Is Scripture memorization something you’d rather skip in Bible teaching? Maybe you’re getting negative feedback from students. If it doesn’t seem to be making a difference in students’ lives, you might question its value.
3 Tips to Combat Adverse Reactions to Scripture Memorization
- Communicate the intrinsic value of memorizing God’s Word.
Students don’t have to be bribed to memorize Scripture if they sense the benefit of hiding God’s Word in their hearts to their everyday lives (Ps. 19:7-11; 37:31; 119:11, 105). What happens when they learn everything we do as believers doesn’t get physically rewarded in this life? There’s got to be a higher purpose.
- Get beyond rote memorization to understanding the meaning and application of the Bible verses to life.
Hiding God’s Word in our hearts can make a difference (Ps. 119:11) but not if we don’t understand what the verse means or how it’s relevant to our lives. Trust in God’s Spirit to bring the understanding (1 Cor. 2:12-14) but also use questions and other means to clarify their grasp.
- Use creative means of helping students memorize Scripture.
Scripture memorization doesn’t have to be boring. It can be fun, interesting, and engaging. Students can be memorizing without realizing it when it’s incorporated through the lesson in creative ways.
Teacher Training Worksheet: Effective Scripture Memorization Requires Getting Beyond
Another Helpful Resource: Scripture Memorization Discipleship Guide
More Teacher Training Resources: Scripture Memorization