Why Memorize Scripture: 8 Reasons

Memorizing scripture is a spiritual discipline that was at one time a very common practice in every Christian church. It was a daily part of every church member's spiritual life. However, over time memorizing scripture has lost its prominent place in our daily disciplines even though its power and importance has never decreased.

So many reasons could be given on why memorizing Scripture is so important. There is no doubt. John Piper, a pastor and founder of Desiring God Ministries, has given a sermon on eight reasons why memorizing Scripture is for today and for every Christian. You can see a video of his sermon here or you can read his main points in this article.

Why Memorize Scripture?

* Memorizing Scripture makes meditation possible when a Bible is not available and meditation is the way to a deeper understanding and relationship with Jesus Christ.

What do you do if you want to meditate on God's Word but a Bible is not available? By having Scripture tucked away in your mind through memorization you have it with you at all times. You can tap into its beauty and wisdom at any time and grow closer to Christ in the process.

* Memorizing Scripture strengthens your faith because strength comes from hearing God's Word in your head.

True strength comes from hearing and claiming God's Word in your life. It comes from nothing that we do on our own. Having Scripture memorized means that you have that source of strength available at all times for easy tapping.

* Memorizing Scripture shapes how you view the world by conforming your mind to God's viewpoint on everything.

By having Scripture available at all times it will become such a part of your conscious mind that it will affect how you see the world. It will shape how you see the world to be more like God's holy viewpoint.

* Memorizing Scripture makes God's Word more readily accessible when trying to overcome temptations to sin.

What is the best way to beat the temptation of sin? It is by Scripture, of course. Scripture is the most powerful weapon God has give us in this fight. But, how often do we have a Bible available when being tempted by sin. It is rare, for sure. Having Scripture memorized makes that much needed weapon in your arsenal at all times.

* Memorizing Scripture guards your mind and making it easier to detect error.

There are plenty of teachers out there that try to steer you away from the truth of Scripture. They can be very convincing with their fine use of words and incredible grasp on human nature. But, we can't be turned from the true Word. Having scripture always in our mind helps us sense error from the start because we already know the correct path.

* Memorizing Scripture enables you to hit the devil in the face with a strength and weapon he cannot resist.

The devil is always out to bring the bad into our lives. He hates God and all of God's children. He will do what he can to keep us from our true path. But, the truth is that Satan cannot stand up against God's Word. He is powerless against it and he knows it. By memorizing Scripture and speaking it when tempted by the Devil you are striking him in the face. With every scriptural strike he must fall and retreat.

* Memorizing Scripture provides the strongest and sweetest words for ministering to those in need.

Have you ever been with someone in need and you are at a total loss of words? Nothing seems right at that moment. You want to comfort but you don't want to risk saying the wrong thing. You can never go wrong with Scripture. If you are able to plan before your visit you can bring your Bible but how often do you find yourself in an emotional conversation and you have your Bible readily available? Even then you may not want to pause the conversation to open your Bible. Scripture in your memory is always available for the taking. Use it.

* Memorizing Scripture provides the place for fellowship with Christ because he speaks specifically through His Word.

Jesus speaks through His Word. And by knowing his Word by heart you are able to fellowship with Him at any time. Sweet fellowship is yours.

See this video to hear John Piper passionately quote Scripture.