Bible Students

A reflection based on “Studying, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible” by Henrichsen (chapter 14) and “Living by the Book” by Hendricks (chapters 39-43)

Living by the Book

What is the insight?

The insight for this week comes from chapter 39. Application is the most critical step of Bible study. It is not the most important part for interpreting the text, not the primary step for observing the text. It is the most critical step for the whole purpose of understanding the Word of God. Apart from application, Bible study is useless. Application does not have to be a strict action (as opposed to an understanding of who God is) but it is the primary goal behind Bible study to begin with. 

Why is it insightful over the other topics? 

This is certainly the most insightful section. Application is the most important action to take after Bible study, and must not be neglected. One may neglect other aspects of proper Bible study and happen to understand the meaning of the text, but apart from application the Bible study is useless. Christians must apply the text! This can be one of the most neglected parts of biblical study, especially on the college level. College students (including myself) can study the Bible constantly while neglecting to apply the biblical text to their life. In this, they make Bible study useless. 

What is the application in ministry? 

The minister attempts to explain the Scriptures as well as apply them to the life of the listener. The minister’s whole job revolves around making the Scriptures easy to understand and apply to life. The minister must make an active emphasis of modeling and promoting biblical application as the purpose of expositing the Scriptures. Pamphlets and home Bible studies can especially help to promote this kind of application. 

Studying, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible

What is the insight?

This week’s insight comes from rule 19. God’s revelation is progressive, but both the Old and New Testaments are key to understanding the will of God. First, God’s revelation is progressive. The New Testament sheds light on the Old and reveals more about God. However, the Old Testament is also absolutely essential for understanding the New Testament. Apart from one or the other, the Christian can not understand the Word of God how it was meant to be understood. 

Why is it insightful over the other topics? 

There are so many people today who despise the Old Testament due to an improper view of the Law. I have personally spoken to many who despise the Old Testament and cast it off as something to be ignored, no longer relevant for God’s people. However, the New Testament constantly references the Old Testament, and one can not understand the New Testament without the context of the Old Testament. The Old Testament is essential for the believer to have proper spiritual health. This reaction to this common issue I find is why this is so insightful. 

What is the application in ministry? 

The most straightforward way to apply this to ministry is to teach and reference out of the Old Testament. The minister should demonstrate that the Old Testament is helpful and relevant for today! Preaching out of the Old Testament will show the audience that the Old Testament is still useful and able to be applied for the life of the believer. Additionally, home groups and other curriculum teaching from the Old Testament is essential.