HOW DOES IT CHANGE ME?
3 QUESTIONS OF APPLICATION
WHO IS GOD? |
HOW DO I LIVE? |
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE? |
APPLICATION
Application considers how the meaning of the text CHANGES us.
Application – transformation – is the aim of Bible Study. We come to scripture to know God, to seek Him, and to be transformed by Him. Studying the word is not to gain head knowledge, to be smarter, or to feel better about ourselves. The Bible is not a self-help book, nor an instruction manual. The Bible is God’s revealed, holy word to us. It is certain, sure, pure, and inherent. In addition, Scripture is about God. What we learn in Scripture applies to us, but our application of a text changes drastically when we realize that God is at the center of His word. He is the main character.
Though application often means a change in our lifestyle or behavior, we must bring our hearts to God when considering application. Often, it is a change in attitude or belief – what belief is causing me to sin? What am I not believing about God, or not trusting about what He says? By God’s Spirit we are saved and sanctified (Galatians 3:3). He has not left us to change or clean up our lives. He has created us in Christ (Eph. 2:10) and given us His Spirit to convict, remind, and transform. Thus, we walk in the grace God provides for our holiness.
Often, the Spirit of God brings conviction, encouragement, or direction as we engage in observation and interpretation. He also uses the fellowship of other believers to sanctify us, bringing truth to our hearts through discussion with others and exhortation. Much change happens imperceptibly and over a long period of time. Whether you can see how God is working in you or not, be confident that He will complete the good work He began in you (Phil. 1:6) and actively, prayerfully consider how the meaning of Scripture applies to your life. Engage in community and in your local church as well! Below are several application questions to ask as you study Scripture.
Application – transformation – is the aim of Bible Study. We come to scripture to know God, to seek Him, and to be transformed by Him. Studying the word is not to gain head knowledge, to be smarter, or to feel better about ourselves. The Bible is not a self-help book, nor an instruction manual. The Bible is God’s revealed, holy word to us. It is certain, sure, pure, and inherent. In addition, Scripture is about God. What we learn in Scripture applies to us, but our application of a text changes drastically when we realize that God is at the center of His word. He is the main character.
Though application often means a change in our lifestyle or behavior, we must bring our hearts to God when considering application. Often, it is a change in attitude or belief – what belief is causing me to sin? What am I not believing about God, or not trusting about what He says? By God’s Spirit we are saved and sanctified (Galatians 3:3). He has not left us to change or clean up our lives. He has created us in Christ (Eph. 2:10) and given us His Spirit to convict, remind, and transform. Thus, we walk in the grace God provides for our holiness.
Often, the Spirit of God brings conviction, encouragement, or direction as we engage in observation and interpretation. He also uses the fellowship of other believers to sanctify us, bringing truth to our hearts through discussion with others and exhortation. Much change happens imperceptibly and over a long period of time. Whether you can see how God is working in you or not, be confident that He will complete the good work He began in you (Phil. 1:6) and actively, prayerfully consider how the meaning of Scripture applies to your life. Engage in community and in your local church as well! Below are several application questions to ask as you study Scripture.
SAMPLE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
WHO IS GOD?
WHO AM I IN LIGHT OF WHO GOD IS?
WHAT DID I LEARN?
WHERE AM I WRONG? (BELIEF, ATTITUDE, BEHAVIOR)
WHERE DO I NEED TO REPENT? WHAT DO I NEED TO TURN FROM? TURN TO?
HOW DO I MAKE IT RIGHT?
HOW DO I BELIEVE, THINK, FEEL, LIVE IN LIGHT OF THIS TRUTH?
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO THE WORLD, THE CHURCH, MY COMMUNITY, MY FAMILY, ME?