Getting More from God’s Word Through Scripture Memory.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Why memorize scripture?
1. Memorized scripture is an effective weapon against sin, temptation, discouragement, fear, and doubt, or anything else the devil or your old sin nature might throw at you. Check out the example of Jesus using scripture to combat Satan in Luke 4:1-4. See also Psalm 119:11
2. There is nothing more life giving than God’s word! If you know scripture, you can not only benefit from it yourself but you can share it with others. Start storing up God’s word now so that God can speak through you into the lives of others.
3. Memorizing scripture focuses your mind on God’s word and allows for much deeper understanding and contemplation than you would have merely hearing or reading the words once. Psalm 1:1&2
Practical methods for scripture memory:
Commit! If you decide that you WILL memorize one scripture a week, and review what you memorize daily, then you have just started an exciting journey of spiritual growth.
Pick a verse or short group of verses (containing one point) to memorize each week. Once you know the verse REVIEW it every day for the next eight weeks, once you get to nine verses drop the first one from your daily review and continue with your current eight. Using this method you will KNOW the scriptures you memorize and retain them for years and even a lifetime.
Start with note cards or a notebook. Note cards may be more practical for review because you can carry them around easily, but you’ll have to keep track of your verses wherever you write them down. You may want to have a backup list of verses you memorize on your phone or computer in case you lose or damage your note cards or note book.
Try to condense the theme of the verse in one line, and write this theme down in parentheses above your verse or on the back of the notecard. Next write out the scripture reference and the verse paying close attention to make sure you aren’t missing any words or punctuation. Read the verse aloud several times, each time put emphasis on a different word or phrase as you say it. When saying the verse start with the reference, and then say the reference again at the end because the chapter and verse numbers are the easiest to forget or confuse.
Next write the reference, and the first letter of each word out on your hand, the back of your note card, or a separate “cheat card” and try to go from reading the verse to saying it based off of the clues that the single letters give you.
Here’s an example:
(God’s love for the world)
John 3:16 (NKJV)
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 (NKJV)
F G s l t w
t H g H o b S,
t w b i H s n p
b h e l
Once you’ve mastered reciting your verse from the letter prompts, move to saying a line at a time without looking, then glancing back at the verse to check yourself. In no time you’ll have the verse memorized word for word. BUT once you can say the verse, daily REVIEW is key if you want to keep the verse permanently. After memorizing each verse continue to review it for eight weeks and you will really know and retain it!
In addition to daily personal review try to have a friend help you review your verses at least once a week. Ask your friend to give you only the theme of the verse written in parentheses and then quote them the reference and the verse. Tell your friend to stop you and correct you if you miss even one word like and or the. Knowing the verse word perfect will insure that it’s actual meaning and content stays with you.
You’ve got this! And we hope these tips will help you get started with a practice that will bless you and others for a lifetime.