1. Memorizing Scripture will help me fight temptation. But [Jesus] answered, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 Here Jesus fights off temptation (three times!) by replying, “It is written.” Jesus quoted memorized Scripture from the Old Testament. Scripture will help us fight off temptation.
2, Memorizing Scripture will help me witness. “But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel…” Acts 2:16. Three times, Peter quoted memorized Scripture from the Old Testament in his spontaneous Pentecost sermon. How many times have you fumbled over your own words when you could have asked someone about a Scripture.
3. Memorizing Scripture will keep me from being conformed to this world. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2 The world seeks to press us into its image. Having Scripture renew our minds will push back against that tendency.
4. Memorizing Scripture will help me pray better. “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. John 15:7. Here Jesus promises a connection between having his word in us, thus shaping our prayers, and his answers. Often as I have gone to pray, the Holy Spirit has brought a passage to mind that He wants me to pray back to him.
5.Memorizing Scripture will help me take every thought captive. We…take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5. Our thoughts fly around in all directions. Sometimes there are positive thoughts, sometimes sinful and sometimes just wasteful. Going through the discipline of memorizing Scripture helps train our mind and focus it on valuable things – God’s thoughts.
6. Memorizing Scripture will strengthen me on the inside. I write to you young men because you are strong and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2:14. Here John, indicates that a difference between spiritual children and spiritual “young men” is that they are strong because of the word that abides in them.
7. Memorizing Scripture will help me counsel others. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom. Colossians 3:16. When we have memorized God’s word and it is overflowing, then the Holy Spirit can bring verses to mind to counsel one another.
7 Benefits of Memorizing Scripture
