Memorizing Scripture

I learned early in my Christian life the importance in memorizing scripture. It is one of the disciplines we can learn that will help us in our daily battles with sin. To pursue holiness and be successful, one of the ways to keep scriptures deep in our hearts is to memorize it. I was introduced to a very effective method developed by the Navigators called the Topical Memory System. The method really works. If you dedicate yourself to memorize scripture using this method, you will see that memorizing scripture is a great, rewarding experience.

As you work with this system, it is very important that you do the following:

  • Memorize the verse exactly like it is printed in your Bible
  • Learn the verse reference. It is important to know the verse as well as where in the Bible the verse can be found.
  • It is best to memorize scripture when there are no distractions. Two times during the day are most conductive to learning.
  • Start out learning one verse a week. If you find this is easy for you to do, the best is to learn two a week.
  • Write down the scriptures you have learned and set aside time to review the verses you have already memorized. If you don't continue to go over the verses, you will eventually lose what you already gained.

I would suggest you buy your own system. It is great to have and it is good to teach the same scriptures to your children. You can order the system over the Internet or through your local Christian book store. The system is printed by NavPress. The address is www.navpress.com. Below is the first set of scriptures in the system:

Live The New Life
The Wheel Illustration

This simple but effective illustration has been used by Navigators for more than fifty years. It helps Christians understand what they are called to do as disciples of Christ. Each part of this illustration represents a crucially important component of a vital Christian life.

Use this illustration to gain understanding about important spiritual disciplines in your own life. What areas encourage you? What areas challenge you?

Why not sketch out "The Wheel Illustration" on a napkin or scrap of paper with someone you are discipling. Help challenge them to think clearly about how to be an obedient follower of Christ.

 

How You Relate to Yourself

The Hub: Christ the Center
2 Corinthians 5:17
Galatians 2:20

Making Christ central in your life is an act of your will. Surrendering totally to Christ?s authority and lordship may be at conversion or after some months or even years. God creates within you the desire to do what He wants you to do in order

The Rim: Obedience to Christ
Romans 12:1
John 14:21

Some acts of obedience to God are internal. But even these internal acts of obedience, such as attitudes, habits, motives, sense of values, and day-to-day thoughts, eventually surface in relationships with other people. The proof of your love for God is your demonstrated obedience to Him.

The Vertical Dimension: How You Relate to God

The Word Spoke
2 Timothy 3:16
Joshua 1:8

As God speaks to you through the Scriptures, you can see His principles for life and ministry, learn how to obey, and become acquainted with the Christ who is worthy of your unqualified allegiance. A vital personal intake of God?s Word is essential for health and growth.

The Prayer Spoke
John 15:7
Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer is a natural response to God as you hear Him speak to you through His Word. It is sharing your heart with the One who longs for your companionship and who cares about your concerns. Prayer unleashes the power of God in your personal battles and in the lives of those for whom you pray.

The Horizontal Dimension: How You Relate to Others

The Fellowship Spoke
Matthew 18:20
Hebrews 10:24-25

Learning from and encouraging others creates a chemistry pleasing to God. God has directed Christians to build each other up through inter-dependence and loving relationships with each other.

The Witnessing Spoke
Matthew 4:19
Romans 1:16

The natural overflow of a rich vibrant life in Christ should be sharing with others how they too can have this life. God has given believers the privilege and responsibility of reaching the world with the Good News about Christ.