Sharp Application: Thoughts on Applying a Text

April 27, 2011 by Steven Smith

Continued from Page 1

For example, imagine a sermon that begins with a compelling illustration. The preacher has us exactly in the right place. Then the preacher says, "That's just like what Paul is saying in this text . . ." What the people heard was, "The story is over, go back to sleep."

However, that most pivotal moment is the place for application. In this way, the last line of the illustration should be the first line of the application. When the people are most vulnerable to listen, that is the time to move in and strike.

Perhaps the balance is best expressed in Titus 1:1, where Paul describes faith as "the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness." This is not just life-change. This is not just knowledge. This is really what we want: that our people should know the word in such a way that it changes their lives.

This is the word that cuts then heals. Thus, application that flows from a sermon that is driven by the text should never be dull, because it is committed to the work of the invisible world. In that world, the word of God is alive. The word is active. The word is sharp.

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About Steven Smith

Steven W. Smith is a preacher and author who is attempting to die in the pulpit and call a generation to do the same. He is the Dean of the College, and Professor of Communication, at the College at Southwestern. Follow him on Twitter.

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