Previously, we have read it and started to figure it out.  Now we need to move on to learn what to do with it.  The nature of spiritual truth demands that it be applied in the Christian’s everyday lifestyle; otherwise it is a colossal waste of time.  Knowledge by itself may be inspiring, but it can also puff up an ego.  Understanding is crucial, but acting upon that understanding makes it all the more effective.

            Some may contend that the application of spiritual truth can only be realized when a situation arises that requires its demonstration.  While that may be true to a degree, there are still means of study that can create patterns of forethought that will better prepare a believer to take appropriate action when the time comes.

3a. Self-examination

            After any study in the Word of God, it is important to see to it that you are a doer of it, and not a hearer only.  And although too much introspection can easily become counter-productive, it is still important to occasionally ask oneself a few questions in regard to a fresh study:
●          Is there a sin or misdeed in this passage that I may have committed recently?
●          If so, have I repented, and is there something beyond repentance that I need to do to correct a relationship with someone who might have been affected?
●          How do the circumstances related in this passage relate to my present situation?
●          What do I know now about Jesus (or God, or the Holy Spirit, or myself) that I didn’t know before?
●          How can I make improvements to my life and walk through this study?
●          Should I continue with this study, or perhaps pursue some other aspect of it, or maybe return to it later?

            For those who keep a prayer journal, this is the most obvious place where that practice intersects with Bible study.  For those who keep a Bible study journal, consider substituting the prayer journal in this application.  This is the most personal part of any prayer time, and discretion demands that it be kept that way.

3b. Counseling

            Scripture is full of examples of characters with common problems.  If you are receiving counsel, pay extra attention to any stories given you as illustrations from Scripture, especially those from a mature elder or more experienced church leader.  These can be excellent examples to follow if you find yourself in some similar future situation.  You may also find that a brother or sister might relate stories from their own past counseling experiences.

            Beyond this, you may find advice being asked from you by another who is facing a need.  Ask the Lord to refresh to your memory any examples from your own self-examination sessions, as well as those stories offered by others to you or someone whose need you have been aware of.  But a word of caution is in order here; always keep identities confidential when using real-life examples.  Discretion demands that those who have been kind enough to share anything confidential deserve the courtesy of having their secrets kept.

3c. Conjectured modern situations

            Many Scriptures do not seem to apply directly to any known current situation.  In case you just don’t see how this or that in the Bible might work for today, a little bit of imagination is allowable for purposes of discovering an application.  After all, many theologians have postulated that God gave us our imaginations so that we can discover the many things that are possible with Him (more than we can ask or think).  Such exercises might begin with the question, “What would you do if …”

            Take for example this problem: imagine you are in Holland during the early 1940’s during the Nazi occupation.  You have decided to help escaping Jews as they leave Europe, until one day when German soldiers knock on your door and demand to know if there are any Jews there.  Would you sin by lying to them, or would you submit to their authority and lead them to the fugitives?  Consider the following passages as possible ways to address such a situation: Joshua 2:1-21 or also Exodus 1:15-21.

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