Applying the Bible – How can I do it in my life?

from the old testament

• In the Old Testament, the Hebrews were instructed to hear and obey the Word of the LORD. In fact, the Hebrew word “shema” has the idea of “listen and prove you’re listening by following instructions” (Deuteronomy 6:4).
• God spoke through prophets, and His Word was passed down largely through oral tradition and memorization (Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Psalm 119:11).
• The people were not just to hear and remind themselves of the truth but to apply it (Deuteronomy 6:1–3).
• When Israel wanted a king like the other nations, God instructed the king to hand write the law, to keep it with him, and to read it all the days of his life so he can apply it: “he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel” (Deuteronomy 17:18–20).
• Noah applied God’s word to him by listening to God’s instructions and building the ark (Genesis 6:13–22).
• Abraham believed God and left his home for a foreign land (Genesis 12:1–4).
• Joseph applied God’s word by the way he served in Potiphar’s house and by refusing Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39).
• Joshua believed and applied the Word to defeat many of Israel’s enemies (Joshua 6:20; 8:18; etc.).
• King Saul did NOT apply God’s Word to his life and disobeyed on many occasions, leading to his rejection (1 Samuel 13:8–14; 15:9—16:1).
• King David applied the Word to his life in his shepherding, his psalms, and his battle with Goliath (1 Samuel 17). He did NOT apply God’s Word when he sinned in the matter of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11).
• The prophets listened and obeyed when they called Israel and Judah to repentance.
• Most of the kings failed to apply the Word of the LORD, ignoring the prophets and ultimately falling into exile (2 Kings 17:6–18; 24:1–4; 2 Chronicles 36:5–7).
• Daniel and his friends applied the Word by refusing to eat non-kosher food (Daniel 1:8–20) and refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:8–27). Later, Daniel applied God's Word again in refusing to worship Darius (Daniel 6:10–23).
• Esther obeyed when she went boldly before King Xerxes to save her people (Esther 8:3).

from the new testament

• Jesus knew and applied God’s Word when He was tempted in the desert (Matthew 4:1–11). Each time the Devil tempted Him, He responded by referring to Scripture that provided the needed answer.
• Jesus said that those who obey His words are like wise men building houses on sturdy foundations; the disobedient build houses on sand that washes away (Matthew 7:24–27).
• Jesus also said that if we abide in Him we will bear much fruit (John 15:5). Abiding in Him involves knowing Him, and we know Him through His Word.
• The disciples obeyed when they answered Christ’s call to join Him (John 1:35–51).
• The religious leaders had taken obedience to an unhealthy extreme by adding on their own traditions to prevent them from disobeying the Law, which ironically led them to disregard God's law (Mark 7:9–13). Jesus spoke of how the Mosaic law was not merely about actions, but about the heart, thus expanding how deep obedience was to go (Matthew 5:19—6:24). Yet He reminded His hearers of the spirit of the law given by Moses, and that obedience was intended to free man to live with and worship God, not burden him down with guilt and rules (Mark 2:23–28). Ultimately, Jesus fulfilled the Mosaic law (Matthew 5:17–18).
• Jesus links obedience to Him with remaining in His love and with joy (John 15:9–12). The apostle John reminds believers of this truth (1 John 1:5—2:6).
• Jesus said that God's Word is truth, and truth sanctifies us (John 17:17).
• Ananias and Sapphira did NOT apply the Word when they lied about how much they were giving to the church, and they both died the same day (Acts 5:1–10).
• Peter obeyed the vision of the sheet and led Gentiles to Christ (Acts 10:9–48).
• Paul obeyed the voice of Jesus on the road to Damascus and stopped persecuting the church (Acts 9:1–22).
• Paul and Silas applied God’s Word in the jail cell after their chains were loosed by leading the soldier to be saved (Acts 16:25–34).
• Paul wrote to local churches about living out the truth of God's Word in practical ways (Romans 12; Galatians 5:13—6:10; Ephesians 4; Philippians 2:12–13; Colossians 3).
• Paul also referred to God's Word as the "sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17), and needed in the reality of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10–18).
• Paul told Timothy to study the Word so that he would be able to teach truthfully and fight any foreign beliefs (2 Timothy 2:15; 4:2, 5).
• James tells us to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22–25).
• Revelation 1:3 promises blessing for those who read, hear, and heed, or apply, the message of God’s Word.

implications for today

The application of God’s Word involves the proper interpretation of Scripture within its own context and obedience to what we have read. His Word is true and still applicable today.

Applying the Bible means we must know it. This can involve listening to it, reading it, memorizing it, attending Bible study groups, and listening to Bible-focused preaching. It's hard to apply something you do not know, so it is important to actually read and study Scripture for yourself. It's also important to make sure you have accurate understanding of what you are reading by considering things like the cultural context in which it was written, literary structure, verbal context of the particular passage, and how it relates to the rest of Scripture. Basic theology and Christian history can be helpful guardrails in properly understanding any passage. Studying in the context of community and with gifted teachers is invaluable (Ephesians 4:11–16).

Applying the Bible also involves connecting biblical principles to your life issues. We need to take what we learn from Scripture and make it practical in our own lives, such as fleeing youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22) and taking every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Again, this should be considered both personally and in the context of a community of believers.

Improperly understanding God’s Word will lead to faulty application. For example, in 2 Chronicles Solomon prays a dedication over the temple, saying that if God’s people find themselves in sin, they should turn from their sin, seek His face, and He will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Some believers apply this verse to their own nations, but that would be a wrong interpretation. Praying, repenting, and seeking God’s face is good, but this is not a universal promise to all nations. The promise of the healing of the land was to Israel in that moment. Because God is unchanging, this still demonstrates to us the character and nature of God. So we can apply it in turning to God, seeking Him, and trusting Him, but we cannot claim it as a promise. Proper application must be drawn from properly understanding God’s Word, which comes from sound exegesis and with the help of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14–16).

When we learn to apply the Bible to our lives, we will find ourselves looking more and more like Christ. Applying the Bible is essential for Christians to grow. It is also essential to respond rightly to challenges and temptations. The ongoing process of studying and applying the Bible leads to spiritual growth, changes in your life, and impact in the lives of others.