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Application is not just making
a passage relevant by bringing it into the twenty-first century.
It is not just seeing oneself in the passage and realizing how it
applies personally. It is even more than knowing what God wants
done. Application means doing; it involves action. When we really
apply Scripture to our lives, we do the Bible (James 1:22).
1. How is this relevant? In other words,
does a similar situation exist today? Are the people to whom this
was written like anyone we know? Is the society similar to ours?
Who and how?
2. Where am I in the passage? That is, how can we identify personally
with the people or the message?
3. What should I do? This is where the Holy Spirit will give us
a desire to change in specific ways, helping us see changes that
must be made in our lives. For example, he could be saying, "Improve
your relationship with so and so."
4. How can I do it? What steps can we take to do what we answered
for question number three? Here's where we think of specific actions
to take and write them down.
5. What first step can I take today? This is where we become very
specific and commit to actually doing what God has been telling
us.
Application is not just a third step in
the process. It takes place as you are challenged with truth and
decide to respond in obedience to that truth. The basis for application
is 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching,
for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that
the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
Studying the Bible this way is a learning process that does not
happen overnight. It happens by doing it over and over again, until
it becomes a habit, and a wonderful one at that.
Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) My
neighbor is any person in need.
I should do everything I can to help the person who has a need.
I should even be willing to help someone who would not, or could
not help me.
Questions
on Bible Study
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