Apply Bible study to your life
Once you’ve observed the text and interpreted its meaning, the final step in Bible study is application, asking, “So what?” This is where your study becomes personal. Without application, all your effort in understanding what the author said remains just head knowledge. It doesn’t benefit you or anyone else until it transforms how you live, think, and relate to God and others.
Begin by asking how the message applied to the original audience. What was their situation? What challenges or circumstances were they facing? Not everything in the text will apply to us in exactly the same way, so it’s important to recognize what is unique to their time, place, and context.
Then, look for universal truths that apply to all people, in every place and time. These are the principles that can bridge the gap between the ancient world and our own. From there, consider how these truths speak to a modern audience, and more personally, how they apply to you.
Application isn’t just about what you should do; it’s also about what and how you should think. Scripture speaks to our actions, yes, but it also reshapes our beliefs, perspectives, and desires. As you apply God’s Word, let it guide how you live and how you view the world around you.
Finally, be patient with the process. Don’t rush to application too soon. Take the time to fully understand the passage before asking what to do with it. Let Scripture sink in. When you let God’s Word shape your heart and mind, real transformation begins from the inside out.
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