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Contending for the Word Q&A
October 15, 2025
Hiding God’s Word in Our Hearts
Question: Why Memorize Scripture?
Introduction
In an age where Bible apps and search tools make it easy to look up any verse in seconds, it is tempting to think memorizing Scripture is optional. Yet God’s Word calls us to something deeper, not only quick access on a device, but truth stored in the heart where it renews the mind, directs our steps, and sustains our faith.
Memorization Guards Us Against Sin
Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” When God’s truth is
written on our hearts, the Holy Spirit brings it to mind in moments of temptation. Scripture becomes our shield, our reminder of God’s holiness, and our strength to stand firm. Memorizing God’s Word equips us to resist sin not by self-effort, but by dependence on His truth.
Memorization Fuels Worship and Prayer
Scripture hidden in the heart naturally shapes worship and prayer. The Psalms give us language for praise, confession, and thanksgiving. When Scripture dwells richly within us, they guide how we approach the Lord in prayer and how we lift our voices in worship.
Memorization Equips Us to Encourage Others
Believers are called to let Christ’s Word dwell richly within them (Colossians 3:16). When Scripture lives deeply in us, we are ready to share counsel, comfort, and encouragement with others, even when a Bible is not in hand. God’s promises on our lips strengthen weary hearts.
Memorization Anchors Us in Trials
In seasons of suffering, fear, or doubt, memorized Scripture provides steady comfort. Many believers who
have faced persecution or isolation testify that the Word stored in memory sustained them. Circumstances
may remove access to a printed Bible, yet nothing can take away God’s Word hidden in the heart.
Conclusion
We memorize Scripture not to boast in knowledge, but to treasure Christ and walk closely with Him.
God’s Word hidden in the heart guards against sin, fuels worship and prayer, equips us to build up others,
and anchors us through trials. By grace, let us store up His Word and keep it with us wherever we go.
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Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
