King James Bible Articles

PRINCIPALS IN APPLYING SCRIPTURE

	It is essential that all scripture be diligently studied 
and accurately applied.  Each application must be in harmony with 
total meaning and message of scripture not from an isolated verse 
taken out of context.

	We are to "study to show ourselves approved unto God" as 
workmen who do not need to be ashamed, knowing how to "rightly 
divide" the word of truth. --II Timothy 2:15.

	A.  Working Through The Text:  Before any application of 
scripture can be made, there must be a thorough understanding of 
what the text is actually saying.
	Why was it written?
	To whom was it written?
	What were the conditions at the time?
	What is the precise meaning?
	What related scriptures explain it further?

	Studying to show ourselves "approved unto God" goes far 
deeper than learning all the facts of the text.

	B. Meditating On The Text:  Only as we meditate on large 
sections of scripture will we begin to see the underlying 
principles of application daily living.  David testified, "I have 
more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are 
my meditation."  --(Psalm 119:99; John 5:39, Acts 17:11)
	There is only one interpretation of scripture but there 
are many applications.  These open up worlds of meaning in life.

	C.  Discovering Principles In The Text:  After a section 
of scripture becomes a living part of our thinking and we put related
passages together, we begin to see understanding principles within 
that scripture which can be applied to our lives.

	A good illustration of this is found in 1 Timothy 5:18 
and 1 Corinthians 9:7-14.  Paul was emphasizing the right which 
ministers of the Gospel have to expect a living wage.  To support 
this he used what first appears to be a verse out of context 
(Deuteronomy 25:4), but he goes on to explain the underlying 
principles in it which has universal application (verse 10).