Ten reasons to memorize large portions of the Bible

You can memorize large sections, even entire books, of the Bible. Unless you're one of the very small percentage of people who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury, a stroke, or a disability, you really can. And you should. But why would you want to?

1. Because you have a bad memory.

Don't say you can't remember because you have a bad memory. That's why you need to remember. I have a bad memory too. Or rather, I think it's worse than average - seriously. I forget the names of people I know and see regularly! I need to force my unreliable, inefficient brain to remember the most important things. It only happens through the process of repetition (memorization) every day for a certain amount of time. You'd be surprised how much you can remember if you have a simple plan and put in the effort. I have memorized five books of the New Testament and am working on a sixth. And that's because I have a bad memory.

2. Because you need to feed your mind.

Philippians 4:8 urges us to think about «whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is praiseworthy.» But how can we do that if we don’t remember such things? General positive biblical concepts will do little good. We need specific «precious and great promises» that we can keep in mind and rely on in lonely moments when we struggle with despair, anger, lust, or fear (2 Pet. 1:4).

3. Because the Bible is too accessible for you.

It's amazing how too much of something can lead to neglect. If the Bible is always on our desks, tablets, phones, and computers, we can glance at it, read chapters, and look up key words when we need to, but we don't feel the need to really absorb it. Memorization is one way to combat this illusion.

4. Because you have the Internet.

Unfortunately, the Internet teaches us how not to read. We become information scanners, quickly skimming but not digesting much. We lose patience for deeper, more reflective reading. Memorizing longer passages of Scripture forces us to think more deeply about meaning and application.

5. Because you don't know the Bible as well as you think.

Have you ever been talking to a friend you’ve known for a while and suddenly realized that there were aspects of their personality that you never knew existed? And as a result, you began to understand them better and feel a closer connection? The same thing happens when you memorize long passages or even entire books of the Bible. You will discover for yourself how good Bible friends become sincere conversationalists and wise counselors.

6. For the Word of God will become more precious to you.

What we invest the most in becomes the most precious to us. If you spend minimal time on the Bible, don't expect it to become precious to you. But if you spend a lot of time memorizing large portions of God's Word in your heart, so that the word of Christ dwells in you richly in all wisdom, then it will become an integral part of your life (Ps. 119:11; Col. 3:16; Deut. 32:47).

7. Because you will see more of God's glory.

We can only learn a little about man through what he has created. But we can truly know him through what he says. Mountains and microbes, galaxies and goats—all testify to God and his amazing creation. But to truly know God, to see and be amazed by the greatest glory that is in him, we must listen carefully to what he says about himself. God reveals himself primarily through his Word (1 Sam. 3:21).

Memorizing His Word helps us listen better and receive more of His glory.

8. Because it will reset your lie detector.

The world is constantly lying to you. The devil is the father of lies (John 8:44), and the world is under his influence (1 John 5:19). Moreover, your sinful nature is constantly trying to deceive you. Even false brothers can deceive you. The better you know God’s Word, the more skilled you will become in applying it (2 Timothy 2:15). The more clearly God’s Word is imprinted in your memory, the more accurately you will be able to recognize demonic lies. Memorizing God’s Word will help you to better understand what is true.

9. Because you will suffer.

Suffering will come into your life (or has already come), and it can be confusing and disorienting. At such times, memorizing large passages of Scripture becomes extremely helpful. Not only will you be able to recall specific texts, but even when you are struggling because of pain or fear, you will know where to turn. Memorizing books of Scripture cements them in your memory, and you will know which chapters and sections will speak to your suffering.

10. Because your brothers and sisters will suffer too.

The same goes for giving gospel comfort and counsel to your suffering brothers or sisters. Memorizing large portions not only serves you, but it is also a way to love others by providing them with faith-strengthening truths when they need them most.

How to Memorize Large Passages of Scripture

«"We review, we read, we recite, we repeat.".

You need to memorize one or two verses at a time. John Piper and I use a very simple technique developed by Andrew Davis.

Consider, for example, John 1:1–3:

[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] In the beginning was the Word with God. [3] All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.

Day 1:

• Read John 1:1 ten times (reading each time will help to commit the words to memory).
• Then close the Bible and repeat it ten times (repeating it out loud is recommended).

Day 2:

• Refresh your memory with John 1:1, and then repeat it ten times from memory.
• Read John 1:2 ten times.
• Close the Bible and repeat it ten times.

Day 3:

• Repeat John 1:1 once from memory.
• Repeat John 1:2 ten times from memory.
• Read John 1:3 ten times.
• Close the Bible and repeat it ten times.

And so on. Review, read, recite, repeat. If you repeat a poem from memory once a day for a hundred days, it will enter your permanent long-term memory.

You can do it! You really can! And you should do it.

Memorizing large passages of Scripture is not as difficult as you think, and it will be one of the best investments of your life for all the ten reasons above and more. You will not regret it.