Memorizing the Bible can be difficult, but it is an important habit to memorize and meditate on Scripture privately and within Community Groups. Joshua 1:8 says, “Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth, but meditate on it day and night so that you will be careful to do everything that is written in it, then you will be prosperous and successful.” God’s Word is not supposed to depart from our mouths, but it will never make it to our mouths unless it is first in our minds! Here are some practical reasons why your Community Group should make Bible memorization a priority:

Imitating Christ. It may seem inconsequential at first glance, but the fact that Jesus had Scripture memorized is a powerful reason why we, followers of Jesus, should adopt the same habit. Romans 8:29 says, “For those he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son, in order that he might be the firstborn amongst many brothers.” We are supposed to look like Jesus! Just as Jesus quoted Scripture to combat Satan in the wilderness, rebuttal the pharisees, and teach his disciples, we should have Scripture in our mouths and minds.

Victory over sin. Psalm 119 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” God’s Word is a powerful tool to use to combat sin in our lives. Ephesians likens God’s word to a sword that is our only offensive weapon against the devil. Memorize passages that will point you to God and away from sin!

Comfort and counseling. John Piper says, “When the heart full of God’s love can draw on the mind full of God’s Word, timely blessings flow from the mouth.” Proverbs 25:11 puts it this way, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” We must memorize Scripture so that we can be ready to speak it as encouragement to those who need a word from the Lord.

Preach the Gospel. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…” As Christians we are commanded to “Go unto all the World and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). At the very least, we should have verses that speak of the gospel memorized so that we will be able to accurately convey the good news to those who don’t know Christ. Understand and memorize passages about God’s holiness (1 Peter 1:16), Man’s sin (Romans 3:23), Jesus’ saving act (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), and the call to believe (John 3:16), so that you can accurately share the gospel with others.

Delight in God. Do you delight in God’s person and character? Psalm 1:2 talks of a man who “delights in the law of the Lord” by meditating on it day and night. Understanding the character of God, who he is and what he has done, will bring us joy and peace as we memorize and mediate on passages that point us to Him.

As you think through some of these reasons for memorizing Scripture, come up with a plan that will help you and your Community Group succeed in this area! Encourage your members to write verses down and place them around their house where they can see them, and hold each other accountable for memorizing God’s Word.