Application | Paula Wiseman

STT: What Interpretation Isn’t

For our final look (for now) at how to interpret Scripture I'm gonna split some semantic hairs.

Often times I've heard teachers or have seen study guide questions that ask what a particular passage "means" to you. Beware. While I believe the questions are asked innocently enough, there's a distinction worth making. The "meaning" doesn't change. No matter who reads it or when, God's word doesn't change.

What does change, what is personal, is how it applies to your life.

Let's look at some verses that we don't need much interpretation to understand. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Some applications might be:

I need to give thanks more when I pray
I need to ask God to meet my needs rather than trying to do everything myself
I should quit worrying
God gives peace when I give Him my worries

Whatever I "take away" from Bible study is application, not a new interpretation.

Filed Under: Study Tip Tuesday Tagged With: application, Bible study, interpretation, Philippians

STT: Application

By Paula

swiss army knife Bible study isn't intended to simply be way for us to rack up a store of factual knowledge. We need to apply the things we learn, growing more Christ-like day by day. How do we do that?

2 Timothy 3:16 tells four us different ways Scripture applies.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable (useful) for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

Doctrine - Don't get too hung up on the word doctrine. It simply means 'teaching'. For example, Scripture teaches us Jesus Christ is God's Son. The most basic way to apply Scripture is to recognize it as absolute truth, the final authority on a subject. Accept it. Embrace it. Conform to it.

Reproof - Scripture also points out where we've gotten off track. If I thought I should take revenge on anybody who crossed me, a quick Bible study would reprove me. The Bible tells me revenge is God's prerogative, and I'm to respond to mistreatment with grace and forgiveness, turning the other cheek even.

Correction - This is the how-to for getting us back on track. Often these are the toughest ones to apply because they involve the most work and the greatest change. For instance, Paul says in Romans 12:2 not to be conformed to the world but transformed by the renewing of our minds. Applying that verse is a life-long pursuit, with constant evaluation and adjustment.

Instruction in righteousness – Finally, Scripture tells the positive things we should do. Applying Scripture this way can be as simple as obeying the direct commands God gives. Other times, its more subtle. An example for this one is 2 Timothy 1:7 – "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind." How does it change your approach to the challenges in your life knowing that God has given you that spirit? Those changes are a result of applying the truth in that verse.

As you read and study, be aware of verses that stand out to you. Do you need to apply that verse or passage? Is it a truth you need to hold on to (doctrine or instruction)? Does it reveal an area that needs work (reproof or correction)?

What stories can you share about applying Scripture to your life?

Filed Under: Study Tip Tuesday Tagged With: 2 Timothy, application, Bible study, Romans

Study Tip: Now What?

By Paula

In the last few tips, we’ve examined Scripture to see what it reveals about God, and what it tells us about ourselves. What do we do with all that information? If it doesn’t affect our daily lives and make us more Christ-like, then it’s no better than knowing our state capitals.

By way of review, last week we considered Hebrews 4:12-13

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

And we came away with some observations about ourselves.

1. I am made up of the physical and spiritual.

2. I have hidden motives

3. I am not able to hide myself or my motives from God.

4. I must give account to God.

Here’s the part I call the ‘Now What?’ How does this information change my life when I leave my desk? How will it make me more Christ-like?

Knowing that I will give an account encourages me to life according to His standards, to be transparent and diligent in His service. Understanding that I will deceive myself about my motives (I have hidden ones that God sees through), I need to constantly ask God to show me where I’m fooling myself. One of the most significant things I’ve learned is that I cannot trust my perceptions and I need God to sort those things out for me.

Filed Under: Study Tip Tuesday, Uncategorized Tagged With: application, Bible study, Hebrews