Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Adrian Rogers
Battling Sin
If we really want to overcome sin, we’ll be wearing out our Bibles by reading it and studying it. The psalmist wrote “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11), meaning he had memorized the Word of God in order to keep from sinning. Perhaps recalling Scripture helped him avoid falling into sin.
Soul Winning
The Apostle Peter wants us to grow in the grace and knowledge of God (2nd Pet 3:18). In this way, if anyone asks you about your faith in Christ, you would be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1st Pet 3:15). If we can summarize the gospel by memorizing a few verses, then we can tell people how they might be saved. A few come to mind like 2nd Corinthians 5:21, Acts 4:12, and Romans 10:9-13. What ones would you suggest?
The Power of God
Did you know that the Holy Spirit can empower us, but so can God’s Word? The Apostle Paul wrote, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom 1:16), and “the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1st Cor 1:18). Both of these verses speak of the gospel as having power, and it does. We can’t save anyone, but unleashing God’s power in the gospel can. God can use us in the process of His saving some, but we must release God’s Word to let God’s power work in their lives and pray for the Spirit to move in their heart.
Life’s in Shambles
When your life is falling apart and it looks like you’re at a dead end, then fall on your knees and seek shelter and encouragement in God’s Word. The psalms are a great place to flee in your pain, doubt, and fear. Open Psalm 103 and hear God speak to you as would a tender loving father, saying, “as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him” (Psalm 103:11), and “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him” (Psalm 103:13). That’s how God feels about you, no matter what you’re going through.
Conclusion
My old Bible is about to fall apart, and being well over 60, so is part of my body, but my mind is still sharp enough to remember where my car keys are at (most of the time). On those rare days when I don’t get a chance to read my Bible first thing in the morning (like emergencies), it seems that I live to regret it. Fortify your life by having the Word of God memorized to help you battle sin, which also helps you be ready to share the gospel and unleash the power of God’s Word in the hope that someone might be saved, but don’t forget to find refuge in God’s Word for healing and hope when you need it.
