Thursday, November 01, 2007

I need some help

A few months ago a couple of friends and I set out to memorize one of the greatest chapters in the Bible, Romans 8. We set our pace (4 verses a week) and checked up on each other a couple of times each week. We should have finished memorizing the chapter in about 3 months. We didn't. Things fell apart after the first 6 weeks or so, but it was a good attempt.

I'm ready to try again, this time with a slightly slower pace (3 verses a week) and a new chapter in mind, Colossians 3. I read through this chapter recently; not only is it easier and shorter than Romans 8, but the content is a real soul-feast. I've pasted it below.

Here's where I need your help. Will you join me in hiding these 25 verses in your heart, too? Accountability is a huge help to me, but what's really encouraging is knowing others are eager to memorize Scripture, too. If we start next week we should be able to finish around the end of next month.

If you're interested leave me a comment or shoot me an e-mail by Monday to let me know you're in. I'll share some more of the approach with you over e-mail.

An added bonus for my church friends is that you'll soon be hearing these verses preached upon by our pastor. I think those sermons will be especially powerful for those who have already meditated on this great chapter.

Colossians 3
Put On the New Self

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Rules for Christian Households
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

10 comments:

Mr. J said...

Tim - Count me in.

-Oliver

Edie Guess said...

wow - I think I am up for the challenge

Christopher said...

Have the chapter memorized, but I will totally help keep you accountable if you would like!

Christopher

cjpearson03@gmail.com

Tim said...

OJ and Pinky - awesome! Thanks for joining.

Christopher - I read through your blog tonight. I'm most humbled to read how your wife and you have put whole books to memory--and for the right reasons!

I'd love a copy of your booklet for Scripture memory. I'll send you an e-mail address to forward to if you don't mind.

Christopher said...

Totally! Send me an e-mail address and I will be happy to send a copy to you. I am in the process of self-publishing it, so the format may be a little weird.

Christopher

Jill said...

We're so in!

--Jill and Chad

Katie L said...

I want to join in, too.

Anonymous said...

Hi Tim!
I am participating in the mentor/mentee program at our church and recently suggested to my mentee we memorize some scripture. She chose the first one-Colossians 3:16-17! We'll start with that and maybe move towards the chapter. Thanks for the encouragement-without even realizing it!

Christopher said...

so, y'all are suppose to start on Colossians 3 this week, right? Do we have a verse done yet??

cjpearson03@gmail.com

Tim said...

Hi Melene! Tell Joe 'hi'; I hope things are well in Abilene. Thanks for writing.

All - I'll send an e-mail out (hopefully tonight) with THE PLAN.