What’s this “sermon application grid” that 9Marks keeps talking about?

In his sermon preparation, Mark Dever uses what he calls an “application grid” as a tool to help him think how each point of the sermon relates to the rest of redemptive history, the person and work of Christ, and how it applies to different categories of hearers. Look at an application grid here.

The goal is not to use every application point one might devise while filling out the grid; it’s simply a device to force the preacher to think through different kinds of application every time he prepares a sermon.

Whether a preacher uses a grid like this or not, we would encourage pastors to think through different categories of application and people for every sermon. Doing so will help one’s congregation learn how to apply the Bible to different areas of their lives.