I've challenged the Adult Bible Class at Cornerstone EFC to memorize the eighth chapter of Romans. We've been going through the book of Romans for a while now (I originally intended an eight week course of study, but the questions asked and insights shared have slowed us down a bit…okay, a lot; eight weeks has turned into a bit over two and a half years so far). I can't remember which theologian and N.T. Scholar said that of all the 66 books in the Bible Romans has to be the best. And of all the chapters in Romans, the third chapter is the best. And of all the paragraphs in that third chapter, verses 21–26 is the best one. And of those verses, 24–26 are the best, with perhaps verse 25 was the very best verse in all of Scripture.
Perhaps. I might try to make a case for Romans 8 pushing Romans 3 mighty hard. If you knew Romans 8 by heart, you would have a pretty good synopsis of all of Scripture at your fingertips to use in all sorts of situations with a variety of people. Not to mention, as a Christian, your heart would be filled with joy and encouragement and confidence and hope.
The problem that many have with memorizing is that they've not ever done a large portion in its entire context before. They're used to individual verses. Personally, I find that large chunks of text help me, not just with memorization, but with the thought and flow of the text itself. It keeps me from yanking verses out of context to use however I see fit.
The other problem, I venture to guess, is that many have simply not disciplined themselves to stick with it in a measured, accountable situation like our study. I'm not checking everyone, but I'm finding ways of pushing the most possible to learn from the ESV. It's hard, but there's no better time than RIGHT NOW! If we keep waiting, the remembering doesn't get any easier. If we continue procrastinating, we may never get around to it. Then we'll find ourselves on the "outside looking in" when we really wish we had a verse or two to use.
Here's what J.C. Ryle, the late, great bishop had to say:
Knowing The Bible in Your Time of Need
I want people to fill their minds with passages of Scripture while they are well and strong, that they may have sure help in the day of need. I want them to be diligent in studying their Bibles, and becoming familiar with their contents, in order that the grand old Book may stand by them and talk with them when all earthly friends fail. From the bottom of my heart, I pity that person who never reads their Bible. I wonder how they expect to draw their consolation in their time of need.
~ J.C. Ryle
Tract: Be Content