Prepare for Persecution: Memorize Scripture!

 

As a retired minister said once, "dark clouds are on the horizon."  Many of us believe that persecution is coming and even imminent.  The question is, how can we prepare?  What can we do in this interim period of relative quiet?  We must begin to systematically memorize Scripture.  Why?  Because in prison we may not have access to a Bible.  

In a sermon to children J.C. Ryle gave some advice that we would be very wise to heed: "Youth and childhood are your summer.  Now you are strong and well.  Now you have plenty of time.  Now you have few worries and troubles to distract you.  Now is the best time for laying up food for your souls.  Ah, my beloved children, you must remember that winter is before you!  Old age is your winter.  Your frost, and snow, and rain, and storms, are all yet to come.  Sorrow, pain, sickness, death and judgment, will all come with old age.  Happy are those who get read for it in good time.  Happy are those who, like the ants, take thought for things to come!  They are wise boys and girls who read their Bibles, and learn many texts by heart."  In the same way, they are wise believers who (like the ants) "take thought for things to come" and "learn many texts by heart."

I have suggested to our congregation the value of dividing of Scripture and memorizing together.  If the head of every home memorized one book of the New Testament we would still have the New Testament even if they managed to take it from us.  But how do you memorize so much Scripture?

In fact, memorizing a book of the Bible is relatively easy if you make it a priority.  When I was in seminary I listened in awe as a professor shared with the class how he had memorized the book of Philippians.  I thought he was a prodigy.  I knew I couldn't do that!   And then - a few years later - I came across a tremendous resource.  

This website offered a way to memorize the New Testament in 5 years.  I began at once... and had I stuck with it I would have had the Bible memorized by 2015.   Sadly, I didn't even come close!  

But why didn't I?  

That I didn't succeed probably came to you as no surprise.  You already thought memorizing Scripture was quite difficult... so my failure would seem to prove your point.  Its just too hard.  But that's where I was wrong and where (I suspect) you are wrong.  It is - like anything worth doing - truly difficult, but not too difficult.  I failed because I gave up.  I failed because I became satisfied with what I had memorized and decided to give more time to read the writings of men.  That is a decision I have come to regret.  

I have been careful over the years not to advertise my progress in memorization because it seemed to me something like letting the left hand know what the right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3).  But there is also a place for saying with Paul "but thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith , longsuffering, charity, patience (2 Timothy 3:10);" and "be followers together of me."  I didn't succeed in memorizing the entire New Testament because I did not persist.  But I did manage more than I ever thought I could.  Without getting into the particulars, would it encourage you to know that I have memorized more than a couple of the books of the New Testament?  How did I do it?  The same way you can do it... 

First, choose a version of the Bible and stick with it.  I chose the King James version for a number of reasons.  Here's one worth considering: you can write out (and then circulate) as much of the King James version as you like without breaking copyright laws.  You can't do that with any of the modern translations!

Second, stick with the same Bible if possible.  Using the same Bible will help you visualize what you have memorized.   

Third, memorize at least one new verse every day.  If you memorize 4-6 every day you will have the New Testament memorized in five years.

Fourth, go over verses you have memorized in your spare time.

Fifth, when a chapter has been memorized recite that chapter once a day the following week, then once a week the month after that and then once a month for the rest of your life.   See the link above.

Sixth, start with something relatively simple like 1 Timothy or Titus.  Once you see a little progress you will be most encouraged.

But is all this work really worth it?  Here are some things to think about:

• Psalm 119:11 says "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I  might not sin against thee."  When I was actively memorizing Scripture it was a help to my growth in holiness like nothing else has ever been.  Somehow it was easier to ward off temptation.
• Memorizing Scripture brought me daily help and comfort.  Often just when I needed them verses I had memorized would come to mind: while shopping, driving, working, cutting the lawn, playing with the kids... this remains a tremendous help to me.
• Memorizing Scripture brought tremendous joy.  I remember a period of time when I would recite Ephesians each night in bed before going to sleep.  I only wonder now why I didn't continue!
• Memorizing Scripture is transforming.  A friend of mine set out to memorize 1 Timothy.  When he began he was egalitarian.  When he was finished he was complimentarian.   He was a pastor so he knew very well what 1 Timothy 2 said long before he began memorizing, but as it worked its way on his heart and mind he found he couldn't argue anymore.    
• Memorizing Scripture will mean that when you are in a sick bed or in a prison you will still have the Bible.  Perhaps only experience will tell just how much that will mean.  

I have told you what you ought to be doing, but you should know that the act of writing here like this has helped me see the folly of my own laziness in this area.  The truth is, I haven't been adding to what I have.  Not in a long time!  And I deeply regret it.  So, here and now I am renewing my resolve to memorize more of the Bible.  I hope you will join me.  Will you let me know your hopes and plans in this regard?  Send me a note and let me know that you are going to begin memorizing... and don't hesitate to hold me accountable too.

Sola deo gloria.

* October 2021: My children and I are using a tremendous tool called Bible Memory.  We prefer the website over the app.  In any case if you choose to use it find our group simply titled, NEW TESTAMENT.