Samson and Applying the Bible

See Ken Berding's illustration here of how one might apply Judges 16:28-30.

Biblical Lessons from The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings

You can access 5 of them here. 

The Holy Kiss

Ken Berding has a good word here on understanding the "holy kiss" (Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:12; 1 Thess 5:26; cf. 1 Pet 5:18).

Romans 13

This is an interesting post noting how Romans 13 is applied by some in different countries.

Acts: Transitional Versus Programmatic

Patrick Schreiner does a good job showing why the book of Acts is canonically important here. But I am not sure his application drawn between Acts as "transitional" and Acts as  "programmatic" (terminology borrowed from B. Crowe) is altogether helpful. 

Schreiner notes that, "As a transitional book, Acts recounts non-repeatable events that establish the community of faith. For example, Pentecost is an unrepeatable event, but also not retractable. The reestablishment of the twelve apostles is exclusive to the period of Acts. The fate of Ananias and Sapphira is not likely to be seen requiring the immediate termination of liars in the church today."

All historical events are transitional (they take moving from one event to the next) and non-repeatable. But that is not to say that historical narratives lack applicational value. History is told to do more than inform. In speech act terms, what is the illocutionary and perlocutionary intention of the recounting of the historical event. So the issue is not simply that Acts records the demise of Ananias and Sapphira but that record is meant to be applied in some way. How one applies this event is open for discussion for discussion but not whether it applies. Second Timothy 3:16 reminds us that "all Scripture," including historical narratives, are "profitable" for life transformation.

Schreiner adds, "Acts also confronts Christians as a programmatic book. It provides guidance for the church in every age." I wholeheartedly agree, but it is not clear whether he views Ananias and Sapphira as programmatic and if so, how so. The fact is that if Acts is programmatic then it is also "transitional" since the book was written and the entire history it records took place in space in time (i.e., not chronologically static).

When Sermon Points Go Awry

HT: Ron Allen

Application in Preaching

Kelly Burton has a post here entitled, "Sources of Application." There is some helpful information in the short post but I am not crazy about the title. The source of application should be grounded in the text at hand. As such there are not other "sources." It doesn't do much good if you nail the interpretation, excel in the explanation, and then go to another planet for the application. Those who hear our messages need to be able to see how one moves from understanding the text to applying the text. If your application does not derive from the text then who do you need the text at all.

Applying Ephesians

Kelly Burton has some creative ways of applying Ephesians here.

Two Views on Applying 2 Chronicles 7:14

Steve Gaines argues for direct application here and Russell Moore argues against direct application here (written in 2016). I wonder whether at least some of the differences between Gaines and Russell relates to a failure to distinguish between principles and applications.

Imperatives in Preaching Biblical Narratives

William Barrick has a very helpful post here about the prescriptive nature of Old Testament narratives.

Listening and Applying the Sermon

Mahlon Smith has a good post here on listening and applying a sermon. In essence, the recipient of the message participates in the message with an attitude of obedience and expectation of life change. Ultimately, application is a collaborative effort between the Spirit, Text, preacher/sermon, and recipient.

God-Centered Applications

"The application should always relate to what God has done, will do, wants done, or instructs people to do. Preaching is not just a process of encouraging people to be nice to one another and live a happy life. The Bible is all about how God works with and through people to accomplish his purposes on earth. God is still at work with his people and still wants them to follow his instructions. He desires a relationship of love and commitment so that his plans will be fulfilled in their lives. The application of a passage should encourage people not to live like the ungodly or non-religious people in our world, but to accept the theological message that God has revealed in his word. The transformation that people need to embrace requires a humble and contrite heart (Ps. 51:17; Isa. 66:2) that is willing to live by the theological principles revealed in Scripture. Although these principles are deeply theological, the application of them should be framed in a practical way that makes common sense. The goal of a message is not to turn the audience into a group of systematic theologians who can explain everything about God. The goal is to help people grow more Christ-like in the practical ways that relate to others so that they reflect God's saving grace."

Gary V. Smith, Interpreting the Prophetic Books: An Exegetical Handbook, Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2014),161.

Applying Biblical Narratives

Christopher J. H. Wright provides a great caution against a simplistic application of biblical narratives. He writes.

“But we cannot turn stories about what God did do—stories that indeed do demonstrate what God can do—into blank-cheque promises about what God will do, or must do for you, me, and everyone.” 

Christopher J. H. Wright, How to Preach and Teach the Old Testament for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016), 129.

Spirit-Intended Applications?

Walt Russell has a very good discussion on what I would call a hermeneutics of application here.

Applying Genesis 1:28?

This is probably not the best way to apply Genesis 1:28.

Why Preachers Struggle with Sermon Application

Earlier this week, I posted on ten ideas for sermon application (see here). If you found that interesting you might take a look at Shane Lems' post here summarizing Murray Capill's explanation why so many preachers struggle with application here.

Ten Ideas for Sermon Application

Craig Schill has some really good ideas and suggestions regarding sermon application here.

Sermon Application

My friend Craig Schill has a good post on the need for application in sermons here. Make sure to read the entire post, but here are Craig's three main points.

1) Doctrine and Duties Go Hand in Hand.
2) You are a Shepherd not just a Spokesperson.
3) Knowledge without Application is Dangerous.

Open-Ear Hermeneutics

Peter Leithart has a great reminder for having an "open ear" when interpreting Scripture here.

Preaching and Application

  
Trevin Wax has a good interview with Jonathan Leeman here.