Bible Study Project: Application Template

Passage: Acts 19:11-22

What points of application can be made using the “Four Questions for Application?” State and explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions.

1. The Question of Duty

Acts 19:11-12 states, “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured, and the evil spirits left them” (New International Version, 2011). This passage highlights Paul’s unwavering faith in his duty to be a servant to God. Paul’s miracles done through him were not by his power but by God’s power to prove that God uses obedient servants to achieve his work: Bible Study Project: Application Template.

The application of this passage is that believers should remain diligent and devoted to fulfilling responsibilities put in life by God. Paul was not in quest for worldly gain or glory but gave way to God to work through him, and in the same way, Christian believers should work in devotion to God and humbleness. Whether in work, ministering, or ordinary life, believers should understand that fulfilling their duty is to please God and be an instrument through which He can work.

As Paul preached incessantly while traveling, Christian believers should be prepared to take steps in faith to respond to God’s call. When believers fulfill responsibilities in faithfulness, God’s presence and power in life reflect in every sphere (Walker, 2024). It is essential to remember that the duty in Christian life is not to gain favor with God but to respond to His grace in faithfulness. As was Paul, every Christian has been given an area to work in to advance God’s kingdom, and they should perform duty in faithfulness and diligence.

2. The Question of Character

The Jewish exorcists attempted to invoke the name of Jesus in Acts 19:13-16 yet not knowing Him in reality. They said, “In the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” However, the evil spirit responded, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” (New International Version, 2011, Acts 19:15). This passage teaches about true faith and character in spiritual things.

The application of this is that believers ought to have an in-depth, personal relationship with Christ and not religious rituals or mere language. The sons of Sceva tried to imitate Paul’s power yet lacked an authentic connection to Christ, thus failing. This lesson teaches about faith and spiritual power through a genuine walk with God.

Christian believers are supposed to strive to have Godly character by spending their time in prayer, reading Scripture, and exercising faith in life every day. Christian character is not in mere utterances but in His life and integrity. When faith is genuine, it has spiritual power in both physical and spiritual spheres. Christian believers ought to check if their faith is rooted in a real relationship with Christ or if they are merely going through religious motions.

3. The Question of Goals

Acts 19:21 states, “After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. ‘After I have been there,’ he said, ‘I must visit Rome also.’” (New International Version, 2011). This indicates Paul’s determination to continue his work in adversity. His ultimate goal was to preach the gospel to every point in the world, displaying his determination to accomplish his calling by God.

The application here is that believers should set their goals in alignment with God’s will and purpose for their lives. Paul was not making decisions impulsively; the Holy Spirit led him in making decisions. This teaches believers to seek guidance by divine wisdom in making decisions about the future.

Through the Apostle Paul, who remained resolute in pursuing his target of taking the gospel forward, believers should prioritize spiritual growth and work in the kingdom (Lutz & Unruh 2021). Goals should not be based on individual achievement but on serving in ways that lead to God’s work. Whether in the profession, work, ministry, or life, believers should ask about every goal and whether it will please God and lead others to Him. Paul’s determination to go to Rome in adversity indicates that believers should persevere.

4. The Question of Discernment

In Acts 19:15, the evil spirit said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” (New International Version, 2011). This response by the demon-possessed man demonstrates the significance of discernment in spiritual matters. The Jewish exorcists attempted to use Jesus’ name but lacked a genuine connection to Him and failed because they lacked genuine spiritual power. The application here is that believers must exercise discernment in practice and faith to guarantee faith is not word only.

Discernment helps believers to recognize the difference between religious ritualism and genuine spiritual power. The sons of Sceva acted in ignorance and paid the price, proving spiritual affairs demand something more than mere knowledge. More than knowing Christ, believers have to have an in-depth relationship with Christ. This passage teaches discernment is necessary for addressing problems, making decisions, or spiritual war.

Believers should not ground faith in tradition but should have an individualized relationship with God (Timbers & Hollenberger, 2022). Spiritual discernment helps believers discern between things coming from God and those not from Him to avoid deception and taking the wrong path. As Paul was known in the spiritual sphere because he was faithful to Christ, believers should strive to be known to be genuine believers in Christ.

References

Lutz, T., & Unruh, H. (2021). Equipping Christians for kingdom purpose in their work: A guide for all who make disciples. Hendrickson Publishers.

The Holy Bible: New International Version (NIV). (2011). Biblica, Inc. (Original work published 1973).

Timbers, V. L., & Hollenberger, J. C. (2022). Christian mindfulness and mental health: Coping through sacred traditions and embodied awareness. Religions, 13(1), 62. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13010062

Walker, A. T. (2024). Faithful reason: Natural law ethics for God’s glory and our good. B&H Publishing Group.

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Bible Study Project Assignment Instructions

Overview

During this project, the student will complete four assignments using the techniques of observation, interpretation, correlation, and application. These are the four components of inductive Bible study outlined in Everyday Bible Study. Among other things, the student will examine a given passage of Scripture, consult various Bible study tools, and employ the structure as well as techniques detailed in the Everyday Bible Study text.

Bible Study Project: Application Template

Instructions

Using the correct and provided templates, inductively study the given passage. Please be sure to pay attention to the specific instructions for each section in the templates so that the answers provided are correct, complete, and sufficiently detailed.

• The Observation Assignment is due at the end of Week 2.
• The Interpretation Assignment is due at the end of Week 4
• The Correlation Assignment is due at the end of Week 5.
• The Application Assignment is due at the end of Week 7.

Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.