Holy Scriptures set out law, testimony, statutes, commandments, reasons for joy, reasons for fear, and judgments. They have the effect of converting the soul, making wise the unlearned, rejoicing the hearts, enlightening the eyes and enduring forever because they are altogether true and righteous. Those consequences are based on Gods word being perfect, sure, right and pure. It is safe and rewarding to follow the instructions of such a book.
Read the Ten Commandments as they are recorded in Exodus 20:1-17. The first four deal with mans relations with God. The last six deal with mans relations with man. In 10 short statements the whole of mans duty is summarized. Those commandments were applicable to us today in our modern culture. It is wise to know what God did say, and what he is saying today in his word about his requirements and his instructions regarding our conduct. That is why it is so important to study the Bible intuitively and consistently. Biblical principles must be applied to be of value to an individual. God said, Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the Lord your God. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord (Leviticus 18:4, 5).
As you see a principle in the Bible, apply it in four areas of your life. How does it affect my relationship with God? How does this relate to my contact with other people? What does this say that needs to be applied to my personal life? What does this teach me on how to deal with Satan and win victories over him and the temptations which he puts before me? Those four areas (God, others, self and Satan) touch every facet of your life. If you apply Bible principles in those areas, you will live in the will of God. Paul Little has an excellent book on Bible study. In it he suggests that we should ask of every passage we study, Is there an example to follow, a sin to avoid, a new truth to learn, a command to obey, a promise to claim, some action to be taken, or an attitude to adopt? This is a good practical application of Bible principles.
When you read the biblical command, Resist the Devil (James 4:7), do you set a watch on your life to keep free from Satans temptations? When you read the biblical command, Pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17), do you devote more time to prayer? When you read the biblical command, Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christs sake hath forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32), do you surrender your feelings and thereby show the grace of God in your kindness toward those who have wronged you?
Second Timothy 3:16 sets out four areas in which the Scriptures should be applied. It says that the word of God is: Profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. As doctrine, it is truth to be believed. Do you base your convictions on the true, clear statements of the Bible? As reproof, it rebukes wrong, both in attitude and in action. Do you accept the rebuke of the Bible in areas where you have failed? As correction, it shows us the correct way when we have been wrong. Do you change the direction of your life when you see in the Bible that changes should be made? As instruction in righteousness, it shows us what to be and what to do to please God. Do you accept the Bible as the standard by which you live in every aspect of your life? Be careful to answer those questions honestly.
Kelton F. Richardson has a doctorate in social psychology and has worked with individuals and families experiencing marital problems. A student of the Bible, he lives in Cortez.