Is Bible memorization important? Why?
Bible memorization is important in a variety of ways. Because the Bible is God's revelation to humanity, those who seek to know God can find much wisdom through study, meditation, and memorization of Scripture.Bible memorization helps believers to resist temptation. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), all three of His responses included quotes from Scripture.
Bible memorization follows the example of Jesus. As mentioned above, Jesus quoted Scripture to resist temptation. In addition, He often cited Scripture in His teachings, including during the Sermon on the Mount and in His responses to the teachers of the law.
Bible memorization can help a believer avoid sin. Psalm 119:11 teaches, "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." The apostle Paul mentioned the Word of God as the sword of the spiritual armor of the believer (Ephesians 6:17).
Bible memorization helps to share the gospel message with unbelievers. Romans 10:17 teaches, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." Our evangelism must include the message of Scripture. The best way to share this message is to know some verses of the Word of God by memory.
Bible memorization helps us to provide answers to questions about our faith. First Peter 3:15 teaches, "in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." Those who know Scripture by memory can better answer tough questions others have about the Christian faith.
Bible memorization helps us to counsel and instruct other believers. Proverbs 25:11 teaches, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver." Second Timothy 3:16-17 adds, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Bible memorization helps us to serve as approved servants of God. Second Timothy 2:15 shares, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
These and many other reasons reveal the importance of Bible memorization. However, Bible memorization is much easier to discuss than to accomplish. One recommendation is to begin with one important verse, meditating on it daily for the next week. Once complete, add a second verse the next week while daily reviewing the first week. Even if only two verses are memorized per month, you will memorize 24 verses in a year, enough to grow deeply in your faith and better serve others.
Why should we study the Bible?
What is meant by the sufficiency of Scripture? How is the Bible sufficient?
How is the Bible inspired? What does it mean for the Bible to be inspired?
Why does understanding the Bible matter?
Is the Bible still relevant today?
Truth about the Bible
