Jesus did not only read the Word of God, He memorized it. He did not only understand it, He purposed to hide it in His heart. Later He quoted scripture in all kinds of situations of His life.
Here are some commands and counsels to memorize God’s Word:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe 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.” (Joshua 1:8)
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” (Ps. 119:11, KJV).
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. (Deuteronomy 6:6-8)
Memorize the Word of God – 5 Biblical Reasons
1. God has instructed us to do so
2. It will help us to stand firm
3. It will help us to hear God’s voice
4. It will draw us closer to God
5. It will be a great help in witnessing
“Let the more important passages of Scripture connected with the lesson be committed to memory, not as a task, but as a privilege. Though at first the memory be defective, it will gain strength by exercise, so that after a time you will delight thus to treasure up the words of truth. And the habit will prove a most valuable aid to spiritual growth. {CG 511.4}
Ten Keys to Memorize Scripture
1. Have a Plan
“Success in any line demands a definite aim.“ (Ed 262.1)
How many verses do you want to learn every week/month?
Set goals.
Start with shorter passages. After a while it will be easier to memorize, as your mind gets used to it.
2. Have a Memorizing-Partner
It helps to have someone you can be accountable to.
3. Learn it Well (Word by Word)
Start by learning the first part of the verse, and then add more until you know the whole verse by heart. It helps also to emphasize on different words as you recite.
4. Use Good Tools
- A bible-verse case filled with small cards of bible verses.
- Bible Memory – A great App that will help you memorize the Word.
- FAST – Learn the Secrets of successful bible memorization!
5. Use Every Opportunity
Whatever you use, keep it in your pocket or bring it with you. Read the verses when you have some minutes of spare time (which happens many times during the day).
“Keep a pocket Bible with you as you work, and improve every opportunity to commit to memory its precious promises.–RH April 27, 1905. {LDE 67.4}
“If we have some spare time, we will not go to a magazine to read some foolish, trifling, lying story, but we will find something in the Word to commit to memory. Then when the enemy besets us, we can resist him with the written word of God. That is how Jesus met the enemy in the wilderness of temptation, not with arguments of His own to match those of Satan, but with a plain, “It is written.” {WR, September 15, 1909 par. 6}
6. Learn through Music
“Song is a weapon that we can always use against discouragement.” MH, p. 254
7. Share what you Learn
Sharing with others helps you to internalize and remember the verses. Expression deepens impression. This will be a blessing for yourself, but for many others that hears the Word of God.
8. Repeat
Continue to repeat the verses that you have learned earlier. It usually takes some months until the verse really sticks to your mind. After around two months, you can repeat the verse once a week. Later you may only have to repeat the verse monthly.
If you memorize the verse reference, you can more powerfully use the verse.
9. Choose carefully What to Memorize
Choose different topics such as doctrines, encouragement, promises, etc. You can also memorize verses that means something to you. These will be more personal and thus easier to remember.
“We must turn away from a thousand topics that invite attention. There are matters that consume time and arouse inquiry, but end in nothing. The highest interests demand the close attention and energy that are so often given to comparatively insignificant things. Accepting new theories does not in itself bring new life to the soul. Even an acquaintance with facts and theories important in themselves is of little value unless put to a practical use. We need to feel our responsibility to give our souls food that will nourish and stimulate spiritual life. {MH 456.1}
Here are examples of some specific passages we should memorize:
“Those who are lifted up with pride, whose souls are filled with vanity, should look upon this picture of their Redeemer, and humble themselves in the dust. The entire chapter [Isaiah 53] should be committed to memory. Its influence will subdue and humble the soul defiled by sin and uplifted by self-exaltation. {4BC 1147.3}
“The 12th and 13th chapters of 1st Corinthians should be committed to memory, written in the mind and heart. Through His servant Paul, the Lord has placed before us these subjects for our consideration, and those who have the privilege of being brought together in church capacity will be united, understandingly and intelligently. The figure of the members which compose the body represents the church of God and the relation its members should sustain to one another (MS 82, 1898). {6BC 1090.13}
“Says the psalmist, “The law of the Lord is perfect.” How wonderful in its simplicity, its comprehensiveness and perfection, is the law of Jehovah! It is so brief that we can easily commit every precept to memory, and yet so far-reaching as to express the whole will of God and to take cognizance, not only of the outward actions, but of the thoughts and intents, the desires and emotions, of the heart. {ML 163.3}
“The mind must be restrained, and not allowed to wander. It should be trained to dwell upon the Scriptures; even whole chapters may be committed to memory, to be repeated when Satan comes in with his temptations. The fifty-eighth of Isaiah is a profitable chapter for this purpose. {GW92 418.2}
10. Think and Apply
Use the principles in the verse and apply them to your daily life.
Does this verse tell you something about your visions, focus or current situation?
Maybe it shows you how you can get closer to a goal, or perhaps help you to change your visions.
Do you need to change something in order to live out the lifestyle presented in the verse?
Do you have problems or difficulties? Maybe this verse has the answer.
“In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God. {COL 38.1}
Claim the promises that you have memorized!
“Those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God will be opposed and derided. They can stand only in God. In order to endure the trial before them, they must understand the will of God as revealed in His word; they can honor Him only as they have a right conception of His character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with them. None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. To every soul will come the searching test: Shall I obey God rather than men? The decisive hour is even now at hand. Are our feet planted on the rock of God’s immutable word? Are we prepared to stand firm in defense of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus? GC 593.2
Memorizing Scripture will help you to pray more powerfully, live more powerfully, and help others more powerfully!
