Page 57 - Homiletics I Student Textbook

It is difficult to lay out a process for determining specific applications of a biblical text. The following
excerpt from Duvall’s and Hayes’ book, Grasping God’s Word, puts this discipline into proper
perspective.

Perhaps the best way to make your applications specific is by creating real-world scenarios.
These scenarios function as illustrations or examples of how a person might put the biblical
principles into practice. They help us move beyond abstract principles to capture the color and
emotion of the biblical principle. We are quick to admit that these real-world scenarios are not
on the same level as inspired Scriptures; they are merely illustrations. But we intend for them to
be guided by the Holy Spirit and faithful to the biblical principles (i.e., consistent with the
author’s intended meaning). We also want the contemporary audience to know that God’s Word
is eternally relevant. Real-world scenarios should be both faithful to the meaning of the text and
63
relevant to the contemporary audience.

While applications of God’s truth may vary, the truth itself remains constant. It is important for students
of the Word to keep this in mind, not only as they seek valid applications of truth, but especially as they
discuss these applications of truth with others.

8.4 Let’s Practice…

1. Write a definition of an illustration you may use in a sermon:

2. What does it mean that an illustration is ethical?

3-9. Name seven of the criteria that makes an illustration effective:

10. True or False Failing to apply the scriptures accurately and specifically is a great tragedy.

11-15. List five of the questions a person should ask himself to properly apply a Biblical truth to his life:

8.5 Let’s Personalize this Lesson…

Activity: Many pastors come to the end of their sermon or teachers come to the end of their
lesson and they omit any kind of application request to their audience. They simply close in a
“word of prayer.” It is, as this lesson pointed out, a great tragedy if the Word of God is not
applied in our everyday lives. If it goes in one ear and out the other, they what value is there in
spending time hearing it? How are your sermons, especially the conclusions, going to change
after studying this lesson?

63 Duvall & Hayes, 218.
56