Practical Ways on Memorizing More Scripture
Not By Bread Alone
We often take recommendations from great and important people very seriously; this is why commercials do their jobs so well. The more important the person, the weightier their words. This is exactly how we are to approach, listen to and treasure the the words of Jesus Christ.
This means that the entirety of the Scriptures is worthy of our attention. The most important person who ever lived, Jesus Christ, said this, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God,'” (Matthew 4:4, ESV).
Jesus memorized Scripture. In this well-known passage in Matthew 4, Jesus cites and quotes three different verses in His responses to Satan. If He believed what the Bible says, how much more should we? If the Son of God memorized the Word of God, how much more should you?
There is a direct correlation between your view of Scripture and your desire to memorize Scripture. Do you know passages about the gospel? Can you quickly run to encouraging texts in time of need?
We do not live by bread alone. We need spiritual nourishment and to daily be led and taught by the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit has bound Himself to His Word. To walk by the Spirit of God means to walk according to the Word of God.
Therefore, we must commit more of God’s precious Word to memory, for it is more precious than gold (Psalm 19:10). So, what are some real, helpful ways to memorize more Scripture?
- Notecards — One of the easiest ways and the most simple is to write down a verse or verses on a 3×5 notecard. Carry them around with you and read them over as you are waiting in line, taking a walk, or going down the hallway at work.
- Write them everywhere — Deuteronomy 6:8-9, ESV, says, “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” God commanded His people to memorize His Word with practical ways. Therefore, write verses on your calendar, your bathroom mirror, on your fridge, as your phone wallpaper, etc.
- Download an App — There are multiple apps that teach you and train you to memorize Scripture with fill-in-the-blanks and different teaching methods to help you to memorize lengthier passages of the Bible.
- Sing Scripture — Apart from making your own tunes, I highly recommend the band The Corner Room. Many of their songs put Bible passages to music word for word in the English Standard Version. I listen to them frequently and find the Psalms they have chosen stick with me very easily.
- Audio Bibles — Your smart phone likely has a Bible app. And many of them have a free audio version of the Bible. Listen to a chapter or section you are trying to memorize on your way to work multiple times or while working out, walking outside or on your break, perhaps even while you are drifting off to sleep. Or, record yourself reciting the text instead!
If you are not sure where to start or would like to begin with key, crucial verses, visit Fighter Verses and check out the many free resources that have been born out of the ministry and team of Desiring God and pastor John Piper.
Bible memorizing is for more than just VBS, it is for life. Therefore, may we commit more truth to our memory and enjoy a happier and holy life with our Lord.
Psalm 1:1-3, ESV, says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
