Memorizing Colossians
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From: Warren Doud
I suggest memorizing the Epistle to the Colossians as part of studying the
book. There are several good reasons for this.
- In general, it helps in meditation and study to have parts of the Bible
memorized. The more you have learned, the more you will think from God's
viewpoint, with His words.
- When you study verse-by-verse, even concentrating on individual words,
it's easy to lose sight of the context. Memorization helps your mind range
over the whole context and match scripture with scripture.
- Memory work improves your ability to concentrate.
Some have asked what version to memorize. My answer is, memorize from the
version you like the best. If you get into this, you'll be saying passages
of scripture over to yourself many times. So make the choice that you can
stay with.
Some people put the individual verses on 3x5 cards (or smaller) so they
can carry them more easily. Others will type each chapter on a piece of
paper and carry it in a legal folder. Some have pocket Testaments. You'll
gravitate into a system that works for you.
There are many methods for memorization. It takes work, and the more verses
you learn, the more time you'll spend in review. The idea is to learn the
whole book so that you can recite it (at least to yourself) without "peeking".
So you can do it any way you like, or you can do what I do... :-)
1. Learn the first verse of chapter 1, well enough to say it
without looking.
2. Learn verse 2, likewise.
3. Learn verses 1 and 2 together, until you can say both accurately.
4. Learn verse 3, then put it with verses 1 and 2. (You get the picture.)
5. Continue this way through the 16 verses of Titus 1.
6. Review chapter 1 at least once per day until you can say it accurately
every time.
7. Start learning chapter 2 the same way.
Do some memory work every day, even if it's just 10 minutes. Every day,
before you begin learning new verses, recite everything you've learned so
far.
It's important to be relaxed about "peeking". Look at the verses
all you want. With repetition, the verses will become familiar to you.
You will need help on a chapter less and less, until that time comes when
you wake up one day and can say the whole thing cold.
If you've never learned a whole chapter before, you are in for a thrill!
It's enormously satisfying. I've heard people complain about having to memorize
anatomy books, Shakespeare, piano music, etc. etc. But I've never heard
anyone complain of having learned too much scripture. The ability to let
the inspired Word of God run through your mind is wonderful. You'll like
it. Those who have memorized know what I'm talking about.
SEND ME A MESSAGE WHEN YOU'VE FINISHED MEMORIZING COLOSSIANS! I'll keep
a tally and report it once in a while!
When you finish Colossians, you'll have a considerable sense of accomplishment.
And you'll be ready for new challenges.
Warren