Spiritual Disciplines (01) - Scripture Memory

Spiritual Disciplines (01) - Scripture Memory

2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;  
Joshua 1:8 - “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”

This series during Lent will address basic Christian spiritual disciplines: Scripture Memory, Prayer, Fellowship, and Evangelism. Today’s word will address the need to know Scripture by heart. So often churches do a poor job of helping people advance in basic discipleship. Ministries on campus are far better at helping people with personal spiritual growth. If I am effective in this 4 part series, everyone in our church will know the 12 verses of the first section of the Topical Memory System by heart by Palm Sunday.

The Value of Knowing the Word by Heart - Five Benefits
1) Renewal of our minds - You are what you think and so we must take responsibility for our thought life. Romans 12:2 - “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
2) Overcoming sin - Remembering the Word of God may keep us from disobedience. Psalms 119:9–11 - “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. . . .11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.”
3) Meditation - Scripture is the best content for meditation and mindfulness. Psalms 119:97 - “O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.”
4) Prayer - To pray aright we must let the Word abide in us. John 15:7 - “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”
5) Counseling and Witnessing - We need to be ready to speak truth and wisdom to help brethren or outsiders (Col. 4:5). Psalms 138:4 - “All the kings of the earth will give thanks to You, O LORD, When they have heard the words of Your mouth.”

The Practice of Knowing the Word by Heart - Five Directives
1) Location, location, location - Keep the Topical Memory System (A) in your Bible, your car, your desk, your table, on you smart phone, etc.
2) Repeat, repeat, repeat - Recite the verse you are learning morning and evening.
3) Reference, reference, reference - Say the verse reference before the verse and after.
4) Write, write, write - Write your verse down each day in the form of a prayer.
5) Review, review, review - Review every verse you know from the set (e.g., A pack) each day.