Wisely interpret and apply the Word of God.. But What Parts of the Bible Actually Apply to us Today?

When I pause to study, when I grab the Bible to prep for anything I remember: C.I.A. No, not the lame government agency with all those other lame government agencies.

I want to pause to pray first and look at the "C."

- Context

- Interpretation

- Application (be wisely at that, appropriately).

You can do this! Preach the Word, in season or out. Don't water it down at all. Say what's so in love to glorify the Lord!

What does it mean to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2)?

What does 2 Timothy 4:3 mean by itching ears?

What does it mean to preach the gospel of peace in Romans 10:15?

What does it mean to not be ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16)?

What is the readiness of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)?

Never act like a jerk, please! Just be a blessing for people. How can I specifically live right and evangelize my friends or family with the word without pushing them? Never push anyone you meet.

What is expositional preaching?

How can I know if I am being called to preach the word? (There's nothing other to be out preaching)

What are some Bible verses about preaching?

What is expository preaching?

What does it mean to be ready in season and out of season?

Live the life. Encourage, comfort, edify, and challenge people with the Word of God. Don't add to it, or take away. Pause to ask God some good questions like: What do you want me to think, to be, and to say? So what does God want the people God loves to know from His word?...and to do from his word? How do You want Your will done.. your way. To rightly "do"? That's so very important for any of us especially if we'd like to enjoy God's blessings.

• A - is there an Attitude I need to adjust?

• P - Is there a Promise I need to claim?

• P - Is there a Priority I need to change?

• L - Is there a Lesson I need to learn?

• I - Is there an Issue I need to resolve?

• C - Is there a Command I need to obey?

• A - Is there an Activity I need to avoid?

• T - Is there a Truth I need to believe?

• I - Is there an Idol I need to tear down?

• O - Is there an Offense I need to forgive?

• N - Is there a New Direction I need to take?

• S - Is there a Sin to Confess?

God is for us people as we are for Him. With Scripture, here's what's imperative for every real believer: it's to be wisely and consistently applying the Word of God in each situation.. daily..going the distance.

When approaching the timeless truths in the Bible, it is essential to understand that all Scripture is divinely inspired, it is without error, yes, totally true from cover to cover, but it was not directly written to us. 

Misunderstandings often arise when we either foolishly impose ancient commands on people in modern life or, conversely, dismiss eternal principles as relics of a bygone stiff era (that's also foolish). 

So, how do we distinguish what applies to us today?

First, we must recognize that by the close of the first century, the canon of Scripture was sealed tightly (Revelation 22:18-19). Everything we now read in the Bible was first penned with a specific audience in view, shaped by their time, their culture, and their circumstances. 

While the whole of Scripture is God-breathed and contains His wisdom that can guide each of us, the text was not initially addressed to 21st-century believers. It was written for us too. This reality calls for careful sound handling, lest we misapply its sacred lessons.

Indeed, some contemporary interpretations often focus too heavily on immediate, personal application--in a twisted sort of way, they go beyond. The Bible is treated like a well from which we draw quick refreshing life lessons without first understanding the historical and theological context of the passage. But this leads to shallow interpretations and often misses the deeper, more profound truths intended by God.

The foundational principle of biblical interpretation, or hermeneutics, is understanding the context. In fact, the top three rules of proper exegesis are: 1) context, 2) context, and 3) context. 

"What was happening around what was said?" 

Before applying Scripture to our lives, we must first ask, "What did this mean to those who first heard it?" 

If our modern application stands far from the original audience's understanding, we are likely missing the mark. Not new to see. 

For instance, in reading any passage, we must account for differences in language, culture, geography, mind-set, and history—factors that form a wide chasm between us and them. Only when we have carefully measured this gap can we attempt to bridge it, discovering what transferable truths endure across the ages and what applications align with our era or time?

One crucial truth remains: each passage of Scripture carries but one true interpretation, though many good applications may flow from it. Some are better and more needed than others.

Yes, some applications, however, are closer to the original meaning, and thus, better than others. Consider the familiar tale of David and Goliath (in 1 Samuel 17). We aren't to spiritualize the text and put into it what is not there. Many sermons allegorize Goliath as any great challenge people face in life and David’s victory as the triumph of faith. But this interpretation would have seemed strange to the original hearers, whose focus was on God’s sovereignty and the contrast between Saul, the people’s chosen king, and David, God’s chosen servant who God promoted to become king. God, not David, is the true hero of the story, foreshadowing the salvation brought by Christ, the Son of David. Thus, while we may draw personal applications, they must remain subordinate to the deeper, Christ-centered message of the text.

Really Jesus Christ is thee true hero of every book in the Bible. 

Similarly, passages like John 14:13-14, where Jesus promises, "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do," can be misapplied if ripped from their immediate context. Jesus was speaking to His disciples on the eve of His betrayal, offering comfort and assuring them that God would provide all they needed to accomplish their divinely appointed Task. Though there is application for believers today, the passage is not a carte blanche for selfish desires but a promise that, when we pray according to God’s will, He will provide the grace and resources (everything) necessary to fulfill His world-changing purposes in our lives.

The art of biblical interpretation rests on these foundational principles:

1. Christ is the King of all kings, and context is called king in the area of interpretation: Begin with the verse, then expand outward to the passage, chapter, book, author, and larger testament within the Bible.
2. Respect the original audience: Seek to understand how the first hearers would have understood the message to go apply in their day.
3. Measure the distance: Acknowledge the time, culture, and circumstances that separate us from the original context.
4. Timeless commands: Old Testament moral commands repeated in the New Testament serve as examples of eternal truth.
5. One true interpretation: Each passage has one single true interpretation, though multiple applications may flow from it—with some applications better than others. What is most helpful and needed for people at the time?
6. Humility and dependence: Always remain prayerfully humble, open to correction, and wisely reliant on the Holy Spirit, who as we read, hear and study.. guides us into all truth (John 16:13).

Interpreting Scripture is not a mere mechanical task but a sacred pursuit to glorify God in.. that requires both art and science. Some passages will yield their treasures easily, while others demand prayerful labor. But in all things, we must remain humble and teachable, ever open to the Spirit’s promptings and leading. As we grow in understanding of truth, let us remember that Scripture’s ultimate goal is not simply to inform us (so we have big fat heads, facts and head-knowlege only) but to transform us, to change our hearts and minds to the image of Christ.

"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: 

 

"I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you". Psalm 119:11

Yes, with the holy fear of God in the trenches of life. Without proper application of the Bible, there will never be no transformation of a peron's life. There's zero spiritual growth apart from the Word of God. 

"But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." James 1:22-25 nlt

Many alleged believers have presumptuously (religiously, foolishly) misapplied the Scriptures and that's what gives they the gospel a black eye before a watching world so to speak.

In response to a question, Jesus tells a parable and at the end of the parable (in Luke 10:37a) Jesus confirms that this expert in religious law he's addressing understands the correct meaning of the parable. And then Jesus said:

 "...And Jesus said to him, 'You go, and do likewise.'” Luke 10:37 (esv)

Application is not illumination, or revelation, or inspiration, or frustration or interpretation but it does start with MEDITATION and the Spirit's illumination. The Holy Spirit living within the believer impresses on each of us certain truths in the Scripture. The Spirit's promptings and illumination never disagrees with the written word.

Then, APPLICATION is first inward acknowledgment of the truths the Holy Spirit is impressing on one and includes the RESPONSE of and outward action that comes from your inward acknowledgment of those truths.

We are saved when we repent and believe in Jesus. We're reborn spiritually. 

Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice I will come into him and sup with him

"We were saved" refers to the initial moment of accepting Christ inside and being forgiven of sins (justification), "We are being saved" represents the ongoing process of walking with and growing in Christ (in holiness and overcoming sin's power - that's sanctification), and "We will be saved from the very presence of sin" signifies the ultimate state of complete freedom from sin in heaven (glorification). 

Past tense ("We were saved"):

This refers to the moment of conversion when a person accepts Jesus Christ and is declared righteous before God. 

 

Present tense ("We are being saved"):

This describes the ongoing process of spiritual transformation where a believer actively strives to live a life free from sin through the Holy Spirit's power. 

 

Future tense ("We will be saved"):

We are saved by the gospel. We are being saved and we will be saved by the gospel. When you hear the gospel ply by faith, appropriate the free gift of Grace and keep on appropriating daily. If you hear the gospel and don't respond by faith, your heart will get harder. Not to decide is to decide. 

I ask God: Lord what do you want me to say, What do you want them to hear from your Bible? What do you want them to know from your word, and What do you want them to do from your word? 

In Any And Every Sermon Make Beeline To Jesus Christ. Talk about how wonderful He really is. Jesus is the hero of every passage in the Bible. Let your every sermon message make a beeline to Christ. We are to know Him well, pray and make Him well known. I love to brag on Jesus -- He is so bragworthy. Invite people home to God the Father through Jesus the Son. Fisher of people, preach the word and throw out a well-bated hook or net with every opportunity God affords you.

What is the key to applying the Bible to my life?

What in the World.. is Worldview Application?

What is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis?

Ask, ask, ask pause, listen, read, and ask God again. So what does God want them to know from His word?...and to do from his word?

In a short lesson time..

-Take 5 min for Hook. (Q? Give em the main point up front. They want to know where ur taking them).

-Take 15 min for Book

1. I say give them at least three fitting points from the text to go do, or not do.

2. to go do His way or not do.

3. to go do biblically, or not do.

(Ask two questions. Perhaps only one.. "in the interest of honoring your time").

-Take 5 min for Took. Talk about the Takeaway Application. Ask: So what? What does God want us to know, to do, to not ever do? (I like two hooks, one in the beginning and one important hook at the end.. or a net cast).

If you tend to be long-winded like me (hold yourself to using 25 minutes to speak or teach max.)

Holy Spirit, is there's one main point here that You want me to hammer home so that I and the people won't forget? (What does God want them to know from this text? What does He really want them to wisely go do? Have you asked the Lord, have you prayed it through 'til you have His peace and confidence? Look at other passages that go with the topic, and earnestly pray until you confidently know His will.)

What is the one standout point or topic that is most fitting for this challenge, situation, time, place, and people? Simply spend time know and being with Jesus daily. 

Purpose as His bondslave, a minister of the Word to be a sharpshooter instead of a shotgunner. Know the need, Know the Word. Nail it for their benefit. Use quotes, stats, illustrations, and verses that complement and go along with the main text. Personally, I have collected some commentaries. I do like Christ-Centered Exposition and the ESV Study Bible (Lane Dennis, Thomas Schreiner, et al.). The notes are insightful.

The commentaries offered on Biblehub.com can be quite insightful. At times, though, I do you also feel like these commentaries are merely parroting an unspoken consensus to some extent, rather than engaging in bona fide exegesis?

I also like Lifeway Commentaries--they are pretty good but don't mainly lean on them. Go to the Bible which is the best commentary of the Bible. 

1. New International Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (NICOT/NICNT) volumes are some of the highest-rated evangelical commentaries in existence. On bestcommentaries.com:

15 volumes are ranked #1 for their book

39 make the top 3

Only 7 volumes fall outside the top 5

2. Expositor’s Bible Commentary (EBC)

3. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (BECNT)

Praised for both its thoughtful scholarship and readability, the BECNT is one exegetical commentary you’ll find in many a Bible study library.

Eight of the 18 volumes are ranked 3 or above on bestcommentaries.com, and seminary professors love it!

4. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (ZECNT)

Written with Bible teachers and preachers in mind, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (ZECNT) dives both into what the text means and its application for today.

Each of its 10 volumes gives you an exegetical outline with verse-by-verse commentary. It engages scholarly literature, but it’s not bogged down with technical jargon—the series’ aim is not to review and critique every possible interpretation of a passage.

5. New International Greek Testament Commentary (NIGTC)

This five-star commentary helps students of the Bible exegete Scripture—with understanding of the historical, linguistic, and textual context. Even students new to Greek will glean from detailed verse-by-verse commentary and insightful comments about each section of the text.

6. Pillar New Testament Commentary (PNTC)

The PNTC is beloved for its balance of in-depth exegesis with real-world application. It’s designed for both serious Bible students and for general readers of the Bible—and in fact, it’s one of the best-selling commentary series on logos.com.

These volumes avoid excessive technical detail, yet they discuss the most important contemporary debates. Contributing scholars are deeply committed to a fresh wrestling with the text, to “loosening the Bible from its pages” so that readers understand what the text says and how to apply it.

7. Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (EEC)

Perhaps have one practical Bible point for every illustration you give out. 

You can prepare the lesson or message from the text based on this good pattern, and then speak to those points in order but as the Spirit leads you in emphasizing principles. What pattern? This one: 

1. Start with the context--what is happening around before and after the chapter? 

2. What key verses are prior to the main text? I mean that are inside of, and are placed after the chapter? 

3. Who is the original audience of the passage right there listening to Jesus or to Paul or to Peter or to etc? Who is speaking these words here and for what purpose, and how did the people respond to their message and why did they? 

4. Why is this thee specific message to this specific individual or people-group at this specific time period?

5. Read the text (loud enough. There is great profit in simply reading the Bible out loud privately or publically. Make observations, then interpret and give application. People might need help with this). What is the sound biblical interpretation of this text? What represents this or that soundly.. what's in it?

6. God wants us to Know what.. to know firsthand, experiencially? What is the Main or Key Point to take away?

7. God wants us to Do what? What is the wise application of this text for you in this day, in this particular situation? What would be some dumb foolish applications to avoid? 

What is The Parable Pattern: 

1. The Context: The Surroundings. 

What is happening around this place-location/happening where Jesus tells the parable to the original hearers? Who is he talking to, why (for per-evangelism direct & indirect, modeling evang/ training 12), how in love (is he responding to/addressing)? Answering a question with a question.

2. Why does he tell this story in this in particular situation? To save someone, to rebuke/correct/teach/train. Giving law to the proud but giving grace to the humble. Smart, biblical.

Epaloge/preface--what's bracketing text? What Key Event Took Place? What (see previous verses) motivated Jesus to tell this parable (disingenuous question not honest inquiry/hateful words to trap/ impress/ embarrassed/ condemn) and in this way, with these people?

Read the Parable aloud. It is a word picture (open-minded believers [not too much] will get it, hardhearted closed-minded projectors [dishonest questioners] who refuse to believe, simply won't). Ask. Does it have an exegetical O.T. reference and meaning? Not spiritualizing the text. What was the message to the original hearers of the parable and the pedagogical reference (the meaning, what does it tell us in our day as we are not the original hearers of this story? Love and worship God alone. Love and care for all people as well.

4. The Interpretation: What represents what in this? How do we understand it? Be bold, concise, pithy and clear in sharing the old story and--what is really being said. The idea of a parable is to tell a story so that believers can clearly understand what is meant where rejecters/ refuse2-believers won’t. Mercy, we're each accountable for what truth that we hear.

5. The wise Application: How do we apply the meaning and put it into practice. Pedagogically? (The learning after the original hearers hear it), what does this teach us in ongoing (wise application), transferable truth to this gen.

6. The Key or Main Point/vs. Be sure that, when u turn on the light, you'll have bugs show up. Sorta like hitting a beehive with a stick. What do we take away from the story (remember)? (Be a sharpshooter instead of a shotgunner en mass and 1on1 witnessing).

Note: All the prayers/Miracles that occur around these parables. 

Illustration: Got a couple fitting story from your life or from someone's? A quote, stats, poem song lyrics?

Things that should help you:

1, Context - Jesus is speaking to Jews so note that as you prepare. To the Priest, the Levite etc. The Jews hated the Samaritans and you can share about that which will emphasize what Jesus is saying to the Jews.

2. Motivation - See who asks the questions that prompted this story. This a key to this parable.

3. The parable - read it out loud.

4. Interpretation - Exegetical--what did the Jews think? Why were they shocked etc. Pedagogical - what do we learn here.

5. Application - what do we wisely do now that we know this.

6. Key or Main Point to hammer home - what is our takeaway to wisely apply or avoid doing?

7. Notes - Is there something to note or share that helps clarify or what is unique here? Doesn't have to be.