Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Importance: In the context of Christian theology and biblical studies, "application" refers to the process of taking the truths and teachings of the Bible and integrating them into one's daily life. It involves not only understanding the Scriptures but also living out their principles in practical ways. Application is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, as it transforms knowledge into action and faith into practice.Biblical Basis: The Bible emphasizes the importance of applying its teachings. James 1:22 states, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This verse underscores the necessity of moving beyond mere listening to active obedience. Similarly, Jesus highlights the importance of application in the Sermon on the Mount, saying, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24). Examples of Application in Scripture: 1. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): This parable illustrates the application of love and compassion. Jesus uses the account to teach that true neighborly love transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, urging believers to act with mercy and kindness toward all. 2. The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23): Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are not merely ideals but are to be actively cultivated and demonstrated in the believer's life. 3. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20): Jesus commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations." This directive requires believers to apply their faith by sharing the gospel and teaching others to observe Christ's commands. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the application of Scripture. John 14:26 states, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." The Spirit guides believers in understanding and applying God's Word, providing wisdom and conviction to live according to biblical principles. Challenges in Application: Applying biblical teachings can be challenging due to cultural influences, personal biases, and the inherent sinfulness of human nature. Romans 7:15-20 reflects the struggle between the desire to do good and the reality of sin. Believers are encouraged to rely on God's grace and strength to overcome these challenges and to seek accountability within the Christian community. Practical Steps for Application: 1. Prayerful Study: Begin with prayer, asking for insight and understanding. Study the Bible with an open heart, seeking to discern its meaning and relevance for today. 2. Meditation and Reflection: Take time to meditate on Scripture, allowing its truths to penetrate deeply. Reflect on how specific passages apply to personal circumstances and decisions. 3. Obedience and Action: Commit to obeying God's Word, even when it is difficult. Look for opportunities to put biblical principles into practice in everyday situations. 4. Community and Accountability: Engage with other believers for support and accountability. Discussing Scripture in small groups or Bible studies can provide diverse perspectives and encouragement for application. Conclusion: Application is a vital aspect of the Christian life, bridging the gap between knowledge and practice. By applying the teachings of the Bible, believers grow in their relationship with God and become effective witnesses to the world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense; as, the application of emollients to a diseased limb.2. (n.) The thing applied. 3. (n.) The act of applying as a means; the employment of means to accomplish an end; specific use. 4. (n.) The act of directing or referring something to a particular case, to discover or illustrate agreement or disagreement, fitness, or correspondence; as, I make the remark, and leave you to make the application; the application of a theory. 5. (n.) Hence, in specific uses: (a) That part of a sermon or discourse in which the principles before laid down and illustrated are applied to practical uses; the moral of a fable. (b) The use of the principles of one science for the purpose of enlarging or perfecting another; as, the application of algebra to geometry. 6. (n.) The capacity of being practically applied or used; relevancy; as, a rule of general application. 7. (n.) The act of fixing the mind or closely applying one's self; assiduous effort; close attention; as, to injure the health by application to study. 8. (n.) The act of making request of soliciting; as, an application for an office; he made application to a court of chancery. 9. (n.) A request; a document containing a request; as, his application was placed on file. Greek 1392. doxazo -- to render or esteem glorious (in a wide ... ... to render or esteem glorious (in a wide application). Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: doxazo Phonetic Spelling: (dox-ad'-zo) Short Definition: I glorify ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1392.htm - 9k 4230. pragmateia -- careful application, hard work 1108. gnosis -- a knowing, knowledge 518. apaggello -- to report, announce 4160. poieo -- to make, do 4983. soma -- a body 3313. meros -- a part, share, portion 3173. megas -- great 5342. phero -- to bear, carry, bring forth 4992. soterios -- saving, bringing salvation Strong's Hebrew 4390. male -- to be full, to fill... 7:5) {maw-law'}; a primitive root, to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively) -- accomplish, confirm ... /hebrew/4390.htm - 7k 6213. asah -- do, make 3739. karah -- to trade, get by trade 3854. lahag -- study, devotion (to books) 5414. nathan -- to give, put, set 1. ab -- father 7896. shith -- to put, set 5186. natah -- to stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend Library Application "Lo, I Come": Application Application of Sanctification. Application of the Argument Another Application is Made to Me. The Application of the Attributes of Man to God. The Application to the Church in General. Christ's Application of Passages from the Old Testament. Application of the Subject. Advantages of Widowhood. Recapitulation and Application of the Foregoing Arguments. Thesaurus Application (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense; as, the application of emollients to a diseased limb. ... /a/application.htm - 8k Jotham (26 Occurrences) Art (3201 Occurrences) Accommodation (1 Occurrence) Son (25967 Occurrences) Lawyer (5 Occurrences) Improvement (2 Occurrences) Italy (4 Occurrences) Mammon (4 Occurrences) Plaster (13 Occurrences) Resources Worldview Application ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgHow can we know what parts of the Bible apply to us today? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Jeremiah 29:11? | GotQuestions.org Application: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Application (2 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 4:6 1 Timothy 1:9 Subtopics Related Terms |