8 Principles of Sermon Application [Video]

In a previous video, I defined sermon application as follows: Application is the process by which the unchanging principles of God’s word are brought into life-changing contact with people who live in an ever-changing world. 

In today’s videos we look at how that definition shapes the way we apply the truth in our sermons.

Video 1: Principles of Application (1)

1. Passage:  The faithful preacher bases his application not on anecdotes or inspiring stories, but on God’s Word, and on that particular preaching passage.

2. Primary:  Preachers must not draw applications from the accidental, incidental, or coincidental parts of a passage, but from its essentials alone

3. Persistent:  Although at times it may be appropriate to leave application to the conclusion of a sermon, it is usually best to apply throughout.

4. Prepared:  Unprepared application usually means repetitive application.

Video 2: Principles of Application (2)

5. Present:  Applications should be up-to-date and relevant.

6. Personal: Hearers must know that they are being addressed personally and even individually. 

7. Precise:  The general principle must be pointed to specific, concrete, everyday situations by asking “How? Where? When?”

8. Proportionate:  Application must be varied and balanced.

Video 3: A Plea for Passionate Christ-centered Application

For other videos in the How Sermons Work series click here.