So how do we apply what we learn in the Bible? We worship God in Christ. If a Christian hasn’t the time to “do” that, or if that sounds a bit too elementary, any conceivable action or service done in the name of the Lord is worthless before the eyes of a holy God. Churches are called to destroy the god of pragmatism and legalism and self-centered Christianity by “doing” exactly what we’re created to do: worship.

“So how do we apply this?” he asked rather sharply. After I’d finished explaining the Gospel in Ephesians 2 and the glorious truth that children of wrath have been saved by grace through faith, this gentlemen’s initial reply came in the form of a question. On the surface, it was a very relevant question. Perhaps the most important question for a Christian. But after his next question, his real meaning was unmistakable: “How are we supposed to live this out?” I have these kinds of conversations about Christian obedience quite frequently. And usually they stem from a James 2 mindset: “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (2:17) However, very often these kinds of questions betray a deeper misunderstanding about the reason God saves sinners and the primary goal of a Christian. Indeed, faith without works is dead, but so is faith without worship.

Today, when I’m asked about “applying” a certain passage from Scripture, and I perceive that someone is making an abrupt B-line from Scriptural understanding to practical behavior, I don’t immediately respond with a line about works. I respond with another word: “Worship.” If that sounds too simplistic, we’ve found the problem. For someone who has been truly redeemed in Christ, that’s not a nebulous word. It’s the very reason for their existence. Whether in a small group, in a Sunday School class, or in private Bible study, the way that we ultimately “live out” and “apply” what we learn from the Bible is by worshipping the One for whom and about whom every word is written. (John 5:39) Before we can live out James 2 obedience, we’re called to offer Matthew 2 worship. Before the wise men opened their treasures, they got on their knees.

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