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Part 3: Application | ||||||||||||||||
| James 1:22-25 |
1. THE VALUE OF APPLICATION
It is imperative that we use what we've learned (Matthew 7:24-27; John 8:31-32). If we don't use it, we'll lose it (James 1:22-25). The Bible was given to us by God as His complete will for our lives so that we might walk in conformity to that revealed will.
2. THE VALUE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT TODAY
Most of the times when Christians do Bible study we go to the New Testament. Even though 2 Timothy 3:16 says that "All Scripture in inspired of God and is profitable" we tend to ignore much of the first 39 books of the Bible. The New Testament makes it clear that the Old Testament is for today (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11).
3. GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION
Before the principles of application are explained, we must discuss one very important question: "Does all of the Bible apply equally to my life or are some sections of it more valuable than others? Let's look at five guidelines for application.
A. Proper Application is Built on Solid Interpretation. When you read what a book says and find out the background of a book (observation) this provides a basis for interpreting what it means. So too, when you understand what it means (interpretation) you will know what to do (application).
B. The Bible Sometimes Limits Itself. How do we know which Scriptures apply directly to us today and which don't? J. Robertson McQuilkin, in Understanding and Applying the Bible, says, "Every teaching of the Bible is to be received universally, unless the Bible itself limits the audience, either in the context of the passage itself or other Bible teaching.
C. We Apply Biblical Truths Through Principles. What does the Bible say about genetic engineering, nuclear power or AIDS. Of course, there are many specific things the Bible never mentions; things that didn't even exist when the Bible was written. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have anything to say on those issues. No, it tells us the fundamental truths or principles that God wants us to apply across the entire range of human need.
What is a "principle" A principle is a compact statement of universal truth. It is a general statement taken from the situation in Scripture and applied to specific situations now. Application must be based on what the reader and the original audience have in common. For example, Numbers 15:32-36 instructs Israelites that if they gather wood on the Sabbath they will be stoned. Since we no longer keep the Mosaic law, this specific command is not directly relevant to Christians today. But the general principle from this text and many others in Scripture is that "God punishes disobedience." So we are to look for principles and apply Biblical truths to our lives through principles.
D. Application Must Include Specific Response/Action. Some people just love to sit around and talk philosophy. Paul ran into such a group in Athens. In Acts 17:21 All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas. However, God's word was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives. As we draw out principles from Scripture, we always need to ask, what am I going to do with this truth? When, where and how am I going to apply it?
E. Putting Application into Practice. The problem many people suffer with is the problem of a plan. Where do I begin? I want to give you a sample outline of three steps to use:
(1) Make a Decision to Change. In other words, make up your mind. Determine exactly what it is that you need to change and then purpose in your heart that you will do it. The more exactly and clearly you determine what it is that you need to change, the more likely it is that you will accomplish it.
(2) Come Up With a Plan.Planning a course of action means coming up with specific ways to achieve an objective and then thinking through what you need to do to run the plan. It assigns, names, dates, times and places to your intentions. The more specific your plan the more likely that you'll succeed.
(3) Follow Through with your Plan. In other words, get started. Does your plan begin with a phone call? Pick up the phone. The first step is the hardest. But take it. Don't put it off. Carry out your commitments. Three things can help you do this.
First, use a checklist. List all the items you need to do and check them off as you complete them. A second strategy is to set up relationships of accountability. This is a person or a group of people that agree to check up on you to make sure you complete it. A third way is to evaluate your progress. Keeping a journal is an ideal way to do that. As you accomplish your goals, write the progress down.
I challenge you to come up with one aspect of your life that needs to change. Then come up with an action plan for change. Remember that the aim of Bible study is to produce Christ-like change in your life. Here's where that must happen. Follow through with the application of the Word to your life. Let it make a difference.
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