Rethinking Biblical Application (pt. 1)

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One of the areas of Christian living that believers seem to prize the most is biblical application. Evangelicals hope whatever they are investing in, be it a Christian book, a sermon, or even a blog article is "applicable to their everyday lives." In other words, why am I in this Bible study, listening to this sermon, sitting in these counseling sessions, attending this small group Bible study, etc, etc ? What difference does this truth bear in relationship to the here and now? How is this going to impact my everyday life?  On one hand, these are important questions for preacher(s) and hearer(s) alike.

James 1:21-25 reminds us of the listener's responsibility in the process of biblical change. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. (See also Martha Peace's put off/put on study of Ephesians 4).

 

When it comes to listening to sermons however one of the most common misconceptions is as follows.  When a believer feels convicted (or encouraged, or challenged) during the message they often wrongly equate this feeling with biblical "application." During sermons that are especially application orientated it is not uncommon for a church member/attendee to thank the preacher or Sunday School teacher on the way out the door. "Great study today pastor!"  In this context it's very tempting for everyone to go home assuming all is well; but is that what James 1:21-27 teaches?  Is feeling convicted over our sin during a message the same thing as repenting and putting on the graces of Christ?  Is feeling encouraged about the "peace of God which surpasses all understanding" as the preacher waxes eloquently on Philippians 4:6-7 the same thing as appropriating Christ's peace (John 14:27) in the midst of uncertain circumstances?  Is feeling strongly about biblical church discipline (Matt 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5), the same thing as applying these principles when doing so upsets the financial apple cart?  Is feeling especially challenged about the mandate to evangelize the lost the same thing as sharing the gospel with an unsaved neighbor?   No, it is not.
  

Please do not misunderstand me here. When a Spirit-filled believers listens intently to the Word of God something often does happen in the moment. As the Lord Jesus Christ is revealed in and through Holy Scripture a natural/spiritual response to Divine revelation is wonder, love,and praise (biblical worship)!  In every God-centered, Christ-exalting exposition of Scripture the preacher and hearer should be responding in their heart(s) with exultation and praise as the sacred Text is being explained.  "For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised!  The promises of God in Christ are yes and amen!  For from Him and to Him and through Him be all things.  To Him be glory in the church now and forever, amen!  I am so glad that Jesus loves me.  Jesus loves me.  Jesus loves me.  I am so glad that Jesus loves me.  Jesus loves EVEN ME!"

 

One of the best praise songs that beautifully expresses this holy desire is "Show Us Christ." In the prayer song the congregation asks the Holy Spirit to unveil the glories of Jesus as the Word is of God is preached: 

Prepare our hearts, O God
Help us to receive
Break the hard and stony ground
Help our unbelief
Plant Your Word down deep in us
Cause it to bear fruit
Open up our ears to hear
Lead us in Your truth

Show us Christ, show us Christ
O God, reveal Your glory
Through the preaching of Your Word
Until every heart confesses Christ is Lord

This study on rethinking biblical application will be continued....