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The Practices of Jesus:

Scripture Memorization

The Practice of Scripture Memorization

Teachings

The scriptures have always been seen as central to the Christian’s experience and pursuit of God, as they were in Jesus’ own life.  All throughout his life and ministry we see Jesus turning to the scriptures as he engaged crowds, his disciples, and even Satan himself.  Jesus’ thoughts and actions were shaped by the Word of God.

As disciples of Jesus, we want to increasingly have “the mind of Christ,” thinking like Jesus, for we know our thoughts also shape our beliefs and action (1 Corinthians 2:16).  Throughout the centuries Christ followers have devoted themselves to knowing God’s Word by heart, by putting to memory the truths found in the scriptures.

In memorizing scripture, we harness an incredible resource the Holy Spirit employs to encourage, guide and strengthen us, so we can combat the lies of the enemy, discern trends in our culture and be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1). So, like Jesus did we want to develop a practice of embedding scripture in our hearts.

Finally, we believe God really wants you to do this.  As you commit to renovating your thinking by scripture memorization be assured it will happen!

 

Before you begin the practice with your family and support group, listen to this sermon to understand more about why this practice is so important and discover what it can do in your life.

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Practice

Here are some suggestions for how you can begin leaning in to the practice of bible memorization. These are by no means the only way, but are meant to be a starting point from which you can discover what works best for you. Much like getting out on the ski hill, it is important that you start where you are not where you would like to be.
Step 1: Choose your text

If you are new to Bible Memorization begin here:

Chose two verses this week to apply to memory (the list below has some great options).  You might choose the verses that resonate with something you are experiencing or needing from the Lord. 

  • God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1
  • For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9
  • Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. – Matthew 11:28-29
  • Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!  – 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 2 Corinthians 5:21
  • Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. – 1 John 4:7-8
  • But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5
  • I am the vine; you are the branches. If a person remains in me and I in them, they will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  – John 15:5
  • Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6
  • Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9
  • For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7
  • But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. – Luke 6:27
  • For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9
  • So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.  – Galatians 5:16-17
  • Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. – Romans 8:1-2
  • For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by him.  – Colossians 2:9-10

If you have some experience in memorization or feel especially motivated, start here:

We encourage you to memorize longer sections of scripture; we find a multiplying benefit as we ingest whole passages. Below are some great options:

  • Romans 8:1-15
  • Psalm 23
  • Matthew 6:1-12
  • 1 Corinthians 13
  • Isaiah 53:1-10
  • Psalm 46
Step 2: Tips To Put Verses to Memory 

If memorizing longer passages break it into manageable sections, say 2-3 verses a day.

Day 1:

  1. Read the verse(s) out loud (include the reference) ten times, look at each word as you read it.
  2. Cover up the verse, recite it out loud ten times.
  3. Make the verse visible.  Write it out & stick it somewhere where you will see it during the day, ie. on the dash of your car, on the fridge, make it the home screen of your phone.  Every time you see it recite it out loud.
  4. You are done for the day.

Day 2: 

  1. Recite yesterday’s verse (including the verse number) 5x’s out loud.
  2. Repeat part “1-3” on your new verse(s)
  3. You are done for the day.

Day 3 and beyond:

  1. Recite the verses out loud 4x’s a day for one week.
  2. Then read/recite it out loud once a week for the next month

High five! The verses should now be embedded in your memory.

Fernie

Sparwood