Teaching Sunday School

for Biblical Application

Lesia Patterson, M. Min.Sunday School SuperintendentGenerostee Baptist Church

Spring Training Session, 2013

Text: How to Apply the Bible by Dave Veermen

Why Apply?The key step between the Bible and life is apply.

We need to apply God’s Word because of who He is . . .

We need to apply God’s Word because of who we are . . .

We need to apply God’s Word because of the way the world is . . . P. 15-16

Where are you with applying?1- Bad 2- Poor 3 – All Right 4- Good 5- Very Good

READ - I can read a passage in the Bible and get a general idea of the story.

UNDERSTAND – When I read the Bible, I can figure out what the words mean, learn the

facts, and see the concepts.

COMPREHEND - As I study the Bible, I can find biblical principles, the timeless truths that God

is trying to communicate. P. 16-17

Where are you with applying?1- Bad 2- Poor 3 – All Right 4- Good 5- Very Good

APPLY – When I read and study the Bible, I can see myself in the story.

DO – Based on my study of the Bible, I can design an action plan to obey God and put into practice now what he has taught me

in His Word. P. 16-17

Consider Praying FirstTo bring the Bible to life, I must:

Read – Pray, Ask God for Understanding Understand – Pray, Read/Research

Comprehend – Pray, Explain

Apply – Pray, Answer: So what?

Do – Pray, Believe, and Reflect on How

P. 18

Chapter One ReviewTo bring the Bible to life, I must:

Read – Read passage; get a general idea of the story. Understand – Know what all the words mean; learn

the facts; see the concepts. Comprehend – Find the biblical principles, the

timeless truths that God want to communicate. Apply – See myself in the story and how the biblical

principles relate to my life; see what God wants me to do.

Do – Design an action plan; obey God and put into practice now what he has taught me in His Word.

P. 15

Chapter One ReviewTo bring the Bible to life, I must:

Read – Pray, Ask God for Understanding Understand – Pray, Read/Research Comprehend – Pray, Explain Apply – Pray, Answer: What now? Do – Pray, Believe, and Reflect on How

P. 18

Chapter One ReviewI need to apply God’s Word.

Because of who God is . . .Everything Because of who I am . . . Fallible Because of the way the world

is . . .Fallen

P. 15, 18

Application: What is it?

Application is a faith response. Application is not just information. Application is not just concepts. Application is not an illustration. Application is asking what does the lesson

mean to me. Application is asking, “So what?” Application is having a response/plan to

biblical teaching.

P. 24- 25

Chapter Two ReviewSteps to Personal Application . . .

1. Receive the message.2. Reflect on your life.3. Identify what you need to change.4. Lay out a plan to make that change.

Pray, Receive, Repent, and CHANGE. P. 25

Why is application hard? Takes time. People are reluctant to change. Wrong assumptions Fear Poor Preparation No Training Wrong Idea

p. 31

Application Misconceptions Christian Life is not a set of formulas.

Being a Christian is not about works but faith.

God is more interested in us being “right.”

People need sound theology.

Only the Holy Spirit can apply scripture.

Chapter Three Review Be open to the Word of God.

Use a translation of Scripture that you can easily understand.

Use Bible study tools.

Express your needs to God.

SuggestionsHave several Bible translations. Have a study Bible and a Bible dictionaryUse a translation that you enjoy and can understand.Know what every word means in the context of the passages that you are studying.Review online resources.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Chapter 4.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Chapter 5