Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

III. Apply the General Principles to Life in the Power of the Spirit

Find the Patterns and Apply Them

Theological synthesis is important, but shoddy synthesis is misleading and dangerous. It has often been observed that a large part of orthodoxy resides in properly relating passage with passage, truth with truth. That observation is both a call to careful work and a warning against reductionism. Biblical balance is an important goal. For a start, we will avoid all approaches to interpretation that seize on some esoteric point from an obscure and isolated passage (e.g. 1 Cor. 15.29) to establish the basic framework out of which we interpret Scripture. ~ Donald A. Carson. New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition . (electronic ed. of the 4th ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997.

A. Definition: an application is an expression of the heart to the truth of God as the Spirit leads.

1. An expression of the heart: application has to do with the convicted conscience and ready will to the truth of God in the Word.

2. As the Spirit leads: the Holy Spirit, the same one who inspires the Word, illumines the heart, will also ignite the will to respond to God’s truth.

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B. Application demands discernment.

1. The Holy Spirit is involved in all movements of truth in the Christian’s life, John 15.26-27.

2. Insight is the gift of the Lord.

a. Ps. 119.33

b. John 14.26

c. James 1.5

d. 1 John 2.27