Dan Doriani, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary, discusses how to apply scriptural truth to everyday life. Topics include a framework for applying Scripture, preaching to diverse audiences, and applying Scripture to personal reading by emphasizing careful, meditative reading and asking fundamental questions.
Applying Scripture involves a systematic process of addressing the needs and concerns of individuals in the church, by asking important questions and meeting specific needs.
The role of the Holy Spirit is paramount in applying Scripture, as the Spirit illuminates the text and engages the hearts of the listeners.
Deep dives
Importance of Applying Scripture to Our Lives
Applying Scripture to our lives is crucial for our Christian journey. Dr. Dan Doreani, professor of biblical and systematic theology, emphasizes that application fits both at the beginning and end of the hermeneutical task, as we read the Bible carefully and seek to understand its meaning. Application is not simply giving in to spontaneous ideas, but rather a systematic process of addressing the needs and concerns of individuals in the church. It involves asking important questions such as: What does the law of God require? How does this passage challenge and transform my character? What goals and purposes should I adopt? And how does this passage help me understand God's ways and the clash of visions in our culture? By addressing these questions, pastors and individuals can effectively apply Scripture to their lives and the lives of others, remaining faithful to the Word while meeting the specific needs of their audience.
Preaching the Whole Council of God
Preaching the whole council of God is necessary for robust and dynamic application of Scripture. Dr. Dan Doreani highlights the importance of preaching through different genres of the Bible, such as narratives, epistles, Psalms, and wisdom literature. By varying the selection of texts, pastors can encourage a well-rounded understanding of Scripture among their congregation. While certain genres may lend themselves more naturally to application, it is necessary to address character, duties, discernment, and goals in the sermons. Rather than focusing solely on personal interests or favorite topics, pastors should aim to address the diverse needs of their audience, always keeping the gospel central in their preaching.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The role of the Holy Spirit in applying Scripture is paramount. The Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways, opening the eyes and hearts of individuals to receive the truth of God's Word. While the preacher or teacher plays a significant role in conveying the message, ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit who illuminates the text and engages the hearts of the listeners. The Spirit blows where He wills, energizing the teaching and preaching of the Word for transformation. The preacher's task is to faithfully study and convey the Scriptures, being aware of the needs and concerns of the people. By relying on the Spirit and being attentive to His leading, teachers can effectively apply Scripture to the lives of believers, catalyzing spiritual growth and understanding.
The Heart of the Teacher
The character and heart of the teacher are crucial to effective application of Scripture. Dr. Dan Doreani emphasizes that a teacher's life is just as informative as their teaching. The authenticity, humility, and godliness of the teacher have an impact on how the message is received and applied. A teacher's heart should be tender toward God, seeking personal transformation and allowing the study of Scripture to shape their own life. While differing personalities and preferences may attract certain individuals to specific teachers, the teaching and application of Scripture should always point to Jesus and His work. The teacher should strive to inspire a love for the Lord and His Word, leading others to follow Christ and experience genuine life transformation.
In this episode, Caleb discusses the topic of how to apply scriptural truth and biblical teaching to everyday life with Dan Doriani (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary. Together they discuss a framework for applying Scripture to everyday life, as well as what that looks like in various contexts such as preaching/teaching, small groups, or during personal devotions.
Resources:
Putting the Truth to Work: The Theory and Practice of Biblical Application by Dan Doriani https://a.co/d/bifes7O
Getting the Message: A Plan for Interpreting and Applying the Bible by Dan Doriani https://a.co/d/cuZS3aA
