Applying the Word

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DEFINING APPLICATION

“‘Application’ stems from two Latin words: Ap, meaning ‘to,’ and plico, meaning ‘to knit.’ Application developed into the idea of joining something in such a way as to change or effect that to which it was joined. Historically, two other terms were used to describe the act of applying Scripture:
Improvements - enabling a congregation to utilize God’s Word in their daily lives.
Uses - the practical implications of a biblical text, following the “Doctrines,” showing how the latter might impact everyday living.” -(Adams, Truth Applied, 15-16)

SCOTT BLUE BELIEVES APPLICATION IN THE EXPOSITORY SERMON MUST INCLUDE AT LEAST 5 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:


1. Sermon application must be based on biblical truths gained by a historical¬
grammatical-literary examination of the biblical text chosen for the expository sermon.

2. Sermon application should be related to the author's intended purpose for the text or a
portion of the text.

3. Sermon application must relate why the biblical truths are relevant for the
listeners in their contemporary lives.

4. Sermon application must include practical examples and suggestions of how
listeners can adapt their lives to the biblical truths presented.

5. Sermon application must persuade listeners that they should adapt their lives to
the biblical truths presented and encourage them to do so.

Application


The goal of application in preaching is to aid listeners in making the connection between the biblical text and their lives. The issue of biblical and preaching relevancy has been discussed ad nauseam for the last few decades. Many writers in the field of homiletics speak of the need for preachers to “make the Bible relevant” for the modern listener. I have always found that expression laughable.

In my classes and writings I continually stress that  God’s Word already is remarkably relevant. No preacher “makes” the biblical text relevant. There is, however, the challenge that preachers face in helping listeners to see that relevance and then live it out in their daily lives. This is where the functional element of application comes into play. The issue for the preacher is not in “making” the biblical text relevant, but in revealing the pre-existing relevance.

Application, properly revealed, may show a Christian how to develop a more meaningful prayer life, solve particular problems, restore relationships, access the forgiving nature of God, develop the principle of financial stewardship, or understand and utilize spiritual giftedness. For sermons to be meaningful to listeners the preacher simply must expand his abilities in demonstrating the relevance of his chosen text.

Preachers and teachers of God's Word need to understand that in order to make meaningful application to the contemporary listener we must understand people and the world they live in. A preacher or teacher literally must be a student of people and their environments. Therefore he must subscribe to popular magazines, keep abreast of financial trends, be aware of educational issues and trends, understand and be able to discuss gadget technology (the I-world), be familiar with issues in local, national, and international politics; music and literary trends, and any other matter(s) the people that attend his church face.

Preachers simply must learn to study the truths of the Bible that were originally intended for an ancient culture and show how those truths relate to and canned by carried out within the live of the modern listener.