Mosaic Magazine
Mosaic Magazine
BIBLE MEMORIZATION
Bible Memorization
What are the benefits of Bible memorization? Why is it necessary to memorize scripture? Jesus gives us an answer to these questions!
Let’s take a look…
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.’
Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE OVER YOU,’ and, IN THEIR HANDS THEY SHALL BEAR YOU UP, LEST YOU DASH YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’ ” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘YOU SHALL NOT TEMPT THE LORD YOUR GOD.’ “
Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND HIM ONLY YOU SHALL SERVE.’ ” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.” (Mat 4:1-11 NKJV)
Indeed, Jesus clearly demonstrated that one of the most powerful means of overcoming spiritual warfare is to become so acquainted with the Holy Scriptures that they can be recalled at any moment to counter the attacks of the evil one.
Thus, Jesus had committed to memory the Holy Scriptures, and used them as a means to defeat the devil who sought to persuade Him to turn against God. In fact, a close reading of what had happened will show you that Satan even went so far as to use scripture out of context, to try to deceive Jesus. Of course, Jesus was well versed in the Word of God and immediately discerned what Satan was up to.
The question however is, are you well versed in the Bible? How much of the Bible have you committed to memory? Do you know it well enough to identify when someone is using it out of context? Do you know which Biblical verses to recall when temptation strikes?
If the devil was bold enough to attempt to attack Jesus in this way, how much more will he try to do the same to you? And if Jesus used the Word of God as means for protection, how much more do we need to do the same?
It is quite tragic that many Christians spend very little time reading the Bible these days, but even more disheartening that they don’t use their time for what it is intended for. That is, to glorify God. Thus, when they are tempted to sin they easily fold, because though they think they are standing on a solid foundation, they are not, because they are not following Jesus’ example of feasting on the Word of God daily.
Do you want to overcome the enemy when He strikes at you?
If so, then you need to follow in Jesus’ steps and start memorizing scripture, so that you too, may be able to use it to ward off the enemy, just like Jesus did!
A Few Tips on Memorizing Scripture
1. We tend to remember things more easily when we can relate to them. So it is a good idea to use a Bible translation that best meets your needs in this way. I use the New King James Version, because for me it is easier to memorize scripture that is written in a language that I commonly use.
2. Bible memory verse cards must be used for optimal results. I simply use index cards for this.
Note: It is best to put your scripture reference on one side, and the actual verse on the other side of the card. Thus, you can not only look at the verse and recall the reference, you can also look at the reference and recite the verse. This bible memorization method will prove to work very well for you as it produces great results.
Also, be sure to cut the index cards in half vertically. This will make it more convenient for you to take your Bible memory verse cards with you wherever you go, as they will be small enough to fit in your pocket. You will also get more cards this way.
3. Don’t just memorize your scripture verses. Be sure to internalize them. In other words, make sure you understand them, as this will not only help you to remember them more easily, it will also make it easier for you to know when and what to apply them to.
4. Be sure to set some time aside each day to review your Bible memory verses (Very Important!).
Incidentally, you are in for a real treat! You see, the more you memorize scripture the easier it will become to make scriptural connections. In other words, you will see how scripture compliments other scripture, as well as to realize that the Bible interprets itself in this way. Thus, this will work wonderfully to help you to gain a greater depth of knowledge for understanding God’s word.
HOW TO LIVE A CHRISTIAN LIFE
- Understanding that you are a new creation! 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
- Transforming and renewing your mind. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."
- Treating others with love. Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
- Living out the teachings of Christ. Jesus taught: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3-10).
- Sharing your faith. Matthew 5:14-16 says, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
