The Adventure of Scripture Memory
What is Scripture Memorization?
Scripture memory is the intentional practice of committing God’s Word to heart so that it shapes our thoughts, guides our actions, and strengthens our faith. More than just rote memorization, it is about storing up God’s truth so that we can recall and apply it in daily life.
Jesus and Scripture Memorization
Jesus is recorded referencing scripture over 250 times in the Gospels. He had it memorized. For Jesus, it was His authority - His final word. In Matthew 26. In the garden of Gethsemane. They’re arresting Jesus to take Him to be crucified! Peter pulls out his sword and Jesus says,“Peter, put down your sword. I could call legions of angels. But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” At a time like that, - he based everything in his life on the Scripture! He did everything according to the Scripture … all of his decisions, all of his plans, all of his actions. Remember when he was tempted in the desert by the Devil, every single time what does he say? “It is written.” Every time he quotes the Scripture. In fact, one time he actually said to the Devil, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Then when he actually gets on the cross and when he is in the absolute greatest possible agony of body and soul, what does He do, he quotes Psalm 22:1. He says, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He quotes Psalm 31:5. “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” He is quoting the scripture! At every moment of Jesus’ life, even when He is at the absolute limit, you see his mind, heart, and life are so filled with the truths of scripture that it just constantly flowed out of him.
Why Memorize Scripture?
By emulating Jesus’ practice of memorizing and internalizing scripture, we equip ourselves with a powerful tool for spiritual growth, defense against temptation, and effective ministry to others. In the process we grow closer to the heart of God and reflect His love in our lives.
Ways to Practice Scripture Memorization:
Here’s some memorization ideas:
A verse: Psalm 119:11
A paragraph: Philippians 2:1-11
A Psalm: Psalm 23
A chapter: Romans 8
A book: 1 John
Resources for Scripture Memorization:
dwelldifferently.com - the student ministry uses this resource to memorize verses
The “Bible Memory” app on your phone
The Topical Memory System by Navigators
“There is No Substitute for Memorizing Scripture” from John Piper
Scripture memory is the intentional practice of committing God’s Word to heart so that it shapes our thoughts, guides our actions, and strengthens our faith. More than just rote memorization, it is about storing up God’s truth so that we can recall and apply it in daily life.
Jesus and Scripture Memorization
Jesus is recorded referencing scripture over 250 times in the Gospels. He had it memorized. For Jesus, it was His authority - His final word. In Matthew 26. In the garden of Gethsemane. They’re arresting Jesus to take Him to be crucified! Peter pulls out his sword and Jesus says,“Peter, put down your sword. I could call legions of angels. But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” At a time like that, - he based everything in his life on the Scripture! He did everything according to the Scripture … all of his decisions, all of his plans, all of his actions. Remember when he was tempted in the desert by the Devil, every single time what does he say? “It is written.” Every time he quotes the Scripture. In fact, one time he actually said to the Devil, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Then when he actually gets on the cross and when he is in the absolute greatest possible agony of body and soul, what does He do, he quotes Psalm 22:1. He says, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He quotes Psalm 31:5. “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” He is quoting the scripture! At every moment of Jesus’ life, even when He is at the absolute limit, you see his mind, heart, and life are so filled with the truths of scripture that it just constantly flowed out of him.
Why Memorize Scripture?
By emulating Jesus’ practice of memorizing and internalizing scripture, we equip ourselves with a powerful tool for spiritual growth, defense against temptation, and effective ministry to others. In the process we grow closer to the heart of God and reflect His love in our lives.
Ways to Practice Scripture Memorization:
- Repetition and review: Start with 1 sentence or 1 verse a day: Read it 10 times, then recite it 10 times without looking. Add a sentence or verse each day/or each week. Review daily.
- Write it down: Carry the verse on a small piece of paper in your pocket for easy review throughout the day or post it in a place you see throughout the day.
- Visual aids: Write the verse on a whiteboard and gradually erase words as you memorize them.
- First letter method: Write the first letter of each word on your hand as a memory prompt.
- Use flashcards: Write verses on spiral note cards and review them regularly
Here’s some memorization ideas:
A verse: Psalm 119:11
A paragraph: Philippians 2:1-11
A Psalm: Psalm 23
A chapter: Romans 8
A book: 1 John
Resources for Scripture Memorization:
dwelldifferently.com - the student ministry uses this resource to memorize verses
The “Bible Memory” app on your phone
The Topical Memory System by Navigators
“There is No Substitute for Memorizing Scripture” from John Piper