Putting the Truth to Work: The Theory and Practice of Biblical Application

by Daniel M. Doriani

Ideal for pastors and professors, this book explains how to apply Scripture to daily life. It identifies four categories of application and shows how they function in doctrinal passages.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Reference

352 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

After a decade as senior pastor of Central Presbyterian church in Clayton, Missouri, Dr. Doriani returned to Covenant Seminary full time in October 2013 to serve as vice president of strategic academic projects and professor of theology.

In this role, he teaches two core courses for the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program—Christian Ethics and Reformation and Modern Church History—as well as some elective courses on exegesis and church life. He also speaks in churches and conferences on behalf of the Seminary in ways that advance the mission of Covenant.

Dr. Doriani previously served in various roles at the Seminary from 1991 to 2003, including professor of New Testament, dean of faculty, and vice president of academics. While pastoring at Central, he continued teaching as adjunct professor of systematic theology. He has extensive teaching and pastoral experience as an interim, assistant, associate, and solo pastor, and has been involved in several planning and study committees at the presbytery level in both the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). He was chair of the PCA’s Theological Examining Committee from 1999 to 2000. Among his many books are Getting the Message: A Plan for Interpreting and Applying the Bible (P&R, 1996); Putting the Truth to Work: The Theory and Practice of Biblical Application (P&R, 2001); The Life of a God-Made Man (Crossway, 2001); and commentaries on Matthew, James, and 1 Peter in P&R’s Reformed Expository Commentaries series. He is also a contributing blogger for The Gospel Coalition.

Dr. Doriani and his wife, Debbie, live in Chesterfield, Missouri, and have three grown daughters.

Reviews

[Jon Pentecost · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work was a slow burn. The beginning half felt tedious at times. But the second half is well worth the effort. His methodical work at the start sets the stage for profound jewels of wisdom on how to apply Scripture in ways that are sensitive to and respectful of the text. Doriani shows that the greatest hindrance to applying the Bible well is when a preacher moves on too quickly. Thoughtful, careful, prayerful consideration of a text will provide an abundance of application.

Recommend to anyone wanting to grow in applying the Bible to their own life and especially public teachers of the Scriptures.

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Half-baked title, horrendous cover, but overall an excellent book on applying Scripture to life.

[Dustin Battles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I would buy this in bulk and give it to every preacher/pastor if I could.

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly what the title says it is. It's the sequel to his book "Getting the Message". It's certainly dry and a little bit boring at times but that's because it's a textbook. I don't know of any other book specifically on "application". Needless to say I think this book would be worth your time if you decided to read. Doriani's is practical and comprehensive. His section on applying narrative, ethics and doctrinal texts are really good. #CoverArtIsBad #ContentIsGood

[Nicholas Abraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful intro to what can be a challenging, yet essential, part of teaching the Bible: application. Doriani deals with various hermeneutical concerns, but also some very practical considerations as well. Though it’s nearly 20 years old, it’s quite relevant.

[R. Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful book for pastor's seeking to grow in sermon application!

[Joey Coons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Practical and helpful in forming good application that is faithful to Scripture yet relevant to everyday life.

[John]

The best book on Biblical Application ever written!

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel Doriani does it again! This guy is an effective communicator.

This book is considered a companion to his Getting the Message, in which he explains the art and technique of good exegesis to sermon preparation. In this book, Putting the Truth to Work, he focuses on the element of developing specific applications from a text for a sermon. Lest you be turned off because you are not a pastor, both of Doriani's books are excellent for teachers as well! Furthermore, the principles can be used for personal Bible study as well. Doriani does not talk in technical jargon or speak only to "professionals."

In this book, he takes extra care to talk about narrative, an often misunderstood and abused genre of Scripture. In addition he deals with ethical and doctrinal texts as well. Instead of looking just at "duty," what we are supposed to do, he develops other areas of application often neglected, such as character, discernment, and ideals.

It is a long book, but the textual insights are very helpful as a reference for future study, and the book will help you with techniques to develop some solid application from your study.

[Peter Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really more like three stars. However, the subject is so rarely addressed at length that I gave the book four stars just for plowing new ground. I would really encourage pastors to read this. One of my most difficult tasks is application of particular texts. What is a legtimate application from the text? When have I departed from the main point? How do I apply narratives or psalms? How does the life of Christ effect my preaching in Judges? Doriani attempts to answer all these questions. I did not agree with everything he wrote. Nor did I think the book was an especially exciting read, though it was clear and well organized. But he forces you to think about application. He asks good questions and seeks to give well thought out biblical answers. And since there is so little on the market on biblical application it is worthy your time.

[Mark Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Doriani’s Getting the Message, this book is aimed at teachers of the Bible. Though it builds on the foundations of the other books about Biblical interpretation, it offers much more besides. Its particular strength is showing how biblical study both benefits from and contributes to theological understanding. For example, the book starts by showing the importance of a theological framework (by which Doriani means covenant theology), but also spends considerable time later showing how all biblical passages should lead to the forming of doctrinal understanding. Also particularly helpful is the emphasis on grace throughout, a whole chapter that focuses on the interpreter (his courage, character, and credibility), and the many examples (some of them fairly lengthy) that both illustrate and inform.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably should have read this book way back in seminary when I was supposed to. Doriani offers excellent material to the preacher seeking to apply God's Word to his hearers. Application should address four aspects: our duty, our character, our goals, and our discernment. Doriani then addresses this through a spectrum of 7 types of Biblical text: rules, ideals, doctrine, redemptive acts, exemplary acts, images, and songs/prayers, dealing with each in turn. I gave it four stars instead of 5 because the first half of the subtitle overpowered the second half, but I would still recommend to the book to any preacher.

[Robert Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine book on application, which of course blurs the line into ethics repeatedly. I wonder why Dr. Doriani didn't require this book in ethics class, going with Frame instead? As an INTJ, I loved the list-like style of this book, but some may wish it was more narratival. In some ways, it is more of a bibliography than anything else, and I can't imagine ever recommending this to a non-pastor or seminarian. Still, a well-written and enjoyable read.

[Kyle McManamy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I've looked for books on Bible study, most of what I've found gives plenty of material on the first two steps (observation, interpretation) while glossing the third (application). I highly recommend Doriani's contribution to this neglected third because, while he doesn't fill the gap completely, his insights and recommendations are immensely helpful. I will be returning to this book again.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome—really practical, really accessible.

Although it seems aimed at pastors, I'll initially be using Daniel Doriani's "Putting the Truth to Work: The Theory and Practice of Biblical Application" in conjunction with Jonathan Pennington's "Reading the Gospels Wisely" to prepare some bible teaches for the homegroup I go to.

[Andy]

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[Seth Channell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will be used throughout my life. Great theory and advice on application in preaching.

[Mary Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Helps apply Scripture in a biblically sound but relevant manner. This is the best instruction on application I have seen." I join with Jerry Bridges review of this book.

[Mike Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on biblical application. Every pastor must own this.

[Preston Chastine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough book on application.

[Tim Senter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reference.