The Bible In a Year

Memorising Scripture

To memorize God’s Word is important because God blesses His Word and if we live according to His Word, we will be blessed and have a fruitful life as a Christian. Jesus told His disciples, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 There is a little book entitled Cross Training and each chapter in that book provides the title and some material for each module in this course. In the second chapter of that book, James Braga states there are five reasons why memorizing Scripture is important. They are the following:

The memorized Word promotes spiritual growth

Personally, accepting Christ gave purpose to life. A load of guilt lifted from the sin and shame of lying, cheating, stealing, and hating those who stood in my way. I also recognized that somehow I began a new life in Christ. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

2 Corinthians 5:17. The spiritual insights God gave were nothing short of a miracle. The new had come! With the new life came an insatiable desire to learn and grow. Memorizing God’s Word promotes spiritual growth. Try it — enjoy!

The memorized Word cleanses the believer

Because of the sin, shame, and guilt associated with separation from God, cleansing of heart and mind needs to take place. There is the one-time act when God at salvation, takes away all the penalty of sin while at the same time He replenishes your account with the righteousness of God in Christ. "God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21 The Word of God cleanses the mind and heart and prepares the believer to allow God’s Spirit to reveal Christian character and to do the good deeds God has set us apart to do. The ongoing cleansing is called sanctification. But please don't get hung up over the theological terms. Let’s proceed to the next reason you should commit God’s Word to memory.

The memorized Word is a source of assurance and comfort

Your faith in Christ will be strengthened as you memorize The Bible. As you submit to the Lord by renewing your mind with the Word of God, your faith grows. We live in troublesome times. Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Jesus will comfort you and give you assurance with His presence as you allow His words to saturate your mind. You will think and act as Jesus and have His peace, assurance and comfort.

The memorized Word equips for effective witnessing

Jesus’ purpose was "…to seek and to save what was lost" Luke 19:10. God’s Word spoken in the right circumstances can open an unbelieving heart to the Savior. Hiding God’s Word in your heart will make you usable in situations you would never imagine. Commit the wonderful words of life to memory and you will experience the abundant life Jesus wants to give. God will direct "seekers" to cross your path and the Holy Spirit will use those wonderful words to direct your friends, relatives, co-workers, and fellow students to Christ.

The memorized Word is a means of edifying others

Since God’s Word is living and active, you can share His Words as encouragement to those who are discouraged. Have you ever read the book of Proverbs? Look at Proverbs 25:11. It reads, "Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances." NASB. Words can hurt or heal. The tongue was made to praise our God and encourage (build up) others to serve God.