"And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” - Hebrews 10:15-16
As a new Christian one of the first things I was exposed to in my faith training was something called the topical memory system. Introduced by the Navigator Ministry, it was, and is, a simple method of memorizing scripture. It laid a great foundation for my spiritual walk.
I can point you to a number of verses in the Bible that encourage the memorization or assimilation of scripture. For example ...
"Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You." - Psalm 119-11
"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 good success." - Joshua 1:8-9
One might be tempted to think that if you memorize scripture that somehow scripture will keep sin out of your life. Memorization does not, by itself, result in transformation. It is the application of scripture that brings about transformation. Certainly, the Word must be in you and not merely in your living room sitting on the coffee table. Next you should be thinking about the word during the day - meditating on it - and then using it like a sword - fending off the temptation to sin. Recall that the Word is one part of the full armor of God.
"In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." - Ephesians 6:16-18
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan - with each temptation Jesus responded with the Word. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."; "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test."; "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve."
Transformation happens when the Word is applied in the face of temptation and what life brings your way.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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