Good Sermon Application

You ever hear something so simplistic and obvious, yet it just resonates with you as some new revelation? Well, it happens to me all the time, it seems.

The other day in class my Theology professor shared how one famous preacher provided application to every one of his sermons. This has proven helpful for me as both a preacher, myself, and as a hearer of sermons. If you seek application in this way every week you hear the Word preached, it will surely result in change as you apply the Word. All in all, this is a great way to heed the call of James 1:22-25.

This preacher advanced the idea that every believer is called to 4 specific locations in his/her life by the providence of God. These 4 areas include the following:

1. My family
2. My church
3. My workplace
4. My community

After hearing the preaching of the Word each week, simply ask yourself how the truth of the Word applies to you in all of those areas. How does it affect your family life and how you conduct yourself in your home? How does it affect the way you view your church family, serve them, and glorify God in that setting? How does it affect the way you conduct your business or pursue success in your job? How does it affect your job performance, or even why you strive to do your best? How does it affect the way you treat your boss and your co-workers/employees? Finally, what does it mean for the way your family lives your lives every day within your own neighborhood/community? What is your role and responsibility among those you live closest to?

You can glorify God by being an active listener. This simply provides a framework through which you can do just that. Don’t stop there, though. Begin to explore God’s expectations on your life in each of those areas and begin to try to understand your mission as you pursue the Great Commission in every area to which you are called!