Spiritual Life

1
Spiritual Life Disciplines

• Part 8 Spiritual Discipline 1 Bible Intake
  Memorization Meditation

2
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
  44

3
Ps 11911 - Your word I have treasured in my
heart, that I may not sin against you.
Ps 119105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a
light to my path.
Eph 617b and take up the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God.
4
Prov 2217-19 - 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 32 - Set your mind on the things above, not
on the things that are on earth.
5
Why memorization?

• Memorization supplies spiritual power
• Memorization strengths faith
• Memorization aids witnessing counseling
• Memorization provides spiritual guidance
• Memorization feeds meditation

6
But Id rather have a root canal!

• Ive 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

7
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

8
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

9
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 Listeners Bible CD or mp3 (Fellowship for
  the Performing Arts)

10
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

11
Meditation

• Psalm 11-2 - 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 11997 - O how I love Your law! It is my
  meditation all the day.

12
Meditation

• Phil. 48 - 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.

13
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

14
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. 636)

15
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 Gods workings in your life to
  meditate upon (Ps. 1435)

16
Meditation Helps

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