Read the Bible for Life by George Guthrie - Chapter 4 - Cameron Jungels 2-3-2013

Read the Bible for Life By George Guthrie Reading the Bible for Transformation chapter 4 “The Bible is meant not only to inform us but also to transform us in ways that bring us closer to God and enable us to live more effectively for him.” - George Guthrie Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22 NIV)

• What is Bible application?
• Challenges to application
• Types of application

Steps to proper application What is Bible application?

• “The thoughtful appropriation of biblical truth to our lives”
• Changing our thoughts
• Changing our affections, motives, ambitions, and attitudes
• Changing our actions
• Out of love for God for the glory of God

Challenges to application

• Application isn’t easy.
• Vague, mushy, generalities that don’t really change us.
• Our sinful condition makes us unreceptive to the Word.

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. (Galatians 5:17 NIV) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22 NIV) Types of application

• Actions
• Worship and praise
• Giving thanks
• Change our thinking/doctrine
• Meditation/mind transformation

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1 NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV). Steps to proper application

• Not something tack on the end, but begins the moment we start reading – with a receptive heart
• Flows out of sound interpretation
• “We must read well to live well.”
• Clarify the main point(s) and how the original audience would have applied the truth being communicated.
• Think through both the similarities and differences between you and the original readers of the passage.
• Think through the different contexts of your life to which the passage might apply.
• Think about a specific application of the biblical truth to your life.

Concluding Reflections

• Am I open to hearing what the Spirit is saying to me through the Word in ways that I need to change?
• Am I characterized by making changes to my life based on God’s Word?