Most Christian parents want their children to grow up knowing and memorizing Scripture. We believe it is a good thing. We just tend not to do it. It falls on the “good intentions” list. This post cannot give you the will to follow through on good intentions. Hopefully, what it will do is give you a clear enough plan to motivate you to begin and thorough enough to keep you going.
I would advise that you begin by memorizing three passages as a family: John 3:16, Matthew 22:37-40, and Matthew 28:18-20. Memorizing them “as a family” means parents too. I would recommend that parents memorize the passages first, so that you teach and rehearse verses conversationally rather than from a piece of paper.
If you already know the passage, you are modeling how important Bible memorization really is. It is a contradiction to say “It is important to memorize Scripture” and then not know (or at least participate) in the memorization.
These three verses will provide the major headings for all future Scripture memorization.
1. Who is God? “For God so loved the world”
2. Why did Jesus come? “that he sent His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”
3. Who Are We?
A. Worshippers “Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength”
B. Servants “Love your neighbor as yourself”
C. Evangelists “Go and make disciples of all nations”
D. Disciples “teaching them to observe all I have commanded you”
Once you have memorized these three passages as a family, have a family conversation where you assess your family’s strengths and weaknesses (as individuals and as a group). Parents should participate in this conversation (not just lead it). By talking about where we need to grow in the main things God has called us to do, we are modeling humility.
Make a list of growth areas for the family and each member of the family (this is an immensely helpful thing to do if you intend to be a family that grows in Christ-likeness). Use a concordance, Bible promise book, or The Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling to find passages that address these areas. When the family memorizes a new verse discuss both the big question this verse addresses and the family/individual growth desired from this passage.
As you learn a new verse review the verses that also answer the same big question or have been memorized to help the same person (if the “apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” the same verse may apply to areas of character in multiple members of the family”). Discuss how the verses on the same big question inter-relate, how you have seen growth in that person’s life, or ways members of the family could apply that verse.
It might be helpful to make a chart with the big questions and family member’s names. In the blank boxes you would list the growth area and relevant Bible passage.
| | Father | Mother | Child 1 | Child 2 | Family as Whole |
| Who is God? | | | | | |
| Why did Jesus Come? | | | | | |
| Who are we? Worshippers | | | | | |
| Who are we? Servants | | | | | |
| Who are we? Evangelists | | | | | |
| Who are we? Disciples | | | | | |
By doing this you are teaching your children to see the “big picture” of Scripture, helping your children see the relevance of Scripture for daily life, and training your children to apply Scripture to the real challenges they face.
Posted 1 year, 8 months ago at 12:39 pm. Add a comment
You can guess the age of my children by the title of this post. You may remember the scene I’m about to paraphrase. McQueen lost a race (and the chance to get out of town) to the old, run-down Doc Hudson because he kept sliding out of the turn on the small town dirt track.
Later McQueen has enough humility to ask Doc how to make a fast-speed turn on a dirt track. Doc replies, “Turn right to go left.” McQueen’s humility gives way to this absurd answer (again I paraphrase), “Oh sure! Your answer is as backwards as this small town. I guess this is backwards day. Turn right to go left. Say good-bye if you mean hello. Freeze water to make it boil. That’s great. Sorry I asked. Turn right to go left, Huh?!”
You might be wondering what in the world this could have to do with Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Hopefully it helps us see something significant about the place God calls us to hide His Word – that being our heart. Too often we reduce the application of this verse to “I should memorize more Scripture.” And we should. Personally, I think you ought to know at least one verse for every Bible you own.
McQueen could repeat verbatim what he heard from Doc. McQueen just didn’t believe a word of it. It was backwards and absurd, but quoting it was no problem (it made a great punch line for a joke).
A key part of properly applying Psalm 119:11 is to meditate and practice the verse(s) we are memorizing until they become a part of how we understand our world and actually determine the values by which we live our lives.
How easy is it to memorize (and subtly mock, or at least doubt) verses like Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath,” or Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,” or Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me,” or I Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain,” or insert the verse you know but have the hardest time with.
Our goal in applying Psalm 119:11 is like another scene from the Cars movie. McQueen has escaped Radiator Springs and finally made it to the big Piston Cup race (my apologies to all adults who do not currently have small children). He is near the end of the race when his nemesis Chick Hicks bumps onto the inner track turf. McQueen’s tires lose traction and as he skids he remembers “Turn right to go left.” As a much humbled (and therefore wiser) car, McQueen places his life-and-bumper in reliance upon these wise words.
That is the intent of Psalm 119:11. Not that we know the words of God’s book. But that we have so been changed by them that we cast our lives entirely upon them to avoid the ways of destruction. When everything else in our culture would join with us in mocking the absurdity of such archaic phrases, we have forged such a bond of love and trust with their Author that doubt seems more bizarre than faith.
Posted 2 years, 2 months ago at 3:27 am. Add a comment
I, Me, My, Mine to You, Your, LORD
Often because of its length and focus upon God’s Word we often lose the personal-ness of Psalm 119. This psalm is much more intimate than it is academic; relational than theological. God’s Word is not viewed as a textbook or resource, but as a life line. Psalm 119 is not a thesis; it is a prayer. As you study Psalm 119 hear the interaction between the author of the psalm and the Author of the Bible. Allow yourself to be challenged not merely by the content of Psalm 119 (i.e., “I should memorize more Bible; verse 11), but by the style of Psalm 119 (i.e., “I should talk to the Author of Scripture this way about His good gift to me.”).
APPLICATION: Read the Psalm slowly as if you are eavesdropping on a private conversation. Listen with the ears of a (redeemed) gossip wanting to discern the nature of a powerfully intimate relationship that you cannot wait to share with anyone who will listen.
The Theme of Suffering
As you read Psalm 119 do not let the obvious theme of praising God’s Word distract you from the equally strong theme of suffering and struggle. The psalmist is clinging to God’s Word to be rescued from undefined, but intense hardship. The psalmist is searching God’s Word for answers to dilemmas that overwhelm him. The psalmist is feeding on and drinking God’s Word to nourish his famished soul. Psalm 119 is not celebrating stoic, unmoved biblical reflection. Psalm 119 is the exclamation of the starving man who found “the food to eat you know not about (John 4:32).”
APPLICATION: Read Psalm 119 like a prisoner in a concentration camp who found the journal of former prisoner who carefully plotted an escape and was successful. You are hurting and have many times lost hope. Those around you are in the same boat. Hope began to feel like a fairy tale. Now you have the words of one who was in your shoes, shared your pain, but recorded the key to his freedom and peace.
“I Have Hidden Your Word in My Heart”
(Click Here for Printable PDF Handout)
There are few Christians who would doubt the importance of memorizing Scripture. However, most American Christians own more Bibles than they know Bible verses. Don’t look away in shame. Shame doesn’t change the human soul and is not an appropriate response to God’s grace.
Consider the following points to assist and encourage you to memorize Scripture as a part of your regular battle against sin and for God’s glory.
- Memorize from one translation to avoid confusion.
- Create a list of verses you want to memorize as you read through the Bible
- Enlist a friend to encourage you and follow up with you
- Use note cards and decorate them to increase visual memorization cues.
- Spend equal time reviewing old verses as you do learning new ones.
- If you are studying through a book of the Bible, memorize verses from that book.
- Reward yourself in the same way you would for weight loss, completing chores, or getting a promotion.
- Occasionally memorize larger portions of Scripture (i.e., a chapter, the Sermon on the Mount, or an entire book).
- Reflect on your verses while you are doing mundane activities (i.e., cleaning, yard work, driving, etc…).
- As you work to memorize a verse, read a couple of commentaries on the passage it comes from to increase your understanding of the words you are reciting.
- Do not let memorization become a chore. The message of Psalm 119 is that it is the delight in God’s Word that changes the heart. When we grudgingly recite God’s Word God becomes a distant, demanding professor; not a loving Heavenly Father.
Introduction to the “Living Our Faith” series.
TOOL: “Using Prayer Time to Cultivate Ministry”
BLOG: “Teachers Equipping Ministers Through Prayer Time“
Posted 2 years, 2 months ago at 3:14 am. Add a comment
Preparation is the key to success. This is just as true in Bible study as it is anywhere else in life. In the coming weeks we are going to spend many hours in personal study, listening to teaching, and discussing the book of James. The question is, “Are we ready to receive what God has for us in this great book?”
I want to suggest several things that would help you prepare for our study of James. If you will commit to preparing yourself for our study with one or more of these, I believe it will greatly enrich the personal benefit you receive from James and corporate benefit we receive from the discussion.
- Read through the book of James once per week while we study it together. If you go to website [www.bradhambrick.com], you can download the book of James (in several translations) to print out on 7-8 pages of paper double-spaced and with extra wide margins. This will allow you to read the book as a letter (how it was written) and make notes all over it (those you like you add to your Bible).
The Book of James in the King James Version
The Book of James in the New International Version
The Book of James in the English Standard Version
- As you read through the book of James keep in mind that James is writing to a group of Christians who are refugees for their faith. They left their home, extended family, work, language, and culture rather than forsake the name of Christ. They are hurting (emotionally, relationally, financially, physically) and angry. This letter is James’ encouragement and instruction to them. Often with the practical nature of the book of James we forget to read this book in light of the historical context of its recipient.
- Review the handout of topically arranged memory passages from James. Identify one or more that fit you and commit to memorize them. As we study through the book of James pay particular attention to how James is “setting the stage” for the passage(s) you are memorizing. This will allow your Bible memorization to be enriched by a more complete understanding of the context of the passage that speaks to your need.
- Pray at least once per week for me, as your teacher, and my time of preparation. Ask God to use our time of study and discussion to expand your understanding of and ability to apply (live out) the book of James.
Bible Memory Verses for James
(PDF Handout Available Click Here)
Below are passages to memorize from the book of James based upon various life struggles and family roles. Use this not only to assist you in strengthening the discipline of memorizing Scripture (Psalm 119:11; Hebrews 412-13), but also to prepare your heart for this study.
- Those who are in the midst of suffering (1:2-4, 12; 5:7-11)
- Those who are seeking to live with greater wisdom (1:5-8)
- Those struggling with pride or identity is in “stuff” (1:9-11; 4:6; 5:1-6)
- Those struggling with temptation (1:13-15; 2:10-12; 4:17; 5:19-20)
- Those who struggle to rest in the goodness of God (1:16-17)
- Those who need to work on conflict (1:19-21, 26; 3: 2-12; 4:1-10; 5:12)
- Those with more “head knowledge” than practice (1:22-25; 3:13-18)
- Those who neglect the call to care for others in need (1:27; 2:15-17)
- Those who favor or seek favor those with status (2:1-7)
- Those trying to evangelize the pseudo-religious (2:19)
- Those who struggle to evaluate sincere faith (2:14, 20-26)
- Those who struggle with control issues (4:3-16)
- Those who live with as “that’s none of your business” motto (5:16)
Psalm 119:11
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
RESOURCE FOR TEACHERS:
Click here and scroll down to find one lecture by Dr. Robert Stein (The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) on the book of James.
Click here and scroll down to find one lecture by Dr. Craig Blomberg (Denver Seminary) on the book of James.
Also consider using the group study prayer journal.
Posted 2 years, 6 months ago at 8:26 pm. Add a comment
Preparation is the key to success. This is just as true in Bible study as it is anywhere else in life. In the coming weeks we are going to spend many hours in personal study, listening to teaching, and discussing the book of Galatians. The question is, “Are we ready to receive what God has for us in this great book?”
I want to suggest several things that would help you prepare for our study of Galatians. If you will commit to preparing yourself for our study with one or more of these, I believe it will greatly enrich the personal benefit you receive from Galatians and corporate benefit we receive from the discussion.
- Read through the book of Galatians once per week while we study it together. If you go to website [www.bradhambrick.com], you can download the book of Galatians (in several translations) to print out on 10-15 pages of paper double-spaced and with extra wide margins. This will allow you to read the book as a letter (how it was written) and make notes all over it (those you like you add to your Bible).
The Book of Galatians in the King James Version
The Book of Galatians in the New International Version
The Book of Galatians in the English Standard Version
- Review the handout of topically arranged memory passages from Galatians. Identify one or more that fit you and commit to memorize them. As we study through the book of Galatians pay particular attention to how Paul is “setting the stage” for the passage(s) you are memorizing. This will allow your Bible memorization to be enriched by a more complete understanding of the context of the passage that speaks to your need.
- Pray at least once per week for me, as your teacher, and my time of preparation. Ask God to use our time of study and discussion to expand your understanding of and ability to apply (live out) the book of Galatians.
Bible Memory Verses for Galatians
(PDF Handout Available Click Here)
Below are passages to memorize from the book of Galatians based upon various life struggles and family roles. Use this not only to assist you in strengthening the discipline of memorizing Scripture (Psalm 119:11; Hebrews 4:12-13), but also to prepare your heart for this study.
- Those who struggle with the existence of different religions (1:6-7)
- Those who struggle with people-pleasing or peer pressure (1:10)
- Those who struggle with guilt/regret over forgiven sin (1:23-24)
- Those who struggle with wanting acceptance from “important people” (2:6)
- Those who struggle with a desire to avoid conflict (2:14; 5:11)
- Those who struggle with anxiety caused by legalism (2:15-21; 3:18, 22; 5:1)
- Those who struggle with relating to God as Father (4:4-7)
- Those who struggle to understand their past sins (4:8-9; 5:17)
- Those who struggle to allow others the blessing of serving them (4:13-15)
- Those who struggle to show emotion or admit weakness (4:19-20)
- Those who struggle to see the significance of everyday life (5:6)
- Those who struggle with serving others at their expense (5:13-14)
- Those who struggle with forms of speech that belittle or insult (5:15)
- Those who are unclear about where they need to grow (5:22-24)
- Those who often think “this is nobody’s business” (6:1-2)
- Those who do not understand why giving financially is important (6:6-10)
- Those who struggle with pride in their achievements (6:14)
Psalm 119:11
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
RESOURCE FOR TEACHERS:
Click here and scroll down to find two lectures by Dr. Robert Stein (The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) on the background and outline of the book of Galatians.
Click here and scroll down to find one lecture by Dr. Craig Blomberg (Denver Seminary) on the book of Galatians.
Also consider using the group study prayer journal that is explained here.
Posted 2 years, 8 months ago at 7:38 pm. Add a comment
