Apply the Word

Every preacher wants to see God’s Word impact their congregation. We wrestle with meaning, check the original Greek, and consult commentaries to make sure we’re faithful, articulate, and gospel-driven . But what if, in our diligence, we’re neglecting application, leaving our listeners informed rather than transformed?

Richard Coekin is passionate about application and candidly shares his own mistakes and growth in preaching over the past thirty years. Writing for both new and experienced preachers, Coekin lays out what good application is, what it’s not, and how to develop in this vital area so congregations don’t just hear the Word, but are equipped to put it into practice.

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Preface
4. Introduction: God’s Word Is Sufficient But People Need Help
5. Part 1: Why Is Application So Necessary? | Chapter 1: Application Is God’s Purpose for Scripture
6. Chapter 2: Application Is God’s Reason for Preachers
7. Chapter 3: Application Is What Congregations Need
8. Chapter 4: Application Needs Time in Both Preparation and Delivery
9. Part 2: How Do We Ensure Our Applications Are Faithful to God’s Word? | Chapter 5: Respect the Human Author’s Evident Intentions
10. Chapter 6: Apply Old Testament Texts Only as They Are Fulfilled in Christ
11. Chapter 7: Distinguish Abiding Principles from Circumstantial Contexts
12. Part 3: How Do We Ensure Our Applications Are Helpful to God’s People? | Chapter 8: Consider the Social Context and Spiritual Health of Our Hearers
13. Chapter 9: Remember Who You’re Talking To
14. Part 4: How Do We Bring This All Together in Practice? | Chapter 10: Preparing a Sermon
15. Chapter 11: Crafting a Sermon
16. Chapter 12: Prepare to Preach
17. Concluding Reflections
18. Closing Credits