Six-Part Matrix for Scripture Applications
Bible study articles 2021
INTRODUCTION
The May/June issue of Bible Study Magazine contains a great article by Peter Krol entitled “Psalm 71: Churches Need Aged Saints.” I am an aged saint, and so I agree with Pastor Krol.
The interesting feature of his article is the six-part matrix that he uses to discover applications of a properly interested biblical text. Pastor Krol points out that application is challenging, should be proceeded with prayer and specific. The six-part matrix helps with developing specific applications.
THE SIX LINES OF APPLICATION OF THE SIX-PART MATRIX
There are two directionally-oriented considerations. One is the inward direction which focuses on us loving God and loving our neighbor. The inward application concerns how one should change in light of the text. The other direction is the outward direction which attempts to carry out the two greatest commandments and the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20. Pastor Krol writes at page 44 [italics in original:
The Bible was written not only for individual believers, but also for believing communities. So we ought to consider how a passage can train us to have a greater influence, more sincere compassion, and more winsome persuasion to help others walk with Christ.
He suggests three spheres of application for each of the inward direction and outward direction. The first sphere is the head application that represents everything a person thinks and believes. The second sphere is the heart application that represents everything a person loves and values. The third sphere is the hands application that represents everything a person does.
Peter Krol makes the following suggestion on page 45:
Of course, you don’t have to fill in all six boxes every time you study the Bible. But perhaps you could aim to apply the Bible is all six boxes evenly over time. And when stuck in a rut, consider using this matrix to suggest realms of application you wouldn’t otherwise have considered.
The six-part matrix looks like the table below:
| Sphere | Inward | Outward |
| Head | ||
| Heart | ||
| Hands |
CONCLUSION
The article is a good one and worth reading.
I plan to use the six-part matrix in one of my next Bible study exercises.
If you are reading this post and are not a Christian, unless God intervenes, your eternal destination is hell. But, your destiny can change. Today can be the day of your salvation.
Please see my blog (https://stevebelsheim.com/2020/04/20/for-god-so-loves-you-2/) for a description of how you can be saved and a more concise description at my (https://stevebelsheim.com/2020/10/20/there-is-hope-even-when-there-seems-to-be-no-hope-2/ ).
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