How To Apply Biblical Principles

How to apply biblical principles? It takes knowledge and diligent practice.

Biblical Principle: God promises He will  always be with us, especially in difficult times!

biblical principles

You Already Know This:

You know that God has given us physical laws and principles when He created the universe. Most people take for granted things such as:

  • The forces of gravity and magnetism.
  • Colors, shapes, textures, and sounds.
  • The fact that steel is hard but mashed potatoes are soft.
  • …and countless more.

You already know this:

The harmony produced when you strum a chord on your guitar sounds sweet because God made the vibrations of properly tuned guitar strings to resonate that way. Thus you can make music… or noise, depending on your proficiency with the guitar!

The point is: God built all the properties of the materials of nature into those materials. Thus water is wet, and fire is hot.

But Did You Know This?

In the same way God has also given us countless spiritual principles in the Bible.

True. God’s principles are practical, beneficial, and life-transforming for those who choose to know them and apply biblical principles into their lives.

Here is an example. This is the entire verse shown in part in the photo above:

When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2)

Let me show you four things that God is saying to us in Isaiah 43:2 above.

1 Nobody is exempt from difficult times. The verse begins with the word “when” difficult times come, not “if”. The phrases “pass through the waters” and “walk through fire” are sort of poetic references to the difficult times we all face in life. Think of them as the “waters of suffering” and the “fires of adversity”. No one is immune from these challenges of life. Either you’ve been in one, or you are in one now, or you’re going to be in one.

2 God promises to be with us, especially during difficult times. Just as He has promised in many other Scriptures, here He says, “I will be with you.”

3 God promises protection. He says that those “waters of suffering” will not overwhelm you. Neither will those “fires of adversity” consume you or even burn you.

4 The trial is temporary. The verse gives us God’s assurance that our trial is just for a season. His Word refers to passing “through” the waters, and to walking “through” fire. It won’t last forever. And I can say from experience, it’s much easier to hang in there under the weight of the trial when you know God is with you and that He’s protecting you.

In summary: the principle that God wants us to live by consists of these things:

  • There will be difficult times in your life. (Bet you probably already knew that.)
  • God is always with you, even when you’re going through a difficult time. In fact, God is never nearer than when trouble has come!
  • God will protect you. But you have a free will, therefore you have to make the first move. You have to ask.
  • It will not last forever. Notice how it refers to passing “through the waters… through the revers… through fire”. Your trial won’t go on indefinitely; it’s just for a season.

How to apply biblical principles into your life:

Now that you’ve read this far, you have what is called “head knowledge”. That’s as far as most Christians get: intellectual knowledge; mental assent to a set of data. It’s like believing that water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen. People say they “believe” it – but it makes absolutely no difference in their lives.

Still, the process has to start with head knowledge. But head knowledge is useless if you don’t apply it into your life. If it doesn’t penetrate your heart; if it doesn’t radically change your life; it does you no good.

Knowing about a Bible principle is like knowing where a piano is. When you have learned to apply biblical principles, it’s like being able to play the piano. And like playing the piano, being able to apply biblical principles takes practice. But don’t worry; there will be plenty of opportunities.

But of course, the devil is already preparing a boatload of distractions for you, to keep you from making any progress toward knowing God’s Word.

several things you can do to grow beyond the “head knowledge” level:

  • Choose to believe that what God has said to you in that verse is true.
  • You’ve got to get the verse out of your Bible and into a more portable form. If you like, write it out on a 3 x 5 card.
  • Choose to believe that you can memorize just one verse. (Of course, if you can memorize one, you can memorize two.) DO NOT let the devil convince you that you can’t do it. I urge you to read my article entitled What The Devil Does NOT Want You To Know.
  • Take the card with you everywhere you go. Pull it out and read it several times a day. Have it at work. Take it into the kitchen and bathroom at home. Read it again while waiting in traffic.
  • Whenever possible, speak the verse out loud. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, including when the voice you’re hearing is your own. Plus, demons can’t stand hearing the Word read. When you speak the Word, you are preaching to yourself. The demons won’t be able to get a word in edgewise. Speaking the Word out loud is demon repellent.
  • Keep doing and doing this until you can recite the verse without the card.

Things that will try to hinder your progress

If you’re new to the process of learning Scripture, doing these things is going to seem awkward at first. You’ll find yourself thinking thoughts such as, “I’m not going to do that. It’s silly. It won’t work.” Those are the thoughts put into your mind by a demon. If you just think for a moment, ask yourself: which kingdom–Heaven or hell–would rejoice if you decided to memorize even one passage from the Word of God? (Hint: it’s not the kingdom with the demons.) The demons will try to get you to stop. Hell rejoices over those who are indifferent to the Word of God.

Do it by faith. You must choose to ignore those feelings and act by faith at first. Faith is believing that what God says is true, and then acting as would someone who really believed it–even though it seems to contradict your previous experience. Do it anyway, because God’s Word promises it will be to your benefit.

Don’t let the voice of unbelief stop you. Instead, believe — because God says so.

The voice in your mind will argue with you, telling you that doing these things is contrary to what you were taught. Even if that’s true, it’s never an excuse for not doing what is right. Rise above the ordinary cultural Christian level, and do what you know God longs for you to do. Praise Him, speak His Word, and keep doing it.

Don’t get into fretting about what others might think or say about what you have decided to do. Where are they getting their opinions from? Remember this: there is only one opinion that really matters, and it isn’t your friends’ opinion.

Benefits of Learning Scripture

I have written a whole series of articles extolling the benefits of learning Scripture. Each article is based upon the Words of God. They show how knowing each principle makes your life better. That’s worth checking out, don’t you think?
Click this link to go to a page containing short excerpts from each article:
Excerpts: Benefits of Scripture Memory
Knowing Scripture will help you combat sin. David said:

biblical principles

Here is the entire Scripture passage:

I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11)

David is saying that knowing the Word of God kept him from sinning. It’ll do the same for us, too.

Knowing the Truth of Scripture sets you free. Jesus said,

If you remain in my Word in My Word, you will truly be My disciples; and you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Jesus is offering the benefit of freedom to all who remain in His Word.

apply biblical principles

The following list is from “100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know” by Robert J. Morgan published by B&H Publishing Group, Nashville, Tennessee. In the book, these seven items take up three chapters. Here are brief highlights.

  • Scripture memory gives us clearer thoughts. Internalized Scripture keeps our minds in good working order.
  • Scripture memory gives us steadier nerves. Specific Bible verses stored away in our minds serve as the shock absorbers of life, giving us steadier nerves and calmer spirits.
  • Scripture memory also gives us healthier emotions. I’m convinced that little biblical capsules (memory verses) are the best medicine for sustained emotional health.
  • Scripture memory gives us purer habits. The practice of memorizing and meditating on the Bible is the primary way to accelerate spiritual growth in your life. It speeds up the transformation process and leads to holier habits. After all, spiritual maturity is simply thinking more as God thinks; so as we implant His thoughts into our minds, using Scripture memory, and as we use the process of meditation to convert those verses into regular thought patterns, we’re developing the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5), yielding mature thoughts, pure habits, and holier lives.
  • The fifth benefit of Scripture memory is that it gives us happier homes. One of the by-products of internalizing God’s Word is a brighter home life.
  • Scripture memory enhances our reputation. It augments the respect with which people view us. Isaiah 50:4 (Amp) says, “The Lord God has given me the tongue of a disciple and of one who is taught, that I should be able to speak a word in season to one who is weary. Morning by morning He wakens me; He wakens my ear to hear as a disciple [as one who is taught]“.
  • Finally Scripture memory makes us eternal optimists. It gives us ultimate hope and modulates us into eternal optimists. There’s a promise in the Bible for every contingency in life, and our faith grows as we find those specific promises that meet our specific needs, commit them to memory, mull them over, claim them by faith, and absorb them into our spiritual bloodstream. Even death itself is no match for God’s precious promises of resurrection, eternal life, and everlasting joy.

More Examples Of How To Apply Biblical Principles:

Each of the following articles has a section entitled, “How To Apply The Principle”. Each one also has a “What To Do” segment urging you to memorize the verse so that God can call it to your mind when He knows you need it.

Now you know how to apply principles from the Bible.

You now have what is called “head knowledge”. But head knowledge won’t help you much when the enemy attacks. That’s why I continue to urge you to commit verses to memory. Otherwise, as I said earlier, you are like someone who says they want to play the piano. They have a piano; they know where it is, but they never sit down and practice.

Actually, committing verses to memory is a lot easier than you might think. In my article Memorize Bible Verses! Here’s How I’ll show you how I have memorized hundreds of verses (including whole psalms and whole chapters) just by reading them once a day! It can take as little as a few minutes every day. But over a period of weeks or months (depends on how fast your brain can memorize), you will be able to say your verses without prompting.

That’s your part. Once you’ve done your part, God will do His part. His Word will comfort you, correct you, strengthen you, guide you, bring joy to your heart, and show you what NOT to do! These things really happen!

Then you will be able to help others.

BUT:

You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have!

Resolve NOW to get into God’s Word so that He can get His Word into you!

~ Jan


 
 

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{ 24 comments… add one }
  • April 05/24/2022, 7:28 AM

    I just found your website and this article. I LOVE this! You have helped me tremendously and I am taking your instructions about the verses on cards to memorize Gods Word. Thank you!

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    • Jan Smith 06/02/2022, 11:34 AM

      April, thank you for your comment. It always makes my day when I read “comments” like yours!!
      Read The Story Of The Photo I used For The Cover Of My Comming Book The Title Is, “HOW YOU CAN LIVE VICTORIOUSLY”

      Reply Link
  • Kingsley UBI 06/14/2021, 5:04 PM

    I find it difficult to memorize verses of the bible.

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  • Carissa Jackson 12/22/2019, 8:55 PM

    Phenomenal Jan! You have really blessed my life. I appreciate you dedication and love for people. Thank you!!!

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  • Mugabi Jess 09/22/2019, 4:54 AM

    Am really in love with this post.its a blessing to my life
    God bless you.

    Reply Link
  • sheril rolle 04/23/2019, 10:08 PM

    I love your writings , I can practice this; I like forward to doing a few of your courses

    Reply Link
  • NOLUVO SOTENI 04/17/2019, 7:52 AM

    I have enjoyed reading the importance of reading the bible scriptures and how to apply them on an every day life principle. God bless continue doing this great work please.

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  • deborah burns 04/13/2019, 9:37 PM

    I have really enjoy reading God’s word and your teaching , I pray that I learn more & more about God’s word i’m the mission president at my church I really need some more training ,It’s like I feel like i’m not doing my best , please pray for me ,That God in a mighty way. Amen God bless you.THANK YOU SO MUCH.TALK SOON,HAVE GOOD NIGHT.

    Reply Link
  • Eka Inengite 03/31/2019, 7:25 AM

    I want to thank you for using the internet as a medium to bless soul,i am reaching about biblical principles and i needed to study more,that’s were i saw your write up.thank you for allowing yourself to be a blessing to this generation

    Reply Link
    • Jan Smith 04/04/2019, 10:36 AM

      Thanks, Eka. You know, it amazes me also to see how God uses the world system to accomplish His purposes.
      When I was born (1942 – now age 76) the first computer had yet to run! Google the word “eniac” and d you’ll see. And the word “internet” didn’t show up until the late 1980’s.
      My point is: Looking back, I can see His hand on my life all along. He gave me writing skills (ok, some might debate about my alleged “skills”); He gave a love for photography, which you see all over this blog. He gave me technology skills, enabling me to handle the background stuff that blog visitors never see. But most of all, He rescued me from “religion” and gave me an insatiable thirs for God’s Word. I’m an addict. I can’t get enough of His Word. And I notice that He gave me a burning desire to share the things I know with others.

      Reply Link
  • Eka Inengite 03/31/2019, 6:51 AM

    I want to know more about God

    Reply Link
  • Etienne 11/24/2017, 2:18 PM

    God bless u for these word of God you provide for Us.

    Reply Link
    • Jan Smith 12/02/2017, 1:52 PM

      Hi, Etienne,
      Thank you for your kind words. Of course, as we know, it’s really Him working through me to provide help. I wish I had known these things years ago. But it’s my joy and delight now to help others in their struggles.

      Reply Link
  • Jackie 08/21/2017, 11:14 AM

    Thanks for being there

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  • Londiwe 11/29/2016, 6:42 AM

    I love GOD AND I LIKE TO PREACH THE WORDS OF GOD BT I CNT BECOSE I READ BIBLE AFTER CLOSE IT I FORGET THE VERSES HOW CAN I GROW TO IT

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    • Jan Smith 12/07/2016, 11:15 AM

      Londiwe, It seems like you are saying you read something once and you can’t remember what it says. I can’t either. I have to read it many, many times. My technique is to read many verses every day. Like building strength in your muscles by lifting weights, you can memorize many Scriptures by reading each one of them once each day.
      If you are really serious about wanting to get God’s Word into your mind, I have written a whole series of articles on why to do it, how to do it, the incredible benefits, and more. Click Here to go to an index page with all the why and how information you need.
      Also, you might want to check out my online course entitled How You Can Live In Peace .

      Reply Link
  • madge 04/20/2016, 7:43 AM

    Very encouraging fear is hindrance in my walk with Christ. I know he does not give me a spirit of fear but of love and sound mind. Why am I still fearful?

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  • Renee 03/15/2016, 9:30 AM

    Thank you for this information! I’ve started this process (renewing my mind with God’s word) a few weeks back but it seems that I keep coming up against fear and anxiety and then I will stop because it becomes hard and/or I don’t see progress. Can you share how you dealt with this and did you have setbacks? Thanks so much~

    Reply Link
    • Jan Smith 03/20/2016, 2:00 PM

      Hi, Renaa,
      All I have done is made a commitment to go to bed early so I can get up early and spend a couple of hours doing Scripture memory and praying. It’s not a duty; it’s become a delight. I don’t even set an alarm clock: :…He wakens me morning by morning…” (Isaiah 50:4). Then I do 20 minutes on my cardio machine, while listening to a Bible sermon. It’s all like tuning my “spiritual instrument” for today’s symphony performance. By the time I go to breakfast, I’m so saturated with the Word of God that if I were to cut myself, I’d bleed Bible verses. If a mosquito bites me, he flies away humming, “There is powwe in the Blood”! If the devil were to try to download some of his junk, he’d get a system message saying, “memory full”!
      OK, a little attempt at humor there, but the truth is, that’s how I am each day. There’s just no way I could not do it — until my last day. God has given me my assignment and has equipped me to do it. What would you do?

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  • Caron 03/05/2016, 11:17 PM

    Hi
    How long do comments take to be moderated please?

    Reply Link
    • Jan Smith 03/07/2016, 9:55 AM

      Hi, Caron. I have to admit I’m not as good at reading, replying to, and approving comments as I should be. I’ll try to do better. But once you have your first comment approved, I’m chosen to set this blog so that future comments won’t have to be moderated and approved. Thanks for your patience, and thanks for asking.

      Reply Link
  • Caron 03/05/2016, 4:04 AM

    Hi. Thanks so much for your words of wisdom, I will do my best to practice. I am currently under satanic attack. The devil is one of my neighbours – believe it or not. It’s very scary going to bed at night – I barricade myself in my room & sleep with the light on. He has already tried to kill me three times; and has turned virtually the whole town against me. I am constantly followed & watched. I am wondering how much longer this will go on for? If I move, I fear that he would find me.

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  • Sean Mason 03/04/2016, 5:07 AM

    Thank you very much for reaching out through via the internet so that people like me can gain inspiration……and say a pray for me please…

    Reply Link