Ask Roger

How Do I Apply The Bible To My Life?

by Roger Barrier
by Roger Barrier

Dear Roger,

I am a pretty new Christian. I have some Bible studies that help me know about the facts of the Bible, but I am not sure how to apply the Bible to my life. Do you have any ideas?

Sincerely, JG

Dear JG,

Let me make this as simple and practical as I can. I am going to share with you two sets of questions that I consider when I am applying a Bible passage to my life. The first set is designed to help us understand what we believe and how we behave. The second set is designed to help us along in our relationships with God and others.

Remember the purpose of the Bible is not to make us smart. The purpose of the Bible is to mature us into more loving relationships with God and others. Jesus clarified this in Matthew 22:37-40:

“One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Christianity is best understood in terms of what we believe, how we behave and how well we relate with God and others.

I always try to open my heart and soul to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as I seek to apply a particular teaching to my life.

I begin by asking a set of doctrinal and behavioral questions as I progress through the passage:

  • Are there doctrines that God wants me to know and believe?
  • Are there lessons here for me to learn?
  • Are there examples for me to follow?
  • Are there sins for me to avoid?
  • Are there prayers for me to pray?
  • Are there commands for me to obey?

Then, I move to the relational questions. I take my time in meditating on these:

  • What does this passage reveal about God’s heart?
  • What does it do to my heart to realize that God wants me to know His heart? Sadden me?  Gladden me? Humble me? Intrigue me? Compassionate me? Anger me?
  • How am I to respond to God and to His response to the people in the text?
  • How will I live to improve and deepen my relationships?
  • How can I better love the people around me?

Well, JG, I hope this helps as you allow God to use the Scriptures to mold you more and more into Christ’s image.

Thanks for asking.
Love, Roger

Dr. Roger Barrier, founder of Preach It, Teach It, is a well-known author and sought-after conference speaker. Roger has taught thousands of pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders in 32 countries worldwide. He is the featured pastor of "Ask Roger: Ask a Pastor" on Crosswalk.com, the largest Christian website in the country. He partnered with Intimate Life Ministries and also regularly teaches national leaders for CRU and various other mission organizations. Dr. Barrier began preaching at the age of 13, and he shares his 3,000+ sermons with you on Preach It, Teach It. Preach It, Teach It currently has eight million visits in 221 countries and territories. His compelling teaching style is one-of-a-kind, combining a solid Biblical foundation with culturally relevant application, engaging illustrations, and astute scholarship. Casas Church is where Roger has served throughout his thirty-seven-year career, is a megachurch known for a well-integrated, multi-generational ministry. The value of including new generations is deeply ingrained throughout Casas to help the church move strongly right through the twenty-first century and beyond. Dr. Barrier holds degrees from Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Golden Gate Seminary in Greek, religion, theology, and pastoral care. He was recently honored as distinguished alumni by Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. His popular book, Listening to the Voice of God, published by Bethany House, is in its second printing and is available in Thai and Portuguese. His current book, Got Guts, Get Godly, is translated into Russian, Spanish and Urdu. Dr. Barrier has also written a number of journal articles and was a contributing author of The Kingdom and the Power. Roger is an avid student of astrophysics, genetics, and neuroscience, which adds to the depth of his biblical knowledge and exposition. The Barriers have two daughters, Brianna and Bronwyn.

You may also like

How Can I Fight Fear and Win?

Why Does Lust Lead to Adultery and Divorce?

Is a Fetus Really a Person? Scientific Facts from a Christian Neurosurgeon

How Can I Know God Exists?

Is the Prosperity Gospel the Socialism of Religion?

What is the Sin that Leads to Death?

@2021 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign
-
00:00
00:00

Queue

Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00