Wait, how do I properly apply the word (the Scriptures). How do I do it, this is where God's unchanging truth.. where the rubber meets the road so to speak? How do I wisely put God's word into practice to glorify Him and help other people?
It starts with meeting Jesus. It starts with His old message, the so-called sacred scroll, yes the Bible.. which is far better than any other message or national treasure!
This timeless international treasure is SO wonderful because God is wonderful. Yes, God the Son, Jesus, He's our wonderful Counselor!
This book is to be opened, read and stay non-dusty before us, for its pages are whispering true tales of His creation, of His redemption, and of His eternal living hope.
Yet, as we trace its intricate tapestry, a question for many people of our generation still lingers: How do we discern its relevance in our contemporary lives?
For the reborn spiritual mind Christian, the Bible is not merely a historical artifact but a living, breathing guidebook. It's the Ultimate roadmap leading us through the labyrinth of existence here on earth.
To embark on this Christian journey, we must come to God on his terms through repentance and saving faith in his sinless Son Jesus.
Have you first established a relationship with Jesus Christ on his terms? Have you come to cultivate a deep intimacy with him and the Bible text? The more I prayerfully read and get to know this Book, the more I can know Him.
Reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on Scripture are some essential pillars upon which our spiritual understanding, as regenerated converts, rests. As we delve into the depths of the Bible, we encounter God's ideas, his thoughts, his character, and His divine purpose and plan.. and His unwavering love for humanity. This knowledge becomes the bedrock upon which we pray the word and daily build our lives.
"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11 esv
"I have thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin." tlb
The psalmist exhorts us to do this -- to hide God's Word in our hearts. That's some wise application. Let's do this regularly and even remind ourselves of what we already know.
This is not merely some passive act but this is a conscious effort to internalize God's teachings so we will think about and then do what God says. Obey the Lord is a JOY!
Through diligent study of the Word of God, we uncover the rich meaning behind all those wonderful verses of truth, allowing them to permeate and penetrate into our souls. Memorization ensures that these truths are readily accessible at the forefront of our minds, even in the most challenging of moments. We live in those huh, during these perilous times of so much hate and division.
Yet, true understanding requires more than intellectual acquisition. We each need more than here head-knowledge! It's got to make the 12-inch spring from our heads into our hearts. Do you have a passion for the living Word of God? Meditation is the spiritual act of pondering God's Word, of allowing it to sink deeply into our psyche, person and heart.
As we each reflect on its glorious message (breathed out of the nostrils of God), we gain a profound appreciation for the true principles, timeless wisdom and its often clear application to our daily lives.
The Bible is not a static document but a dynamic guide, offering wisdom for every season and circumstance. As we diligently apply its teachings, we experience a transformation that extends far beyond the pages. Our lives become more aligned with God's will, and our hearts are then filled with peace and purpose.
In this sacred pilgrimage, we are not alone. The Holy Spirit, our divine companion, guides us through the labyrinth of Scripture, illuminating its truths and empowering us to live according to His will. Let us then embrace this sacred journey, seeking to know God more deeply and to live lives that reflect His glory.
"The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me… A simple layman armed with Scripture is to be believed above a pope or a cardinal without it." ~ Martin Luther
"These are the Scriptures which make fools of all the wise and understanding, and are open only to the small and simple, as Christ says in Matthew 11:25. Therefore dismiss your own opinions and feelings, and think of the scriptures as the loftiest and noblest of holy things, as the richest of mines which can never be sufficiently explored, in order that you may find divine wisdom which God here lays before you in such simple guise as to quench all pride. Here you will find the swaddling clothes and the manger in which Christ lies." ~ Luther, Luther
"It is for Christ's sake that we believe in the Scriptures, but it is not for the Scriptures' sake that we believe in Christ." ~ Martin Luther
"The Christian reader should make it his first task to seek out the literal sense, as they call it. For it alone holds its ground in trouble and trial." ~ Martin Luther
"The Holy Scriptures require a humble reader who shows reverence and fear toward the Word of God, and constantly says, ‘Teach me, teach me, teach me…. The Spirit resists the proud.’" ~ Martin Luther
So how specifically do I apply the word (the Scriptures) in my life, I mean properly.. where the rubber meets the road? How do I wisely put God's Word into practice to glorify Him and help other people? We've each got to (Step 1) prayerFULLy live in it until we acquire a taste for what God has a taste for--what's 100% true.
Understanding (Step 2, a child could pray and understand the Bible) and then Applying Scripture wisely is a vital aspect of the Christian life. For way too long TOO MANY dead religious folk and others have given the good Christian Cause a black eye when they misinterpret and go foolishly apply God's Word (be careful ton never misapply God's Word).
Rightly applying the Word is where our faith becomes tangible for others to observe. I'm talking about the truth that keeps influencing our thoughts, our conversations, our attitudes and our actions. Here are some practical steps to help you apply Scripture in your daily life:
1. Regular Study (Pray through the context too) and Meditation:
Daily Reading: Devote time each day to read a portion of Scripture. Use a Bible plan or simply start where you are.
Deep Study from that Reading Time: Explore the context, meaning, and application of the verses you read. Consider using commentaries, Bible studies, or online resources. Meditation: Ponder the meaning of the verses and reflect on how they apply to your life. Ask yourself questions like: What does this teach me about God? How can I apply this to my circumstances?
2. Memorization (ask, and envision yourself obeying the Lord His way) - Key Verses: Memorize key verses that resonate with you. These can be verses about God's love, promises, or guidance. Daily Recitation: Recite these verses daily to keep them fresh in your mind.
3. Prayerful Reflection (muse on it): Seek God's Guidance: Pray for understanding as you read and study Scripture. Ask God to reveal how His Word applies to your specific situation. Personal Application: Consider how the principles you've learned can be applied to your relationships, work, and other areas of life.
4. Christian community (seek out healthy fellowship and mature (wise) counsel from those who've prayed the price in studying the Bible and now live it well) and Accountability: Join a Bible Study: Discuss Scripture with others and learn from their insights. Find a Mentor: Seek guidance from a mature Christian who can offer wisdom and support. Be Accountable: Share your goals with a friend or accountability partner.
5. Obedience and Action: Identify Next Indicated Steps to Take: What's the need? What are you actually responsible for? Are there family members you need to support and take care of? Once you understand how Scripture applies to your life, then pre-think and take appropriate action. What pet sins and other sins do you need to ditch? What sinners who love to sin.. do you need to get away from? Yes, this life of obedience in Jesus is free, but it will cost you everything. It may involve you changing your behavior today, forgiving someone, or going to practically serving others.
Trust in God: Remember that following God's Word may require stepping out of your comfort zone into His will. Living in God's perfect will doesn't mean everything is going to be perfect around you. Trust Him that God will provide the strength and guidance you need. He'll provide all you need.. when you need it.. to do what He's called you to do!
6. Seek Guidance from the Holy Spirit: Listen to His Voice: The Holy Spirit will guide you into truth and help you understand and apply Scripture. Ask, inquire, listen, ask some more. Be Sensitive to His Leading: Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and circumstances. The Holy Spirit may speak to you through your conscience, dreams, or other means. Remember -- none of us here have arrived yet.. until we arrive there. None of us know when God's rapture will get us there. Only God the Father knows. Applying Scripture is a lifelong journey for you and me. It's about growing in your relationship with God, and with His family the Church. It's about acceptable worship first and then becoming more like Christ as we serve.. as we win others to Christ with His gospel. Be patient with yourself and celebrate Jesus. Enjoy the growth, progress and victory He gives you along the way.
Would you like to explore a specific passage or topic from the Bible right now?
The Apostle Paul exhorts to walk in the Word saying: "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9). When we live out the teachings of the Bible 24/7/365, then we invite the divine presence of the Lord to really lead us as the Lord of our lives.
Reading the Word
The step-by-step journey toward spiritual maturity will daily involve applying the Word of God wisely. It begins with reading the Bible--hearing it from our own mouth spoken. Your ears need to hear you read it so your mind and heart will be greatly helped. Our aim in reading is not merely to consume words, but to commune relationally with God, to understand His ways, His passion, His heart,.. and to discern His purpose for us and those of this world. The Bible serves as a window into God's interactions with humanity down through the ages, of His loving plan of salvation, of His unchanging promises, and of His character. It paints a vivid picture of the Christian life and provides us with a solid foundation for applying its principles.
Hiding the Word in Our Hearts
This helps us grow.. especially as we apply God's word. Can I repeat what the psalmist speaks of "hiding" God's Word in our hearts? Okay: “I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). When I was lost, reading the Bible didn't interest me. It was like reading the thick phonebook. I didn't have the Author living on the inside to explain things to me. I had no hunger for it as far as I could tell, but now I do. This act of "hiding" involves studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Scriptures alone with Him. These four steps—read, study, memorize, and meditate—equip the born-again Christian to successfully apply the Word of God.
Studying the Word
Studying the Bible is more than just reading; it is about a dedicated and prayerful exploration of the Scriptures from cover to cover -- all the counsels of God. It involves delving deep into the Word, seeking to understand its main and minor themes, its passages, and its teachings. There are a plethora of resources available to aid us in this endeavor, allowing us to feast on the "meat" of God's Word and not merely on the milk of the Word. "For though by this time you ought to be teachers [because of the time you have had to learn these truths], you actually need someone to teach you again the elementary principles of God’s word [from the beginning], and you have come to be continually in need of milk, not solid food. 13 For everyone who lives on milk is [doctrinally inexperienced and] unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a spiritual infant. 14 But solid food is for the [spiritually] mature, whose senses are trained by practice to distinguish between what is morally good and what is evil." Hebrews 5:12-14 amp
Memorizing the Word
Memorization is the key to storing the Word in our hearts. There will come a time when you will be so glad you did this. It is a wellspring from which we can draw, especially in times when we cannot physically get to... or go read the Bible. Just as we store earthly possessions for future use, we should "lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul” (Deuteronomy 11:18, KJV).
Meditating on the Word
Meditation is the process of ruminating upon.. of digesting the Word. It is the act of pondering, musing upon, of reflecting, and of contemplating the truth of God's Scriptures. The blessed man, according to Psalm 1:2, is he who meditates upon God's Word day and night being careful to do what God says. I dare you to memorize that Psalm and do it. As we meditate, we can ask ourselves intelligent questions about the passage before us, its teachings about God the Father, the Son, The Spirit, or about the church, the world, and about ourselves. Where am I falling short, where are my blind spots? What is hindering my spiritual growth? We can reflect on the actions it calls us to take and how we will soon take them, or about the things we need to confess and repent of, and about the lessons the Bible teaches us about focusing on God all day long and pressing in to know Him better and obey Him for His glory.
Applying the Word
Application is the final important step. It is the act of living out the Word, of putting God's truth into practice no matter the cost. It is through wise obedient application that the Word comes alive in our lives to impact a lost world.. to sharpening our discernment helping us to distinguish between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14). "But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth]." James 1:22 amp
Walking in the Spirit.. close.. yes, by the Spirit's Empowering
You and I, believer, are not alone in this journey. God is with us and He gives us the victory. The Holy Spirit, who dwells within us (John 14:16-17), is there to guide each of us into all truth (John 16:13). We are called to "walk by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16) and NOT according to our old fleshly nature, and not according to what this corrupt world system or it's devils want, for God alone, is our ever-present help in time of need (Psalm 46:1). The Spirit guides us into God's will, enabling us moment by moment to do what is right and pleasing to Him. "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.[a] 28 You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God." Ezekiel 36:26-28 esv ".. for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Philippians 2:13 esvWho better to teach us how to live according to the Bible than the One who inspired it—the Holy Spirit Himself? Therefore, let us commit even now to hiding the Word in our hearts and obeying the Holy Spirit as He draws us closer to Jesus.. as He leads us to boldly share God's Word and Gospel Message with others who are lost.
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