APPLY THE WORD: A Practical Guide to Preaching with Application
By Richard Coekin
Evangelical Press. 211 pages. £9.99
ISBN 978 1 783 975 082
Richard Coekin writes about his reasons for writing this book, which include observing applications in sermons that are not carefully rooted in the clear intentions of the Biblical text.
He also makes the fascinating observation: “Over the past few years, I’ve also become a little alarmed by apparent scepticism towards any need to work at application at all, emerging from a well-meaning but problematic claim: ‘The Bible applies itself’.”
I have also heard students talk about the Bible being “pre-applied”, which sounds rather like Boris Johnson’s infamous “oven ready” Brexit deal!
Coekin’s book asks four questions:
- Why is application so necessary? Coekin stresses the importance of working hard at the task of drawing out the implications of the ancient text for a contemporary audience. I am interested that Coekin uses the word “implications” in talking about application in preaching, as such application is not only about what we must do but what we can be, and the hope in Christ upon which that being rests. This involves a priority being given to the task. Coekin suggests that 20% of our preaching preparation and delivery time be given to application.
- How do we ensure our applications are faithful to God’s Word? Faithfully drawing out the implications of Scripture requires a careful attention in reading Scripture. Coekin directs readers to give attention to the intentions of the Biblical authors, noting that there can be more than one in a passage. Coekin seeks to navigate the process of preaching on Old Testament texts in a way that traces how they are fulfilled in Christ before directly applying them to us. This section also deals with how we distinguish between “abiding principles” and “circumstantial contexts”. This is a helpful discussion that seeks to avoid having the views of the preacher unduly shaping the application.
- How do we ensure our applications are helpful to God’s people? Coekin reminds the reader that if the preacher is to address a particular congregation, they must have some idea who they are addressing. “To facilitate such application, I’ve found it helpful whenever possible to sit at the back of the congregation I’ll be speaking to, in order to look around the room and remind myself of who is there.”
- How do we bring this all together in practice? Coekin uses the model of building a house to describe the way a sermon is constructed (as the author of a book on preaching called God is in the House my interest was piqued at this point). Coekin provides a helpful step-by-step guide to how a sermon can be constructed.
Collect the Bricks
Clarify the Plans
Position the Foundations
Build Scaffolding
Build the House
Install Clear Windows
Fit the Back Door
Fit the Front Door
Remove the Debris (Cut, Cut, Cut!)
Inspect the House for Final Faults
Live in the House
The last step is perhaps one of the most important ones because it helps the preachers experience and live out the message they are about to proclaim. A sermon will not be effectively applied if its message appears to be: “Do as I say, but not as I do!”
Not every preacher will agree with every emphasis in the book but every preacher, and their congregations, will benefit immensely from a careful and prayerful engagement with this fresh and stimulating book.
