How To Memorize Scripture

As part of coursework for my masters degree, I had to memorize Romans 6:1-14. To determine my grade, I had to write out all fourteen verses and deduct points for mistakes. I thought that since I would have to write it out for a grade, I would learn it by writing it out. Here’s the passage.

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:1-14 NIV)

I know. It’s a doozy.

I began with the first verse and wrote it out. The next day, I wrote it again from memory and corrected my mistakes. The next day—same thing. Once I had a verse down, I added a little more. Long before the semester ended, I had the passage memorized. I could quote individual verses and could even start with verse fourteen and go backwards. I knew it well.

I’m sold. This semester I’m working on Philemon and hope to tackle Habakkuk too. (My class this semester focuses on these two books, so why not?)

If you’ve never tried to memorize Scripture or thought it was too hard, give it a try. God will give you insight as you meditate and memorize.

Romans 6:1-14 is a great place to start. Don’t be intimidated by a lengthy passage. In fact, I find it easier to learn a passage than an individual verse. Time in the Word is never wasted, because God promises His Word never returns void, but accomplishes all that He desires.

Hide His Word in your heart and help your kids do the same.

Questions:

Have you ever memorized Scripture?

Are you working on anything now?

What about a family contest with a prize for the one who learns the most each week? Bribes are permissible, so offer a little motivation.

If you are empty nesting, challenge your spouse.

Tweetables:

I thought that since I would have to write it out for a grade, I would learn it by writing it out. Click To Tweet
I began with the first verse and wrote it out. Day 2, I wrote it from memory and corrected my mistakes. The next day—same thing. Click To Tweet
Don’t be intimidated by a lengthy passage. In fact, I find it easier to learn a passage than an individual verse. Click To Tweet
Time in the Word is never wasted, because God promises His Word never returns void, but accomplishes all that He desires. Click To Tweet
Hide His Word in your heart and help your kids do the same. Click To Tweet

2 Comments

  1. Linda Levell on October 14, 2014 at 12:47 pm

    I love how God works. I’ve been praying for God to help me memorize His word so I can have it handy to minister to so many around me who are hurting so deeply. Thanks for the tips! I’ll put them to use right away. Also, that’s the same scripture I’ve been studying on this week. Love the Lord and His great timing!
    Love you guys!

  2. Gayle Veitenheimer on October 14, 2014 at 5:11 pm

    Awesome. Linda. God is something else, isn’t He?

Leave a Comment





Join Gayle

Subscribe to get my latest content by email.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

Recent Posts