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The Application Step of the Bible Study Process - Coggle Diagram
The Application Step of the Bible Study Process
Finzel defines it as the process of discovering the principles of truth in Scripture that are meant to affect one's belief and behavior and diligently putting that truth into practice in one's life.
Importance of Application
The purpose of the Scriptures—to change men (II Tim. 3:16, 17; Heb. 4:12-13; II
Tim. 3:15; I Peter 2:2; Psalm 119:9, 50, 98; Jer. 23:29; Eph. 6:17)
The efficacy of the Scriptures—it is relevant and practical (Romans 10:17)
The nature of the spiritual life (John 13:17, James 1:25, Eph. 4:1, Titus 1:16, Ezra
7:10, Eph. 2:10)
Problems of Application
Two steps helping one to determine the choice (Finzel, pp. 103, 104)
Does the specific teaching in Scripture directly apply to me or does the general principle
behind the teaching apply to me?
Process of Application
Guidelines for making a legitimate application– climbing the abstraction ladder
Determine the original applications intended by the passage.
Evaluate the level of specificity of those applications. Are they transferable
across time and space to other audiences?
If they are not directly applicable, identify one or more broader cross-cultural principles that the specific elements of the text reflect
Find appropriate applications that embody the broader principles.
Know yourself
Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses
Be open to the perspective of others
Be teachable
Meditate on the passage
Memorize it
Write it down somewhere
Implementation: Practice what you've learned (adapted from Zuck & McDowell,
Guide to Understanding Your Bible, p. 221).
Be specific (if I need to love my wife, then list specific ways).
Be prayerful (what is my personal prayer concerning this truth?).
Set appropriate goals and courses (how do I propose to carry out these
changes?)
Establish accountability
Evaluate your progress.
Obstacles of Application
Mistaking interpretation for application
Procrastination
Emotional response alone
Trying to achieve instant results
Frustration
Only applying in the area of behavior
Note: There's a question that is always good to ask in application
How will I know when I finish that one
How will I know I am more proactive?
Note: The application step in inductive Bible study requires one to know himself/herself to create life applications that align with the text, and are specific, concrete, measurable, and accountable.