Expert: Scott Talbot - 4/5/2009

Question
I've started an MA in Biblical studies through correspondence. I've been working on OT history and the first essay is to respond to the lectures by writing how they impact my life and service to God's kingdom and to stress practical lessons from the scripture passages studied. This is my first course and I've been stuck for more than 1/2 a year not knowing what to write. I emailed the school and they said to just write my opinion. The problem is that the lectures are excellent in that they look as 'ALL' the historical viewpoints of scripture including quite a bit of time on liberal arguments. The instructor is evangelical and rejects most of these but all of the lectures give only the different arguments of the different scholars. There is literally no practical applications in the lectures. For example, some scholars say the exodus took place in the 19th century BC; some say 18th century BC; and other say there never really was an exodus. So a fair bit of time is spent explaining these different viewpoints. I think the lectures are excellent but after giving my opinion on the scholarly debate I really don't know what they are looking for as far as practical lessons that can be drawn from the scripture passages. In my email to the school, I asked if this meant they wanted something like sermon notes but the answer was "not really". As I said, I've been stuck on this for a long time and I'm in a country and place where I literally don't have anyone I can ask for advice. Do you have any ideas about the types of things I could write about? I don't know how to incorporate the information from the lectures into the practical application. I'd appreciate any ideas you have. Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Ed,

It's so nice to hear from you. I will be happy to try to help you with your question.

All truth is God's truth, and, as such, has some kind of practical benefit. However, as you mentioned, it can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to find the practical application.

You have indicated that your assignment is to "respond to the lectures by writing how they impact my life and service to God's kingdom and to stress practical lessons from the scripture passages studied."

Start with the scripture passages. II Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that ALL Scripture is God-breathed and is practical. Read over the passages and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is there a command to follow?
2. Is there a promise to which to cling?
3. Is there an example to follow?
4. What does this verse tell me about the character and plan of God, and how can I respond to that?
5. In what way does this verse challenge or convict me?
6. In what way does the passage inspire me?
7. What does the passage reveal about man and his relationship to God?
8. Does the passage highlight anything for which I can be thankful?
9. How does the passage help me to better understand myself in relation to God?
10. How might the passage provide you with comfort and encouragement?

You mentioned that you have been spending quite a bit of time in class dealing with various approaches to Scripture. Some of the practical lessons from such a study might include:

1. A greater appreciation of God's truth
2. The realization that the Bible is God's Word--an authoritative source of reliable information
3. A greater understanding of God's grand plan as revealed througout history
4. The importance of apologetics--the defense of the faith
5. Knowing what you believe and why you believe it
6. Focusing your time and attention on God

My recommendation is to find a quiet place where you can get alone for a while. Remind yourself that God put you in that class for a reason, and He did so in order to challenge you and to grow you. Ask Him what He wants you to take from the class. Think of how this class has already impacted you, and how it might continue to do so in the future.

You might also schedule a time to meet one-on-one with your professor to get additional guidance, or with one or more classmates.

I hope this helps, Ed. In closing, may I ask you a question? All of this matters very little unless you have a personal relationship with God. Have you ever accepted God's free gift of salvation made possible through Jesus Christ? Do you know for a fact that you are His child, adopted into His family? (See John 1:12, 3:1-21, 5:24, Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9-13, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5.)

Feel free to write again, my friend.

Scott