The ultimate goal of all Bible study is application, not interpretation.

Devotional Method of Study:

Taking a passage of the Bible, large or small, and prayerfully meditating on it until the Holy Spirit shows you how to apply its truth to your life.

You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God

-- Matthew 22:29

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

-- 1 Corinthians 8:1

Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

-- James 1:22

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

-- Matthew 7:24

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.

-- James 4:17

Question: Why is personal application so difficult?

1. Application is difficult because it requires serious thinking.

2. Application is difficult because Satan fights it viciously.

3. Application is difficult because we naturally resist change.

Question: How can I practically apply a passage of Scripture to my life?

1. Pray for Insight on how to apply the passage.

2. Meditate on the verse(s) you have chosen to study.

3. Write out an application.

4. Memorize a key verse from your study.

Question: How do we meditate on a passage of Scripture?

1. Visualize the scene in your mind.

2. Emphasize words in the passage or verse.

Philippians 4:13I can do everything through him who gives me

strength.I can do everything through him who gives me

strength.I can do everything through him who gives me

strength.I can do everything through him who gives me

strength.I can do everything through him who gives me

strength.I can do everything through him who gives me

strength.I can do everything through him who gives me

strength.I can do everything through him who gives me

strength.I can do everything through him who gives me

strength.I can do everything through him who gives me

strength.

3. Paraphrase the passage.

4. Personalize the passage.

5. Use the S-P-A-C-E-P-E-T-S acrostic.

S-P-A-C-E-P-E-T-S AcrosticSin to confess? Promise to claim? Attitude to change? Command to obey? Example to follow? Prayer to Pray? Error to avoid? Truth to believe? Something to praise God for?

6. Pray the verse back to God.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

-- Psalm 23:1

He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters.

-- Psalm 23:2

He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

-- Psalm 23:3

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff protect me.

-- Psalm 23:4

You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

-- Psalm 23:5

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

-- Psalm 23:6

Question: How can I apply this passage of Scripture to my life in a healthy and sustaining

way?

1. Application should be Personal.

3. Application should be Realistic.

2. Application should be Achievable.

3. Application should be Verifiable.