)