Application (2)

Application Defined

Application seeks to answer the question, “Why does this matter?”

Just like we should not give up observation for the sake of interpretation, we should not give up application

The word of God is a living book which reveals a world-altering God; it should change our lives

If the Bible is not life-changing, it’s our problem, not the Bible’s

If we stop before we get to application, our Bible study has been a complete waste of time

Why does application matter?

Titus 2:9–10 NIV

9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

By living according to the teachings of Scripture, we worship

Application Avoided

We substitute interpretation for application

We substitute superficial obedience for substantive life-change

We substitute rationalization for repentance

We substitute the personal with the impersonal (pronouns)

We substitute an emotional experience for volitional decision

We substitute communication for transformation

Application Practiced

What is the argument of the text?

How did this text apply to the original audience?

How might different categories of listeners apply this text? (application grid)

How does this text apply to the church?

What objections might someone have to this text?

How does this text call us to worship?