The Navigators' Topical Memory System - HIDE GOD'S WORD IN YOUR HEART
TOPICAL MEMORY SYSTEM
The Navigators’ Scripture Memory Course
HIDE GOD’S WORD IN YOUR HEART
Introduction:
Begin a Lifetime of Scripture Memory and Meditation
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts” (Deuteronomy 6:6)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16)
You can memorize Scripture. The process may seem slow at first as you follow the Topical Memory System that each of you received and begin building consistent Scripture memory and meditation into your life. But in the long run, the system saves you time. Do your best to form good memory habits now as you follow the weekly plans.
What Scripture Memory Will Do For You
1. Give you “good success” (Joshua 1:8).
2. Bring prosperity (Psalm 1:2-3).
3. Make you wiser than your enemies and teachers (Psalm 119:98-99).
4. Memorizing and meditating on God’s Word will help you overcome worry (Philippians 4:6-7).
5. You can experience God’s perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3) by knowing His promises and having them written on your heart (2 Corinthians 3:3).
6. Victory over temptation/sin. “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). God’s Word hidden in your heart is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), available for battle at any time against the wiles of the devil.
7. Help you stay spiritually fit. You will experience immediate benefits and become better equipped to meet future needs and opportunities.
8. Help you gain confidence in witnessing. One of the five series of verses in the Topical Memory System (Series B: “Proclaim Christ”) will give you a workable plan for sharing the gospel with others.
9. Your progress may be evident to all (1 Timothy 4:15).
A look at the Topical Memory System
The sixty verses of the Topical Memory System are arranged in five series, with twelve verses each and two verses for each topic:
Series A: Live the New Life
Christ the Center □ 2 Corinthians 5:17 □ Galatians 2:20
Obedience to Christ □ Romans 12:1 □ John 14:21
God’s Word □ 2 Timothy 3:16 □ Joshua 1:8
Prayer □ John 15:7 □ Philippians 4:6-7
Fellowship □ Matthew 18:20 □ Hebrews 10:24-25
Witnessing □ Matthew 4:19 □ Romans 1:16
Series B: Proclaim Christ
All Have Sinned □ Romans 3:23 □ Isaiah 53:6
Sin’s Penalty □ Romans 6:23 □ Hebrews 9:27
Christ Paid the Penalty □ Romans 5:8 □ 1 Peter 3:18
Salvation Not By Works □ Ephesians 2:8-9 □ Titus 3:5
Must Receive Christ □ John 1:12 □ Revelation 3:20
Assurance of Salvation □ 1 John 5:13 □ John 5:24
Series C: Rely on God’s Resources
His Spirit □ 1 Corinthians 3:16 □ 1 Corinthians 2:12
His Strength □ Isaiah 41:10 □ Philippians 4:13
His Faithfulness □ Lamentations 3:22-23 □ Numbers 23:19
His Peace □ Isaiah 26:3 □ 1 Peter 5:7
His Provision □ Romans 8:32 □ Philippians 4:19
His Help in Temptation □ Hebrews 2:18 □ Psalm 119:9,11
Series D: Be Christ’s Disciple
Put Christ First □ Matthew 6:33 □ Luke 9:23
Separate from the World □ 1 John 2:15-16 □ Romans 12:2
Be Steadfast □ 1 Corinthians 15:58 □ Hebrews 12:3
Serve Others □ Mark 10:45 □ 2 Corinthians 4:5
Give Generously □ Proverbs 3:9-10 □ 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Develop World Vision □ Acts 1:8 □ Matthew 28:19-20
Series E: Grow in Christlikeness
Love □ John 13:34-35 □ 1 John 3:18
Humility □ Philippians 2:3-4 □ 1 Peter 5:5-6
Purity □ Ephesians 5:3 □ 1 Peter 2:11
Honesty □ Leviticus 19:11 □ Acts 24:16
Faith □ Hebrews 11:6 □ Romans 4:20-21
Good Works □ Galatians 6:9-10 □ Matthew 5:16
The recommended pace for learning new verses is two verses per week. Since there are two verses for each topic, you can focus on one topic each week.
Why the Topics?
Two important reasons for knowing the topics of the verses you memorize are:
1. The topics help you understand the meaning of the verses.
2. The topics give you mental “hooks” with which to draw a particular verse from memory when you need it. They help you recall the right verse when studying the Bible, witnessing, or counseling. The topics serve as pegs on which to hang the verses as you learn them.
Memorize the References
Knowing the reference for each verse you memorize makes it possible to find the verses in the Bible immediately when you need them for personal use or in helping others. So make the reference a part of each verse you memorize.
The surest way to remember the reference is to say it both before and after the verse each time you review it. This will connect the reference and the verse in your mind.
When learning or reviewing a verse, make it a habit to say the topic first, then the reference, then the verse, and the reference again at the end. This may seem tedious at first, but it is important – and it works!
When Is the Best Time to Memorize?
Memorizing the verses is easiest when you can concentrate without distraction. Two of the best times are just before you go to bed at night and just before or after your morning devotional time. A few minutes at lunchtime or just before supper may also work well for you.
Use spare moments during the day – such as while you wait, walk, or exercise – to review your verses. Develop the habit of carrying your verse pack with you.
Why Learn Word-Perfectly?
Have as your aim to always quote a verse word-perfectly. It is easier to learn verses correctly at first. This also makes it easier to review them later. Knowing them word-perfectly will also give you greater confidence in using your verses.
Once you have chosen a particular Bible translation for the verses you memorize, it is best to learn all your verses in that translation, rather than mixing in others.