The oldest form of Bible study is memorizing scripture. Paul is an example of doing this. He frequently quoted from God’s Word in his letters and in addresses. A careful look at the ‘Bible’s margin will reveal how often saints of old memorized scripture.
There are several advantages to this type of study. It takes no time at all, making it an ideal form of study, for busy people. You can memorize verses while you do other things; like sweep the floor, walk, or wash the car. You do not need to invest a lot of money into a library to memorize God’s Word. It costs next to nothing.
Have a theme to your memory work. You can memorize verses on sins that are common to you. Then you can recall them when sin is knocking at the door. James had this in mind when he said, “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.” (ch. 1: 23-4) He would have remembered who he was if he had memorized scripture on his temptation. Jesus used scriptural memory verses to rebuke the devil 3 times in the wilderness.
Another possible theme for scripture memorization is learning verses on the Truth by heart. Then you have a ready answer for the stranger even if you do not have a Bible handy.
Here are several pointers if you plan to start scripture memorization. Use only one translation as this will save a lot of confusion. Write your verses on index cards for easy review.
Scripture memorization can meet personal needs more than any other type of Biblical study. It takes neither time nor money and can give a lot of satisfaction.
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