Bible memorization is of utmost importance in the Christian life. The word of God is powerful because it is literally “God-breathed” by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

When we memorize scripture, several things happen. Psalm 119:11 tells us the psalmist hid God’s word in his heart so that he would not sin against Him. Not only did he hear and read the word, but he internalized it and laid it up in his mind and memory for future use. The word of God is the believer’s weapon against sin, and when placed in the mind through Bible memorization, it is a strong influence for godliness and righteous living. Hebrews 4:12 tells us the word of God is “quick [living] and powerful” meaning that it has supernatural power to mold us into Christ-likeness when we meditate upon it, and there is no better way to meditate on the word than to have it in our minds and memories.

Ephesians 6:13-17 describes the believer’s armor for spiritual battle. All of the elements of the armor are defensive except one. The only offensive weapon is the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v. 17). Jesus used God’s word to fend off attacks of Satan (Matthew 4:1-11); we must be able to use the same weapon. Satan does not give us time to “look up” scripture when we are confronted with his deception.

Bible memorization ensures that we will have the scriptures in our mind and be able to recall them instantly to effectively respond to temptation (1 Peter 5:8). Romans 12:1-2 exhorts us to “renew” our minds so that we are no longer influenced by the thinking that causes us to conform to this world. The only way to renew the mind is to fill it with scripture.