5 Reasons to Memorize Scripture (And How to Start)Sýnishorn

Scripture Memorization Helps You Fight Sin

Did you know that Scripture can be compared to a weapon? In Ephesians 6, Paul calls it “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17). Scripture is both our defense and our offense against the fiery darts that the devil intends for evil in our lives. The Bible is the means by which the Holy Spirit helps us protect ourselves. With His help, we can wield the Word of God as a weapon against temptation so that we can take our thoughts captive and submit them to the authority of Jesus. It’s actually from Jesus that we learn how to do this.

In Matthew 4, Satan tempts our hungry Savior, who had been fasting for forty days and nights in the desert. Physically, Jesus must have been depleted. The temptations of Satan to turn stones to bread, to avoid the suffering of the cross, to cast Himself off a building and watch the angels rescue Him—these temptations must have been somewhat appealing. Satan was poking where he thought Jesus was weak. His tricks are neither new nor inventive. He still pokes where we are weak. But Jesus did battle with Scripture that was embedded in His mind and heart. He replied to Satan’s offers with Old Testament Scriptures, resisting the temptation to disobey His Father or deviate from His path to the cross. Jesus stood firm against Satan’s tactics, and we can, too, when we have filled our minds with God’s Word.

Jesus knows we are weak, and our struggles with sin don’t have to alienate us from Him. Rather, they are prime opportunities to call out to Him for help and to bolster our faith with His very words.

Memorization Tip:

Think through the times of the day when you are especially tempted to sin. Write out some verses on Post-it notes or index cards and place them in appropriate places to remind you of the truth when you need it. For example, if you are tempted with overindulgence or sinful content at the end of the day, meditate on Ephesians 6 or Romans 6, filling that aching void with truths that will help you wage war against temptation.