When it comes to Bible study, many of us are like what James describes, “For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like” (James 1:23-24). I don’t know about you, but I do try to forget. I often say, “I feel better than I look!” Yet, when it comes to studying the Word, the biggest problem with people is that they are hearers only. When we look in a mirror it is often to see what we need to do such as comb our hair or shave. When we look at God’s Word, we are seeing what we need to do to live more like Christ.
In Bible study, observation occurs when we ask, “What does that passage say?” Interpretation happens as we ask, “What does it mean?” The third and final step is application where we ask, “How does this work in my life?” Notice we don’t ask “if” it works, but “how” because as believers we know that God’s Word works.
The step of application is often neglected because it deals with change, and people resist change. The Word highlights our sin and what we need to stop doing like fighting and quarreling (Jas 4:1-2). It also tells us what we should be doing, like loving one another as Christ loves us (Eph 5:2). Many want God to bless them but don’t realize that doing the Word is so often the key to being blessed (Jas 1:25). Don’t look in the mirror then walk away without so much as combing your hair, and don’t study the Bible without doing it.
Pastor Phil Newby
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