Scripture Text: John 15:1-7; Psalm 1:1-3; Hebrews 3:1-4
Memory Verse: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8
Lesson Aim: To lay the Scriptural basis and application for meditation and declaration of the Word of God.
Key Points - Memorization, medita-tion, confession and profession are important elements for the growth and development of God’s people. - Memorization and meditation are the forerunners of confession and profession.
The inspired Word of God encourages believers to grow in grace and knowledge of our Master Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Christian growth can be accomplished by memorizing, meditating, confessing and professing the Word of God. This process is an essential part of God’s program for the development and advancement of His people. Believers must discipline themselves to follow God’s program.
In Numbers 15:38-40, the Israelites were told to remember the commandments. To remember anything requires a measure of memory. Our brains are equipped by the Creator to store information. Some things we will remember without much effort. However, when it comes to memorizing Bible verses, one must discipline the mind to consistently review and recite verses of Scripture until they are permanently impressed upon the heart/mind. Jesus said in John 15:7, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
According to Joshua 1:8, Joshua was told, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night…” His success and prosperity depended upon confession, meditation and profession. By the expression “shalt not depart out of thy mouth” it may be understood that Joshua was to speak what the book of the law (God’s Word) said or in other words to talk like God.
Confession as used in Romans 10:10 and 1 Timothy 6:13 means to acknowledge (#3670, Strong’s Concordance). The word confession as used in 2 Chronicles 30:22 and Daniel 9:20, is translated from the Hebrew word yadah (yaw daw’) and may be defined as “to revere or worship” (#3034, Strong’s Concordance). Thus, in our praise and worship we confess the virtues of God, His power and ability to do above and beyond what we can ask or think.
Profession may be explained as a very strong statement or declaration, or the act of openly declaring. Timothy was commended by Apostle Paul of having a good profession before many (1 Timothy 6:12). Likewise, the saints of God must hold fast our profession (declaration) of faith (Hebrews 10:23).
Memorization and meditation are the forerunners of confession and profession. Memorization is the process of committing scripture (God’s written word) to memory. Once established in the memory, Scripture is readily available for instant recall. Meditation is concentrated thought that impresses the importance of the Word of God upon a person’s heart/mind. Confession is the act of openly agreeing with God’s Word. Profession is the public declaration of what one believes or the audible expression of faith. The end result of memorization, meditation and confession is profession.
The words of King David in Psalm 116:10 declare, “I believed therefore I spoke …” Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthian brethren declares in 2 Corinthians 4:13, “And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak.” This suggests that memorization, meditation and confession of the Word of God builds unwavering confidence and faith in the believer so that he professes what he believes.
Questions and Discussion
- What is the ultimate objective of memorization of God’s Word? Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 4:20-22
- How early in life should a person begin to memorize the Holy Scriptures? 2 Timothy 3:15; 1 Samuel 1:22-28; 2:18
- Define meditation and of what benefit is meditation on the Word of God? Psalm 19:14; 49:3; 104:34; 1 Timothy 4:12-16; 2 Timothy 2:15
- If one truly desires to achieve success and prosperity by God’s standards, what must one do? Joshua 1:8; 2 Peter 3:1
- Where in the Holy Bible are the words “I believed therefore I spoke” first recorded and what is their significance? Psalm 116:10; Luke 6:45; 2 Corinthians 4:13
- Discuss the following New Testament Scriptures. Their fulfillment requires the believer to practice memorization, meditation, confession and profession of the written Word of God. John 15:7; Matthew 21:21-22; Mark 11:23-25; James 5:15; 1 John 5:14