While reading Scripture is vitally important, oftentimes, we forget what we have read as soon as we have closed our Bibles.  The lost of art of meditating and memorizing Scripture is a key discipline in the life of the disciple.

We must discipline our minds to have the words of the Bible accessible even when a copy of the Bible is not available.

Download Handout – PD 06 – Scripture Memory and Discipleship

The Power of Scripture Memory

When Joshua was handed leadership for Israel after Moses’ death, he must have been overwhelmed at the great task before him.  God’s encouragement to him (Josh. 1:1-9) expressed the power of Scripture memory.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Josh. 1:8).

From Joshua’s example, we see that Scripture memory:

1. Calms – Memorizing Scripture stills our heart when we are fearful regarding our circumstances.
2. Reminds – Memorizing Scripture is a tangible expression of the presence of God in our lives.
3. Equips – Memorizing Scripture allows us to speak God’s Word rather than our opinions.
4. Focuses – Memorizing Scripture gives us truth to meditate upon throughout the day and night.
5. Directs – Memorizing Scripture gives us clear applications of obedience in our lives.
6. Benefits – Memorizing Scripture provides beneficial success in our lives.

The Path of Scripture Memory

How do you begin to memorize Scripture?  Here is a path to get started.

1. Research which important verses you need to memorize first.
2. Rewrite the verse into some type of collection tool.
3. Read the verse out loud numerous times.
4. Recite out loud by sections until you can say the complete verse.
5. Refer to the book, chapter, and verse before and after reciting it.
6. Repeat the verse until you have mastered it.
7. Review the verse through intentional accountability systems.

The Priority of Scripture Memory

We know that Scripture memory is important, we must simply prioritize it.

What are the next 10 verses you need to memorize?

If you are unsure of where to start, use the Open Bible website and search for target areas.  Search for pivotal verses in areas of need by inserting the key word or phrase (like doctrine, greed, speech, gospel, etc.).