Should Christians memorize verses in the Bible?

[ProVobis]

In this day and age of the internet, all you need is to remember perhaps a couple of words and enter the general idea and you’ll get about 25 different versions in English, returning the chapter and verse. Unless Greek or Hebrew are your native tongues, chances are you’ll be grasping for the right English phrase or clause anyway. And even so, we don’t have the originals of those either, unless you want to memorize the Dead Sea Scrolls.

 

[TimothyH]

Memorizing specific verses can help overcome specific temptations or vices.

Lust

I have made a covenant with my eyes;
how then could I look upon a virgin?
(Job 31:1)

Drinking

Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine,
and valiant men in mixing strong drink,
(Isaiah 5:22)

Materialism or “Lust of the eyes”

Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13)

Controlling or the desire to always be right

Love does not insist on its own way (1 Corinthians 13:5)

This is what is meant when the Bible says that Scripture is active, alive and able to convert. These are not just cute messages or useful phrases but divine words from God which are able to act on our hearts and wills if we receive them in humility.

Scripture is a well of cool water which we can go to frequently for refreshment and strength. We can’t carry the internet with us and cannot always carry a Bible but every single one of us faces temptations of some kind. Carrying a few memorized verses in our hearts is an excellent defense.

I have laid up thy word in my heart,
that I might not sin against thee.
(Psalm 119:11)

Memorizing verses isn’t just for those other Christians. The Bible is Catholic. God wants every one of us to carry his written word in our hearts the way King David did in the Psalm above.

-Tim-

 

[Suslar]

I never said that scripture scholars who are fluent in Greek are nonsensical. Those are your words, not mine.

-Tim-

Actually, Tim, those are your words. Post #9 where you wrote, “You don’t have to be a priest or scholar to memorize verses, nor do you have to know Greek. These are utter nonsense.”

You called priests, scholars and those who know Greek “utter nonsense.” Why would you do that and then blame it on someone else? Doesn’t seem very charitable. I never mentioned priests or scholars or that one “has to” know Greek so I know they weren’t my words. Yes, of course I’ll forgive you as I assume you didn’t mean to disparage me or anyone else. Blessings to you and to all who seek to know God more intimately thru His Holy Word.

 

[TimothyH]

Actually, Tim, those are your words. Post #9 where you wrote, “You don’t have to be a priest or scholar to memorize verses, nor do you have to know Greek. These are utter nonsense.”

You called priests, scholars and those who know Greek “utter nonsense.” Why would you do that and then blame it on someone else? Doesn’t seem very charitable. I never mentioned priests or scholars or that one “has to” know Greek so I know they weren’t my words. Yes, of course I’ll forgive you as I assume you didn’t mean to disparage me or anyone else. Blessings to you and to all who seek to know God more intimately thru His Holy Word.

In using the word “These” I was referring not to scholars, priests, teachers or those who know Greek themselves but to rather your assertions that you must be one in order for memorizing verses to be useful.

-Tim-

 

[Suslar]

Tim,

I said both that memorizing Scripture passages is a great idea and that knowing Greek gets one closer to the original translations. These are not assertions, but statement of fact. You are lying if you are making the claim that I said someone had to be a priest, scholar, or teacher as I never mentioned any of these roles – you did.

As I said, I already forgave you, but you have to stop misusing my name and attributing false statements to me. It’s not Christian to bear false witness. Unless you are offering an apology or God’s richest blessings, as a Christian man of integrity, please do not quote me or mention my name in this thread again and be assured I will not respond again.

Peace to you and your family.

 

[TimothyH]

Tim,

I said both that memorizing Scripture passages is a great idea and that knowing Greek gets one closer to the original translations. These are not assertions, but statement of fact. You are lying if you are making the claim that I said someone had to be a priest, scholar, or teacher as I never mentioned any of these roles – you did.

As I said, I already forgave you, but you have to stop misusing my name and attributing false statements to me. It’s not Christian to bear false witness. Unless you are offering an apology or God’s richest blessings, as a Christian man of integrity, please do not quote me or mention my name in this thread again and be assured I will not respond again.

Peace to you and your family.

I had you mixed up with another user who said that memorizing scripture was only useful for priests, scholars or teachers. For that I apologize.

You however, did not say that it was a great idea and that Greek will get you to a closer meaning. You said it was a great idea as long as you can read and write Greek.

-Tim-