BIG IDEA: Our lives are transformed when we stop
Store up God’s Word in our
Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth. That’s where you need it! How does it get in your mouth? Memorization —Dallas Willard
I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture… . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified. —Chuck Swindoll
Psalm 119:9-11
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your Word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wonder from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
1. We become more like
2 Corinthians 3:18
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Timothy 2:1-7
1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
2. Our communion and enjoyment with God
Psalm 103:8-13
8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love. 9 He will not always accuse us or be angry forever. 10 He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his faithful love toward those who fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
3. We can triumph over
Matthew 4:4
4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Psalm 119:9-11
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your Word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wonder from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Romans 8:13
13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Romans 13:14
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Matthew 26:41
41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Romans 6:12-14
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
Fighter verses:
Language
Ephesians 4:29
Greed
1 Timothy 6:6-7
Pride
Philippians 2:3-4
Idolatry
Romans 1:25
Lust
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
Anger
Psalm 37:8
Hatred
1 Corinthians 13:1-7
Slothfulness
Proverbs 21:25
Anxiety
Philippians 4:6
Ungratefulness
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Worldliness
Matthew 6:33
4. We can share God’s Word with
Romans 8:28
28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Titus 3:3-7
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
1 Timothy 1:15-16
15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Romans 10:9-10
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.