Does it matter what method we use when trying to find the application of a biblical text? Yes, it does….

In this post, I explain why we cannot be casual as to how to think about and look for application.

In Part One of the series, I suggested a more fully biblical meaning of “application” than one often hears. The application of a text concerns one’s total response––our head, heart, and hands–– not simply our actions. In Part Two, I offered a method by which one can discern the application of a Bible passage.

I began to explain why the sequence of the questions matters as well. The four questions (in order) included:

1. How do the passage HONOR God?

2. How does it affect our HEADS? (i.e. our thinking)

3. How does it affect our HEARTS? (i.e. emotions, desires)

4. How does it affect our HANDS? (i.e. hands)

Is this method really any better than other approaches? For example, a common tool that people use is called SPECKA.

S = Sin (Is there a sin to confess?)

P = Promise (Is there a promise from God?)

E = Example (Is there an example to follow?)

C = Commands (Are there commands to obey?)

K = Knowledge (What does this passage teach us about God? ourselves? others?)

A = Accountability (Where do we need accountability?)

I am not a fan of SPECKA nor many other similar sets of questions. I think the 4 H- questions above (honor, head, heart, hands) are better. I’ll explain.

The Biblical Logic of Application Questions

These four questions are not simply the product of my own random preference. I suggest three reasons for using these 4 questions rather than others.

1. Basic Logic of Life

As I mentioned in the last post, the four questions follow the natural and necessary order of all human actions. Every single things we do follows the same sequence––we first have a thought in the brain, which then spurs some sort of emotion or desire. Accordingly, we make the decision to take one course of action over others. Everything from going to the bathroom to getting married follows this order,…even if it’s quick and unconscious.

2. Biblical Commandments

Recall what Jesus said were the two greatest commandments. The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, strength, and mind. The second one is to love your neighbor as yourself. Break down those two commands. Here are some observations.

The primary command is LOVE THE LORD.
The rest of the greatest commandment simply tells us how to love the Lord. In other words, it explains the various facets of life in which we are to love the Lord.
The second command is…well, second. It follows from the first.

What does this imply for us when it comes to looking for the application of a text?

Biblical application should be a response of love to God. Thus, our first question slow us down to contemplate why God should be honored. How does this passage reveal about God that glorifies or HONORS him? Of all the questions, this first one is the one I think people tend to skip the most. People don’t see this as an “application” question because they mistake the true nature of biblical obedience.
The second, third, and fourth questions simply unpack the proper response to God’s glory. Essentially, Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all of our head, heart, and hands.
The final question should be the final question. Our actions of love toward others should flow from our loving God with our heads and hearts. When we love God, we will love people; yet, loving people does not necessarily imply we love God.

3. Balanced Application

We all have certain tendencies that favor one sort of application over another. Some people tend to be in the heads a lot. Consequently, they don’t often think through some of the practical points of action that they should take. Others are super pragmatic and concerned simply with the bottom line––”what am I actually supposed to do?” Unfortunately, they give little thought to the roots that produce godly actions.

Our personal preference for one type of application leads to an unbalanced Christian life.

By asking these four questions, we guard ourselves from such extremes hinder full growth. They guide us to find far more balance in our application. Someone inclined to thing long on theological implications will have to think through the behaviors that may need adjustment (or reinforcement). Others will be slowed down so that they gain wisdom and better motivation for their actions.

I urge you to try using these four applications in your our study and ministry. Try it consistently for a month or so. I suspect you will discover that many passages are far more relevant to your life than you might have expected. Additionally, we will learn to respond with more of our lives. I’d love to hear what you find.

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