Years ago, a popular movie scene depicted the star waving a sword in the face of her costar. With a childish grin, she clumsily pretend-prodded his neck with the blade. He slowly stood up, slid the silk scarf from around her neck, and tossed it lightly into the air. As it drifted downward, it passed over the blade and fell into two pieces on the floor. She had no concept of the power of the weapon she was wielding.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.” Hebrews 4:12
All too often we underestimate the power of the Sword we have been given. The Bible is not just words on a page. When we apply it in our lives, we see its power. In order to wield our weapon against sin intentionally, we need to focus time and effort into memorizing scripture.
Why is this so crucial?
1. Jesus set the example of using scripture to defeat his enemy.
Matthew 4 and Luke 4 depict the story of Jesus being tempted after 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. Three times the tempter approached Him, and three times Jesus responded to his attacks with scripture. In the end, “the devil departed from Him.”
When we memorize God’s Word, we follow the example of Christ, and we hold the weapon that will defeat our enemy.
2. It keeps us from sinning.
Psalm 119:11 tells us this is one of the purposes of scripture. “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Likewise, Psalm 119:105 says God’s word is a “lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
We simply cannot know the right direction to go, nor will we be able to stay on it, without knowing God’s Word.
Last week on The Noble Man Podcast, you heard our guest speak openly about his battle with pornography and his path to victory. He committed to memory several passages of scripture that have carried him through dark days and into the light.
There’s no wrong place to begin, but if you are facing a battle, why not start memorizing the passages that encouraged him?
We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. (v. 6-7)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (v. 1)
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Action Step:
Take the time today to memorize a verse or passage that will light your path. When you do, share it with us at office@noblewarriors.org or on the Noble Warriors Facebook page. Let’s spur one another on in the Lord today.