Applying Biblical Principles
Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me! I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations. You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.1
The process for applying biblical principles is often misunderstood. It is not simply three steps: listen, believe, apply.
Exploring a biblical principle means studying the Scriptures to understand what the context is, what the lesson means for your life, and what it reveals about God. We must also consider how it all relates to the rest of the Bible. Digging deeper into God’s Word softens our hearts and minds so that principles are deeply planted.
As we dig deeper into the Bible, the new concept emerges from the pages and becomes real to us. We discover how the principle works and how to apply it to our lives. In doing so, God’s rich truth becomes ours. The more we assimilate it into our hearts and minds, the deeper it can impact us.
A believer who has little to say about God’s work in their life is probably not applying the Bible. Simply hearing and believing does not make a concept your own (James 1:22-25). A principle is yours when you explore the truth, discover its place in your life, and apply it.
Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Your Word. Thank You that we have the freedom to read it, study it, and apply it. Let us recognize that great privilege. Lord, help me through Your Holy Spirit to understand what You want to reveal to me through Your Word and how to apply it to my life. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
1. Psalm 119:17-24 (NLT).
Today’s Encounter was written by: Rosina N.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.