HT: Justin Taylor

In Philippians, Paul describes Epaphroditus as his “brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier” (Philippians 2:25). Along with Paul, Epaphroditus, as a believer in Jesus, was a child of God (John 1:12) and therefore the two were brothers. And as he partnered with Paul in advancing the Gospel, Epaphroditus become a “fellow worker” with Paul.

But “fellow soldier”? Why did Paul call Epaphroditus a fellow soldier?

Because they were “engaged in the same conflict” (Philippians 1:30), fighting not “against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12), “keeping alert with all perseverance” (Ephesians 6:18), as they put on “the whole armor of God” in order that they might “be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). They were true soldiers, battling spiritual battles as they “work[ed] out [their] salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

Those of us who believe in and receive Jesus as Savior are, along with Epaphroditus, brothers and sisters in the family of God, fellow workers in God’s kingdom spreading His glory and the message of salvation from generation to generation to the ends of the earth, and fellow soldiers fighting the fight of faith as we also work out our “own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

Engaged in the ongoing battle of “continuing in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel” (Colossians 1:23), every Christian must “speak” truth to his soul, fighting not only the temptations of the flesh but also battling for faith. The assaults of the enemy come in the form of lies which threaten to diminish the joy of our salvation and our love for the gospel, belief in the promises of God, a hunger for God, single-minded devotion to Christ, and our appetites for the spiritual rather than the temporal.

This collection of verses is called “Fighter Verses” in recognition of the spiritual battle every follower of Jesus is called to fight, and reflects the following four convictions:

• Since the life of faith is a fight of faith, we and our children must be well-armed for this fight.
• The Word of God is an indispensable weapon for those engaged in this battle.
• The battle is becoming increasingly fierce while many Christians are unskilled in using this weapon effectively.
• Committing the Word of God to memory makes this powerful weapon readily available and provides us with an ever-present counselor and protector from the enemy of our souls.

The Fighter Verses have been carefully selected—52 passages per year for five years (260 total)—to arm us for the fight for faith and love, and against unbelief and sin. Although it could be said that every verse in the Bible is beneficial in the fight of faith, we call this selection of passages “Fighter Verses” because we believe they are especially useful in this battle and, therefore, important for us to commit to memory. Certainly many more verses could be added, which is one reason why we encourage you to personalize this set with portions of scripture which you have found helpful.

Not only is “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16), but the only way the Scriptures make us “wise for salvation” and for fighting the fight of faith, is “through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). The Fighter Verse Scripture memory plan is built on and powered by the belief that Jesus and His Gospel are “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16)—not only the power for the initial faith of conversion, but the power for the everyday Christian walk of faith.

This is why Paul points us to the good news that “it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13) after instructing us to work out our salvation “with fear and trembling.” Indeed, it is why he starts his explanation of the armor of God by telling Christians to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). The good news is that God is at work in us and for us so that we might say with Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

The resolve to memorize the Bible is a work of God. By sheer determination we may be motivated to memorize, but only God can provide the will and deep conviction necessary to sustain a life-long habit of committing the Word of God to memory. You will discover great spiritual benefit from this discipline, and, as with many spiritual disciplines, it is likely you will encounter spiritual opposition from the enemy of our souls. This eternal foe hates well-armed saints. Rest assured however that “He who is in you is mightier than he who” “prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour” (1 John 4:4, 1 Peter 5:8). Therefore, we encourage you to seek the Lord and His favor through prayer as you begin and as you continue to memorize His Word.

May God richly bless you as you employ the mighty weapon of the memorized Word to fight for faith in Jesus and against unbelief.

—Sally Michael

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Fighter Verses Resource Library:

• 2012 Bookmark (Set 2)
• Audio Resources
• Verse Card Maker
• When I Don’t Desire God
• Tips for Extended Memory
• 6 x 6 Scripture Memory
• Bible Memory Chart
• Fighter Verse Bookmark Template

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Several years ago, a Scottish pastor named Robert Murray M’Cheyne wrote a letter to his congregation, saying:

MY DEAR FLOCK,—The approach of another year stirs up within me new desires for your salvation, and for the growth of those of you who are saved. “God is my record how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.” What the coming year is to bring forth, who can tell? . . . Those believers will stand firmest who have no dependence upon self or upon creatures, but upon Jehovah our Righteousness. We must be driven more to our Bibles, and to the mercy-seat, if we are to stand in the evil day. Then we shall be able to say like David—“The proud have had me greatly in derision, yet have I not declined from thy law.” “Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart standeth in awe of thy Word.” It has long been in my mind to prepare a scheme of Scripture reading, in which as many as were made willing by God might agree, so that the whole Bible might be read once by you in the year, and all might be feeding in the same portion of the green pasture at the same time.

That was in December of 1842 and I feel much the same this December of 2011!  As we look to the future of our church, it’s clear that our ministry of making disciples will only be as effective as the depth of our love for the Word. For it’s the proclaimed Word which the Spirit uses to transforms hearts.

But many Bible reading programs have some drawbacks.  First of all, many people cannot sustain a schedule that takes through the whole Bible in a year if they aren’t already strong readers.  Second, most plans spend the bulk of the front half in the Old Testament. This causes many to feel bogged down.  Finally, many plans move so fast that there is little time for reflection on what is being read.

A Better Plan?

So, why not modify a plan that takes care of these problems?  The plan I will be using—and I want to invite all of you to use as well—takes us through the whole Bible over two years, alternating between Old and New Testament books, giving room for reflection (or catching-up!).  Practically, this means reading two chapters a day, taking Sundays off as well as a week off in July and December.  For most people, this requires just fifteen minutes for reading each day.

But some may ask, ‘Why any plan at all?’  There is nothing sacred about reading the Bible according to a plan, but they can be helpful.  M’Cheyne went on in his letter to list a few.  Another pastor summarizes them well:

“These [benefits] included the reading of the entire Bible in an orderly manner over the course of a year; no wasting of time deciding what portion of Scripture to read each day; improved spiritual conversations between parents and children and between friends when each member of a family or circle of friends is individually reading the same portions of Scripture; a greater opportunity for pastors to reference passages of the Bible in their praying and preaching and individual conversation with church members who have just read those same passages; the strengthened bond of Christian love and unity among Christians who are reading the Scriptures together.”

How amazing could it be to have all of us “feeding in the same portion of the green pasture at the same time” beyond the Sunday morning sermons?  Try to calculate the spiritual blessing of having God speak to all of us from the same passages of his Word each day for two years!

Some Practical Tips

Maybe this is the first time you are considering  a Bible reading plan like this. Or maybe you have begin something similar several times and failed somewhere in the middle.  Perhaps you’re a seasoned veteran!   Regardless of where you are at, Pastor Stephen Witmer gives some helpful tips for reading the Bible, especially on a plan like this one.

1. If at all possible, read through the Bible using this plan together with other people. The fruit of reading through the Bible together as a church over the last couple years has been immense.
2. There will be some passages that you find boring and difficult. Remember 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as you read these passages: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be equipped for every good work.”  Ask yourself why God breathed out this particular passage, and how it is profitable for you.
3. Do the whole reading for each day, but look for a “best thought” for each day—something you can meditate on throughout the rest of the day, perhaps a verse you can memorize, something that is particularly memorable. This way, you are left with more than a vague feeling of what you read in the morning.
4. As you come to the Word each morning, ask God to open your eyes to its splendor. Psalm 119:18: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” Psalm 119:36: “Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!” Psalm 90:14: “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”
5. Let your prayers for others emerge out of what you read. Don’t choose between praying and reading Scripture—do both! After you read a passage, pray that passage for yourself and for those you love.
6. Some readings will be longer and others will be shorter. Take advantage of the shorter readings. Read them more carefully and meditatively. Don’t just read; reflect, ask questions, pray for answers, engage. In Psalm 119:48, the psalmist says that he meditates on the Lord’s statutes.
7. Look for ways in which you can practically live out what you’re reading. James 1:22: “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”

Together in the Word

I hope you will take this two year journey through the Bible with me!  Reading Scripture is the best way to grow in your love for God. Furthermore, reading together will give us a common reference for encouraging one another in faithfulness and spurring one another on to love and good works.

Grace and peace,

Pastor John

Download 2 Year Reading Plan PDF