Top 10 Reasons to Memorize the Book of Romans
Letterman's got nothing on me. Well, except maybe several mansions, a wildly popular TV show, and interviewing the most interesting celebrities in the world. Here is what Dave and I have in common: A Top 10 List.
For today, here's my Top 10 List:
Ten Reasons You Should Memorize the Book of Romans
Reason Number 10: People will think you are smart. Especially if you memorize in the King James Version. You'll be able to impress people with words like thee and thou, hitherto and shewed.
Reason Number 9: You'll amaze your children. If you can recite it in a rap, it would be better. Imagine your teenager asking to watch a certain questionable TV show and you say, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." . They might just change the channel ... or leave the room.
Reason Number 8: It might prevent Alzheimer's. But, I can't remember.
Reason Number 7: If you are stranded on a desert island, you'll have the most comprehensive theology book ever written memorized.
Reason Number 6: If the Bible is ever outlawed, you'll be able to share the truths of God to those who have never heard. No one can take that away from you.
Reason Number 5: You'll be able to understand and recite why people reject Christ when you memorize chapters 1 and 2. You'll also be able to give Biblical answers about relevant social issues.
Reason Number 4: Romans chapter 8 will be on your lips and in your heart as you recite one of the most magnificent passages of Scripture explaining that we are heirs with Christ, and describing our future glory with Him.
Reason Number 3: After memorizing chapters 9-11, you could explain God's plan and faithfulness to Israel. Now there's a relevant topic.
Reason Number 2: When you finish those last few chapters, you'll understand how to apply the theological knowledge you've memorized. That's what being a follower of Christ is about, right? Learning His Words and applying them to our lives.
And ...
Reason Number 1: It's profitable. Martin Luther said this about Romans:
"This letter is truly the most important piece of the New Testament. It is purest Gospel. It is well worth a Christian's while not only to memorize it word for word but also to occupy himself with it daily. As though it were the daily bread of the soul. It is impossible to read or to meditate on this letter too much or too well. The more one deals with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes."
I can't think of a better use of my time. What about you?
Mr. Letterman has riches on earth. But I'm storing up riches in heaven where they don't corrode or thieves don't break in and steal.
Invest in heaven, my friend. Recite Romans.
Ten Ways to Memorize Romans
10—Divide and conquer. Take the chapters and divide them into paragraphs that make sense. Remember your old English teacher, "One thought per paragraph!" And use the translation that is easiest for you.
9—Do you learn by listening? That is auditory learning. Try recording the passage on your phone, listening to it in the car, and then saying it back. You won't look any weirder than those folks who have a Bluetooth hanging out of their ear as they drive.
8—Do you learn visually? Write, write, write. Plaster it on your bathroom mirror, on your dashboard, and make a copy on notecards you carry with you. Picture where each word is on the page. Look for patterns in the verses. Is there a repeating word? How about a repeating phrase? Use colored markers to help you.
7—Do you learn by doing? You're a kinesthetic learner. Try acting out a verse, or picturing what Paul was doing when he wrote it. Maybe you could think of symbols for the words for instance, "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world." You might picture the #1 along with the Roman believers speaking to a globe. Draw a picture of a globe on the sheet you're using to memorize. (Note: it can be stick people on a lop-sided sphere.)
6—More than likely, you're a combination of all three so mix and match, just like the combo at Panera. Use whatever you need to memorize God's Word.
5—Get an accountability partner. When I memorized James, my friend Carolyn and I walked and recited. If you don't have time for that, ask a family member to keep you accountable once a week. My husband helped me with that. Then, both people are blessed by hearing God's Word!
4—Set goals. During our memorization of Romans, I'll encourage you to memorize 4-7 verses a week, but you do what you can! Decide ahead, set your goal, then be accountable.
3—Plan. I do most of my memorizing in the early morning when I'm still fresh. My friend does hers in the middle of the night when she can't sleep. (I hope you don't have that problem.) I also re-joined the gym. I take my sheet with me while I do the elliptical. I read, say it out loud and sweat. A great combination! (Bring a towel.)
2—Review. Say what you've already finished. I know, I know, it's hard. But what's hard is good!
1—Most importantly, Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. It is God's will that you know His Word. "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (NIV)
Scripture memory helps us in all areas of life. It is eternal. It is Divine. Scripture is God's Word to us.
It's a worthy goal, my friend.
Let the memorizing begin!
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