Homiletics: Application Restrictions
By Dennis McCallum and Gary DeLashmutt
When handling Scripture, application must follow interpretation. The following application restrictions should prevent "steer-wrestling." Steer-wrestling occurs when we don't let the passage communicate what it wants to, but instead wrestle it into our intended meaning.
1. Any application used must not necessitate a change in interpretation. In other words, application must depend upon interpretation, not vice versa. The following are examples of steer-wrestling:
- Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 applied to "stumbling" a non-Christian.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Galatians 6:6-10; and Colossians 3:25 applied to sinning in general.
- 1 Corinthians 3:16,17 used to support damnation for those who commit suicide.
2. If an application is adduced which is different from, or broader than, the application the author actually intended in that context, evidence must be given which shows that the new application is justified. Acceptable evidence would be: a) common sense--a reasonable link to the new application, or b) language indicating variable application. Which of the following applications are valid?
- 1 Corinthians 6:19 arguing against smoking cigarettes;
- 2 Corinthians 13:5 commanding introspection and 1 Corinthians 4:3 forbidding reflection;
- 1 Timothy 3:6 applying to a home group leader or worker;
- Colossians 3:22-4:1 applying to employer/employee relationships;
- 1 Corinthians 7:24 applying to moving out of town;
- Hebrews 10:26 applying to any willful sin; or
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 applying to 20th Century USA.
3. Narrative example cannot be imposed authoritatively unless backed up by precept or principle. Study the following examples. Which ones are legitimate uses of narrative?
- Plurality of leadership is required in the church (Acts 14:23);
- We, too, must observe the Lord's day (Acts 20:7);
- Tongues are required as the sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2; 8; 10; 19);
- People should "tarry" for the Spirit, awaiting the second blessing (Acts 1:4,13,14);
- Communal living is normative for the church (Acts 4:32); or
- The Crusades were okay because of the example of the conquest of Canaan (Joshua).