Task 4: Summarize the Applied Interpretation for Each Point
Essence of the task
This task is meant to encourage us to summarize, in a few sentences, our conclusion about how each important point applies to our listeners. It answers the question, «In light of the reflection I have done on this statement in the text, what exactly does God want to say to my listeners?»
Detailed description
Probably the most efficient way to work on this task will be to work consecutively on tasks 2, 3, and 4 for each statement in the text rather than to do task 2 for each point, then return to each point with task 3, and finally return to each point with task 4.
Of course, each of these tasks is distinguishable as a standalone reflection, but on a practical level, the work will probably be more efficient and better if, once each point is identified, we take each one in turn and devote our uninterrupted attention to it until we are done. So, if I have four main points arising from four statements that I have identified in the text, I take the first one, apply the three development questions to it (task 2), elaborate on its application via a number of filtering questions (task 3), and summarize the applied interpretation I have arrived at (task 4).
To Do
And as for what I would need to do in this task, it would simply be to write out my interpretation of each point, as applied to my listeners for each point.
If I think of it in terms of my sermon, it would equivalent to preparing a conclusion for each main point of the sermon. If the passage has four main points, each point should have its own conclusion or summary. I may not «conclude» each section in the sermon itself by offering that summary verbatim, but if I don’t, it should at least provide the foundation on which each section ends.
Perhaps I tell an anecdote that conveys that point in a more dynamic way. Or I quote a famous statement… But the anecdote or quote only appears because it reflects what I have already determined to be the applied interpretation of that point. And even then, it will usually be appropriate to state directly what you have concluded to be the applied interpretation of each point. This would be equivalent to the main idea of each statement in the passage.
Once you have finished this fourth task, your work on each important point will be complete. For each statement of the passage, you will have:
- A clear expression of the point to be interpreted.
- A reflection on the kind of explanation, verification or application that this point will need.
- Statements on the theological and experiential relevance that each point has with reference to your listeners, taking into account the cultural differences that may exist between the contemporary audience and the original audience.
- An applied interpretation for each point, summarized in a couple of sentences.
To Keep in Mind
As I suggested above, this task is nothing more than gathering the fruit of the reflection you have done in the previous tasks.
But I don’t want to diminish its importance either.
When I was in seminary, I heard it said in some homiletics class that if a point was important enough to make, it was important enough to apply. Hence, summarizing the applied interpretation of each point is of paramount importance. What is the point of all your exegetical and interpretive work if you don’t plan to offer the conclusions to your audience? Sometimes we find ourselves talking and talking, but without saying anything concrete. That is a waste of our listeners’ time.
So summarize the applied interpretation of each point!
- When it comes time to structure your outline and write your manuscript, you will have advanced your work a great deal with content that will actually make the various portions seem to write themselves. That’s because you’ll know what you’re getting at with each section of the sermon.
- Then, when it comes time to teach or preach, your presentation will have gained massive relevance in the eyes of your audience, because you’ve thought very clearly about what God is saying to them through the text.
Both of these advantages – both in preparation and exposition – are important enough to merit the effort now. Try it!