Understanding and Applying The Word
No. 1.
The first level has to do with the time, place, and the persons being addressed. There are times when the word of God was directed to situations that do not exist today. This sometimes causes confusion in the Church when we try to make a wholesale application of all instructions that we find in the scriptures. Many situations that were common when the scriptures were recorded do not exist today. Conversely there are many situations that exist today that did not exist then. This does not mean that we cannot learn from these scriptures, but we should not let the time period, the society existing at the time, the persons being addressed, Customs, or the general environment be ignored.
No. 2.
All of the scriptures were intended for the whole world as instruction in righteousness. I would call your attention to 2nd Timothy, the third chapter, and verse 16, which tells us that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” If a person chooses to ignore or deny the Word of God he is not released from its application or authority.
No. 3.
The bulk of scripture also applies to the nation of Israel and concerns its past, present, and future. God is not through dealing with this little nation yet. As we have seen in our study of the Old Testament, the history of Israel is intended to be an example and a lesson to the rest of the world, including the Church.
No. 4.
All of scripture has a direct effect upon that body that we call today "the Church". The Church is responsible for presenting the word of God to the rest of the world and must measure up insofar as is possible to measure up to its standards. There is also a great deal of instruction concerning certain responsibilities that are assigned only to the Church.
No. 5.
The last application that we make in every case is to ourselves. How does each bit of scripture apply directly to you and I? This is a critical question that cannot be ignored. It is an error to read the scripture and leave it; not knowing how applies in our individual lives. Whenever we open the book we should ask the holy spirit to show us the applications named above and then to focus upon the message that God would have for each of us.