The Application of Scripture

We hear the Word of God preached, taught, and spoken to us from church services, Bible studies, and in conversation; but what is the importance of the Scriptures in our everyday lives as followers of Christ? Continuing to reflect upon the nature, authority, and place of Scripture in our lives as followers of Jesus Christ, I would be remissed if I did not address the applicability of God's Word to our lives. Following our former discussion of the Authority of Scripture, I want to pick up in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 in order to briefly discuss 5 applications of Scripture in our everyday lives. In other words, what benefit does Scripture play in the believer's heart and life? In this passage, Paul says...

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in rightesouness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. "

1. A known Truth (teaching)...When Paul says that Scripture is "profitable for teaching", he is referring to what theologians refer to as doctrine. The Greek word used in this instance is derived from a root word meaning "to teach". This word, however, carries with it a distinctive connotation signifying the doctrines being taught as well as the authority behind the teaching. In other words, if you want to know what to believe about life and godliness, then Scripture is the source from which to draw. It is not simple, moral teachings. It is an authoritative teaching from God Himself.

2. A revealed sin (reproof)...Because God is holy (set apart and distinct), so is His Word. As we approach times of worship through the Scriptures, our lives come into contact with a Holy Word. Therefore, we are going to see the error of the ways in our lives. We come to grip with who God is and who we are. Our sins are exposed because we recognize the fact that our lives do not always measure up to His perfect standards. As a result, the Holy Spirit places conviction on our hearts and our sins are revealed.

3. A Godward direction (correction)...The Apostle Paul uses language denoting a "straightening up". The word "correction" literally means "to be made right again" and is the only place in the New Testament in which this terminology is used. This is one of the most beautiful attributes of the Word of God--not only does Scripture illuminate our wrongly traversed paths, but it also enlightens us to the path in which God desires us to walk. The Psalmist describes it this way, "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).

4. A constant training (training in righteousness)...This training in righteousness is our spiritual nurture. The Word of God becomes our spiritual food. The writer of Hebrews and The Apostle Peter both describe the Word of God as such (Hebrews 5:11-14, 1 Peter 2:2). By immersing ouselves into the consistent study of God's Word, we become conformed to the upright standard of God. Do you want to be more godly and Christlike? Then, the Word of God is your nurture in that.

5. An equipped life (adequate, equipped for every good work)...Paul tells Timothy he will be thoroughly equipped for every good work. In other words, he will be complete. Whatever life may bring and whatever decision needs to be made, you will possess the wisdom in which to face it. This does not mean that you will be perfect and everything will always be clear, but you will be equipped to do that for which you have trained. Just as the athlete must stay in physical shape in the off season if he intends to play well on opening day, the follower of Christ must be in constant training if he is going to successfully face the questions of life.

Why is it so important to be equipped in God's Word? Without coming face to face with God's Holy standards, then we are left to our own elements and as a result, design our own standards of righteousness. This leads us astray to our own religious pursuits--which in the end, directs us to a man-made and man-centered religiosity rather than a God-ordained and God-centered relationship with Himself.

It is my prayer that you will see the awesome benefits of devoting yourself to God's Word. It is more than a book of rules. If this is all you see the Bible as, then you are missing out on God's best for your life. The Bible is your spiritual food. You would not starve yourself physically, so why starve yourself spiritually? As you grow as a disciple of Christ, I pray you will grow in your devotion to His Word. Just as an athlete falters in inconsistent training, so we stumble in inconsistent study.