Inductive Bible Study Method: Step Three — Bible Application
- BC Publications
- Aug 17
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Over the course of several articles, we have been examining the three-step Inductive Bible Study Method. We began with Step One: Observation, followed by Step Two: Interpretation. We also explored Word Studies and Cross-referencing as key components of Bible Interpretation. In our own flow of study, by the end of steps two and three, we should have a fairly solid understanding of the passage we have been exploring. At this point, our heads are full of knowledge, but we would be missing the point of Bible study if we allowed all that we have learned to remain there. It time for the most important part of this process. All of our investment in careful, diligent study is about to pay off with Step Three of the Inductive Bible Study Method: Bible Application.
What Is Bible Application?
In essence, when we apply the Bible, we connect the meaning of a passage with our own lives—our actions, attitudes, and even our thoughts and affections. In other words, Bible application means transferring all that knowledge from our heads to the way we then live. As James says, we must prove ourselves to be doers of the Word, and not merely self-deluded hearers (James 1:22).
Whereas interpretation concerns itself with understanding the author's original intent for a specific audience living in a certain time and culture, Bible application requires we determine how that meaning affects our lives in today's context. We move between these two settings (the author's world and ours) via a bridge of biblical principles. Biblical principles (or Bible truths) are the same in both the ancient context and our own, and so we identify these commonalities, these universal truths, to understand what God wants us to do with the passage we are studying. In other words, biblical principles define for us how God wants us to apply the text. In short, Bible application is living out biblical principles.
How Do We Identify Biblical Principles?
The Holy Spirit
Hands down, the most important way to identify Bible Truths is to ask the Author—the Holy Spirit. Jesus called the Holy Spirit our Helper (John 14:26) and the Spirit of truth who would leads us into all the truth (John 16:13). As believers who have the Teacher dwelling within us, we must not underestimate the presence of this divine resource for identifying the Truths of Scripture. Ask Him, and He will reveal the biblical principle(s) He wants you to apply right now.
Discern What Is Timeless
Careful students of the Word do not neglect context. As we mentioned previously, the meaning of a passage is determined by the person who wrote it, not the reader. Therefore, we must be careful to not impose our own meaning upon the text and instead consider the context of the setting, the circumstances that have led to these words, and the audience to whom the text was first written. Simultaneously, we must remember that, as a divine Work, the Bible has tucked in its ancient context, a contemporary message with relevant principles that God wants us to know and live today.
As an example, let's look at a commonly misapplied verse from Scripture—Philippians 4:13. A favorite of Christian athletes aspiring to win their next competition, the original context of this verse is that Paul, as a Christian, is experiencing a variety of difficult circumstances because of his commitment to live sacrificially for Christ. In light of this specific context, we learn that Christ promises strength for Paul to endure these trials. In fact, Paul says that Christ's strength is his secret of maintaining contentment in all circumstances.
From Philippians 4:13 (in its proper context) we discern a timeless Bible Truth: Christ is likewise our strength today when we encounter difficulties as a result of our faith. No matter where the Lord leads us, His strength is the secret to contentment in the situations we encounter there. To connect this principle to our own lives, we discern parallels by asking something like: "Where am I facing difficult circumstances because of my loyal commitment to Jesus?" Or, "Knowing that God is sovereign, where am I struggling with contentment in my current situation?" And, "How does knowing
NOTE: We are open to misapplication when we fail to acknowledge the original context. What's more, we must prayerfully look for genuine parallels between then/there and now/here. So in the case of Philippians 4:13, context reveals the promise of Christ's strength is specifically given for those enduring hardship as a result of commitment to faithfully serve the Lord, and true contentment can only be found in Him. Though this application is less likely to sell as many travel mugs and tees, we cannot very well claim a promise that was not actually made in the Bible. Therefore, let us not neglect context when seeking to discern Scripture's timeless truths. |
Our Approach To Bible Application
As our Bible Conversations Series Study & Discussion Guides follow the inductive Bible study method, each week's lesson has three pages devoted to the all-important step of Bible Application. Two of the pages look something like this sample (see below) from John 9:13-41. The top portion is called "Examining the Word," and this is where we ground our application in the specific context of the passage. The lower portion, called "Examining My Heart," is where you'll find the tougher, more personal questions. This is also where true Bible application begins to happen because it is here we take what we know in our heads and encourage it (or give it a stout shove at times) to penetrate and reshape our hearts.
Making Way for the Holy Spirit
The final page of each week's lesson is what we call the "So What?" Throughout the week, we have carefully observed the details of the text. We have summarized the chapter and titled the divisions. We have pinpointed our key verse and recorded attributes of God. We have traced the study's key theme, conducted key word studies, and engaged in cross-referencing. Finally we asked ourselves some uncomfortable application questions to allow the text to work on our hearts and expose areas in need of repentance and transformation. After all of this, we must ask the most important question of all: "So what?" We spent all this time digging deep in study. What was the point? What is our big takeaway?
This is Bible Application on steroids! The concluding "So What?" page asks us to reflect on how the Lord has used the week's passage to shape our thinking, stir our heart/soul, or prompt us to action. What are we taking away from our interaction with these living words? What response is required of us now to really LIVE this week's text?
The "So What?" page reveals one of the most exciting aspects of Bible Application. We know that Truth does not change. There is just one Truth, God's Truth. However, from immutable biblical principles come a variety of applications. While the first two pages of the application step are more scripted, the "So What?" page gets out of the Spirit's way and allows HIM to identify the point HE is trying to make in our thinking, hearts, lives. The one who diligently studies all week, observing, interpreting, and seeking application through hard work and prayer will be rewarded on the "So What?" page with a customized application. Only the Spirit knows exactly what He expects now, and this page allows you to listen to His leading and record His directions to you.
The lower portion of the page acknowledges that we cannot grow apart from the power of God. Through the "So What?" page, the Holy Spirit has likely revealed an area where we need to grow. After the necessary steps of confession and repentance, our task now is to turn to Him in prayer. This is how we can hope to truly apply the principles revealed to us through the week's lesson. Moreover, if you are studying with a group, this is where you can elicit fellow intercessors to pray along with you for this desired and needed change. Isn't that exciting?!
"The things you have learned and received
and heard and seen in me,
practice these things,
and the God of peace will be with you" (Phil 4:9).
Concluding Thoughts
The Bible is meant to be read, studied, and memorized, but without application, it is just a lifeless textbook. Paul wisely exhorts his readers: "The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you" (Phil 4:9). The one who applies the Scriptures comes to learn much more than facts, for the Bible is also to be understood with the heart and walked out in intentional obedience. So then, let us truly love the Word of God by purposing to LIVE it out by the power of the Spirit. Amen!
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