The Bible is clear that we should teach our children about God and His word. We shouldn’t leave it up to the Sunday School teachers at our church. As parents, it is our responsibility. It is not always easy to do, and we might ask ourselves why we need to commit a lot of time and effort into doing this. After all we take them to church where they learn about God and read His word. They also see our example as Christian parents living out our faith. So why should we have to spend a lot of time with them reading God’s word and helping them to memorize Scripture?
Well God commands us to read and memorize Scripture, so we should do it, and we should instruct our children to do it.
And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NLT
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16 NLT
Below are 11 reasons why it is important for us as parents to spend time with our children, teaching them how to study and memorize scripture. I encourage you to either start or continue to spend time with your children reading Scripture, explaining why it is so important, and encouraging them to memorize it.
1) To know Christ
But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. Romans 16:26 NLT
“And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me-the one he sent to you. You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! John 5:37-40 NLT
2) To fight sin
I have hidden your words in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NLT
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 NLT
3) To glorify God
With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever. Psalm 86:12 NLT
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
4) To feel safe
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 NLT
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT
I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalms 56:4 NLT
5) To know they are loved
For this is how God loved the world; He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NLT
6) To love others
The man answered, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27 NLT
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.” Juke 6:35 NLT
7) To persevere
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 NLT
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT
8) To be blessed
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 NLT
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. Psalm 1:1-2 NLT
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:7 NLT
9) To be transformed
I have hidden your words in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NLT
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
10) To be encouraged and to have hope
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Romans 15:4-5 NLT
“This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT
11) To be armed when we don’t have a Bible with us
Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life. Proverbs 6:21-23 NLT
