In my last article, we looked at the need to begin our Bible study with an observation of the passage. Observation answers the question what those who first experienced, heard, or read what we just read understood it to mean. Careful observation helps us to understand the passage in its various contexts, and context is king in Bible study. Click this link to see how to recognize the various contexts we need to consider.
After learning what the passage meant, we can move to the so what of its meaning for us. We call this step application because we apply the meaning to our own contemporary context. In this step we look for parallels between the Bible world and our world. Biblical truth are universal. They transcend time and cultures. The application of those truths, however, are specific to various truths.
Application Step One
The first step is to look for ways in which some of the observations parallel my world. Below is the picture from the previous article of the observations I made from Colossians 1:1-2.
One of the first applications I would make is a synthesis of the first two observations. God’s purpose for Paul was to represent Jesus. In the same manner, God’s purpose for me is to shepherd a flock of believers as a pastor. Neither Paul nor I chose these purposes for ourselves. God willed them and made them happen.
God has intentionally placed you into the roles you hold in your life. He has placed you in the job you have. God has strategically arranged your life around His purposes in this moment of time where you are. That should give you confidence. It should also draw you to Him for help and strength.
A second application I make involves a synthesis of the last two observations. Paul recognizes both grace and peace as being from God our Father. Grace means I don’t have to continue to try and earn God’s favor or score points with Him. He is my FATHER and I belong to a spiritual family (“brothers” plural in verse 2). I also can find peace in this stressful world when I rest in HIM. My providing protective Father is in control and is good. I can trust Him.
You can find other applications as you look at your observations. This is just a sampling from my observations as an illustration.
Step Two
My next step of application is to begin applying my earlier synthesis to specific situations in my life.
Because I am in my life roles by God intentional design, I can trust Him for guidance and help. As a father, God gave me a precious daughter. I feel very inadequate a lot of the time, like every other father I know. But my perfect Heavenly Father who blessed me with a daughter will enable me to carry out His purpose. I can look to Him for wisdom, encouragement, and strength. Her life is in His hands, and He has entrusted me with the first few years of her development. That is His grace at work, and that truth gives me peace.
Again, I would make more specific applications about my role as a pastor and about my Father’s gifts of grace and peace. But the one above gives you an idea of how to move forward in this step. Look for ways you can apply your observations to specific situations in your life.
Step Three
The final step for me in application is to condense the first two steps into a single truth statement about God, His work, His ways, or His purposes. I like to keep my truth statement between 15-20 words.
My truth statement from what I have applied above would go something like this.
“I can trust God who is at work to accomplish through me all He has purposed for me.”
In my next article, I will move on to the “now what” stage of response. I usually express this in the form of a written prayer. In the prayer, I ask God to help me practice what He has taught me in the passage.
Below is a picture of what my notes would look like after my observations and applications.
