Spiritual Life & Disciplines Part 8 – Spiritual Discipline #1 – Bible Intake – Memorization & Meditation

The intake of the Word of God is the foundational spiritual discipline But He answered and said, "It is written, "MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD." – Matthew 4:4

Ps 119:11 - Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against you. Ps 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Eph 6:17b – and [take up] the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Prov 22: Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, that they may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have taught you today, even you. Col 3:2 - Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

Why memorization? Memorization supplies spiritual power Memorization strengths faith Memorization aids witnessing & counseling Memorization provides spiritual guidance Memorization feeds meditation

But I’d rather have a root canal! “I’ve never been able to memorize.” “I have a bad memory.” Why? Going about memorization the wrong way Lack of motivation Lack of commitment to the work

Approaches & Helps to Memorizing Scripture Have a memorization plan Specific verses to memorize Daily time to work at it Write out the verses on cards or record them onto CDs or mp3 files Aim for word-for-word precision Have a partner

Approaches & Helps to Memorizing Scripture Integrate memorization wisely: Bible study or sermon series Current topic of interest Memorize with your AWANA child or student Commit to memorize verses that are helpful when you hear them Remind yourself often why…

Resources for Memorization Topical Memory System (Nav Press) The MacArthur Scripture Memory System (Thomas Nelson) Fighter Verses (Desiring God) NASB Audio Bible Mp3 (Hendrikson Bibles) The Listener’s Bible – CD or mp3 (Fellowship for the Performing Arts)

Meditation Meditation is the prolonged thinking about spiritual truth for the purpose of understanding, application and prayer Meditation is required for the Word of God to produce change and transformation

Meditation Psalm 1:1-2 - How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 119:97 - O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.

Meditation Phil. 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Meditation Helps Recognize the different between biblical meditation and popular methods The biggest hindrance to meditation is trying to go too fast through the text. If necessary, read less in order to mediate more. Slow down! Use a journal. Write out what you are learning in your own words. Write out 3-5 specific applications

Meditation Helps Pray through the text of Scripture or passage. Pray about ways to apply the truth. Write out particular truths or applications to keep with you throughout the day. Make a point to meditate on memorized Scriptures as you fall asleep at night (Ps. 63:6)

Meditation Helps Meditate before important conversations, meetings, or decisions. Develop the habit of mediating on book chapters, sermons, even theologically sound Christian songs before moving on to other things Keep a record of God’s “workings” in your life to meditate upon (Ps. 143:5)

Meditation Helps Make a particular point to meditate on truths that relate to current areas of struggle (worry, anger, lust, etc.)