Lesson 6- Application of the Scriptures

Today we will return to Matthew 7:15 with a desire to apply this text to our own lives.

So far we have gathered a wealth of information about the text by asking questions regarding the context, the setting, the speaker, the original audience, and the definition of terms.

We have then used the information that we gathered to properly interpret exactly what Jesus is saying to His disciples in this text.

Now we will take our interpretation and bring it forward to today and determine how it is to be applied to our own individual lives.

Why is Application so important?

It is the application of the text of scripture that will actually bring about transformation in our lives.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 KJV 1900

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Hebrews 4:12 KJV 1900

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

James 1:22-25- the impact of the Word of God is only realized when we put it into practice in our own lives.

The goal of any student of the scriptures should be not only to properly interpret the text, but also to rightly apply it to his/her own life.

How do you move from interpretation to application?

This will depend upon the text that you are studying. Sometimes the application will be quite specific while at other times the application will be more generalized.

For example let’s look again at Exodus 14:14

Exodus 14:14 KJV 1900

The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

When we examine this particular portion of scripture we find as we have stated before that these words were given to a specific people in a specific circumstance which means we cannot make the same specific application.

Ultimately we see that God brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground and then as the Egyptians followed them into the midst of the sea, God caused them to be drowned in the sea.

How do we make application of this portion of scripture? Notice specifically the close of this passage in Exodus 14:31

Exodus 14:31 KJV 1900

And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.

Certainly one application that we can make to our own lives is that we should also fear God and trust in Him. We can also make a general application that oftentimes God brings us into situations that seem hopeless in order to teach us to trust Him.

Now let’s return to Matthew 7:1-5 and see how we should apply this text to our own lives. This text consists of Jesus giving direct instruction to His disciples.

This means that the application of this text is going to be much more direct because it is directed to disciples of Christ (including you and me).

If this instruction was applicable to disciples 2000 years ago it is still applicable to the modern day disciple.

Applying Matthew 7:1-5

When we move to the application of the text, we should consider the overall emphasis of the passage and the instruction or correction it offers.

The emphasis here is clearly our judgment of others. Now we must ask the question “How should this text affect how I judge others?”

Let’s begin at Verse 1- Here we learn that we cannot place ourselves in the role of judge regarding others, for if we do, we shall be judged of God.

As we apply the text which we have studied, a valuable exercise is to engage our imagination in order to think of a specific scenario where we could rightly apply the text.

What specific scenario can you imagine that would require you to put this instruction to practical use?

Example: if someone were to profess themselves to be transgender I must resist the urge to pass judgment upon them lest in doing so I prevent them from ever being won to Christ and thus bringing upon myself judgement from God.

On to Verse 2- Here we learn that we shall be judged by the same standard with which we judge others. The lesson being that if we desire mercy and compassion from others, we must extend mercy and compassion to them in judgment.

What scenario might require you to make practical application of this principle?

Example: In a church setting I must resist the temptation to be too harsh in my judgment of other believers for their lack of faithfulness or commitment, recognizing that if I judge others harshly I am setting myself up to be judged harshly in return.

Finally lets explore the application of Verses 3-5- Here we learn that we are incapable of helping our brother with his sin until we have first looked within and have dealt with the sin which resides in us.

What scenario can you imagine where this instruction would be applicable?

Example: As a pastor or even as a teacher or worker, if I am to really be a help to others I must examine myself regularly so that I may maintain a heart that is right with God. Only then will I have the discernment required to be of assistance to those struggling with sin.

1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV 1900

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Conclusion

Now we have taken Matthew 7:1-5 all the way through the process of Observation, Interpretation, and finally Application.

This same process will be implemented over and over again as you continue to study the scriptures in the future.

It is my hope that now you feel that you are fully equipped with the tools and the knowledge that is necessary to study any passage of scripture for yourself.

A few things to keep in mind as you study:

Remember that context is key.

Remember that the scriptures are not simply information, but are a means to your transformation.

Remember to share! Don’t keep what you learn from studying the scriptures to yourself.