Page 110 - Overcoming Addiction

II Timothy 2:15
Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved
(tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly
analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching]
the Word of Truth.
[Amplified Bible]

Your effectiveness in spiritual battle will depend much upon your skillful
handling of the word of God. It is essential that all who seek to overcome addiction
and progress in a life of holiness should spend much time in the study of the word.
Even as a man does not become skillful with a sword without much usage, we will
not become skillful in the word apart from a devotion to learning is correct
application.
It is symbolic that the sword is gripped in the hand. The word of God must
also be near at hand at all times. We must be able to swiftly draw it forth out of its
scabbard in time of need. In order to do this, memorization of Scripture is
important.

Psalms 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

When I was a youth I began memorizing Scripture in church. Later I was
encouraged by a number of older Christians to apply myself to Scripture memory
as a spiritual discipline. It became my practice to write key verses down on index
cards and to carry them in my pocket during the day. I would take them to work,
and everywhere I went, and I would meditate upon them to gain understanding. I
would practice reciting them until I could say them perfectly.
I have found the Scriptures committed to memory to have been a great aid
throughout my entire life. Many Scriptures now come to mind as easily as a well
used sword is drawn forth by the hand of a seasoned warrior. There is tremendous
value in the study of the word of God. It renews the mind even as we dwell upon it.
The soul is refreshed and the thoughts purified as we immerse ourselves in the
cleansing power of the holy word of God.
When Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness, the word of God flowed
forth from His mouth as a two-edged sword. At every parry of the enemy, Christ
had the appropriate response.
The danger of neglecting the word of God is that Satan also is familiar with
it. Satan quoted Scriptures to Christ when he tempted Him. If a believer is not well
grounded in the Scriptures he will be easily misled when Satan seeks to deceive
him through a misapplication of the word of God.
Those who love life, and who want to walk in victory, will give themselves to
a study of the word. Like David they will seek to implant the word in their heart.
Scripture memory is a valuable means of fitting oneself for battle.
The sword of the Spirit is not only the written word. It is also the spoken
word of God.