LEARNING FOR LIFE MODULE Memorizing Scripture Jaymi and Kara Blankenship Jaymi and Kara Blankenship are the founders of Rooted Families. They are passionate about seeing families rooted in God s Word. Jaymi and Kara have faithfully served in a variety of ministry positions in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. For more information about their ministry and resources for discipling your children visit www.rootedfamilies.com. Learning Level: Novice Teenager, please read aloud: When I complete this module, I should be able to explain its central truths in my own words. That central truth is: Memorizing Scripture is a valuable tool for our spiritual growth. Teenager, please read aloud: When I complete this module, I should be able to describe at least three reasons toe memorize God s Word. Parent, please read this passage aloud: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Ps. 119:105, ESV). I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you (Ps. 119:11, ESV). I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life (Ps. 119:93, ESV). Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD (Deut. 8:3, ESV).
Two-way conversation is more valuable than a lecture. Parent, with that in mind, please lead a discussion about this: Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the entire Bible. The entire chapter is about God s Word and what it means to the writer. He seems to find strength and wisdom in the Scriptures. The writer expresses his need for the cleansing of the words of God and the great value he has found in them in several different verses. Consider how this passage in Deuteronomy is part of Moses explaining to the Israelites the importance of following the ways of God as He led them into the promised land. We include it here because Jesus refers to this passage when explaining to Satan why he does not need to succumb to the temptation to turn stones into bread while He was in the desert (see Matt. 4:4). Teenager, please lead a discussion about this: In our world of darkness, God s Word gives us light to show us the way to go in our journey with Him. Sin means, to disobey God s commands. Precepts mean rules by which we should live. Parent and teenager, read and discuss the following quotation: The practice of memorization has divine commendation. Truth stored in the mind may become God s messenger of encouragement, comfort, or reproof when these are most needed. D. F. Ackland, The Teacher s Bible Commentary Teenager, read the real-life issues below. Discuss with your parent reasons you think Christian teenagers struggle with these. Discuss other issues you think are more relevant than the ones listed. 1. I can t memorize Scripture. 2. I don t know where to start. 3. I can just look it up on my phone. Why would I memorize it?
Parent and teenager, discuss why a disciple of Christ would choose to adopt a biblical point of view related to this truth. Consider the issues below and also think of issues not listed: 1. As I memorize Scripture, I come to know God more intimately. 2. I am more prepared for the spiritual battles I encounter. 3. The Holy Spirit is able to bring to mind God s truths when I need them most (John 14:26). Parent and teenager, discuss this question: How might Christ use the application of this truth to further His reign over the hearts and lives of our family, other believers, and nonbelievers? Parent and teenager, pray together. Consider including thoughts similar to these: King Jesus, Your words are life to me. The Bible guides my steps to help me look more like You. Give me a desire to memorize Scripture that I may follow Your ways. In Your precious name, amen.
Learning Level: Apprentice Parent and teenager, review the Novice pages for this module. Parent, 1. Ask your teenager to say in his or her own words the key truth for this module. 2. Ask your teenager to explain how this truth should impact the attitudes of believers. 3. Ask your teenager to explain how this truth impacts what believers do. 4. With Bibles open, review your teenager s answers. As needed, rephrase answers to more accurately and fully represent the light of Scripture. Teenager, please read these verses aloud: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17, ESV). Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.... And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:11, 17 ESV). Parent, please lead a discussion about this: Paul is talking to Timothy about the purpose of God s Word. He emphasizes that it is used in these ways so that we may be equipped for the work of the Lord. As we study and memorize the Word of God, we become mature followers of Christ. God uses His Word to change us to look more like Him. Paul speaks clearly to the Ephesians about the necessity of being prepared for spiritual battles. He lists the various pieces of armor that we should be wearing, which includes the sword of the Spirit. The sword of the Spirit, or God s Word, is an offensive piece of the armor. The rest of the armor is used to protect us against the fiery darts while the sword is used to refute the lies of the evil one.
Teenager, please read these verses aloud: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Josh. 1:8, ESV). Parent, please lead a discussion about this: Joshua had been with Moses at the end of his life. The Lord knew Joshua would lead the Israelites into the promised land. This verse is part of Joshua s commissioning by God to do His work. He tells Joshua to do all that He had commanded in the Law. God promises Joshua that if he will follow His commands, then he will be successful in the work he does for the Lord. To meditate on God s Word is to think deeply about it to the point that it becomes part of your thoughts. It is difficult to meditate on God s Word without memorizing it. Teenager, please read this quotation aloud: The people God blesses not only read the Word daily, but they study it, memorize it, and meditate on it during the day and night. Their mind is controlled by the Word of God. Because of this, they are led by the Spirit and walk in the Spirit. Meditation is to the soul what digestion is to the body. It means understanding the Word, chewing on it, and applying it to our lives, making it a part of the inner person. Warren Wiersbe, Wiersbe s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament Teenager, share with your parent any doubts or questions that remain in your mind related to the topic of this module. Parent, offer your thoughts or promise to do some extra study before the next meeting. Teenager, sooner or later Satan will try to harm you related to the topic you are studying. Discuss with your parent specific actions you can take now that will help you stand strong in your thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Parent and teenager, pray together. Consider including thoughts similar to these: Abba, you have given us Your Word that we would have everything we need to become mature believers who are able to do the work You have chosen for us. Show us the way to hide it in our hearts so that we might be used by You for Your glory. Help us to think about Your Word day and night so that it changes us to look more like You. In Jesus name, amen.
Learning Level: Master Teenager, in your own words, what was the key truth presented in the Novice level of this module? Parent, ask interesting questions that clarify ideas and lead to confidence that understanding has been achieved. Teenager, how did the additional passages of Scripture add to your understanding of the key truth presented in this module? Teenager, what is the opposite of the truth presented in this module? (Example: The opposite of Christ is the only way to God is There are many ways to God. ) Teenager, what world religion, philosophy, famous person, or media expression (song, movie, etc.) presents that opposite perspective? Teenager, how would you use the Scriptures and discussions from the Novice and Apprentice levels to contradict that opposite perspective? Parent, consider standing behind your teenager, with your hands on his or her shoulders. Pray aloud that God will give your teenager strength to stand firm for the truth and to introduce many to Christ.
Learning Level: Master Teacher Teenager, create the approach you will use to teach the Novice level of this module to a sibling, friend, or church member. Then present the approach to your parent first, asking for feedback and possible improvements. Teenager, present to your parent the truths you will cover when you teach. Invite your parent to fine-tune any truths or thoughts that might need some correction. Teenager, teach the Novice level of this module to someone. Invite your parent to observe so you can receive helpful feedback.