Applying the biblical text

Haddon Robinson makes a very real point - “the great heresies are not primarily in the doctrine – though they can be there – but in the application.” [Long, 111] Application is a vital component to a sermon, it is the 'so what?' or the 'yes but how' element which embeds biblical truth into lived out lives. Too often it seems this is where the Preacher comes unstuck.

Robinson notes the danger is in bringing the authority of the Scriptures in behind the application.  The danger is compounded when moving from ancient near eastern biblical culture to our contemporary world.  Given this can we still hear this application as “Thus saith the Lord” ie a necessary implication to heed?  Or does it fit within the other possible ranges of implication Robinson outlines: probable, possible , improbable and finally impossible.

It could be the Preacher is applying Hebrews 10:24 - 25

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

In doing so they call the congregation to step up in their commitments to their Church programs – throwing in the need for more Sunday school teachers, people to move chairs and so on.  The recruitment drive for Church rosters now has the authority and power of the Scripture to propel it forward.  Does it deserve it?  At best this is a mild and possibly unintentional form of manipulation and 'guilt tripping', at worst it is legalism.

It is interesting to test a Sermon application by asking what assumptions are behind the application?  In the case of Church rosters is the assumption that the Congregation is full of lazy consumers? In compelling us to evangelise our neighbours is the assumption that we do not currently evangelise our neighbours – and how would the preacher know?  An application makes for an interesting statement on what a Preacher thinks of the people who are listening.

Does the congregation notice these implicit assumptions?  For many the Preacher has become the “sage on the stage” - an authority on the Scripture, its interpretation and application.  The real work has been done and a packaged conclusion is dropped onto the listener.  The slight relief and deep concern is that few take the sermon's application seriously enough for it to be transformative come Tuesday. Or is that just me?