Let me say right off the bat, the ideal Bible study is not Simply Bible. Have you ever wondered what the ideal Bible study would be? What would set your heart on fire and help you to apply the Bible to your everyday life?
The Ideal Bible Study
Imagine that you have just sat down to open your Bible. As you begin to read, there is a knock on the door. This interruption is somewhat annoying because you finally made time to read your Bible. However, you get up, and with Job’s patience, you open the door. Lo and behold, Jesus—the Author of the Bible himself—is there! He smiles and greets you by name.
Of course, you invite him in!
You are surprised and a little intimidated (after all, you aren’t a Bible expert), but He immediately puts you at ease with his smile and the indescribable twinkle in his eye. Thrilled that you are digging into his word, He hands you a quiz about the book you are studying.
Woah, wait a second! Jesus passes out quizzes? Worksheets? Exams? Of course not! Jesus does not give you a quiz. Being the Good Teacher He is, He asks you a question about what you are reading. You share your thoughts, and then, realizing it truly is Jesus sitting next to you, you ask him a question about a passage you have been struggling to understand. Before you know it, a beautiful and authentic dialogue ensues.
The conversation flies by. You have felt so safe in his presence, so like the best version of yourself. I mean, those eyes just twinkle and wordlessly say “I love you!” By the end, through observation and conversation, Jesus has illuminated and enlivened the passage of Scripture for you. Then, smiling, He encourages you to apply the Bible passage to your own life. What would you say?
The Pilgrims of Emmaus on the Road by James Tissot
Bible Study on the Road to Emmaus
This same scenario occurred when Jesus met two disciples on the road to Emmaus after his crucifixion and resurrection.
That very day, two of them [the disciples of Jesus] were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?”
Luke 24:13-17
These two men were shocked that Jesus was seemingly unaware of the events that had just taken place in Jerusalem, mainly Jesus’ crucifixion and the news of his supposed resurrection. After all, they didn’t recognize it was him! However, their surprise began a conversation between Jesus and the two disciples that lead to an in depth discussion of Scripture—namely, a Bible study.
Luke tells us:
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he [Jesus] interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Luke 24:27
Once they arrived at their destination and broke bread together, the eyes of the disciples were opened to recognize Jesus and all he had been teaching. They exclaimed:
“Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
Luke 24:32
And then, guess what they did? With hearts on fire, they went and told their friends about Jesus. They couldn’t help it! They were compelled by the joy and awakening in their hearts. Personally engaging with Jesus leads to transformation.
When Scripture Meets Transformation
Friend, if you met Jesus while journeying through your Bible, your heart would be encouraged and on fire, too! And because Jesus explains the Bible in such a way that says, “I love you,” you would remember his words and how you felt in his presence, and you would carry that into the rest of your day! Realizing its relevance, you would apply his Word without even thinking twice.
So, Simply Bible is not the ideal Bible study. However, its format is intentionally designed to lead to authentic conversations with God about his Word. We read, observe, and interpret, with the help of various study tools, all the while seeking to know God through the Bible. Then, we apply however God nudges. Applying God’s Word to everyday life is our response to Bible study. Here is where the rubber meets the road. Here, God uses the Bible to transform our hearts and minds, changing both how we think and how we live. By better understanding Jesus, we unify our hearts and minds with his heart, mind, and ways.
How do we apply the Bible to everyday life?
Application of the Bible is personal, between you and God. A particular verse, word, or idea might strike a chord in your heart. Slow down. Take note. Ponder. Show God the discovery. This is the fantastic process of God revealing himself and his truths to you through his Word and by the power of his Holy Spirit. As Paul instructs Timothy, God may teach, correct, rebuke, train, and equip through his Word:
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
II Timothy 3:16-17
To apply God’s Word to everyday life can also be fun, creative, and joyous. It can be as simple as singing a song of praise or saying, “Thank you, Jesus,” and then carrying that gratitude with us for the rest of our day.
Yes, the original authors of the biblical books had one intended meaning, but the personal applications of Scripture are many. God looks at our hearts. He sees, knows, values, and loves his sheep. And so, God will use his Word to teach, correct, rebuke, train, and equip. If you’re willing, God will lead you to apply the Bible specifically to your everyday life and needs.
Practical Ideas for Applying the Bible to Everyday Life
Additional application ideas include:
- Worship God for who God is.
- Praise God according to a truth you learned.
- Claim a promise discovered.
- Bask in God’s presence.
- Thank God for a lesson learned.
- Thank God for grace.
- Note an example to follow.
- Confess a sin revealed.
- Repent.
- Seek accountability.
- Seek to forgive another.
- Pray.
- Seek unity with God and others.
- Obey a command.
- Ask for faith to trust and follow God’s way.
- Surrender.
- Memorize a verse.
- Serve.
- Share what you learned with another.
The list of ways to apply the Bible to everyday life is endless. It is incredibly relevant to our daily living.
Simply Bible may not be the ideal Bible study, but the hope is to more deeply know and enjoy Jesus. He desires friendship with us. As we study the Bible in his presence, He smiles with a twinkle in his eye and encourages us towards unity in thinking and living with Him. In so doing, He nudges us to apply his Word to everyday life.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27
Lord God, thank You for your Word that we might know You. Visit us as we read and study so that we might know and enjoy friendship with You. Nudge us and transform us through the Bible to think, speak, and live more like You.
